Bankhead Lake Conditions: Weather, Water & Fishing

Bankhead Lake Conditions: Weather, Water & Fishing | LakeRadar

24-Hour Hourly Weather & Wind Timeline

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Hour-by-hour forecast for Bankhead Lake, next 24 hours
Metric	6p	7p	8p	9p	10p	11p	12a	1a	2a	3a	4a	5a	6a	7a	8a	9a	10a	11a	12p	1p	2p	3p	4p	5p
Temp (°F)	81°	82°	81°	80°	78°	76°	73°	70°	68°	66°	64°	62°	62°	61°	61°	60°	61°	62°	62°	63°	65°	67°	68°	70°
Wind (kts)	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	22	30
Direction	E	E	E	E	E	E	E	E	E	E	E	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	E	E	E	E	NE	NE	E
Gusts (kts)	17	18	18	18	22	24	23	25	27	29	30	31	32	33	34	35	35	34	33	32	31	32	36	45
Precip %	2%	2%	2%	9%	9%	9%	31%	31%	31%	89%	89%	89%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%

ForecastView official hourly forecast

Hour-by-hour forecast for Bankhead Lake, next 24 hours
Time	Temp	Wind	Gusts	Precip	Cloud	Condition
Fri, 1 PM CDT	81°F	15 mph E (90°)	20 mph	2%	93%	Cloudy
Fri, 2 PM CDT	82°F	15 mph E (90°)	21 mph	2%	94%	Cloudy
Fri, 3 PM CDT	81°F	15 mph E (90°)	21 mph	2%	94%	Cloudy
Fri, 4 PM CDT	80°F	15 mph E (90°)	21 mph	9%	95%	Cloudy
Fri, 5 PM CDT	78°F	15 mph E (90°)	25 mph	9%	92%	Cloudy
Fri, 6 PM CDT	76°F	15 mph E (90°)	28 mph	9%	97%	Cloudy
Fri, 7 PM CDT	73°F	15 mph E (90°)	27 mph	31%	96%	Chance Rain Showers
Fri, 8 PM CDT	70°F	15 mph E (90°)	29 mph	31%	97%	Chance Rain Showers
Fri, 9 PM CDT	68°F	15 mph E (90°)	31 mph	31%	98%	Chance Rain Showers
Fri, 10 PM CDT	66°F	15 mph E (90°)	33 mph	89%	99%	Rain Showers
Fri, 11 PM CDT	64°F	15 mph E (90°)	35 mph	89%	99%	Rain Showers
Sat, 12 AM CDT	62°F	15 mph NE (45°)	36 mph	89%	99%	Rain Showers
Sat, 1 AM CDT	62°F	15 mph NE (45°)	37 mph	100%	100%	Showers And Thunderstorms
Sat, 2 AM CDT	61°F	15 mph NE (45°)	38 mph	100%	100%	Showers And Thunderstorms
Sat, 3 AM CDT	61°F	20 mph NE (45°)	39 mph	100%	99%	Showers And Thunderstorms
Sat, 4 AM CDT	60°F	20 mph NE (45°)	40 mph	100%	99%	Rain Showers
Sat, 5 AM CDT	61°F	20 mph NE (45°)	40 mph	100%	98%	Rain Showers
Sat, 6 AM CDT	62°F	20 mph E (90°)	39 mph	100%	98%	Rain Showers
Sat, 7 AM CDT	62°F	20 mph E (90°)	38 mph	100%	96%	Rain Showers
Sat, 8 AM CDT	63°F	20 mph E (90°)	37 mph	100%	95%	Rain Showers
Sat, 9 AM CDT	65°F	20 mph E (90°)	36 mph	100%	93%	Rain Showers
Sat, 10 AM CDT	67°F	20 mph NE (45°)	37 mph	100%	92%	Rain Showers
Sat, 11 AM CDT	68°F	25 mph NE (45°)	41 mph	100%	90%	Rain Showers
Sat, 12 PM CDT	70°F	35 mph E (90°)	52 mph	100%	90%	Rain Showers
Sat, 1 PM CDT	72°F	30 mph NE (45°)	47 mph	81%	89%	Rain Showers

Official National Weather Service hourly forecast. Showing 10 of 25 hours. Wind arrows point the way the wind is blowing; the compass point and degrees show where it comes from.

7-Day Weather & Wind Forecast

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Seven-day forecast periods for Bankhead Lake from the official forecast source
Period	This Afternoon October 9, 2026	Tonight October 9, 2026	Saturday October 10, 2026	Saturday Night October 10, 2026	Sunday October 11, 2026	Sunday Night October 11, 2026	Columbus Day October 12, 2026	Monday Night October 12, 2026	Tuesday October 13, 2026	Tuesday Night October 13, 2026	Wednesday October 14, 2026	Wednesday Night October 14, 2026	Thursday October 15, 2026	Thursday Night October 15, 2026
Temp (°F)	83°	60°	75°	61°	80°	58°	89°	59°	90°	62°	91°	63°	90°	63°
Wind	E 10 to 15 mph	E 15 to 20 mph	E 20 to 35 mph	S 10 to 25 mph	W 10 to 15 mph	W 0 to 5 mph	W 0 to 5 mph	SW 0 to 5 mph	W 0 to 5 mph	SW 0 to 5 mph	SW 0 to 5 mph	S 0 to 5 mph	S 0 to 5 mph	S 0 to 5 mph
Gusts	25 mph	40 mph	52 mph	32 mph	22 mph	13 mph	12 mph	8 mph	10 mph	8 mph	8 mph	7 mph	10 mph	9 mph
Precip %	9%	100%	100%	81%	13%	5%	0%	0%	0%	1%	3%	3%	7%	7%
Forecast	Cloudy	Rain Showers	Tropical Storm Conditions Possible	Tropical Storm Conditions Possible	Mostly Sunny	Mostly Clear	Sunny	Clear	Sunny	Clear	Sunny	Clear	Sunny	Mostly Clear

Forecast periods from official National Weather Service grid. Detailed 7-Day & Hourly Forecast →

Fishing Conditions & Outlook

Solunar windows, water thermocline & species tactics

Score 72 · Fair

Fair for fishing (72/100), from 5 available inputs. Supporting this: 2% chance of precipitation. Sky is overcast (93% cloud cover). Not available from a verified source for this lake: pressure trend, water temperature. Confidence is moderate (74%) because some inputs are unavailable or older than ideal.

