Wilson Lake

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Wilson Lake and Wheeler Dam

Wilson Lake sits at 15,900 acres and is close to the Wheeler Dam. It is the a very convenient spot to have everything you could want in one place.

The Essentials

It is a short drive to Florence, Athens, Decatur, and Huntsville. The closest hospital is North Alabama Medical Center, and the Huntsville International Airport is an hour away. With it being near Florence, you can explore the whole city and all its attractions. Above all, If you go at the right time of year, you can catch a basketball or football game at UNA.

The Wilson History 

Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the lake for its fishing, boating, hiking, and discovering the area’s natural beauty. It is known as the “Smallmouth Capital of the World.” In Florence, Wilson Lake is at the Mountain Region of northern Alabama. Wilson Dam, interestingly enough, named in honor of President Woodrow Wilson, was the Tennessee River’s first structured dam. During 1918, a year after the United States entered World War I, work on the dam under the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers began.

In 1921, the lake receives a visit by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Ford offers to purchase Wilson Dam for $5 million and a small portion of the amount on its construction and talked about bringing new manufacturing to the region. Subsequently, congress creates the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) rejecting Henry Ford’s offer around 1921. On the other hand, news of Ford’s ambitions helped the region’s economy.

Fishing on Wilson

The most popular fish species in Wilson Lake for anglers are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish. Smallmouth bass gathers at the Wheeler Dam tailwaters in the spring and fall. Fishermen on the lake especially love the yellowtails in Wilson Lake.

Endless Activities

Wilson Lake is the perfect place with all the commodities you could ever ask for. Florence and the surrounding cities make for the perfect place to hang out near the lake. In short, there are many fun things do with endless activities.

Lake Information

  • Shoreline: 154 miles
  • Shoreline Borders: Mountains
  • Deepest Depth: 90 ft
  • Acreage: 15,930
  • Dam: Wilson Dam
  • Public Boat Ramps: 7
  • Counties: Colbert County, Lauderdale County, Lawrence County
  • Fish: Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Crappie
  • Notable Events: W.C. Handy Music Festival | Helen Keller Festival
  • Landmarks: Alabama Music Hall of Fame located nearby

  • Permit is not required to use the lake.
    Jet skis are allowed.
    Motorized boats are allowed )

    • Resources Nearby

    Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

    Address: 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212

    Northwest Alabama Regional Airport

    Address: 1729 T Ed Campbell Dr, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

    McFarland Park

    Phone: (256) 740-8817
    Address: 200 James M Spain DriveFlorence, AL 35630

    Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club

    Address: 1000 Country Club Dr.Killen, AL 35645

    Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

    Phone: (256) 446-5111
    Address: 990 Sunbelt ParkwayMuscle Shoals, AL 35661

    The Shoals Golf Club

    Phone: (256) 446-5111
    Address: 990 Sunbelt PkwyMuscle Shoals, AL 35661

    Florence Harbor Marina

    Phone: (256) 768-1299
    Address: 1050 Clayborn Liles DrFlorence, AL 35630

    Steenson Marina

    Phone: (256) 381-1680
    Address: 700 Tennessee River DrMuscle Shoals, AL 35661

    Waterfront Marina & Dry Storage

    Phone: (256) 757-3388
    Address: 4451 Florence BlvdFlorence, AL 35634

    North Alabama Medical Center

    Phone: (256) 629-1000
    Address: 1701 Veterans DriveFlorence, AL 35630