Lake with Marshy Shoreline

Yates Lake Vacation Rentals

Yates Lake, Alabama, United States
32.5742° N, -85.8891° W
Show on map
Yates Lake
Show on map
pencil

Information not accurate?

Help us improve by making a suggestion.

Yates and Thurlow Reservoirs are located in east central Alabama about 30 miles northeast of Montgomery. These are small reservoirs, relative to other Alabama Power Company impoundments. Yates Reservoir covers 1,980-acres and is located immediately downstream from the much larger Lake Martin. Just downstream from Yates Reservoir is the 585-acre Thurlow Reservoir. Below Thurlow Dam, the Tallapoosa River is free flowing to its confluence with the Coosa River to form the Alabama River.

Surface area (mi)
4.98
Max depth (ft)
135.01
Elevation (ft)
147.64
Shoreline length (mi)
40
Best time to go
Visit Yates Lake in late spring, particularly May, when shimmering waters beckon for fishing and kayaking. The gentle sun warms your skin, while vibrant wildflowers bloom, creating a serene escape away from the summer crowds.
Water Quality
Yates Lake's waters are typically deep blue and crystal-clear, offering excellent visibility for fishing and recreational activities.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
pencil

Information not accurate?

Help us improve by making a suggestion.

Marinas on Yates Lake

Nearby lakes

Where to stay

The Lodge at Lake Martin: Sleeps 35
The Lodge at Lake Martin: Sleeps 35
Eclectic, AL, United States of America
$2,350 night
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 10
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 10
Jackson's Gap, AL, United States of America
$825 night
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 7
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 7
Jackson's Gap, AL, United States of America
$675 night
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 6
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 6
Jackson's Gap, AL, United States of America
$625 night
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 9
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 9
Jackson's Gap, AL, United States of America
$825 night
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 3
Lakefront Villa @ Bay Pines- Unit 3
Jackson's Gap, AL, United States of America
$675 night
27dd5f8d f177 49e8 a465 14593c0200bd
"Sunset Pointe" Exceptional Lake-front Home
Tallapoosa County, Alabama, United States of America
$400 night
AmberSkies-LakeMartin dot com
"Amber Skies" Breathtaking-Family, Lake-Front Home
Tallapoosa County, Alabama, United States of America
$750 night

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Yates Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, swimming is not allowed in Yates Lake. Swimming is prohibited off the docks, boat ramps, and dams at the city reservoirs, including Yates Center Reservoir and South Owl Lake.

  • Yates Lake is a popular destination for recreational activities and tourism because it offers a variety of outdoor activities. It provides good fishing for several species, including crappie, bass, and catfish. The area also includes hiking trails, canoeing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing, making it a comprehensive nature preserve and recreational site.

  • In Yates Reservoir, Alabama, you can only possess up to two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length, and only one of these can exceed 30 inches. This rule is part of the daily creel limit to manage the fish population effectively. Culling striped bass from the creel is also regulated.

  • There is no public beach at Yates Lake. The area offers a public boat ramp and various trails for activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, but it does not include a beach. The focus is on nature preserve and environmental education.

  • Towns near Yates Lake include Dadeville, Daviston, and Tallassee in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. These towns are close to the lake, which is located just below the Lake Martin Dam. Other nearby towns are in Elmore County, such as Eclectic and Millbrook.