Pay Lake opens in Spruce Pine

Brian Scott, pictured with son Hayston, has opened a Pay Lake in Spruce Pine, where the community can come pay to fish.

Brian Scott thinks he has “the first one ever in Alabama.”

It’s Pay Lake, and it’s open for business in Spruce Pine.

Scott built the lake himself on his property at 2800 Highway 63 in Spruce Pine. He stocked it last year with 1,500 catfish that are now grown and ready to be hooked.

“It’s easy-catching, easy fun – a place where they can go and be guaranteed to catch some fish,” Scott said.

The catch-and-release lake practically guarantees a successful day of fishing. On opening weekend, Scott said two men caught 128 fish in an hour and a half.

Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for children for four hours of fishing. Fishers can also purchase at daily, weekly, monthly and yearly rates. In addition, Scott plans to soon host special events, like weekend tournaments and partnered events with churches as fundraisers. As a special attraction, the lake is home to several tagged fish – worth $1,000 for the lucky fisherman who catches one.

Scott, born and raised in Franklin County, also pastors Witness Outreach in Littleville and works with artificial stone production and installation.