Weiss Lake

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Weiss Lake’s Beauty

Weiss Lake is a true treasure in the middle of Alabama, giving visitors the ability to take in the area’s natural beauty and take part in a variety of leisure pursuits. The lake is a well-liked location for boating, fishing, and swimming and offers a lot of campgrounds, cabins, and other lodging options for people who want to stay overnight. The lake’s 447 miles of shoreline.

Essentials

There are a few things you must remember if you are planning a vacation to Weiss Lake. The closest city, Centre, Alabama, is full with places to eat, shop, and enjoy yourself. Rome, Georgia is close by if you need to travel farther abroad and have a fun weekend trip. The local hospital is less than 15 minutes away from Weiss Lake. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport is about 89 miles out, and it’s a little bit of a trip if you’re flying in.

Deep in History

Weiss Dam and Lake have a history that dates back at least to the 1890s when Capt. William Patrick Lay assisted in the formation of the Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association, which aimed to persuade the federal government to allow traffic on the Coosa from Mobile to Gadsden. Lay established Alabama Power Company in 1906, in part to utilize Coosa’s water power. He founded the Alabama Power Company with the goal of harnessing the Coosa River’s energy, and this lake is one of its impoundments. Lay gave away Alabama Power in 1912. His project was held for nearly 50 years until the post-World War II economic boom drove up energy demand. Weiss Dam was a crucial component of Lay’s proposal to build a network of hydroelectric dams that could supply energy to the rapidly expanding state of Alabama. 

In the 1950s, Alabama Power succeeded in persuading the US Congress to lift the ban on building dams along the upper Coosa River — like Weiss Lake. On April 26, 1958, at the $30 million dam’s groundbreaking ceremony, more than 10,000 people got a free barbecue lunch. Furthermore, Governor Jim Folsom of Alabama and numerous other local, state, and federal dignitaries were among those in attendance.

Fishing on Weiss Lake

Weiss Lake is now a well-liked destination for fishing fans, drawing anglers from all over thanks to its status as the “Crappie Capital of the World.” The lake has practically every species of fish, in addition to crappie, making it a great place for anglers looking to capture a variety of fish.

Location Surrounded by Nature

Weiss Lake is a fantastic location to unwind and take in Alabama’s natural beauty. This gorgeous lake is sure to have something to appeal to everyone, whether you’re a serious fisherman or just seeking a quiet vacation. So why not start making travel plans right away to experience Weiss Lake for yourself?

Lake Information

  • Shoreline: 447 miles
  • Average Depth: 5 feet
  • Deepest Depth: 62 feet
  • Acreage: 32,121
  • Water Level: Seasonal Full Pool
  • Schedule: May-September
  • Dam: Weiss Dam
  • Ownership: Public
  • Dam Managed By: Alabama Power Company
  • Public Boat Ramps: 4
  • Counties: Cherokee County, Alabama. Floyd County, Georgia.
  • Fish: Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Crappie
  • Sailing Clubs: Rome Sailing Club
  • Notable Events: Alabama Bass Trail tournament, Annual Weiss Lake Regatta, Fireworks at Weiss Lake

  • Permit is not required to use the lake.
    Jet skis are allowed.
    Motorized boats are allowed.
    Houseboats are allowed.
    Boating restrictions (Yes). — Noise level restrictions, must have exhaust mufflers (See https://www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol/boating-rules-and-regulations)
    Dock restrictions (Yes). — Must obtain permit to construct or enhance (See http://apcshorelines.com/pdfs/weiss_guidelines.pdf)

    • Resources Nearby

    Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

    Address: 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212

    Gadsden Municipal Airport

    Address: 185 Ira Gray Dr, Rainbow City, AL 35906

    Bay Springs County Inn and Campground

    Phone: (256) 927-3618
    Address: 130 County Rd 112,Centre, AL 35960

    Big Oak Campground

    Phone: (256) 526-8723
    Address: 830 County Rd 732Cedar Bluff, AL 35959

    Cherokee Camper Park

    Phone: (256) 779-6142
    Address: 4801 Cherokee DrCedar Bluff, AL 35959

    Driftwood Family Campground

    Phone: (256) 526-8069
    Address: 500 County Rd 600Cedar Bluff, AL 35959

    Rome Sailing Club

    Phone: (256) 779-6461
    Address: 235 Cherokee County 564Leesburg, AL 35983

    Little River Marina and Lodge

    Phone: (256) 927-5227
    Address: 1780 County Rd 102Cedar Bluff, AL 35959

    Rooster's Marina

    Address: 4645 County Rd 22Centre, AL 35960

    Cherokee Medical Center

    Phone: (256) 927-5531
    Address: 400 Northwood DrCentre, AL 35960