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This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, host Nick Williams checks in with three contributors from across the state: Steve “Graz” Graziano of Lake Eufaula, Dip McMillan covering the Mobile–Tensaw Delta, and Stephen Rockarts of the Cahaba River. With winter settling in, all three anglers report shifting patterns, aggressive feeding windows, and some of the best opportunities of the year to connect with quality bass, slab crappie, and even big blue catfish.
Conditions Recap
Across Alabama, anglers are transitioning into winter patterns. Water temperatures range from the low 60s and falling, with the best action generally starting once temps hit the 50s. Lake Eufaula water levels remain unusually high due to upriver dam work, while the Mobile–Tensaw Delta is the driest many hunters and anglers have seen in more than a decade. Clear water and low flow have pushed fish tight to structure or deeper holes depending on the system. Bait migration—especially threadfin shad—remains the primary driver of bass movement statewide.
Lake Eufaula Report – Steve “Graz” Graziano
After weeks of warm weather and elevated water, Lake Eufaula is finally shifting into its classic late-fall pattern. Graz reports that the moving-bait bite is officially on, replacing the slower jig, Carolina rig, and shaky head presentations that dominated earlier in the fall.
Fish are pushing shallow into drains, ditches, and the mouths of creeks as threadfin shad migrate inward. With water temps recently at 62 degrees and falling, the bite should only improve as temperatures drop into the 50s.
Recommended Gear & Techniques:
- Shallow & medium crankbaits such as the Dime 6 and Dime 10
- Lipless crankbaits and chatterbaits
- Jerkbaits fished over shallow drains
- Wobble Head jig presentations when the reaction bite slows
Graz is using Humminbird Mega Live to locate bait, not to target individual fish—preferring traditional patterning over forward-facing sonar sniping. When you find the bait, you find the bass. Expect fish to group up heavily as temps drop.
Mobile–Tensaw Delta Report – Dip McMillan
Cold weather arrived just in time for the duck opener and for a serious uptick in Delta fishing. Though the Delta remains extremely low and surprisingly clear, Dip found an outstanding bite this week while fishing structure in 8–12 feet of water.
Crappie and bass were stacked on submerged timber along a 300-yard stretch, and every fish he hooked came out of cover with aggression.
Recommended Gear & Techniques:
- ATX Flat Tail from Bob’s Bait & Tackle
- Natural, shad-matching color patterns like Old Smokey
- Side scan to locate submerged logs, blowdowns, and timber
Dip also reports a strong catfish bite on drifting jugs in the Mobile River. Using skipjack as bait, he landed over 100 pounds recently—including a fish topping 30 pounds.
Dip’s annual Dippy Outdoors Youth Squirrel Hunt takes place this weekend at Hubbard’s Landing, with major support from sponsors such as Bob’s Bait & Tackle, Riverside Landscaping, Guard Law, and Shotgun BBQ.
Cahaba River Report – Stephen Rockarts
Stephen had an unforgettable float trip on the Cahaba River, landing a 21.75-inch, 4 lb 12 oz Alabama Bass—a true trophy for a small-creek system. Using a heavy sink-line setup and a large Kinky Muddler streamer, he targeted deep pockets, rock shelves, and prime ambush points.
This time of year, he focuses on big-fish patterns rather than numbers, using flies that push water and trigger reaction strikes. Water clarity was excellent, and the combination of stable flow, cold temps, and reduced pressure created ideal conditions.
Recommended Gear & Techniques:
- 8-weight rod with full sink line
- Large-profile streamers that move water
- Short leader (20 lb fluorocarbon) nail-knotted directly to fly line
- Slow swings and erratic retrieves to trigger big bass
Trips are already filling fast for spring. Book through Fly Fishing Alabama.
