Smith Lake, Alabama

09/06/2026

HAPPY 65th BIRTHDAY SMITH LAKE!!! That’s right...on 9/5/2026 (as per the Lewis Smith Lake Dam official service date of 9/5/1961 via the APC Shorelines site) - Smith Lake has turned 65!

Alabama Power Company began construction on 11/25/1957, the dam was dedicated on 5/23/1961 “Dedication Day”, and was put into service on 9/5/1961, its “In Service Date,” aka its “Birthday.” So, actually, Smith Lake has a couple of “birthdays” that we celebrate. On Dedication Day, the dam was formally named and other formalities executed, but there wasn’t yet adequate water behind the dam to actually bring the lake closer to full pool ranges as we know it today. However, later that year near the “In Service Date” the lake was full far ahead of the anticipated period and was actually a lake nearer to a proper pool level so that the dam was able to be truly “In Service;” therefore, we celebrate 9/5/1961 as its actual birthday each year.

📷 Ginnard Archibald
〰️〰️🎈🎂💕〰️〰️

09/05/2026

The SUMMER issue has been out on shelves around the lake with the last stock of copies having been distributed prior to the holiday weekend. Be sure to grab a copy! Grab a subscription with discount code 20SUB2026.

This issue is a fun one - brought to you by our 3rd guest editor and local business owner Brooke Majors Brooke Majors of Smith Lake T-Shirts & Apparel by The Lake Co. . Together we continue celebrating America’s 250th birthday this year and Smith Lake’s 65th TODAY! Happy Birthday Smith Lake!

Inside peek:
• 🏡 a lovely walk through the gorgeous Apel lake home built by Dustin Schwaiger
• 🎶 music spotlight on Liz Longley who recently appeared with Maggie Rose and MP Gannon at the annual Smith Lake Concert Series🎤🎶
• 🖇️ business spotlights on Smith Lake T-Shirts & Apparel by The Lake Co. , Isaac’s Heating and Cooling and GLS Supply
• 🍽️ our Guest Editor’s guides to hosting lakeside and visiting Jasper, AL!
• 💦 a sports feature on Rivers Hedrick a professional park/cable wakeboarder
• 🐾 an article highlighting Rose Farrell of Misfits Pottery who supports Free State Four Paws, Inc.
• 🌲 a visit to the treasured Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
…and so much more!

Another huge issue at 148 lovely heavy pages full of interesting articles for the Smith Lake Community !

We pride ourselves on being Lewis Smith Lake’s premier magazine and we are deeply grateful for continued community support. 🥰

📸 COVER photo submitted by SMITH LAKE • The Lakeside Life and post photo by Smith Lake T-Shirts & Apparel by The Lake Co.

P.S. Need a copy? Check the distribution list of local retailers on thelakesidelife.com (🔗 in bio)

09/04/2026

08/25/2026

08/09/2026

5 STAR +++ experience and huge THANK YOU to “Rutger Hyche Fishing” for an outstanding trip catching some awesome stripes on Smith Lake. We encourage you to enjoy a professionally guided trip where you can learn about fishing on Smith Lake and have an unforgettable fun day with the very best - BOOK NOW @ 205-272-1632!!!