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This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, host Nick Williams welcomes back Lee Pitts for a rundown on fishing the Coosa chain during the summer heat. Then, Peter Jordan joins the show to break down highlights from ICAST and share his top warm-weather strategies for fly and conventional anglers. If you’re looking to stay cool and catch fish, this episode is packed with practical advice, tackle talk, and topwater fun.
Conditions Recap
We’re on the other side of the July 4th rush, and while the crowds have thinned out, the heat hasn’t let up. Water levels across the state are stabilizing after a rainy spring, and oxygen levels remain strong. Anglers are advised to start early, beat the heat, and take advantage of morning feeding windows. Coosa chain lakes like Weiss, Logan Martin, and Lay Lake are fishing well with healthy water flow and good water color. Vegetation is light compared to TVA lakes, but fish are still relating well to grass and docks, especially with a little shade.
Coosa Chain Morning Bites with Lee Pitts
Lee Pitts reports that early morning is the name of the game when chasing fish on the Coosa chain. While it’s not peak crappie season, anglers are still picking up a few while targeting white bass and striped bass in schooling action. Using electronics to find bait and tossing Little George spoons or jigging spoons has been highly productive.
The bass bite is also solid. Shallow docks and bank grass—particularly duckweed and river grass—are holding healthy largemouth and spotted bass in 3-6 feet of water. Most docks have brush nearby, making them prime ambush points.
Even as temperatures climb, Lee stresses that some bass stay shallow year-round. The key is shade and wood. For anglers transitioning from a grass-focused approach, now’s the time to downsize gear and prep for deeper structure fishing with shaky heads, drop shots, and other finesse rigs.
Gear Recommendations:
- Jigging Spoons
- Little George Spoons
- Shaky Heads
- Drop Shot Rigs
- Braid for grass and docks, Mono or Fluoro for finesse
ICAST & TFO Gear Spotlight with Peter Jordan
Peter Jordan checks in from the Alabama Gulf Coast after attending ICAST in Orlando. While the show was a bit smaller than in previous years, the gear on display was top-notch. Electronics and trolling motors stood out, with strong showings from brands like Lowrance, Simrad, and Impulse Lithium.
Peter reps TFO (Temple Fork Outfitters) and highlighted several new product launches. Of note:
- Pilot Kit: Replaces the NXT combo and is a solid entry-level setup.
- Dispatch Kit: A mid-range combo featuring a sealed aluminum reel and quality fly line—ideal for anglers who want to skip the “beginner gear” learning curve.
- The Moment: TFO’s new flagship fly rod featuring Kevlar reinforcement, graphene construction, and unsanded blanks for strength and fast recovery. With premium components, it competes with $1,000+ rods at a $650 price point.
Gear Recommendation:
If you’re in the market for a versatile 6-weight fly rod that can handle everything from small stream bluegill to coastal redfish and speckled trout, the TFO Moment is a standout performer.
Gulf Coast River Fishing Tips
Peter has been fishing topwater patterns on Alabama’s coastal rivers and creeks like the Perdido and Styx. With summer heat in full swing, he recommends getting out early or late and targeting heavy cover near inflows of fresh water. In the Delta, the frog bite has been strong and productive.
Fly anglers are doing well with terrestrial patterns, poppers, and sliders. With stained water conditions, fish are more aggressive and less selective. The trick? Hit the bank. If your fly or lure isn’t bouncing off wood or cypress knees, you’re not close enough.
Top Fly Tactics:
- Dead-drift terrestrials
- Sliders over poppers in slow-moving creeks
- Work pools from back to front
- Use heavier tippet to yank flies from thick bank vegetation
Looking ahead, Peter suggests that the TFO Solution fly rod—with its more moderate action—is ideal for those wanting to cast heavy streamers later in the season.
