The Tallapoosa River is a picturesque waterway that originates in northwestern Georgia, approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta, before flowing southwesterly across east-central Alabama for 235 miles until joining the Coosa River to form the Alabama River. The river and its watershed cover 4,675 square miles, with 85% of the drainage in Alabama and 15% in Georgia. Running primarily through the Piedmont Upland physiographic region with its complex geology of igneous and metamorphosed sedimentary rock, the Tallapoosa is characterized by physically stable channels with alternating low-gradient areas featuring sand and silt substrates and high-gradient shoal habitats dominated by boulder and bedrock. The river is fragmented by four major impoundments—R.L. Harris (Lake Wedowee), Martin, Yates, and Thurlow. Due to its location in the Piedmont, the Tallapoosa receives relatively few nutrients from natural sources, resulting in clearer water that makes for exceptional fishing visibility but somewhat lower biological productivity compared to other Alabama waterways.
Learn what type of fish are at Tallapoosa River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Micropterus henshalli
Moxostoma duquesnei
Ictalurus furcatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
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 auritus
Lepomis microlophus
Micropterus coosae
Lepomis miniatus
Moxostoma carinatum
Ambloplites ariommus
Alosa chrysochloris
Ictiobus bubalus
Micropterus punctulatus
Lepisosteus oculatus
Minytrema melanops
Lepomis punctatus
Morone saxatilis
Lepomis gulosus
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Morone americana
Ameiurus natalis
Perca flavescens
Learn how to get on Tallapoosa 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 Tallapoosa River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Tallapoosa River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Tallapoosa River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Tallapoosa River.
Tallapoosa River · Below Martin Dam · Alabama Power
Generating today 5:00 AM CST to 11:00 AM CST, up to 2 units
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 9:24 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Tallapoosa River · Below R.L. Harris Dam · Alabama Power
Generating today 5:00 AM CST to 7:00 AM CST, up to 1 unit
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 9:24 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Tallapoosa River · Below Thurlow Dam · Alabama Power
Generating until 9:00 PM CST, up to 1 unit
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 9:24 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Tallapoosa River · Below Yates Dam · Alabama Power
Generating today 3:00 AM CST to 4:00 AM CST, up to 1 unit
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 9:24 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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