Discover the Oldest Man-Made Lake in Alabama

Written by Kathryn Koehler
Updated: August 10, 2023
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Lay Lake is the Oldest Man-made Lake in Alabama
Lay Lake is situated on the Coosa River south of Birmingham.

Lay Lake is the oldest man-made lake in Alabama. With over 12,000 acres (4,900 ha) of surface area and nearly 300 miles (483 km) of shoreline, Lay Lake is one of the largest lakes in the state. It is situated on the Coosa River, just a short drive south of Birmingham. Its stunning scenery, excellent fishing opportunities, and a variety of recreational activities make Lay Lake a popular destination. From boating and water skiing to swimming and camping, Lay Lake is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, Lay Lake has got you covered. Keep reading to discover more about the oldest man-made lake in Alabama.

Discover Five Facts about the Oldest Man-made Lake in Alabama

Lay lake in Alabama

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, Lay Lake has got you covered.

©BJ Ray/Shutterstock.com

Where is the Largest Man-Made Lake in Alabama Located on a Map?

The largest man-made lake in Alabama is Lay Lake, situated on the Coosa River just south of Birmingham. The lake features numerous campgrounds and parks and is considered a great place to fish.

Lay Dam

Now that we have discovered that Lay Lake is the oldest man-made lake in Alabama, it shouldn’t be too surprising to discover that Lay Dam is the oldest dam in Alabama! Lay Dam is located on the Coosa River and impounds Lay Lake. It was built in the early 20th century as part of a hydroelectric project. It was designed to provide electricity to the growing communities of Alabama. The dam was completed in 1914 and was one of the largest of its kind in the world at the time. The dam is 122 feet high and spans over 1,600 feet across the river. It has 10 spillway gates that can be opened to release excess water during times of high flow.

Lay Dam has been in continuous operation since it was completed in 1914. It has served as an important source of hydroelectric power for Alabama Power Company, which currently owns and operates the dam. Over the years, the dam has undergone several upgrades and modifications to improve its safety, efficiency, and performance. In addition to generating electricity, the dam also serves important functions for flood control, water supply, and recreation. The operation of Lay Dam has had a positive effect on the development and growth of the region, providing power to communities and industries throughout Alabama.

Lay Lake: Parks and Recreation

Parks

There are several recreation areas and parks near Lay Lake. they provide a wide range of outdoor activities and amenities for visitors, including:

  • Beeswax Creek Park: This park is located on the eastern side of the lake and offers facilities for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. Beeswax Creek also has canoe-in-only camping!
  • Coosa Wildlife Management Area: This area is located on the upper end of the lake and offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Birding is especially popular, with songbirds, raptors, and game birds all visible. Coosa Wildlife Management Area is one of the few remaining habitats for red-cockaded woodpeckers outside of the National Forests.
  • Paradise Point Marina and RV Resort: Wet and dry docks; full-service repairs, to fuel docks and marina store.
  • Shelby Shores Park: This park is located on the south side of the lake and offers boat ramps, picnic areas, and a beach for swimming

Recreation

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery or a spot to engage in outdoor activities, Lay Lake has something to offer including:

  • Fishing: Lay Lake is a popular destination for fishing, and it’s an activity that children can enjoy with their families. Fishing is a splendid way to introduce children to the outdoors
  • Boating: Boating is another popular activity on Lay Lake. There are several marinas and boat ramps that offer rentals and launch services.
  • Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the area. The Beeswax Creek Park Trail is a 2.8 hiking and mountain biking trail. Hiking offers opportunities to explore the natural environment and learn about local flora and fauna.
  • Wildlife viewing: The area around Lay Lake is rich in wildlife. There are many opportunities to observe and learn about different species of animals and birds.
  • Playground Areas: There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas in the public parks around Lay Lake. Children can play and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and supervised environment. Beeswax Creek Park has a traditional playground, while the Tarzan boat on the lake offers children young and old a floating playground!
A slate-blue lake with slight ripples is seen throughout the middle of the frame. Practically indiscernible but there are two rows of waterfowl, possibly ducks or geese, Swimming horizontally. The lake is rimmed with shrubby green vegetation. A partly cloudy blue sky makes up the top of the frame

The area around Lay Lake is rich in wildlife, and there are many opportunities to observe and learn about different species of animals and birds.

