Where are the best places to Fly Fish in Alabama?

Alabama is a great state for fly fishing, with a diverse range of waterways offering opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. From the streams of the northern Appalachians to the coastal rivers and bays, Alabama has plenty of places to explore.

One of the most popular fly fishing destinations in Alabama is the Little River, a tributary of the Tennessee River that runs through DeKalb and Cherokee Counties in the northeast corner of the state. The Little River is known for its clear water and excellent fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass. Anglers can access the river at several points along Highway 35, and there are also several public access points within the Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Another popular fly fishing destination in Alabama is the Sipsey River, which flows through the Bankhead National Forest in the north-central part of the state. The Sipsey is a designated Wild and Scenic River and is known for its beautiful scenery and excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass. The river is best accessed via the Sipsey River Trail, which follows the river for several miles and offers excellent opportunities for wading and fishing.

In the central part of the state, the Cahaba River is a popular destination for fly fishing. The Cahaba is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama and is known for its beautiful scenery and excellent fishing for redeye, spotted, and largemouth bass, as well as a variety of panfish. The river is easily accessed from several points along Highway 280 and also has several public access points within the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge.

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is another popular fly fishing destination in Alabama. This vast estuary system covers over 250,000 acres and includes several major rivers and numerous creeks and bayous. The delta is home to a wide variety of fish species, including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead, and offers excellent opportunities for sight fishing and casting to tailing fish. Anglers can access the delta from several points along the Mobile Causeway and also from several public boat launches.

In addition to these popular destinations, Alabama has many other excellent fly fishing opportunities, including several smaller streams and tributaries that offer excellent fishing for a variety of trout and warmwater species. The state also has several well-stocked ponds and lakes that offer excellent fishing for panfish, bass, and other species.