Fishing
Spend a day out on the water and take part in one of the South’s favorite pastimes. Sit out by one of Alabama’s 23 public fishing lakes and lure in catfish or drive down to the coast for a thrilling red snapper catch. Whether for sport or leisure—or maybe even supper—Alabama has many options for all your fishing needs.
Seasonality: Year-round
Photo: John Lofton Denney III
Catch a big one
Freshwater
Alabama freshwater fishing will surely get you some great catches. Start fishing at any of our 23 public fishing lakes or scout out your own location. Home to nearly 320 native freshwater fish species, our state offers a wide variety of fish all year long to bring anglers the best catches no matter the season.
Explore some of the best public freshwater fishing spots in our state.
Fayette County Lake
Fayette, AL
Located southeast of Fayette, this 60-acre public lake is open year-round and has many opportunities to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish.
Lake Martin
Central Alabama
The most popular recreational reservoir, Lake Martin boasts over 39,000 acres and over 700 miles of shoreline. Located in Central Alabama, anglers fish a wide variety of species out of the lake, including largemouth bass, Alabama bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and redear sunfish.
Washington County Lake
Millry, AL
Washington County features an 84-acre public lake in Southwest Alabama near Millry. Freshwater fish caught here include bream, channel catfish, crappie and largemouth bass.
Coosa River
Central Alabama
The Coosa River offers many opportunities for anglers. Spanning through five different regions, the river has become a popular choice for freshwater fishing. Wherever you find yourself along the Coosa River, you can find a variety of fish for your next big catch.
Marion County Lake
Guin, AL
This Marion County public fishing lake near Guin spans 37 acres and has fish species including largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and crappie.
*Please check state regulations before fishing, including necessary licenses and freshwater creel and size limits.
Fish down at the coast
Saltwater
Experience the thrill of saltwater fishing along Alabama’s coastline. With more than 100 native marine species in the Gulf of Mexico, an abundance of game fish awaits your hook. And anyone can do it. Bring your own boat, jump on a charter or spend time out by the pier alone or with family and friends. Whatever you’re looking for, our coastal fishing offers year-round opportunities for your best catch.
Head down South and go fishing with some of Alabama’s best saltwater fishing spots.
Lake Shelby Pier
Gulf Shores, AL
Nestled within Gulf State Park, Lake Shelby Pier offers a prime location for saltwater fishing enthusiasts. Extending over the Gulf waters, this pier provides ample space to cast your line and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Alabama’s beautiful waters.
Perdido Pass
Orange Beach, AL
Orange Beach’s Perdido Pass, near the Alabama-Florida border, marks where the calm waters of the bay converge with the Gulf of Mexico. This spot provides a great place for anglers seeking a diverse selection of fish. Pick up redfish, Spanish mackerels, flounder, red snappers and more.
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island, AL
A coastal gem in the Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island offers endless opportunities to reel in your best catch. Whether casting your line from the pier or chartering a boat for deep-sea fishing, Dauphin Island has a wide variety of saltwater species to make any fishing adventure one to remember.
Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan, AL
At the tip of the peninsula, Fort Morgan offers one of the best Gulf Coast fishing experiences. Surf fish along the western end of this sandy beach. Or go inshore fishing in the water network. With many opportunities to cast lines and reel-in a wide variety of species, Fort Morgan provides a perfect location for your next getaway.
Bayou St. John Reef
Orange Beach, AL
Near Orange Beach, this Perdido Bay reef-fishing spot has become a popular option for saltwater anglers. Many travel to the Pier at Waterfront Park to cast their line into the bayou.
*Please check state regulations before fishing, including necessary licenses and saltwater creel and size limits.
Time to fly
Fly Fishing
With a variety of freshwater and saltwater species in Alabama, any time of year offers a great time to fly fish. From trout fishing in Central Alabama to bass fishing up north, our miles of lakes, rivers and streams provide many opportunities to help you get the catches worth celebrating.
Grab your tackle and hit the waters with these great fly fishing spots in our state.
Mud Creek
McCalla, AL
Mud Creek in Tannehill State Park features one of three locations to fish for trout in Alabama, making it a popular destination for fishing rainbow trout. This oasis near McCalla in Central Alabama is a great place to fly fish.
Mobile Tensaw River Delta
Mobile, AL
Fish a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish species in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. A great location to fly fish, this lower Alabama delta has 25,000 acres of water and a variety of fishing areas. Visitors can access the delta from the Bartram Canoe Trail and fish all year long.
Wilson Reservoir
Muscle Shoals, AL
This North Alabama reservoir spans nearly 15,500 acres, offering a great location for anglers to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as catfish on the lake. Find striped bass in the spring, sauger in the winter and blue and channel catfish in the summer months.
Joe Wheeler State Park
Decatur, AL
The second-largest reservoir in the state at Joe Wheeler State Park provides a great place for anglers to cast a line and catch some fish. Anglers can find bass, catfish, bluegill, bream and more in the nearly 70,000 acres of water at Wheeler Lake.
Cahaba River
Central Alabama
The 194-mile-long Cahaba River offers countless opportunities to fly fish. Anglers can reach the Cahaba River at various points across Central Alabama, including the U.S. Highway 280 dam, Lake Purdy and Perry Lake Park.
*Please check state regulations before fishing, including necessary licenses and saltwater creel and size limits.
As you fish, follow leave no trace principles to help keep Alabama beautiful.
Explore Alabama’s Natural Resources
Dive in to all the best places to fish on Alabama’s waters, all in one map.
- Visit one of Alabama’s 23 public fishing lakes.
- Relax on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico as you reel in fish at Perdido Pass.
- Discover the variety of fish species in Alabama’s waterways.
- Find the best place to fly fish along the Cahaba River.
Activities
Find yourself in one of Alabama’s outdoor activities. Whether relaxing on white sandy beaches or hiking up a mountainside, discover your next adventure in Alabama.
