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Gainesville Lake

Gainesville Lake is a reservoir that represents one of two lakes created along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Alabama. The Howell Heflin Lock and Dam, created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1978, is located eight miles north of Epes and just east of Gainesville, Alabama, and downstream from Aliceville Lake on the Tenn-Tom. The lake's uses include navigation, flood control, and recreation.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) impounded this lake in 1936 for hydroelectric power and navigation. It is one of nine impoundments along the Tennessee River, and its waters flow from Lake Guntersville and into Wilson Lake.

Fishing

Best known for largemouth bass and crappie fishing, anglers also can find bream, catfish, hybrid striped bass, and freshwater drum at Gainesville Lake.

       

  Search Gainesville Lake Resources
    Gainesville Lake Alabama Coordinates:
33.0640N -88.1931W
Map It:
Lake Type:
Reservoir
Surface Area:
6,400 acres
Maximum Depth:
25+ ft
Elevation:
109 ft
Normal Water Clarity:
3 ft
Major City:
Birmingham
Airport:
Birmingham
Boating

Boat launches along this lake include the S. W. Taylor Overlook, Cochrane Recreation Area, Heflin Access Area (lower pool), Ringo Bluff Access Area, Riverside Access Area, Sumter Recreation Area, and Vienna Access Area.

The Heflin Lock and Dam is the last and southernmost structure on the Tenn-Tom. Commercial and recreation vessels can reach the connecting Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway about 53 miles away on the Tombigbee River and through an impoundment created by the Demopolis Lock and Dam, which forms Demopolis Lake. It is 215 miles from Demopolis to the Gulf of Mexico.

       
Lodging

Although state parks are far from this lake, visitors can find private camp sites in the area. Cochrane Recreation Area in particular offers day-use and overnight camping. Aliceville, located just northeast from the lake, offers hotels, lodges, and B&Bs.

Review the Lake Resource Guide for additional lodging.



Communities

Gainesville Lake is located in Pickens County, Alabama, and the closest towns include Aliceville, Gainesville, Vienna, and Epes. The closest major city is Birmingham at just about two hours' drive from the lake. Birmingham maintains a large airport, but if you want to hire a jet charter, you can use Tuscaloosa's airport, which is almost one hour closer to the lake.

Fun times at Gainesville Lake  Gainesville Lake

Gainesville Lake  Gainesville Lake



 
Average Temperatures Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Avg. High  56 Avg. High  61 Avg. High  69 Avg. High  77 Avg. High  84 Avg. High  90 Avg. High  92 Avg. High  92 Avg. High  87 Avg. High  78 Avg. High  68 Avg. High  58
Avg. Low  31 Avg. Low  34 Avg. Low  42 Avg. Low  49 Avg. Low  57 Avg. Low  66 Avg. Low  70 Avg. Low  69 Avg. Low  62 Avg. Low  50 Avg. Low  41 Avg. Low  33