The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries from Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announced this week that it is currently accepting applications for both the lake manager positions at the Geneva County Public Fishing Lake near Coffee Springs and the Lee County Public Fishing Lake near Opelika.
Lake manager positions are contracted with the State of Alabama for a three-year term, which is renewable at the State’s discretion. Duties include selling fishing licenses and permits, grounds maintenance, warehouse management and other related responsibilities. An investment is required to cover the initial needs of daily operations. There is no state salary or benefits associated with this position. Revenue is derived from fishing permits and concession sales.
The Alabama Division of Freshwater Fisheries and Wildlife manages 23 Public Fishing Lakes (PFL) in 20 counties. The lakes range in size from 13 to 184 acres for a total of 1,912 acres of water. Each lake is intensively managed to provide quality fishing on a sustained basis. All lakes were originally stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and cracker. Channel catfish are stocked in all lakes during the winter. White crappie and black crappie have become established in many lakes.
To fish on one of the state’s public fishing lakes, anglers must have a valid Alabama fishing license. Anglers 12 years of age and older must also purchase a fishing permit. To launch a personal boat, kayak or canoe, anglers must also purchase a launch permit and be fishing on purpose.
You can also rent a Jon boat by purchasing a boat rental permit, holding a valid fishing license and a fishing permit. If renting a motorized boat, you must also have a State of Alabama boater’s certification or agree to the Alabama PFL Boat Rental Agreement and be 16 years of age or older.
PFLs are usually open six days a week from February 1 to June 30 each year. From July 1 to November 30, some lakes are only open five days a week. Many lakes close in December and January or operate on a limited basis. Information and hours are subject to change without notice, so please call the Lake Manager or the appropriate Freshwater Fisheries and Wildlife District Office for the current operating schedule.