The Alabama River flows through the heart of the state, originating just north of Montgomery where the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers join near the Fall Line. This 318-mile waterway winds its way south until it meets the Tombigbee River to form the Mobile River. The Alabama River is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with three major lock and dam systems: Jones Bluff (R.E. Bob Woodruff), Millers Ferry (William Bill Dannelly), and Claiborne. These create a series of reservoirs that provide excellent fishing opportunities while maintaining commercial navigation downstream of Montgomery. The river system offers diverse habitats that support both freshwater and saltwater species, making it a premier fishing destination in the Southeast.
Learn what type of fish are at Alabama River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Micropterus henshalli
Alosa alabamae
Atractosteus spatula
Ictalurus furcatus
Cycleptus elongatus
Oreochromis aureus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Esox niger
Ictalurus punctatus
Pylodictis olivaris
Centrarchus macropterus
Aplodinotus grunniens
Moxostoma erythrurum
Esox americanus
Lepomis cyanellus
Carpiodes velifer
Lepomis megalotis
Lepisosteus osseus
Lepomis humilis
Polyodon spathula
Carpiodes cyprinus
Lepomis microlophus
Lepomis miniatus
Moxostoma carinatum
Ambloplites ariommus
Alosa chrysochloris
Ictiobus bubalus
Micropterus punctulatus
Lepisosteus oculatus
Minytrema melanops
Morone saxatilis
Lepomis gulosus
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Morone mississippiensis
Learn how to get on Alabama River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
A License Information Packet can be viewed for each license for information, laws and regulations.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
The public can float waterways that meet various standards, but generally include all those capable of floating commercial logs outside of flood seasons. Boaters may not walk on private streambeds or access navigable waters through private lands, unless there is no posted signage stating the land is private. Portage is only permitted in an emergency.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Alabama River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Alabama River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Alabama River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Alabama River.
Alabama River · Below Millers Ferry Lock and Dam · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District
Generating tomorrow 2:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST, up to 72 MW
Forecast updated today at 9:24 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Alabama River · Below R.F. Henry Lock and Dam · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District
Generating tomorrow 4:00 PM CST to 9:00 PM CST, up to 81 MW
Forecast updated today at 9:24 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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