Prime Solunar Window

4:00 PM CDT – 10:00 PM CDT

Water Layer Temp

Sensor Pending

Surface Chop

12 mph

Barometer Trend

30.00 inHg

Verified Game Fish Species (4):

🐟White Crappie🐟Channel Catfish🐟Warmouth🐟White Bass

View Full Fishing Forecast & Solunar Times →Fishing methodology →

Boating & Sailing Outlook

Surface chop, sustained knots, gusts & launch facilities

Boating 56Sailing 75

Motorized Boating

Launch Access

Fair for boating (56/100), from 4 available inputs. Supporting this: 2% chance of precipitation. Working against it: Active severe alert: Tropical Storm Warning. Not available from a verified source for this lake: visibility and conditions, verified water access. Confidence is moderate (84%) because some inputs are unavailable or older than ideal.

Surface state: Moderate Chop (1–2 ft)

Boating Outlook & Ramps Directory →

Sailing & Wind Trim

10 kts (12 mph)

Good for sailing (75/100), from 4 available inputs. Supporting this: Wind 15 mph from the E is in the preferred sailing range. Gusts are within 5 mph of sustained wind, so the breeze is steady. Working against it: Active severe alert: Tropical Storm Warning. Not available from a verified source for this lake: visibility. Confidence is high (88%).

Kayaking, Paddling & Swimming

Paddle drag, thermal comfort & cold water immersion safety

Paddling 58Swimming --

Paddlecraft Readiness

Headwind Drag

Fair for kayaking (58/100), from 5 available inputs. Supporting this: 2% chance of precipitation. Air temperature 81°F. Working against it: Active severe alert: Tropical Storm Warning. Confidence is high (90%).

Immersion: Wear USCG Approved Life Jacket

Paddlecraft Guidelines & Launch Points →

Swimming & Immersion

Not monitored

Water temperature is not available from a verified source for this lake. No swimming score is shown without it.

Water Temperature & 30-Day History →

Lake Guide & Verified Facts

Visitor Essentials, Seasonal Guide & Hydrographic Profile

Providing high-quality outdoor access in AL, Bankhead Lake accommodates powerboats, fishing craft, and paddleboards across its open waters. The lake is an essential community resource for water recreation and ecological conservation. Observe all posted navigation aids and safe boating distances while on the water.

Surface Area

9,200 acres (14 sq mi)

Max Depth

Not documented

Surface Elevation

Not documented

Managing Authority

State & Local Authorities

Classification

Reservoir

State Jurisdiction

Visitor Essentials · Know Before You Go

Fishing Licensing (ADCNR)

Valid freshwater sport fishing license issued by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is required for anglers age 16+. Digital license on mobile is accepted.

Boating Biosecurity & Registration

Current motorized watercraft registration mandatory. Practice Clean, Drain & Dry protocols: drain all livewells and inspect props before launching. Life jackets required for all passengers.

Public Recreation & Access Pass

Public shoreline and boating access managed by State & Local Authorities. Verify seasonal gate hours, launch fees, and parking rules before travel.

Primary Water Recreation Profile

High-speed motorboating, pontoon cruising, wakeboarding, and water skiing across main channels. Target gamefish include White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Warmouth, White Bass. Morning hours typically provide optimal glassy conditions for kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) touring.

Seasonal Recreation & Climate Windows

Summer Peak (Jun–Aug)Peak Season

Warm water temperatures, peak swimming, active watersports, and open full-service campgrounds. Highest weekly attendance; plan early arrivals on summer weekends.

Spring & Fall ShoulderPrime Angling

Spring pre-spawn and fall feeding transitions create prime trophy angling conditions. Cooler air, lower boat traffic, and vibrant seasonal shoreline foliage.

Winter Season (Nov–Mar)Off-Season

Mild year-round outdoor climate. Uncrowded waters, active winter bass and crappie fishing, and open year-round boat launch access.

Get Directions (GPS) ↗Managing Authority Portal ↗

All geographical facts sourced from official agency recordsView sources →

Bankhead Lake Conditions

Flood Watch

Quick Conditions

LakeRadar Score

24-Hour Hourly Weather & Wind Timeline

7-Day Weather & Wind Forecast

Water Level & Hydrographic Baseline

Water Temperature (Surface)

Fishing Conditions & Outlook

Boating & Sailing Outlook

Kayaking, Paddling & Swimming

Interactive Map & Navigation Radar

Coordinates and access points

Public Access & Facilities

Boating & Water Regulations

Lake Guide & Verified Facts

Official alerts

Flood Watch

Quick Conditions

LakeRadar Score

24-Hour Hourly Weather & Wind Timeline

7-Day Weather & Wind Forecast

Water Level & Hydrographic Baseline

Water Temperature (Surface)

Fishing Conditions & Outlook

Boating & Sailing Outlook

Kayaking, Paddling & Swimming

Interactive Map & Navigation Radar

Coordinates and access points

Public Access & Facilities

Boating & Water Regulations

Lake Guide & Verified Facts

Related Lakes

Sources and methodology