How to Go Fly Fishing in Alabama

Alabama is a fly fishing paradise. With abundant freshwater and saltwater resources, Alabama meets your fly fishing needs. Alabama boasts 47 reservoirs along with multiple mountain streams, wetlands and deltas. Enjoy your fly fishing trip in Alabama by using these tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Fish in Alabama by following the rules. It is not legal to fish all species. The easiest way to avoid breaking these rules and regulations is to become familiar with Alabama's fish population, limits and regulations. Contact the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at [phone] for more information.

2. Pick your destination. Decide whether you want to fish in freshwater or salt water. Alabama offers plenty of opportunities for both types of fishing. However freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing require different licenses. If you only obtain a freshwater license, it is illegal for you to fish in saltwater and vice versa. Figure out where in Alabama you will be fly fishing before obtaining your license. If you want to fish both fresh and salt waters, combination licenses are available.

3. Obtain a license. Alabama requires residents between the ages of 16 and 65 and all non-residents over age 16 to obtain a fishing license. Annual licenses are available as well as seven-day trip licenses. You can purchase freshwater, saltwater or combination licenses. Alabama fishing licenses are available through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or at many Alabama bait and tackle shops.

4. Be safe. Anytime you are fly fishing, outfit yourself properly and protect yourself from the bright sun with polarized sunglasses, a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Avoid fly fishing in the middle of the day, when the sun is the brightest and the glare off the water is at its worst.

5. Consider fly fishing in the lakes of Alabama and the Coosa River. Oak Mountain Lake, outside Birmingham, is known as a classic place you can go to fly fish for bass. Here, you can fish year-round from a float tube but the spring time is usually the most productive. The Coosa River runs through Central Alabama. If you fish here, try using the dragonfly nymph as your fly.

6. Be respectful. Alabama has beautiful rivers, streams, and coastline. Part of your job as a responsible fly fisher is to help keep it that way.

7. Try fly fishing in the tailwaters behind Alabama's dams. These spots are known for good striped bass fly fishing.

Tips & Warnings

• Alabama has good fly fishing conditions year-round, so you can plan your fly fishing vacation whenever it is convenient for you. Guided tours are available for many locations, which may be a good option if you are unfamiliar with the sport or the area.
• Do not litter or throw waste in the water, forests or parklands.
• Do not disturb the other wildlife in the area where you are fly fishing.
• Be aware of other Alabama wildlife when fly fishing, particularly snakes. Although most snakes in Alabama are harmless, it is recommended that fly fishers do not touch or disturb any snakes they may see.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Alabama's fly fishing regulations
• Basic information on Alabama fly fishing