By Staff
Staff Report
Crisp autumn days are perfect for a good fishing trip, and Escambia County Public Fishing Lake is an ideal place to experience a great day of fishing. Anglers who continue to fish as water temperature starts to fall can testify to improved fishing as the weather cools. Fish move into shallow water and feed more actively in fall than in hot summer months.
Escambia County Lake, also known as Leon Brooks Hines Lake, is the largest State Lake at 184 surface acres. It is located in the Conecuh National Forest southeast of Brewton.
Established and managed by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Alabama's State Lakes Program has long been considered a model by fisheries biologists across the nation.
Over 50 years have passed since this program originated, but the goal has remained basically the same -- to provide quality fishing at an affordable price.
State Lakes offer easy access, quality bank fishing, and other amenities, such as rental boats, launch ramps and covered fishing piers, which make it possible to fish deep water without using a boat. Concessions are available, including fishing tackle, live and artificial baits, and other fishing supplies, as well as drinks and refreshments.
Fishing is a family sport everyone can enjoy, yet it's also a rewarding and beneficial solitary sport. With a clean, safe and wholesome environment, state lakes are great for family outings on cool fall days. The only drawback to the fall season in Alabama is that it always seems to slip by too quickly.
To get to Escambia County Lake from Buddy Mitchell Bridge in Brewton, take U.S. Highway 29E for 9 miles; turn right on County Road 4 for 10 miles; right on County Road 11; then right on Parker Springs Road for 1 mile to the lake. For more information on Escambia County Lake, visit the Conservation Department's website at "www.conservation.alabama.gov," or call the lake manager at (251) 809-0068.