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Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report

Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report

By: Nick Williams
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Nick Williams brings you the first local fishing report for Alabama's freshwater lakes, rivers and creeks, whether it’s good, bad, or ugly.

2024 Great Days Outdoors
Episodes
  • Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report September 11-17
    Sep 12 2025

    The Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report is your best source for the Lake Guntersville Fishing Report, Weiss Lake Fishing Report, Lake Eufaula Fishing Report, Mobile Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, and all the creeks, rivers, and reservoirs in between.

    This week we’re starting off with Lee Pitts, who brings us the latest from Weiss Lake. Lee explains that with cooler weather rolling in and the lake beginning its winter drawdown, anglers can look forward to one of the most exciting bites of the year—the fall topwater season. From mid-October into November, spotted bass pile onto shallow flats, stumps, and old home foundations to ambush baitfish. Lee shares that quarter-ounce buzzbaits with nickel blades, trimmed-down skirts, and even small flukes are his go-to lures when the water clears up. He emphasizes the importance of a squeaky buzzbait that throws a bubble trail, comparing the sound to a frequency the bass just can’t stand. Unlike many topwater patterns, this bite often runs all day, especially with a touch of ripple on the water. Lee encourages anglers not to give up if action slows—bass often return in wolfpack fashion once schools of shad move shallow again.

    Next, we head to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, where Darren Shirah reports on his passion for jugging and set-lining for catfish. Darren recently pulled in a 15-pound blue and a 15-pound flathead, showcasing the health of the Delta’s catfish populations. He explains that flatheads are his favorite target, almost always preferring live bait such as bream or croakers, while blues and channels can be taken on cut bait, shrimp, or even mullet. Darren also details his unique brick-and-jug system, which keeps baits positioned just a foot off the bottom, and shares how he tailors hook choice depending on his rig. Safety is a big priority in his approach—he stresses fishing with a partner when possible, always wearing a life jacket, and keeping a sharp knife within reach when working stout limb lines in current. Darren closes by reminding listeners that the Delta is full of big fish opportunities, especially in the fall and early winter, if you’re willing to put in the time and catch fresh bait

    It’s all brought to you, whether it’s good, bad, or ugly. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to text the word “fishing” to (646) 495-9867 or click here to be added to our email list, and we’ll send you the new show each week! All Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report email subscribers receive an AFTCO FREE SUN PROTECTION MASK promo code for any purchase!


    Sponsors

    Dixie Supply

    Bucks Island

    Hiltons Realtime Nav

    Visit Mississippi

    Fishbites

    Killerdock

    L&M Marine

    SE Pond

    Mobile Boat Show

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report September 4-10
    Sep 5 2025

    The Alabama Freshwater Fishing report is your best resource for the Lake Guntersville Fishing Report, Weiss Lake Fishing Report, Lake Eufaula Fishing Report, Mobile Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, and all the creeks, rivers, and reservoirs in between.

    On this week’s Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’ve got a great mix of voices from across the state. We kick things off with newcomer Joshua Walden, who introduces us to the Coosa River below Jordan Dam and shares how spotted bass have been hitting topwater poppers even in low, summer flows. Then we head south to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, where Wayne Miller reports on cooler water temps, early shrimp migrations, and how bass are already keying in on shrimp baits. Finally, Lee Pitts checks in from up north with tips for finding crappie as they begin relating to wood cover, plus why small-profile Itty Bit baits are his go-to as fish transition into fall patterns

    This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re starting things off with a new voice on the show—Joshua Walden, who has recently joined East Alabama Fly Fishing as a guide on the Coosa River below Jordan Dam. Joshua walks us through this beautiful stretch that runs down to downtown Wetumpka, a section more known for kayakers than anglers. He shares why he’s focused his guiding on spotted bass, what it’s like to fish minimum flows on a river that never shuts off, and how he’s been having success with topwater poppers even in the heat of the day. We also hear his story of rediscovering fly fishing, how he came to guide in his home waters, and a few memorable encounters with gar, suckers, and the occasional catfish.

