For more information on Alabama’s alligators, contact Justin Monk, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 30571 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort, AL … Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. [1], During the period from 1907 to 1940, the city of Mobile kept pace with providing water service for the population growth until the outbreak of World War II when it became increasingly apparent that the existing sources of supply were inadequate and undependable. Big Creek Lake (or Converse Reservoir) is a municipal reservoir which serves as the main source of drinking water for the city of Mobile, Alabama and its suburbs. Measuring 15 feet 9 inches and weighing 1,011.5 pounds, the giant was caught in September 2014 in Camden along the Alabama … The alligator is one of about 40 unaccounted for at Gator … Pumps at Big Creek Lake provide treated water to Mobile and untreated water to local industries such as chemical plants and paper mills. The Lake offers angling opportunities for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. View Tips. They'd deny his existence to strangers who inquired about the fabled monster in the lake. In November 1991, we examined two alligator gars taken with bow and arrow in Chuckfee Bay north of the Mobile Causeway. Thom Foley — from hippie to bug man to ACLU president. Save For Later. But they prefer easy victories, so they're more likely to catch one that's in the water and less likely to fight back. Smith Lake - Huntsville real estate is a beautiful, but lesser known, market for lake homes and land in Alabama. Subscribe Get Unlimited Access. Study the maps on Google and trace the maps to this area. MISSING: Alligator. Yes, they have some Big alligators in Big Creek Lake. Follow her on Twitter @clairelwiseman. Rather bold nutria (big river rat) swimming in front of the kayak. [3], The Big Creek tributary, like the Escatawpa, originates in Alabama and flows into Mississippi, joining the Escatawpa about nine miles (14 km) northeast of Robertson Lake. Casey Edwards says "I just felt a sensation like a huge His Pinellas County hunting permit didn't cover the shores of Lake Maggiore or the smaller body of water known as Lake Eli, where Al was most likely trapped, because both are within city limits. and. "The only real protection that gator ever enjoyed was that the people who knew him best never talked about him," House said. "And it was futile.". People who lived and worked around the lake protected Big Al. Gators will snatch a dog around the edge of fresh or brackish water. The reservoir’s watershed covers 103 square miles (267 km²) and lies totally within Mobile County. The full-grown alligators can, and did, make it through the colder north Alabama winters and a population of them has managed to hang on in the Tennessee River 37 … Big Creek Lake (or Converse Reservoir) is a municipal reservoir which serves as the main source of drinking water for the city of Mobile, Alabama and its suburbs. A new source was necessary not only because of lack of sufficient quantity, but because the water sheds of Clear and Three Mile Creeks were becoming more urbanized and the quality of the supply was endangered. Most females are about 6 to 8 feet long, House said, and males don't grow much bigger. It shouldn't absolve him of blame, Morse said, but it does complicate the issue. Address: 11601 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes AL 36575: Fee: $5.00: Description: Big Creek Lake Boat Ramp Launch - Please if you have any corrections or additional information about this boat launch location. Big Creek Lake is in Mobile County, Alabama. The maximum depth can go up to 52 feet, while the average is at about 25 feet. New Listings. Ever since the State of Alabama (ADCNR) started promoting the sport of killing of one of the main preditors of nutria (big alligators), the nutria population has been increasing. Claire Wiseman can be reached at (727) 893-8804 or cwiseman@tampabay.com. When people complain about the preserve's alligators, Ellis said she tries to educate them. Fox Landing - $5 Launch fee (sunrise - sunset), $200 annual launch permit The absolute best place to experience a gator face-to-face is in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. At 13 feet, Big Al stood out. 79 were here. Rabbit Creek has been highly developed for … One … There's one pretty recognizable cove off the main stream of the Creek, after it begins to widen, which I have referred to as "Gator Cove" in the past. To find Gator Lake enter the 30.237148 latitude, and -87.821655 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. This alligator was found between Centre and Leesburg, Alabama, near a house! Last year, a 15-foot, 9-inch gator weighing 1,011.5 pounds was caught in Meek Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River. The Big Thicket is the name given to a somewhat imprecise region of a heavily forested area in Southeast Texas in the United States. Answers to the name Big Tex. And it happened to a really big dog, estimated at 100 pounds. Hwy 98 bridge is in the background. Wherever you put-in, the gator population in Limestone Bay is primarily concentrated in the area in which Limestone Creek