Inland Lake Vacation Rentals

Why Rent On Inland Lake

Inland Lake is a 1,557-acre reservoir in Blount County, Alabama, about nine miles southwest of Oneonta on the Blackburn Fork of the Little Warrior River. The dam was completed in 1939 and the reservoir has been operated by the Birmingham Water Works and Sewer Board ever since as a municipal water supply for Birmingham. That management history is precisely what gives Inland Lake its defining character: it is one of the clearest reservoirs in Alabama, with water clarity regularly exceeding ten feet, in a region where most lakes run turbid. The Birmingham Water Works owns all surrounding shoreline, which means no residential or commercial development rings the water and the natural tree-lined banks remain intact. The result is a lake that fishes better than it looks on a map and rewards the angler willing to drive past better-known options.

On the water

Inland Lake punches well above its size for bass quality. Alabama Outdoor Alabama reports that the percentage of largemouth bass over 15 inches found in sampling surveys exceeds most other reservoirs in the state. Spotted bass, striped bass, bluegill, black crappie, and channel catfish round out a diverse catch. Two concrete boat ramps provide access: one at the upper end near Allgood on Inland Boat Landing Road off Highway 75, and another nine miles southwest of Oneonta on Inland Dam Road. Both are patrolled by the Blount County Sheriff’s Department and a $5 launch fee applies at each. The lake undergoes a significant annual drawdown averaging 16.4 feet, which can substantially reduce accessible water in late summer and fall — check current lake levels before any trip, particularly if you are running a deeper-draft boat. Because the lake serves as a drinking water supply, contact Birmingham Water Works to confirm current recreational policies before visiting, and do not plan open swimming without first verifying access. For confirmed public swimming in the region, Logan Martin Lake and Lewis Smith Lake both offer established options. A valid Alabama fishing licence is required for anglers 16 and older; check current DCNR regulations for size and bag limits before fishing.

What to do near Inland Lake

Oneonta, the Blount County seat about nine miles northeast, provides restaurants, fuel, and supplies as the practical service base for a lake visit. Birmingham, about 30 miles south, expands the itinerary considerably for non-fishing days — the city’s restaurant scene, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute collectively make it one of the most rewarding mid-size cities in the South. The broader Blount County landscape is characteristic of the southern Appalachian foothills, with wooded ridgelines and creek corridors that reward the visitor willing to explore beyond the lake.

When to go and where to stay

Spring, March through May, is the strongest season for largemouth and spotted bass as fish move shallow to spawn. Summer fishing remains solid in early morning and evening hours. Fall, September through November, brings a second productive bass season as temperatures cool — though the annual drawdown pattern can shift conditions significantly, so confirm current levels before booking around peak fall fishing dates. There are no lakeside lodging options given the water works ownership of all shoreline; vacation homes and short-term rentals in Oneonta and the broader Blount County area are the practical choice. Browse Lake.com for properties in Oneonta and the greater Blount County region, including options with enough room to store gear comfortably for a multi-day fishing trip.