Powered by RedCircle
Welcome to the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, presented by Great Days Outdoors Magazine. Each week, host Nick Williams brings you updates from anglers across the state, covering the good, the bad, and the ugly across Alabama’s rivers and lakes.
Conditions Recap
Alabama’s freshwater systems continue to feel the effects of an unusually wet spring and early summer. Record rainfall in May and June led to high, stained water and unpredictable currents across many rivers, particularly the Coosa. While reservoir levels have stabilized somewhat, small creeks and tributaries are still recovering from runoff and debris. Anglers have found success during brief clear-water windows, especially during early morning hours before the heat sets in. Water temps are rising fast, making low-light topwater bites and deep structure fishing the most productive tactics across much of the state.
Coosa River Report with Steven Roberts
Guide Stephen Rockarts with Fly Fishing Alabama returns to talk about a wild spring on the Coosa River. With over 14.5 inches of rain in May alone, water levels have been historically high, disrupting most of the spring bite. Despite the challenging conditions, when the windows of opportunity have opened, the bite has been exceptional. Roberts is optimistic about a “make-up season” this fall, predicting fired-up fish and outstanding topwater action as things settle down.
Steven’s style is to fish aggressively—throwing large streamers on full sink lines and topwater poppers into hard-to-reach areas. He emphasized that adapting technique and focusing on triggering impulse strikes pays off with quality bass. Clients this year have landed fish up to 19.5 inches, and the fall forecast looks excellent as the fish recover from a turbulent spring.
Water Safety & Bacteria Levels with Mobile Baykeeper
Will Strickland, Executive Director of Mobile Baykeepers, joined the show to talk about their Swim Guide water quality monitoring program. Strickland emphasized the importance of testing for bacteria like E. coli and Enterococcus in popular swimming and fishing areas. Heavy rainfall leads to sewage spills and septic system overloads that can result in bacterial spikes—posing risks to swimmers, waders, and anglers alike.
William, currently sidelined from a fishing trip due to a machete injury, explained how poor water quality can impact not just human health, but also fish habitat and oxygen levels. He encouraged all anglers to check the weekly Swim Guide, shower off after being in the water, and consider advocating for investment in infrastructure to reduce contamination in Alabama’s waterways.
Jig Fishing Deep Dive with LS Lures
Hunter Suchsland with LS Lures joined Nick for an in-depth conversation on all things jig fishing. A former collegiate angler and founder of LS Lures, Hunter talked about the importance of head shape, hook strength, and skirt quality in selecting the right jig for bass fishing. His top three for Alabama anglers: a Midwest Flipping Jig, a Swim Jig for grass, and a Football Jig for deeper structure.
Hunter recommends Rage Craw or Menace Grub trailers and says confidence in your casting accuracy is just as important as the bait itself. LS Lures prides itself on hand-tied skirts, epoxy-sealed brush guards, and premium hooks that won’t roll or bend.
Mobile-Tensaw Delta Report with Justin Dunham
Kayak angler Justin Dunham—known online as Eight Mile Drifter—is back in the Delta and planning a trip to Jug Lake for bass and crappie. He’s exploring the new Strike King Tumbleweed bait—a U.S. take on Japan’s OSP Fuzzy Dice—as a potential crappie lure on brush piles. Flounder are also thick around bay marshes, and short marsh creek trips continue to produce table fare.
Justin shares local tactics for navigating the Delta’s gators, finding moving water in places like Bayou Jasmine, and staying cool during mid-summer heat. Check out his channel for upcoming videos on crappie tactics and new gear tests.
Gear & Product Mentions
- Fishbites Baits & Lures – Reliable scent-based baits for fresh and saltwater, proudly made in Florida.
- LS Lures – High-quality hand-tied jigs built for aggressive bass fishing.
- Strike King Tumbleweed – New finesse bait inspired by Japanese design, ideal for panfish and pressured bass.