first begins to widen into a Bay. By Tuesday afternoon, it had more than 950 signatures. “The kids were out on the boat, they called us kind of panicky, … [2], Big Creek Lake is located at 30.74N, -88.34W, WNW of Fairview, Alabama. Length: 13 feet, 8.5 inches. Show Results. ST. PETERSBURG — Big Al, locals said, wasn't particularly fond of humans. Big Creek may refer to: Big Creek Tasmania, a tributary of the Inglis River in Tasmania, Australia Big Creek Belize, a sea port in Belize Big Creek Beech Creek The reservoir was the subject of controversy in the 1980s over freshwater rights between Alabama and Mississippi. At 13 feet, Big Al stood out. "Like we lost a little bit of wildness.". You'll forget you're in Big Creek Lake while in any of the flooded forests. FARMFLIP #217565 Smith Lake - Huntsville Real Estate. About Big Creek Lake Big Creek Lake. The Elmore County Sheriff's Department says this photo was snapped around 3 a.m. on Rifle Range Road, just south of Taylor Road by the Tumkeehatchee Creek. The last survey estimated about 200 alligators live around the preserve. A 140-pound specimen was caught in the Alabama River near Claiborne Ferry in Monroe County on 5 July 1928 (John Hall, 1992, personal communication). Barbara Stalbird, a preserve supervisor, said she thinks most people who live nearby don't have a problem with them. Total Listings 1 Total Value $144,400 Updated as of 01-22-2021. It is nearly 23 miles outside the city of Mobile. He was the eighth-largest alligator ever killed in the state and the biggest trapped in Pinellas for Jovan Johannessen, the 34-year-old Clearwater hunter who pulled him from the water. The length of the shore is just under 10 miles long. He knew how to act and when to stay away. It wasn't clear Tuesday if Johannessen would be punished. The last survey estimated about 200 alligators live around the preserve. B. Converse Reservoir in 1987, but is commonly referred to as "Big Creek Lake". The reservoirs are at an elevation of 220 ft (67 m) and industrial water is delivered by gravity to industry at an elevation of about 25 ft (8 m). "He was a lover," said Judy Ellis, a Lakewood Estates resident. Big Creek Lake (or Converse Reservoir) is a municipal reservoir which serves as the main source of drinking water for the city of Mobile, Alabama and its suburbs. About 115 pounds of that gator was a deer in the gator… "It clearly states on the hunter's documents that enclosed areas of cities and municipalities are not legal to hunt," he said. 'Its big 25 feet at least, please advise Gator is heading to inlet.. do I pursue?, over' That has to be a HUGE gator to have a whole deer in its mouth! It was formed by the damming of Big Creek, a tributary of the Escatawpa River in southwest Alabama.The reservoir was the subject of controversy in the 1980s over freshwater rights between Alabama and Mississippi. Type. [1] It was formed by the damming of Big Creek, a tributary of the Escatawpa River in southwest Alabama. "He'd just sit around all day and smile at you.". BIRMINGHAM — There have been several reports of alligators in north Alabama in recent weeks, including in the Tennessee River. But Florida Fish and Wildlife spokesman Lt. Gary Morse said someone at the commission told Johannessen he could hunt there. [3], The Big Creek impoundment was named J. Lake Size. The delta is the second… Email Alerts. House started a petition on MoveOn.org asking authorities to charge Johannessen with a crime. Best of Big Creek Lake: Find must-see tourist attractions and things to do in Big Creek Lake, Alabama. The reservoir is 3,600 acres (15 km2) in surface area. Big Creek Lake Dam is a dam located just 13 miles from Tillmans Corner, in Mobile County, in the state of Alabama, United States, near Tanner Williams, AL. "In retrospect, it's very funny," said Jim House, who's on the Friends of Boyd Hill board. $3 for 3 Months. The City of Mobile utilizes waters from Big Creek Lake for their municipal drinking water supply, decreasing available flow for downstream uses in Mississippi. Big Creek Lake. The Big Creek Lake Pond And Timber. The southern Missouri area, including the Lake of the Ozarks,has reported many alligator sightings. The source of supply recommended by the Mobile Water Works to the City and Planning Commissions was Big Creek, in the western part of Mobile County. Weight: 1,000 pounds, and then some. And while they investigate the killing, those familiar with the 770-pound reptile mourn. AN ALLIGATOR DISTRIBUTION STUDY OF THE DOG RIVER WATERSHED Donald C. Brinkman, Department of Earth Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688. e-mail: donaldc.brinkman@yahoo.com. Go to Boat Launch List. Recreation View this farm for sale with 308 acres by Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama 36608. Big Creek Lake boat launch / boat ramp, located at 11601 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes, AL. Show. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said Johannessen shouldn't have hunted Big Al within city limits. Price Changes. [1] It was formed by the damming of Big Creek, a tributary of the Escatawpa River in southwest Alabama. