Since being impounded in 1978 by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, Gainesville Reservoir is best known for its largemouth bass and crappie fishing. There is a good abundance of largemouth bass up to 18 inches with moderate numbers of larger bass. The crappie growth in this reservoir is excellent with an abundance of 9- to 12-inch fish. In 1993 a 9-inch length limit was implemented to protect young crappie. This length limit has been well received by anglers and is an important management tool for biologists. Another good source of panfish in Gainesville Reservoir is bream.

Bream fishing (mostly bluegill) is good from summer through fall months in backwater areas of the reservoir and around weed beds. The best fishing for all game fish species in this reservoir are in sloughs and backwater coves, around standing timber and emergent and submersed aquatic plants.

The tailwater fishery below Howell Heflin Lock and Dam is excellent for catfish, hybrid striped bass, and freshwater drum. Tailwater fishing is popular with local anglers, and they are generally satisfied with their catch rates.