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This week, host Nick Williams checks in with Capt. Stephen Rockarts, Justin Dunham, and Rowell Guevarra to get the latest on Alabama’s rivers, creeks, and reservoirs. From fly-fishing small bugs on the Cahaba, to frog-busting bass in the Delta, to red-eye bass feeding on crawfish in the Tallapoosa, anglers are finding ways to make the most of low water and cool mornings.
Conditions Recap
The early fall transition is underway across Alabama’s freshwater systems. Cool mornings and dry conditions have kept water levels low and clear, especially on rivers like the Cahaba and Tallapoosa. These conditions make for excellent sight-fishing but can also make fish a little spooky. Downsizing baits and flies, slowing down retrieves, and paying attention to subtle environmental cues are key to finding success this week. The fall bite is strengthening, and with fewer anglers on the water, this is a great time to explore and scout new runs before winter rains set in.
Cahaba River Report with Stephen Rockarts
Capt. Stephen Rockarts reports solid fishing on the Cahaba despite very low, clear water. Topwater is still producing early and late, but downsizing flies has been the key. Stephen recommends smaller bluegill bugs, size 8 or even 10, paired with a nymph dropper to cover both surface and subsurface feeders.
He’s been tying compact flies using materials like turkey tail and hog hair for more natural movement and has noticed that bass and bream alike respond well to subtle presentations in clear conditions. Dragonfly nymphs and small woolly buggers tied sparsely are excellent crossover flies for both species.
Stephen also discussed the importance of scouting during low water. “This is the best time of year to learn your runs,” he says. “Find your deep pools, mark your drop-offs, and you’ll be ready when the rains return.” His best advice for this weekend: slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and “feed the fish.”
Mobile-Tensaw Delta Report with Justin Dunham
Guide and YouTuber Justin Dunham checked in from the lower Delta, where water levels remain low but the frog bite is heating up. He plans to focus on grass and pad fields this week, fishing hollow-body frogs and his favorite topwater hybrid, the Zoo Pup by Snag Proof. Justin likes to tweak his lures for better hook-ups, even boiling soft plastics to improve action.
For those fishing tight cover from small boats or kayaks, Justin recommends shorter pistol-grip rods paired with 50-pound braid for pinpoint accuracy and power when pulling fish from heavy structure.
He also noted that flounder fishing is picking up as they begin their fall migration. Anglers should look to creeks, bridge pilings, and dock edges during good moving tides for a chance at big “doormat” flounder.
Support Justin’s work by following his YouTube channel, where he recently reached monetization with 1,000 subscribers.
Tallapoosa River Report with Rowell Guevarra
Rowell Guevarra reports that the Tallapoosa River is extremely low and clear due to ongoing drought conditions, but fishing remains excellent for those willing to adapt. Redeye and spotted bass are feeding heavily, gorging on crawfish and small baitfish as they fatten up for winter.
Roel advises anglers to size down to natural-colored flies, such as pine or rust, in sizes 6–8. His go-to subsurface choice is a Slump Buster, which mimics a fleeing crawfish when stripped in short, erratic six-inch pulls. Baitfish patterns are also effective, particularly when fished with pauses to mimic a struggling minnow.
He notes that October through early December is prime time for big fish, even if total numbers slow down later in the fall. Anglers looking for a fun, technical challenge should bring a 4-weight fly rod — it’s light enough for the feisty sunfish that share the river but strong enough to handle 16-inch spots.
With fewer anglers and mild weather, Roel calls fall “the best season to experience the Tallapoosa.” Trips can be booked through East Alabama Fly Fishing or via his social media pages under “Roel on the River.”
