Lake Information for Claiborne Lake

Claiborne Lake is a river-run reservoir with 5,930 surface acres of water which courses 60.5 miles through Wilcox, Clarke, and Monroe counties in southwest Alabama. This reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and impounded in 1970. Claiborne Lake has a large watershed of 21, 473 square miles, and its primary function is navigation. This reservoir is the lowermost within the Alabama River System with the dam at river mile 72.5 and the pool ending at river mile 133, the Millers Ferry Lock and Dam. Downstream of Claiborne Dam, the Alabama River is essentially free-flowing and ultimately joins the Tombigbee River to form the Mobile River near the Mt. Vernon community.

Recreational opportunities in Claiborne Lake are quite varied, and there are approximately ten public boat access areas operated throughout the reservoir by the Corps of Engineers and various county municipalities. Anglers will find good fishing throughout the reservoir for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. The tailwaters of Millers Ferry (Dannelly) Reservoir also provide excellent seasonal fishing for striped bass, spotted bass, crappie, and large catfish.

Claiborne Lock and Dam was completed in 1971 but was opened for navigation in November, 1969. It has no power installation.

Although the lake remains mostly within the original river banks, Claiborne provides extensive opportunities for water-related recreation, such as boating, fishing, swimming and skiing. There are also plenty of good sites for picnicking, camping and hiking. One of the most beautiful views of the lake can be seen at Silver Creek Park; a rugged foot trail at Gullet's Bluff Provides access to a splendid waterfall.

Much of the lake's surrounding park land is being allowed to revert to its natural state, providing habitation for the abundant wildlife, including the rare Red Hill Salamander, a threatened species that lives only in this section of the state.