Lay Lake

Lay Lake

Lay Lake, Talladega County, AL
19mi²
122.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

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

Current Conditions

78°F°
Feels like 80°F°
Cloudy
Today's High
82°F°
Today's Low
67°F°

Water Temperature

72°F
Updated: (Apr 30)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Lay Lake is 72°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind2 mph S (Gust 10 mph)
Pressure
29.97 inHg
Visibility16 mi
Humidity74%
Cloud Cover91%

Forecast: Thursday, May 1

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
68°F°
10 AM
73°F°
10%
1 PM
79°F°
4 PM
81°F°

Temperature

High
82°F°
Low
67°F°

Precipitation

Chance52%
Amount0.07"
Typerain

Wind

5mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
21mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed12 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise10:58 AM
Sunset12:28 AM
Moon PhasewaxingCrescent
Max UV Index6 (High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

9:14 PM - 11:44 PM

9:11 AM - 11:41 AM

Minor Times (Good)

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.

Lake Map Views

LakeMonster PRO

Try Premium Features

Find the fishing sweet spots! See detailed temperature readings throughout your lake.

No credit card required for preview

April 30th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
122 ft
Area
19 mi²
Coordinates
33.070, -86.513

Weather Forecast

Thursday

82°F
67°F

Friday

82°F
64°F

Saturday

71°F
61°F

Sunday

74°F
56°F

Monday

75°F
52°F

Tuesday

79°F
54°F

Wednesday

76°F
61°F

Thursday

76°F
62°F

Friday

73°F
62°F
Thursday - 5/1/2025
82°F
67°F
12am
70°F
72°F
30.05 hPa
2 mph
S
G: 12 mph
2am
69°F
72°F
30.04 hPa
2 mph
S
G: 11 mph
4am
69°F
72°F
30.04 hPa
2 mph
SSW
G: 10 mph
6am
68°F
72°F
30.02 hPa
1 mph
SSW
G: 9 mph
8am
70°F
72°F
30.05 hPa
2 mph
SSE
G: 12 mph
10am
73°F
72°F
30.07 hPa
5 mph
SW
G: 17 mph
12pm
75°F
72°F
30.03 hPa
9 mph
S
G: 18 mph
2pm
80°F
72°F
29.99 hPa
12 mph
S
G: 21 mph
4pm
81°F
72°F
29.97 hPa
9 mph
SW
G: 16 mph
6pm
80°F
72°F
29.97 hPa
7 mph
WSW
G: 14 mph
8pm
74°F
72°F
29.98 hPa
4 mph
WSW
G: 8 mph
10pm
69°F
72°F
30.01 hPa
4 mph
S
G: 8 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Lay Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

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

Go Premium
Better lake days, better fishing, better you with LakeMonster Pro
Relaxing app background
LakeMonster App Icon
Get a 7 day free trial

Frequently Asked Questions About Lay Lake

Get accurate, up-to-date information about conditions at Lay Lake.