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Lake Information for Yates Reservoir
Yates Reservoir, also known as "middle pond," impounds the Tallapoosa River near Tallassee between the reservoirs of Martin and Thurlow. Alabama Power Company built Yates Dam in 1928 to create a 1,980 acre reservoir that provides navigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. The water discharged from Martin Dam is cold and infertile, which directly influences the quality of the Yates Reservoir fishery. Baitfish, such as threadfin shad and gizzard shad, are not as abundant in Yates as they are in most other Alabama Reservoirs; therefore, growth of game fish is adversely affected.
Two Alabama Power Company boat ramps serve Yates Reservoir. The largest one sits in the middle of Yates on the west bank. A primitive ramp services the upper end. The Lands Division of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources also has a small ramp on the Coon Creek Tract.
Alabama Power Company has improved fishing by providing habitat in this lake. Coordinates of these habitat improvements are available as an Excel spreadsheet or a GPS download from www.alabamapower.com/lakes/fishdata.asp.
Largemouth bass and spotted bass were collected at similar rates during the spring 2006 electrofishing sample; however, bass abundance and growth is below average, since forage fish are somewhat scarce. Bass fishing success and techniques in this reservoir are influenced by hydropower generation, especially in the upper portion. Largemouth bass are more concentrated in feeder creeks and backwater areas. Spotted bass are more likely caught near the main river channel, although specific creeks with deeper water can still hold fish. Although the overall abundance of bass is suppressed in Yates, a number of big largemouth bass are caught there regularly since mortality rates are low. The oldest largemouth bass collected during the 2006 sample was an uncharacteristic fourteen.
Yates Reservoir produces good crappie fishing, especially in the spring. Fall catch rates during trap-net sampling, revealed adequate catch rates of black crappie when compared to other reservoirs statewide. White crappie are also present in this system, but to a much lesser degree. Crappie are much more likely to be caught in the major creeks feeding the main reservoir such as Channahatchee and Sougahatchee. Crappie growth is slow and mortality rates are somewhat high in Yates.
Striped bass, white bass, channel catfish, blue catfish and flathead catfish also attract anglers, especially in specific areas. Another species that attracts angler attention is the yellow perch, since the flesh is very firm and appetizing. This species is new to the Tallapoosa River drainage, although no adverse affects are expected from its presence since it co-exists with game fish in other Alabama reservoirs.
Businesses Located Nearby
Bait & Tackle
- Jerry's Bait & Tackle
- 1668 Federal Dr - Montgomery, AL
- (334) 272-4608
- Martin's Bait & Tackle
- 1165 Lightwood Rd - Deatsville, AL
- (334) 569-1123
- Mike's Bait & Tackle
- 1089 Highway 280 - Alexander City, AL
- (256) 212-9850
Boat Rental
- Carboni Auto & Marine LLC
- 600 Main St - Tallassee, AL
- (334) 283-2600
- Hudson Marine Repair
- 4689 Red Hill Rd - Tallassee, AL
- (334) 857-3005
- Flat Top Boats
- 380 Dogwood Rd - Sylacauga, AL
- (256) 249-2821
Vacation Rental
- Lake Martin Corporate Vacation Rental Property
- 183 Larkwood Ln - Dadeville, AL
- (256) 825-7317
- Lake Martin Vacation Rentals
- 5610 Highway 49 S - Dadeville, AL
- (256) 825-2225
- Lake Martin Vacation Rental Incorporated
- 8336 County Road 34 - Dadeville, AL
- (256) 825-2225
Bar and Restaurant
- Old South BBQ
- 10570 Georgia Rd - Eclectic, AL
- (334) 541-3559
- Bay Pine Marina Gift & Bar-B-Q
- 3455 Bay Pine Rd - Jacksons Gap, AL
- (256) 825-0078
- Chucks Bar-B-Que
- 622 Shug Jordan Pky - Auburn, AL
- (334) 826-2400
