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This week, host Nick Williams is joined by three of Alabama’s top contributors for summer freshwater fishing: Peter John Cole, Tony Adams, and Dip McMillan. From the gin-clear tributaries of the Black Warrior and Cahaba Rivers to the deep brush piles of Lake Eufaula and the moving tides of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the action is heating up—and not just the temperatures. The guests share tactical summer tips, fly and gear recommendations, and updates on upcoming events, including the much-anticipated Dipp Outdoors Kids Tournament.
Conditions Recap
Extreme summer heat continues to dominate conditions across the state, with real-feel temps regularly topping 108 degrees. Rivers like the Black Warrior and Cahaba are gin-clear and running low, concentrating fish into specific holding zones. In contrast, deeper lakes like Eufaula are seeing fair early morning and late afternoon bites, with fish tightening up to structure due to heat and predator pressure. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta and Alabama River systems are benefiting from outgoing tides, with fish aggressively feeding in mudflats and creek mouths during low water.
Central Alabama: Black Warrior & Cahaba River Report with Peter John Cole
Peter John Cole of Fly Fishing Alabama reports that the Black Warrior and Cahaba systems are fishing incredibly well despite the heat. Alabama bass are feeding aggressively in creeks and tributaries, especially in shaded pockets, outside creek bends, and rocky ledges. One productive outing yielded over 100 fish in a day.
Top Gear Tip: Peter and his crew have had tremendous success on small Kreelex flies tied on size 10 hooks, especially in brown and pink. These flashy flies, fished on a 3-weight fly rod with a Cortland Bass Bug Line and custom-tied leaders using Scientific Anglers 25lb micro swivels, have been deadly. The presentation relies on a “strip-pause” technique to trigger strikes.
Peter emphasizes proper boat positioning and long casting angles, especially in gin-clear water where fish are spookier. Clear water has led to sight fishing opportunities, making technical casting and leader setup even more crucial.
Southeast Alabama: Lake Eufaula Crappie Report with Tony Adams
Captain Tony Adams reports that the crappie bite on Lake Eufaula remains fair, especially early and late in the day. Fish are holding tight to structure and brush piles, and the key is mobility—hit a spot, fish for 5–10 minutes, then move on. Alligator gar have been harassing crappie schools, pushing them tighter to cover and killing bite windows in some areas.
Live bait tips: Use frozen water bottles to chill minnow buckets, keeping them lively in the extreme heat. Jig fishing has also been productive, but again, staying on the move is essential.
South Alabama: Mobile-Tensaw Delta & Alabama River Report with Dip McMillan
Dip McMillan reports fantastic action on both the upper Tensaw and the Alabama River. Fish are staging in 8–12 feet of water, and outgoing tides have been the key to big bites. On recent trips, Dip and others have caught high numbers of quality black crappie using baits that mimic shad, including his signature Dippin’ Tensaw Special.
Tactical Tip: Spider rigging with minnows and jigs has proven highly effective for covering water and capitalizing on roaming fish. Dip also uses forward-facing sonar to pick off individual roaming fish when spider rigging isn’t an option.
Event Spotlight: Don’t miss the 8th Annual Dippi Outdoors Kids Tournament at Hubbard’s Landing next Saturday. Registration is open on-site before 10:30 a.m. Every child receives a free rod, reel, and tackle box, plus lunch and snow cones. Over 180 kids expected!
