A River Lake at the Heart of the ACF System
Why Rent On Lake Andrews
George W. Andrews Lake, commonly called Lake Andrews, sits on the Chattahoochee River in Henry County, Alabama, about 29 miles north of Lake Seminole and south of Walter F. George Lake. Formed by the Andrews Dam for river navigation via its lock system, this lake has the long, narrow character of a river reservoir and is known among regional anglers for fishing quality that consistently outperforms its modest profile.
Staying Near the Chattahoochee River Country
The towns of Columbia and Dothan in the surrounding area give families practical access points for vacation rentals in southeast Alabama’s river country. A cabin or vacation home in this part of the state puts you near one of the ACF River system’s quieter lakes, with a kitchen, bedrooms for the group, and the kind of outdoor setting that the Alabama-Georgia border country does well. The river landscape here is flat, green, and genuinely beautiful in the way of the Deep South’s river corridors.
Fishing on a Lake That Rewards Patience
Lake Andrews has a riverine character that means the fish tend to concentrate around structure, fallen timber, and the transitions between the main channel and the quieter backwater areas. Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the primary targets, and the lake’s fishing reputation among southeast Alabama anglers is strong. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the recreational facilities here, including access areas that give anglers and boaters clean and organized entry to the water.
The ACF Basin’s Historic Context
The George W. Andrews Dam was authorized in 1953 and became operational in 1963 as part of a coordinated navigation and flood control project along the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system. The project’s history, shared with Walter F. George Lake and Lake Seminole, gives the region a layer of engineering and policy history that is interesting for families who like to understand the landscapes they travel through. The broader ACF corridor is one of the most significant river systems in the southeastern United States.
A Quiet Corner of Alabama’s River Country
Lake Andrews is a lake for the families who come to fish and float rather than to see and be seen. The surrounding countryside of Henry County has the agricultural, deeply Southern character of rural Alabama at its most honest. For those willing to seek it out, the quiet of Andrews Lake and its river country setting offers a lakeside stay that feels genuinely removed from the more developed parts of the Alabama lake circuit.
- Surface area (mi)
- 3.88
- Max depth (ft)
- 25
- Elevation (ft)
- 101.71
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 60
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Andrews has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in George W. Andrews Lake, but it is unsupervised. The lake has areas suitable for swimming, though there are no lifeguards present.
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Lake Andrews is a popular destination for recreational activities because it offers a variety of amenities. It has a lake with a fishing pier, walking trails, a playground, and baseball fields, making it great for kids, picnics, and outdoor activities like feeding ducks or sitting by the lake.
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Yes, you need a fishing license to fish on Lake Andrews in Alabama. Everyone between the age of 16 and 65 must have a license, whether you are a resident or non-resident. Residents 65 and older are exempt from this requirement.
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Yes, there is a public beach at Lake Andrew. This beach is located within Sibley State Park, which borders the north and northwest shoreline of the lake. The park hosts a popular public swimming beach.
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Towns near Lake Andrews in Alabama include Abbeville, Ariton, Banks, Clayton, Clio, and Eufaula. These towns are located in Barbour and Henry counties. Nearby cities also include Dothan and Headland.