
Lay Lake
Lay Lake is a stunning man-made reservoir located in east-central Alabama. Spanning over an area of 12,000 acres, this lake is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake is situated thirty-five minutes south of Birmingham off I-65 and fifteen miles south of Columbiana, and borders St. Clair, Talladega, Shelby, Coosa, and Chilton counties. One of the primary uses of Lay Lake is hydroelectric power generation, which is provided by Alabama Power. This reservoir also serves as a source of drinking water for nearby communities. However, one of the most significant attractions of Lay Lake is its popularity for tournament fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. Lay Lake's extensive shoreline provides ample opportunities for recreational activities, such as swimming and boating. The lake's seven public access areas offer convenient access to the water, with facilities for bank fishing and launching boats. These access areas provide an excellent opportunity for families and individuals to spend quality time together while enjoying the beauty and serenity of Lay Lake. Lay Lake's diverse ecosystem also provides an opportunity for wildlife watching. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including the American Bald Eagle, which is known to nest in the surrounding forests. Additionally, the lake is home to a variety of mammal species such as deer, beavers, and otters. Overall, Lay Lake is a beautiful and popular recreational destination in Alabama. With its vast area, diverse ecosystem, and convenient public access areas, it provides ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. The lake's primary uses for hydroelectric power generation and recreation make it a valuable resource for the local communities and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway.
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Lay Lake
Lay Lake is a stunning man-made reservoir located in east-central Alabama. Spanning over an area of 12,000 acres, this lake is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake is situated thirty-five minutes south of Birmingham off I-65 and fifteen miles south of Columbiana, and borders St. Clair, Talladega, Shelby, Coosa, and Chilton counties. One of the primary uses of Lay Lake is hydroelectric power generation, which is provided by Alabama Power. This reservoir also serves as a source of drinking water for nearby communities. However, one of the most significant attractions of Lay Lake is its popularity for tournament fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. Lay Lake's extensive shoreline provides ample opportunities for recreational activities, such as swimming and boating. The lake's seven public access areas offer convenient access to the water, with facilities for bank fishing and launching boats. These access areas provide an excellent opportunity for families and individuals to spend quality time together while enjoying the beauty and serenity of Lay Lake. Lay Lake's diverse ecosystem also provides an opportunity for wildlife watching. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including the American Bald Eagle, which is known to nest in the surrounding forests. Additionally, the lake is home to a variety of mammal species such as deer, beavers, and otters. Overall, Lay Lake is a beautiful and popular recreational destination in Alabama. With its vast area, diverse ecosystem, and convenient public access areas, it provides ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. The lake's primary uses for hydroelectric power generation and recreation make it a valuable resource for the local communities and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway.
Read more detailsCurrent Conditions
Water Temperature
Current Snapshot
Forecast: Thursday, May 1
Thunderstorms
Hourly Insights
Temperature
Precipitation
Wind
Sun, Moon & UV
Solunar Fishing Forecast
Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)
9:14 PM - 11:44 PM
9:11 AM - 11:41 AM
1:33 PM - 3:03 PM
5:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Outlook for Thursday at Lay Lake
Expect temperatures ranging from 67°F to 82°F. There's a 52% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.07" rain. Winds will be averaging 5 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 21 mph. The maximum UV index will be 6 (High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 9:14 PM and 9:11 AM, or try the minor windows near 1:33 PM and 5:00 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Lay Lake.
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Lake Information
Common Fish Species
Nearby Lakes
Water Temperature History
Trends for Lay Lake
Current Temp
Latest recorded surface temperature.
Lowest in Period
48°F
On Jan 5
Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.
Average in Period
67°F
Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.
Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months
Surface temperature over the selected period.
Key Observations (Last 12 Months)
- Warmest avg: July (90°F).
- Coolest avg: January (55°F).
- Avg temps often suitable for swimming during August.
- Rapid warming often occurs: May → June (+13°F).
- Sharpest cooling trend: November → December (-10°F).
Weather Forecast
Wind speed and pressure trends
Hourly Wind Forecast
Wind Direction
190°
Pressure
1017 mb
Cloud Cover
11%
Visibility
10 miles
Daily Pressure Forecast


Frequently Asked Questions About Lay Lake
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