War Over Big Creek Lake: Mobile Locals Fight for Fishing Rights as Officials Warn of Drinking Water Threat

Mobile, AL (BuzzReport) – A heated battle over access to Big Creek Lake is pitting Mobile locals against water authorities, with two soon-to-depart city councilmen stoking the flames in a debate over recreation, property rights, and the safety of the region’s drinking supply. 

For years, anglers living near Big Creek Lake have clashed with the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS), which maintains the lake as a primary drinking water source for over 350,000 residents. The tension reached a boiling point in February when MAWSS banned recreational fishing entirely—a move that has left frustrated fishermen finding clandestine ways to cast their lines in what they believe should be public waters. 

But officials say the crackdown is non-negotiable: Invasive species, they argue, carried in by boats, threaten the lake’s ecosystem and the city’s water supply. 

“What we should all be interested in is having the finest possible drinking water at the lowest possible price,” said outgoing Councilman Joel Daves at a recent meeting. “Now there are some folks out in the western part of town who claim they have an absolute, inalienable right to boat on Big Creek Lake.” 

His soon-to-depart colleague, William Carroll, went even further, suggesting drastic measures. “I can really say what I want to say now,” Carroll declared. “If need be, the city of Mobile needs to annex all the way out and take that lake, and we need to be responsible for it.” 

Locals Push Back: “This is Our Lake Too”

For fishermen like James Hendrix, a lifelong Mobile County resident, the fight is about tradition and public access. “I’ve fished these waters since I was a boy,” he said. “MAWSS acts like we’re polluters, but we respect this place more than anyone. We just want to enjoy what’s always been ours.” 

The shutdown has left many in western Mobile County feeling alienated, arguing that MAWSS is prioritizing bureaucratic control over community rights. Some have even resorted to quietly launching kayaks or small boats under the cover of dusk to evade enforcement—a risky move that could result in fines. 

Compromise or Crackdown?

MAWSS maintains that the ban is necessary but insists they are seeking middle ground. A spokesperson told BuzzReport that the agency is looking into rental boats that would remain permanently on the lake—eliminating the risk of invasive species being introduced—while still allowing some form of fishing. 

“The safety of the lake and providing clean drinking water to 350,000 people is our primary concern,” the spokesperson said. 

But for now, the standoff continues. As councilmembers Daves and Carroll exit office, the question remains: Will the next wave of leadership open the gates to compromise, or will Big Creek Lake remain a battleground between recreation and regulation? 

One thing is clear—Mobile’s fishermen aren’t backing down. 

Stay with BuzzReport for updates on this developing story.