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This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, host Nick Williams is joined by guides Clayton Batts and Andre Davis to break down what’s working across the state. Whether you’re targeting ledge bass on Lake Eufaula or chasing spotted bass and redbreast with streamers in the Black Warrior watershed, the bite is hot—literally and figuratively. From live bait techniques to fly patterns, this episode is packed with tactical insight for anglers of all skill levels.
Conditions Recap
Surface temps are peaking around 92°F across much of the state, especially on Lake Eufaula. Afternoon rain and increased generation are creating current and improving the ledge bite. Water levels dropped last week to 188 but have risen again with recent storms. In central Alabama, many rivers and creeks are seeing slightly stained conditions with plenty of water in the system, making this an excellent time for streamers and subsurface fly presentations.
Lake Eufaula Bass Report with Clayton Batts
Clayton Batts reports that the ledge bite is back on. Bass that had been scattered in timber and shallow structure are now grouping up offshore—particularly on “sneaky stuff” like secondary ledges and subtle breaks in 30–35 feet of water. This offshore structure is producing both numbers and size.
Gear Tip: Clayton prefers targeting deeper structure with electronics and dragging baits like big worms and jigs. Forward-facing sonar has been key to success in finding isolated fish off the main river ledge.
Trips are most productive during power generation windows, especially in the afternoon. Clayton’s most popular trip is six hours starting just after daylight, though evening trips during generation are also strong. He notes many clients, especially those from cooler climates, tap out after four hours due to the extreme heat.
Fly Fishing Update with Andre Davis
Live from the water, Andre Davis brings a fly fishing report from the central Alabama region, including the Black Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa, and Coosa River systems. The bite has been phenomenal on stained and cloudy days—ideal streamer conditions.
Andre recommends the Clawdad (CRA Legs fly) in copper over gold, which is producing spotted bass, redbreast, longear, and more in almost every watershed he’s fished recently.
Gear Tip: Don’t tie your own flies? Most shops carry CRA Legs in size 4 or 6. For leaders, Andre recommends building a 3-section leader: 20 lb. Amnesia → 15 lb. Maxima Chameleon → 12 lb. Trilene XL. This setup turns over streamers well and can be tied in advance with just a little couch time practice on your blood knot.
Andre also shares details about local fly tying nights hosted at Cahaba Brewing Company and the importance of learning fundamental skills like knot tying and leader construction to maximize time on the water.