    Next, we swing down to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta where Wayne Miller gives us an encouraging report. A recent cool spell has dropped water temperatures nearly ten degrees, setting off an early jump in fall activity. Wayne explains how these “false fall” conditions can still trigger a real feeding spree, especially as shrimp push up into the river system. He dives into the unique forage base of the Delta, from shad and crawfish to the shrimp that turn bass into predators on a mission. We get tips on fishing DOA shrimp in heavy current, the pros and cons of live versus artificial shrimp, and what kind of structure to look for when the fish are stacked up feeding. Wayne reminds us that the Delta is always changing, and the real key is learning to read spots for current breaks, grass edges, and wood that can hold dozens of fish when the timing is right.

    We close out the show with Lee Pitts, who checks in from up north with a look at the early fall crappie bite. Lee admits the cool weather has him thinking as much about deer stands as fishing, but he’s still been on the water and shares what he’s seeing. Fish are starting to relate more to wood cover, and he’s been catching a mix of crappie, catfish, and white bass on both live bait and Bobby Garland Itty Bit baits. He breaks down how he fishes tiny finesse offerings like the Itty Bit Mayfly and Slab Slayer around brush piles and standing timber, why smaller profiles can be the ticket in pressured waters, and how to tweak your setup for the delicate bites of early fall. Lee also explains what signals he watches for as the season shifts, from shorter daylight hours to wads of shad forming, and where anglers should look this week for the best chance at a few fish.

    It's all brought to you, whether it's good, bad, or ugly. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don't forget to text the word "fishing" to (646) 495-9867 or click here to be added to our email list, and we'll send you the new show each week! All Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report email subscribers receive an AFTCO FREE SUN PROTECTION MASK promo code for any purchase!


    Sponsors

    Dixie Supply

    Bucks Island

    Hiltons Realtime Nav

    Visit Mississippi

    Fishbites

    Killerdock

    L&M Marine

    SE Pond

    Mobile Boat

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report August 28-September 3
    Aug 29 2025

    The Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report is your go-to source for the Lake Guntersville Fishing Report, Weiss Lake Fishing Report, Lake Eufaula Fishing Report, Mobile-Tensaw Delta Fishing Report, and all the creeks, rivers, and reservoirs in between.

    This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, host Nick Williams brings you a jam-packed episode featuring in-depth conversations with local experts and passionate anglers from across the state.

    First up, Nick catches up with Jason Bagala, a seasoned outdoorsman whose journey has taken him from the marshes of Louisiana to the deep, clear waters of North Alabama’s Smith Lake and Guntersville. Jason shares his unique perspective on adapting to new fisheries, the challenges of learning deep reservoir fishing, and how he’s overhauled his approach and gear—including his experiences with live scope technology and the ever-present boat maintenance woes. He breaks down the differences between fishing in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and offers a detailed report on the current bite at Guntersville, including tips on chasing schooling bass, frog fishing, and the importance of current and generation schedules.

    Next, Nick welcomes Darren Shirah, creator of the Real Time Outdoors with Darren YouTube channel and a lifelong angler with over 50 years of experience on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Darren shares his favorite spots in the middle Delta, his go-to baits like the beetle spin and purple worm, and his philosophy on sharing knowledge with the next generation of anglers. The conversation covers everything from bluegill and bass tactics to crabbing, wild hog hunting, and the joys of keeping fishing simple and family-friendly. Darren also discusses the seasonal transition into fall, the impact of tides, and his approach to balancing hunting and fishing as the weather cools.

    Rounding out the episode, Nick and Peter Jordan dive into finesse fly fishing for late summer and early fall bass in Alabama’s clear, low-water creeks. They discuss the importance of downsizing presentations, mastering the dead drift, and the subtle art of fly selection and leader setup. The segment is packed with practical tips for both fly and conventional anglers, including stealth, casting accuracy, and adapting to changing water conditions.

    Throughout the show, you’ll hear about the unique fishing culture of Alabama, the value of local knowledge, and the endless opportunities for anglers of all backgrounds. Whether you’re chasing bass on Guntersville, bluegill in the Delta, or exploring new fly fishing techniques, this episode has something for everyone.

    It's all brought to you, whether it's good, bad, or ugly. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don't forget to text the word "fishing" to (646) 495-9867 or click here to be added to our email list, and we'll send you the new show each week! All Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report email subscribers receive an AFTCO FREE SUN PROTECTION MASK promo code for any purchase!


    Sponsors

    Dixie Supply

    Bucks Island

    Hiltons Realtime Nav

    Visit Mississippi

    Fishbites

    Killerdock

    L&M Marine

    SE Pond

    Mobile Boat

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 28 mins
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