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters But that's easily solved, she said: "Don't let the cat out if there's a gator in your yard.". "Coming in and hunting in an otherwise protected area is only second to coming into a zoo for some protected hunting," House said. The 13-foot alligator was trapped and killed Sept. 26 in a small lake north of the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Big Creek Lake, also called Converse Reservoir, is a 3,600-acre reservoir in west Mobile County which serves as the public water supply for the Mobile metropolitan area. When they did speak of him, it was in hushed tones. The industrial water line extends from the filter plant northward about 7 mi (11 km) to the industrial sites at Magazine Point. "The lake will be different without that big gator out there," local biologist George Heinrich said. Baths. Alligators eat dogs. "I think we have a better tolerance for them because we live so closely with them," she said. "This is certainly of concern to the community, and we understand their feelings on this issue, and we will do the right thing," he said. They dismissed those who called him dangerous. Years ago I used to see plenty of alligators in Dog River and no nutria. Beds. Local fisherman guru and long time lake resident Mike Butts has caught over four in just recent months. It happened recently in Mobile. The goal is to deliver it to Mayor Bill Foster when 1,000 people have signed. More About Smith Lake - Huntsville » Price to. "This is completely unacceptable.". Join us as we discuss the Alabama Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. It is a highly biodiverse area for a temperate region, that has been described as "America's Ark" and the "Biological Crossroads of North America". [4], https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Big_Creek_Lake&oldid=980011234, Bodies of water of Mobile County, Alabama, Articles using infobox body of water without image, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 24 September 2020, at 02:47. Big Creek Lake was a source of controversy regarding the equitable apportionment of limited fresh water resources between the states of Mississippi and Alabama in the early eighties. Contact Clint Flowers, ALC of National Land Realty to learn more about this farm. The Anniston Star is reporting that the Anniston Water Works and Sewer Board has closed Hillabee Reservoir this week after reports of alligators.. Alabama holds the world record for the largest alligator harvested. The reservoir was the subject of controversy in the 1980s over freshwater rights between Alabama and Mississippi. [3], Water is delivered from the 3,600-acre (15 km2) lake and pumping station by pipes to two reservoirs where it is diverted either to domestic or industrial use. Fishing is permitted in small engine, wide bodied boats. Big Creek Lake is 3,600 acres in area. The deer was later found to be a mature Stag and was measured at 11 feet! … This reservoir was formed by impounding Big Creek, which flows into the Escatawpa River drainage. In addition to being a popular attraction for fishers and boaters, this Gulf Coast lake, also known as the J.B. Converse Reservoir, is home to threatened gopher tortoises. He wasn't hunting in the preserve, which only stretches along one shore of Lake Maggiore. It's best to leave them be until they decide to move, she said, but acknowledged they can be dangerous for pets. Most females are about 6 to 8 feet long, House said, and males don't grow much bigger. Big Creek Lake, located in southwestern Alabama in Mobile County, is a storage reservoir that provides drinking water to thousands of people in the near-sprawling Mobile metropolis. Game wardens were forced to shoot the alligator Multiple Large Alligators spotted in Shoal Creek near Joplin, MO Recent climate changes have the environmental control department on edge. He also had distinctive snout marks. The Big Creek project was placed in service in 1952 at a cost of about $7,000,000 including land, dams, pumphouse, reservoir and pipelines. Local officials are investigating reports of an alligator sighting in a Lake Tuscaloosa tributary. WaterMeat.com A Mobile Alabama Fishing Resource Menu. Morse said it will take time to sort through the legal intricacies and couldn't say what charge the trapper could face. In addition to being the source of drinking water for Mobile, Big Creek Lake is a habitat for a variety of fish, birds and wildlife. Construction required two years. Upper Big Creek is very beautiful, quiet and you won't get much sun because of the thick canopy overhead. An 18-year-old Florida man is recovering today after his arm was severed Sunday by a large alligator when he went for a swim in Lake Okeechobee. The City of Tuscaloosa on Monday afternoon said it had received “unconfirmed reports” of an alligator in Hamner Creek – which is a tributary of Lake Tuscaloosa. The pumping station was named S. Palmer Gaillard Pumping Station. From 209 Big Creek Lake attractions, Yelp helps you discover popular restaurants, hotels, tours, shopping, and nightlife for your vacation. The Deerman family took WVUA 23’s Chelsea Barton out on their boat to Brush Creek Slough near their home, where they said they saw a 5- to 7-foot alligator while enjoying the Labor Day holiday on the water.