Bass fishing good year-round, with the highest catch rates in late April through May. The biggest bass usually caught from February through April when bass are near the bank. Bluegill and redear sunfish (bream) are caught by bank and boat anglers from spring through summer. Channel catfish are caught year-round, but the summer months are best.
Monroe County Lake is a 94-acre lake located 5 miles west of Beatrice off County Road 50. Directions: From Monroeville take Alabama Hwy 21 north to Beatrice, then left on Alabama Hwy. 265 for 1/4-mile, then left on Robbins Street (Co. Rd. 50) for 3-1/2 miles to Monroe County Lake. Ninety minutes from Montgomery, take I-65 south to exit 128 and go 17 miles on Hwy 10 to Awin and 20 miles south on Hwy 47 to Beatrice; right on Alabama Hwy. 265 for 1/4-mile, then left on Robbins Street for 3-1/2 miles to Monroe County Lake. Monroe County Lake is open sunrise to sunset as follows: February 1 - June 30: Open 6 days a week; closed Monday, though open on major holidays. July 1 - November 30: Open 5 days a week; closed Monday and Tuesday, though open on major holidays. December 1 - January 31: Closed. Clean public restrooms and concessions are available, including a wide variety of fishing tackle, live and artificial baits, and other fishing supplies, as well as drinks and refreshments. An accessible fishing pier makes it easy to reach deeper water without using a boat. Fish attractors have been added around the lake. Boats are also available for rent; a launching ramp is available for anglers with their own boats ($2 fee). Boats may have an outboard motor attached, but anglers may not use the outboard motor, only the trolling motor. Picnic pavilions are available; contact the lake manager.