©BJ Ray/Shutterstock.com

Wildlife at Lay Lake

The area around Lay Lake and Lay Dam supports a diverse range of wildlife, including many species of fish, birds, mammals, and reptiles. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and is home to a variety of fish species such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
The lake and surrounding areas also provide habitat for a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and various species of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. The wooded areas surrounding the lake support a variety of mammal species, such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and squirrels, as well as smaller animals like rabbits and opossums.
Reptiles such as turtles, snakes, and alligators can also be found in the area, especially in and around the lake’s wetland areas. The Coosa River system, of which Lay Lake is a part, also supports a variety of freshwater mussels, some of which are rare and endangered.

Discover Hunting at the Oldest Man-made Lake in Alabama

Hunting is allowed in some areas around Lay Lake, but hunting regulations and restrictions vary depending on the specific location and ownership of the land. Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division regulate hunting activities in the state, and they provide guidelines and regulations for hunting in the area. Hunting activities are permitted on some public lands surrounding the lake, such as the Coosa Wildlife Management Area and the Talladega National Forest. A license is required and may be purchased and printed here. Hunters are expected to adhere to hunting regulations, including bag limits and season dates.

Plant Life at Lay Lake

The plant life in and around Lay Lake is diverse and includes a mix of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation. The lake itself is surrounded by a variety of trees, including pine, oak, and hickory. The understory is shrubby. In and around the lake, are a variety of aquatic plants including water lilies and coontail. These plants provide important habitats and food sources for the area’s diverse fauna.
The wetlands around the lake are also home to a variety of marsh and bog plants. Cattails, sedges, and rushes can be seen near the water’s edge. These plants play an important role in filtering and cleaning water. They also provide important habitats for wetland animals such as turtles, frogs, and snakes. Lay Lake is also known for its wildflowers. The forests and meadows come alive with vibrant colors in springtime. Common wildflowers in the area include trillium, bluebells, and iris.

Discover Wintertime at the Oldest Man-made Lake in Alabama

Wintertime at Lay Lake can be chilly, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (1-12 Celsius). While the lake is open year-round, many of the recreational activities typically associated with the lake, like swimming and water skiing, may not be as alluring during the winter months.
However, there are still many outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy at Lay Lake during the wintertime. Fishing is a popular activity throughout the year. The lake is known for its abundant crappie, largemouth bass, and striped bass populations. Hiking and birdwatching can also be enjoyed during the cooler months. leafless trees make it easier to see wildlife.

Fishing at Lay Lake

Fishing on Lay Lake is a year-round activity. However, the best time to catch fish is in the spring and fall when the water temperature is cooler. Anglers can cast a line from the shore or troll from a boat. There are several public boat ramps and fishing piers on the lake. The lake also hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, drawing both amateur and professional anglers. Lay Lake is the perfect destination for those seeking a quality outdoor adventure while reeling in their next big catch.

Lay Lake is regularly stocked with fish by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The lake is stocked with a number of fish species, including largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass. To maintain a healthy and sustainable fish population while providing an optimum fishing experience, the department utilizes different methods to stock the lake, sometimes stocking fingerlings, while other times stocking larger fish for immediate angling, such as in tournaments. A valid Alabama fishing license is required and may be purchased here.

Bassmasters Tournaments

Lay Lake has been the site of several major fishing tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic, which is considered one of the premier events in professional bass fishing. Many famous anglers have competed in the lake’s waters. The tournament has been held at Lay Lake several times over the years in 1996, 2002, 2007, and 2010. Lay Lake is hosting three Bassmaster tournaments in 2023:

  • 2023 Bassmaster Junior Series on Saturday, February 25
  • 2023 Strike King Bassmaster High School Series on Saturday, February 25
  • 2023 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite, May 11-14

Conservation Status of Coosa River

The water in Lay Lake flows into the lake from the Coosa River. Sadly, as of 2022, the Coosa River is the fifth most endangered river in the United States as a result of pollution, principally from coal ash, a byproduct of coal-powered stations that burn coal to produce electricity and waste from industrial poultry farms. Coal ash contaminates the air, soil, and groundwater with toxic elements including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Massive commercial poultry enterprises are choking the river with their waste.

