Boat Rentals
Smith Lake has several rental companies offering pontoons, ski boats, jet skis, and fishing boats. Most will deliver directly to our dock or a nearby marina. We recommend booking early, especially for holiday weekends.
Duskin Point Marina
Pricing: Varies by season; contact marina directly for current rates
Location: Duskin Point — a short boat ride from Willowmere
Phone: (205) 387-1208
Website: duskinpointmarina.com
Smith Lake Rentals & Sales
Pricing: Half-day, full-day, and multi-day rates available. Pontoons start around $350–$450/day; jet skis around $300–$400/day
Delivery: Yes — they deliver to private docks and marinas on Smith Lake
Website: smithlakerentalsandsales.com
Rock Creek Marina
Location: Rock Creek — close to Willowmere on the same fork of the lake
Phone: (205) 489-3300
Website: rockcreekmarina.net
Boat Launches & Marinas
If you’re bringing your own boat, there are several launch options nearby — starting right in the neighborhood.
Neighborhood Private Launch
Notes: A private boat launch available to neighborhood residents and guests. The closest and most convenient option for getting your boat on the water.
Duskin Point Marina
Facilities: Boat launch, fuel dock, boat and jet ski rentals, ship store, covered and open slips
Notes: One of the closest full-service marinas to the house. Launch fee applies for non-slip holders.
Phone: (205) 387-1208
Website: duskinpointmarina.com
Duncan Bridge Marina
Facilities: Boat launch, fuel dock, covered slips, ship store
Notes: Located on the main channel near Duncan Bridge. Well-maintained ramp.
Phone: (256) 287-2828
Website: duncanbridgemarina.com
Rock Creek Marina
Facilities: Boat launch, covered slips, pontoon rentals
Notes: On Rock Creek, the same fork as Willowmere. Convenient and usually less crowded.
Phone: (205) 489-3300
Website: rockcreekmarina.net
Smith Lake Park
Facilities: Public boat launch, parking, picnic areas, swimming beach
Notes: Cullman County public park. Free or low-cost launch. Can get busy on summer weekends — arrive early.
Safety & Regulations
Alabama law requires the following for all boaters on Smith Lake:
- Life jackets: A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be on board for every person. Children 7 and under must wear a life jacket at all times while on a vessel.
- Boater education: Anyone born after January 1, 1994 must complete a boating safety course to operate a motorized vessel in Alabama.
- No-wake zones: Obey all posted no-wake zones near docks, marinas, and swim areas. Slow to idle speed and produce minimal wake.
- Navigation lights: Required from sunset to sunrise and during reduced visibility. All boats must carry proper lighting.
- BUI law: Operating a boat under the influence is illegal in Alabama. The legal blood alcohol limit for boaters is 0.08%, the same as for driving.
- Fire extinguisher: Required on all motorized boats with enclosed fuel compartments or enclosed living spaces.
- Sound-producing device: All vessels must carry a whistle, horn, or other sound-producing device.
- Towing sports: A spotter or a rear-facing mirror is required when towing skiers, tubers, or wakeboarders.
The Alabama Marine Police patrol Smith Lake regularly and enforce all state boating regulations.
No-Wake Zone: There is a no-wake zone near Willowmere’s dock and the surrounding cove. Please observe posted buoys and slow to idle speed when approaching the dock or navigating through narrow cove areas.
Fishing
Smith Lake is one of Alabama’s premier fishing destinations, known for its deep, clear water and excellent bass fishery. Whether you’re a serious angler or just want to drop a line from the dock, you’ll find plenty of opportunity here.
What You’ll Catch
Spotted bass are the most common catch on Smith Lake and are found throughout the lake, especially along rocky points, bluffs, and drop-offs. Largemouth bass tend to hold near shallow cover in the creek arms. Smallmouth bass are less common but are present in deeper, rocky areas.
Striped bass are the trophy fish of Smith Lake, with catches in the 30–40+ pound range. They are typically found in the deeper main channel water and are most active in cooler months and during summer nights.
Crappie (both black and white) are excellent in spring, with fish commonly reaching 12–18 inches. Look for them around submerged brush and standing timber.
You’ll also find bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and white bass — all great for family-friendly fishing off the dock.
Best Spots Near Willowmere
The Rock Creek arm where Willowmere is located offers excellent fishing. The mouth of Rock Creek where it meets the main channel is a known hotspot for striped bass. Closer to the house, the cove and dock area are productive for spotted bass and bluegill, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Tips & Techniques
For spotted bass, try drop-shot rigs, small crankbaits, or jerkbaits along rocky banks and points. Striped bass anglers typically troll or fish live bait (shad or herring) near the thermocline in deeper water. In spring, crappie respond well to small jigs fished around submerged structure.
Don’t overlook dock fishing — you can catch spotted bass, bluegill, and catfish right from our dock, especially at dawn and dusk.
Fishing License
An Alabama fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older. You can purchase one online in just a few minutes at Outdoor Alabama or pick one up at local retailers in the area.
Recommended Bait Shops & Guides
The Country Mall
Location: About 10 minutes from Willowmere — you pass it on the way in
Notes: A convenient stop to grab bait and anything else you need before heading to the house
Cullman Bait & Tackle
Location: Cullman — about 20 minutes from Willowmere
Smith Lake Guide Services
Notes: Several independent guides operate on Smith Lake. We recommend searching “Smith Lake fishing guide” online and reading reviews to find the best fit for your group.
Rock Creek Marina
Location: Rock Creek — close to Willowmere
Phone: (205) 489-3300
Website: rockcreekmarina.net
Duskin Point Marina
Phone: (205) 387-1208
Website: duskinpointmarina.com
Best time to fish: Early morning and late evening produce the best results year-round. Spring is prime time for crappie and bass spawning activity. Fall and winter are best for trophy striped bass.