R.L. Harris Dam

R.L. Harris Dam, the newest of the fourteen Alabama Power Company hydroelectric developments, was built at one of the last major hydro sites in Alabama. The dam's design was created by the Southern Company Services, Inc.

It was named in honor of Rother L. "Judge" Harris, an Alabama Power director and vice president of electric operations. He retired from the company in 1968 after 45 years of service.

The story of Harris Dam and Harris Lake began as a story of energy. It continues today as a story of flood control, recreation and economic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish and wildlife habitats. Power was just the beginning.

Facts about R.L. Harris Dam:

• Type: Gravity concrete
• Length: 1,142 feet
• Maximum height: 150 feet

Facts about R.L. Harris Reservoir:

• Elevation above sea level: 793 feet
• Area: 10,660 acres
• Shoreline: 271 miles
• Length: 24 miles
• Maximum depth at dam: 135 feet
• Area of watershed draining into reservoir: 1,453 square miles

Fishing
Whether you enjoy fishing from a boat, a pier, or a bank, and whether you prefer open water or secluded inlets, you'll find a great fishing spot on the R.L. Harris Dam.

Alabama is a fisherman's paradise. Species that can be found in Harris Lake include: Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striper, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Channel Catfish, and Flathead Catfish.

Fishing in Alabama requires a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased at some sporting goods stores, convenience stores, marinas and county courthouses.

Caution:

	Swirling water and strong underwater currents at powerhouse intakes.		Strong upstream currents in surface waters (reverse flow).
	Strong current over or through spillway and trash gates.		Swift, turbulent waters below spillway gates.
	Turbulent discharges from automatically operated turbines.		Rapidly rising waters from turbine or spillway discharge.
	Cascading spillway discharges.

.