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This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, host Nick Williams sits down with Dr. Matthew Lewis to talk about his newly released book on fly fishing in Alabama — the first of its kind dedicated solely to the state’s diverse fly-fishing opportunities. The two discuss Alabama’s incredible river systems, gear recommendations for new anglers, and how Lewis’s book celebrates both the biodiversity and community that make Alabama such a special place for fly fishing.
Conditions Recap
As fall continues across Alabama, freshwater conditions are favorable statewide. Rivers such as the Coosa, Tallapoosa, and Choctawhatchee are running clear, and with cooling water temperatures, fish activity has been steady. Anglers are finding success targeting bass and panfish in the free-flowing sections of these systems, while smaller creeks and tributaries are showing excellent visibility—ideal for fly fishing. With the leaves turning and flows moderating after recent rains, now’s a prime time to explore some of the state’s scenic waterways before winter sets in.
Fly Fishing Alabama – with Dr. Matthew Lewis
This week’s feature guest, Dr. Matthew Lewis, joined Nick to discuss his book published by Stackpole Books—a comprehensive guide to fly fishing in Alabama. The book is the first to focus exclusively on the art, science, and culture of fly fishing in the state. According to Lewis, it’s both a how-to and a love letter to Alabama’s rivers, from the Tennessee River system in the north to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta on the Gulf Coast.
Lewis explained that the book combines practical instruction—covering flies, tackle, and seasonal strategies—with an appreciation for Alabama’s rich biodiversity. Drawing inspiration from Ed Mashburn’s classic Fishing in Alabama, Lewis wanted to highlight lesser-known streams and watersheds, such as the Conecuh, Perdido, and Sepulga rivers, that often go overlooked by traditional fishing media.
He emphasized that Alabama’s river systems, particularly the Coosa River, represent the state’s diversity in microcosm. The Coosa’s waters flow from rocky mountain streams to cypress-lined lowlands, offering anglers everything from red-eye bass in the upper stretches to brim and Alabama bass in the mid and lower reaches.
Gear Talk: Fly Fishing Made Simple
When it comes to gear, Dr. Lewis reminds anglers that fly fishing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. For most of Alabama’s warmwater streams, he recommends a 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod paired with a simple floating weight-forward line. While Nick admitted a personal preference for a 6-weight setup, both agreed that anglers can cover nearly all of Alabama’s freshwater species with one versatile rod.
Lewis stressed that new fly anglers don’t need elaborate accessories or trout-style gadgets. “A fly rod, a spool of monofilament, and a handful of poppers can take you a long way in Alabama,” he said. Simplicity, he added, not only makes the sport more accessible but better fits the laid-back, exploratory spirit of warmwater fishing in the South.
Culture, Conservation, and Alabama’s Fly Fishing Future
Beyond techniques and tackle, Lewis’s book shines a light on Alabama’s growing fly fishing community — from guides and educators to homegrown fly tiers making their mark nationally. He also discusses the delicate balance between sharing access information and protecting small, sensitive streams. The book includes public access points but avoids “spot burning,” focusing instead on broader river systems and the importance of stewardship.
Nick and Lewis also delved into the state’s incredible aquatic biodiversity, touching on the rich variety of insects, crayfish, and other forage species that support Alabama’s freshwater fisheries. Both agreed that Alabama’s waters can rival any destination in the country for beauty and opportunity—and that growing awareness among local anglers will help sustain that heritage.
Where to Find the Book
Alabama’s Best Fly Fishing by Dr. Matthew Lewis was released April 15 from Stackpole Books and can be purchased through major retailers like Amazon, Books-A-Million, and Barnes & Noble, as well as Orvis stores across Alabama. Signed copies will be available directly through Dr. Lewis during his upcoming book tour this spring and summer.
