The Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River offers anglers a unique fishing experience in Alabama. Located below the 300-foot high Smith Lake dam, this tailwater fishery is Alabama's only year-round trout fishing destination. Since 1974, rainbow trout have been stocked in the cold waters of the Sipsey Fork, which remain below 70 degrees year-round due to water being drawn from deep below Smith Lake's surface. The clear water discharged through two turbines creates ideal conditions for supporting a rainbow trout population. The river features varying widths from 75-100 feet wide in many sections and resembles many trout streams found in the southern Appalachians with its combination of riffles, runs, and pools.
Learn what type of fish are at Sipsey Fork and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Micropterus henshalli
Moxostoma duquesnei
Ictalurus furcatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Esox niger
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Aplodinotus grunniens
Moxostoma erythrurum
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis megalotis
Lepisosteus osseus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis microlophus
Micropterus coosae
Moxostoma carinatum
Ambloplites ariommus
Micropterus punctulatus
Minytrema melanops
Morone saxatilis
Lepomis gulosus
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Ameiurus natalis
Learn how to get on Sipsey Fork. 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 Sipsey Fork to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Sipsey Fork to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Sipsey Fork and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Sipsey Fork.
Sipsey Fork · Below Lewis Smith Dam · Alabama Power
Generating tomorrow 6:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST, up to 1 unit
Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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