An aerial view of the Coosa River in Alabama. The river is visible meandering through the Fram at a diagonal fro the top right frame to the bottom left frame. The river is surrounded by indistinct vegetation.

As of 2022, the Coosa River in Alabama is the 5th most endangered river in the United States.

©Tracy Burroughs Brown/Shutterstock.com

Enforcement of existing Clean Water Act regulations is imperative for maintaining a healthy ecosystem along the Coosa. The oldest man-made lake in Alabama and the river that feeds it, if properly cared for, should continue to offer visitors the opportunity to relax and recreate for another hundred years.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © BJ Ray/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kathryn Koehler is a writer at A-Z-Animals where her focus is on unusual animals, places, and events. Kat has over 20 years of experience as a professional writer and educator. She holds a master's degree from Vanderbilt University. When she is not writing for A-Z-Animals, Kat enjoys puttering in her garden, baking deliciously healthful treats for her family, and playing with her two rescue mutts, Popcorn and Scooter. She resides in Tennessee.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How long has Lay Dam been around?

lay Dam has been around for over 100 years! Lay Dam has been in continuous operation since it was completed in 1914. It has served as an important source of hydroelectric power for Alabama Power Company, which currently owns and operates the dam. Over the years, the dam has undergone several upgrades and modifications to improve its safety, efficiency, and performance. In addition to generating electricity, the dam also serves important functions for flood control, water supply, and recreation. The operation of Lay Dam has had a positive effect on the development and growth of the region, providing power to communities and industries throughout Alabama.

What kinds of animals live around Lay lake?

The area around Lay Lake and Lay Dam supports a diverse range of wildlife, including many species of fish, birds, mammals, and reptiles. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and is home to a variety of fish species such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
The lake and surrounding areas also provide habitat for a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and various species of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. The wooded areas surrounding the lake support a variety of mammal species, such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and squirrels, as well as smaller animals like rabbits and opossums.
Reptiles such as turtles, snakes, and alligators can also be found in the area, especially in and around the lake’s wetland areas. The Coosa River system, of which Lay Lake is a part, also supports a variety of freshwater mussels, some of which are rare and endangered.

What is wintertime like at Lay Lake?

Wintertime at Lay Lake can be chilly, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (1-12 Celsius). While the lake is open year-round, many of the recreational activities typically associated with the lake, like swimming and water skiing, may not be as alluring during the winter months.
However, there are still many outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy at Lay Lake during the wintertime. Fishing is a popular activity throughout the year, and the lake is known for its abundant crappie, largemouth bass, and striped bass populations. Hiking and birdwatching can also be enjoyed during the cooler months, as the trees have lost their leaves, making it easier to see the wildlife.

Is the water in Lay Lake clean?

The water in Lay Lake is not as clean as it once was. The water in Lay Lake flows into the lake from the Coosa River. As of 2022, the Coosa River is the fifth most endangered river in the United States as a result of pollution, principally from coal ash, a byproduct of coal-powered stations that burn coal to produce electricity and waste from industrial poultry farms. Coal ash contaminates the air, soil, and groundwater with toxic elements including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Massive commercial poultry enterprises are choking the river with their waste.

Is it true that Lay Lake is a frequent host of Bassmasters fishing tournaments?

Yes, it’s true! Lay Lake has been the site of several major fishing tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic, which is considered one of the premier events in professional bass fishing. Many famous anglers have competed on the lake’s waters. The tournament has been held at Lay Lake several times over the years in 1996, 2002, 2007, and 2010. Lay Lake is hosting three Bassmaster tournaments in 2023!

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