Since being impounded in the early 1950s by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, Demopolis Lake has become best known for it’s excellent largemouth bass fishing. On October 1, 1995, a 14-inch minimum length limit was implemented on all black bass. The goal of the length limit was to increase the abundance of preferred-size (15- to 18-inch) bass and increase angler’s catch rates for bass of all sizes. Based on recent sampling by the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and last year's bass tournament data, the largemouth bass fishery appears to be strong.

Three of the finest anglers on Lake DemopolisCrappie are another great source of recreational fishing in Demopolis Reservoir. In 1993 a 9-inch length limit was implemented on crappie to help protect this popular sportfish. Currently, 9- to 12-inch crappie are relatively abundant in Demopolis Reservoir. Some other good fisheries located in the Demopolis Reservoir include hybrid striped bass and bream. Bream provide a good summer fishery in creeks with woody cover and around weed beds.

The tailwater fishery below Warrior Dam, one upstream arm of Demopolis Reservoir, is excellent for hybrid striped bass and catfish. It is very popular with local anglers, primarily boat anglers. The upstream tailwater area below the Gainesville Dam is also popular with bank and boat anglers from Alabama and Mississippi, who enjoy fishing for catfish, drum, and hybrid striped bass. This is a high use area with access to both banks.

During July of 2003, the US Army Corps of Engineers installed steel log fish attractors at Dempolis Lake near Fossue Creek at 1 site and 2 sections. These fish attractors are also found near Big Prairie Creek at 2 sites and 3 sections, McConico Creek at 1 site and 2 sections and Rattlesnake Bend at 2 sites and 2 sections. These fish attractors have a red and white "Fish Attractor" buoy are in water 10-20 foot deep.