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William ‘Bill’ Dannelly Reservoir, Alabama, USA

Also known as:  Lake Dannelly, Millers Ferry, Dannelly Reservoir, Millers Ferry Reservoir, Millers Ferry Lake

Along the Alabama River in the River Heritage region of the state, visitors will find the William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir. Located an hour southwest of Selma, the reservoir encompasses 105 miles of the Alabama River with over 500 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is better known locally as “Millers Ferry” for the dam, which came online in 1970 and produces enough energy to serve more than 50,000…
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    • All About William 'Bill' Dannelly Reservoir, AL

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Alabama - River Heritage Region, AL -

    Along the Alabama River in the River Heritage region of the state, visitors will find the William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir. Located an hour southwest of Selma, the reservoir encompasses 105 miles of the Alabama River with over 500 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is better known locally as “Millers Ferry” for the dam, which came online in 1970 and produces enough energy to serve more than 50,000 homes. The lake is a recreation lover’s paradise, with fishing, hunting, boating, camping, hiking, hunting, water sports and wildlife viewing opportunities year round. Numerous parks, boat ramps, recreation areas and campgrounds line the reservoir and provide access to the lake along with picnic facilities, playgrounds, beaches, swimming areas and overnight camping options.

    William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir was formed by the construction of Millers Ferry Lock and Dam. Construction of the dam began in 1963 and was completed in 1974. It was built for both hydropower and navigational purposes. The lake that it impounds was named for Judge William “Bill” Dannelly who was an active supporter of river development. A former Wilcox County probate judge, Dannelly is credited with leading the modernization of the Alabama and Coosa Rivers.

    A major draw to William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir is the exceptional bass fishing. Both largemouth bass and spotted bass are considered excellent at this reservoir. With high fertility and a relatively stable threadfin shad population, this reservoir consistently produces two to four pound bass or larger. Anglers will also find great fishing for white crappie and black crappie. Other common species include bluegill sunfish, gizzard shad, and striped bass. Access to the lake can be found all along the shores of William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir. Fisherman can take advantage of the numerous boat ramps, or fish straight from the banks of the reservoir. Some campgrounds also feature piers. A marina catering to powerboats is located near the dam on the west end of the lake called Millers Ferry Marina.

    Fishermen, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers share the many recreation spots, parks, and campgrounds along William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir. A visitor’s center near the Millers Ferry Lock and Dam provides bird watching information, in addition to maps and guides for the numerous campgrounds. One of the larger parks in the area can be found along the twists and turns of the reservoir on the east end of the lake. Roland Cooper State Park is a 236-acre park in a majestic pine forest setting, featuring a nine-hole golf course, vacation cottages, modern campground, playground, picnic area and boat launching facilities. Several other locations provide developed and primitive camping including Chilatchee Creek Campground, Millers Ferry Campground, Six Mile Creek Park, Elm Bluff Park, Portland Landing, and Bridgeport Landing. A complete list of parks, campgrounds, and facilities can be found in the internet resources section below.

    Visitors looking for a unique water sport adventure can explore the Alabama Scenic River Trail, which starts at the Georgia State Line and winds through the state, passing through the William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir and on to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Morgan. At 631 miles, The Alabama River Trail is the longest water trail of any single state in the country, following seven rivers and two creeks. Water sport enthusiasts can enjoy boating, canoeing, sailing, water skiing and kayaking on the expansive waters of William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir.

    For a relaxing afternoon, visitors can enjoy the rich history of the area going back to the Native American settlements, up to the Civil Rights Movement. Adjacent to William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir, visitors can check out the Liddell Archeological Site. This archaeological site is a prehistoric Native American site, which contains evidence of human occupations from the early Archaic of about 9000 BC. For more recent history and a leisurely afternoon ferry ride, a trip to Boykin (also known as Gee’s Bend) is in order to see the famous Gee’s Bend Quilters Collective. Visitors can take the ferry that runs between Camden and Boykin to see the distinctive, sophisticated quilting style that has been passed on for at least six generations to the present day. The quilts and their history have been published in books and put on display in major exhibitions around the country. A trip to the area wouldn’t be complete without visiting historical Selma, AL. The city has the state’s largest historic district, as well as many Civil Rights historical sites including the National Voting Rights Museum and Martin Luther King Jr. Street Historic Walking Tour.

    The William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir is largely unspoiled by commercial or residential development. Cabins can be found at the various campgrounds and parks surrounding the lake. Otherwise, several communities are located nearby and offer plenty of accommodations ranging from hotels to bed and breakfasts.

    For a sportsman’s vacation or a trip through history, William “Bill Dannelly Reservoir is a wonderful destination for a family vacation or weekend getaway.

    Things to Do at William ‘Bill’ Dannelly Reservoir

    These are some activities in the William ‘Bill’ Dannelly Reservoir, AL area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • Museum
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in William ‘Bill’ Dannelly Reservoir?

    William ‘Bill’ Dannelly Reservoir has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Black Crappie
    • Bluegill
    • Crappie
    • Gizzard Shad
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Shad
    • Spotted Bass
    • Striped Bass
    • Sunfish
    • White Crappie
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    Find Places to Stay at William ‘Bill’ Dannelly Reservoir

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    William ‘Bill’ Dannelly Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 17,000 acres

    Shoreline Length: 500 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 80 feet

    Average Depth: 19 feet

    Maximum Depth: 60 feet

    Water Volume: 332,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1970

    Drainage Area: 20,600 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

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