Smith Dam

One of the largest earth and rock-filled dams in the Eastern United States, the Lewis Smith Dam was constructed at the Sipsey Fork tributary. It was named in honor of Lewis Martin Smith, who was president of Alabama Power from 1952 to 1957. Smith Dam was the first of three Alabama Power Company projects on the Warrior River. In 1965, FERC authorized Alabama Power to build a powerhouse at Holt Lock and Dam. Both Bankhead Lock and Dam and Holt Lock and Dam are owned by the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army.

The story of Smith Dam and Smith 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 Smith Dam:

• Type: Rock-fill
• Length: 2,200 feet
• Maximum height: 300 feet

Facts about Smith Reservoir:

• Elevation above sea level: 510 feet
• Area: 21,200 acres
• Shoreline: 500 miles
• Length: 35 miles
• Maximum depth at dam: 264 feet
• Area of watershed draining into reservoir: 944 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 Smith Lake.

Alabama is a fisherman's paradise. Species that can be found in the reservoir include: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Channel Catfish.

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

To help you find a great fishing spot, check out the GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates for fish habitats.

Caution:

	Swirling water and strong underwater currents at powerhouse intakes.		Rapidly rising waters from turbine discharge.
	Turbulent discharges from automatically operated turbines.

The electrical generators at the powerhouse are connected to the power system and respond automatically in time of high electrical demand. When these generators start up, they can discharge a large amount of water downstream in a matter of seconds. The closer you get to the dam, the more dangerous it becomes. The changing currents and turbulent waters make boat control extremely difficult, and could cause a boat to sink. The extra yards of fishing gained by venturing too close to a dam are not worth the risk.

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