Fishing in Gadsden, Alabama, is an adventure many anglers look forward to. Once the spring season begins, anglers occupy this region’s lakes, creeks, and rivers. With the city approving 7 tournaments suitable for junior and senior anglers in 2023, Gadsden seems to be a popular angler’s gathering place.
With the exciting tournaments motivating and promoting fishing in Gadsden, Alabama, we couldn’t help but get our reels and explore the area. The Gadsden area features some of the best fisheries in the US. If you’re visiting the city, learn about all the hidden gems and the best fishing lake in Gadsden, AL.
Gadsden, Alabama Fishing Spots
Gadsden’s lakes, rivers, and streams offer some of the best fishing spots. You can access some of the most beautiful areas around the city in just an hour’s ride or less. Here are some of our favorite places you cannot miss.
Neely Henry Lake
The first stop for any angler is the Neely Henry Lake – built in 1966 on the impediment of the Coosa River. It is only a 20-minute ride south from Gadsden by AL–77 highway. If you are looking for a fishing experience similar to that of a creek or river, try the area from the Weiss Dam to the Hwy 77 bridge. However, if you want a more lake-like fishing experience, then you can go from the HWY 77 bridge to the Neely Henry Dam. This area is more reminiscent of a lake.
The lake is more than 11,000 acres, meaning there’s room for plenty of fish. The predominant fish species you can find here are spotted bass, crappie, largemouth bass, striper, and catfish. Neely Henry Lake also boasts the exclusive Coosa Spot bass, a spotted bass breed with the temperament of a largemouth. Anglers say that the challenge the Coosa Spot poses is only for the most skilled and patient angler. Therefore, if you want to test your skills, you have a great opportunity to do so against this unique breed.
Coosa River
The Coosa River is considered Alabama’s most developed river. Coosa begins at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers in Georgia and ends in Alabama’s capital, Montgomery, where it meets the Tallapoosa River.
The Coosa River offers a rich fish population, exciting opportunities, and beautiful landscapes to explore. Despite enjoying a fishing trip along the river, every angler has to see the breathtaking beauty of the nature surrounding the Coosa River.
Fans of river fishing will surely enjoy the Coosa River, which has a lot to offer. Coosa is considered the place of Alabama’s most productive white bass spawning runs in spring. Anglers can’t get enough of the continuous fishing action and the fight this fish species provides.
Coosa River has an abundance of common fish types, like:
- Black crappie
- Grass Carp
- Channel, blue, and flathead catfish
- Smallmouth Buffalo
- Gar
- Stripped, largemouth, spotted, white, and yellow bass
- Redbreast, redear, and green sunfish
- Bluegill
- Freshwater drum
Black Creek
Black Creek is one of the most beautiful fishing areas near Gadsden. The creek flows through Noccalula Falls Park and is only a few minutes away from downtown Gadsden. The place offers stunning nature and the possibility to enjoy many fun outdoor activities nearby. If you’re looking for areas to spend some quality time with your family, you’ll have plenty of things to do in Black Creek.
Fishing is also an option in Black Creek, where the most interesting, compelling, and thrilling trout challenge awaits. Rainbow trouts are the predominant fish population at Black Creek and are basically the rulers of this area. The Black Creek trout are known for their temperament and are always ready for some action. Fly-fishing is quite popular here, so if you want to improve your game, there is no better place than Black Creek.
However, Black Creek’s strict fishing policy differs from other Gadsden, AL, fishing laws. A special trout fishing permit is required to fish within the Noccalula Falls Park, in addition to the regular Alabama fishing license. Before organizing a fishing trip to Black Creek, make sure you know all the laws and regulations to avoid hefty fines.
Lake Guntersville
Lake Guntersville is a 45-minute drive northwest of Gadsden. Don’t let the timing discourage you because it’s worth all the trouble. The lake offers many outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, camping, boating, golfing, and eagle-watching. That’s all due to the fertile flora and fauna around Lake Guntersville.
The lake is just as fertile as the surrounding soil. The dense vegetation of Milfoil and Hydrilla Weed is usually the best habitat for largemouth bass. The bass thrives and governs the lake, but you’ll also find crappie, catfish, bream, bluegill, redear, sunfish, and saugers.
Fishing regulations differ here, so come informed and prepared. Anglers come here for the aggressive action-packed largemouth bass fishing; many offer tournaments.
Big Wills Creek Campground & Tubing
Big Wills Creek Campground and Tubing is only a 15-minute drive west of Gadsden. It’s the ideal weekend getaway for an adventurous fishing trip. The creek offers many access points – you can wade into the river to fish or get a kayak or paddle boat. Every access point is well-marked, so you will easily find your way around.
The creek’s currents are super fast, offering the perfect conditions for fly fishing. The predominant fish population in Big Wills is bass, catfish, and panfish. Many anglers come here for the bass fishing adventure and the area’s beautiful nature. Big Wills also offers camping options where anglers can gather to fish together.
Fish Species in Gadsden, Alabama
Gadsden is home to a variety of fish species. It offers favorable conditions for many predators that seem to thrive in Alabama waters. Below, we’ll discuss the most popular fish species in Gadsden and what makes them an interesting catch.
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass is a predator fish that prefers densely vegetative areas to hide and wait for prey. Nocturnal fish feed at night, so the best fishing hours would be either late in the evening or very early in the morning.
Anglers who prefer late-night fishing can go kayaking or paddling, as largemouths are most likely to be found in the middle of the lake, searching for food. Wading fishing is best in the early hours, when the bass return to their hiding places. The usual spots where you can find largemouth bass are near the bank, in bushes, or in rocks.
Spotted Bass
The spotted bass may be related to the largemouth bass, but some differences still set them apart as a distinct breed. The main difference is the habitat. Unlike the largemouth bass, which can dwell in murky waters, the spotted bass prefers exclusively clean and clear water conditions. Spotted bass cannot live in streams since they prefer still water. Similar to the largemouth bass, the spotted bass is a predatory fish that feeds on smaller fish and is not as large.
Crappie
Crappies are also predatory fish that enjoy murky waters and sandy bottoms. They are primarily found in natural lakes with sandy bottoms, where they usually hide, or in reservoirs with pond-like conditions.
Crappies do not enjoy high streams so you can find them in rivers or creeks only during spawning season. They will deliver the new crappies to a creek and may move to calmer areas. The thing about crappies is that they are schooling fish, meaning if you find one crappie, chances are you’ve hit a crappie hotspot.
Catfish
Catfish is one of the most appealing and exciting game fish in US waters. Anglers have difficulty catching these species because they grow to trophy or gigantic sizes, and each catfish breed requires special attention to trick. Expect a lot of resistance and fighting back once they’re hooked.
Catfish have great adaptability, allowing them to adjust to both murky and clear water. Their behavior depends significantly on where they live. To catch a catfish, educate yourself and explore the habits of Gadsden Al fishing. The fun fact about catfish is that they have outstanding smell and taste senses that help them when they hunt.
Rainbow Trout
Usually, many Gadsden, Alabama, fishing spots in the river are home to the famous rainbow trout. This type of fish lives in creeks and rivers, making it the most sought-after fish for fly fishing. The rainbow trout feeds on aquatic fleas or smaller fish, and only mature rainbow trout feed on smaller fish.
Gadsden, Alabama, Fishing Regulations
When embarking on a Gadsden, Alabama, fishing adventure, everyone must follow the general regulations. There are also additional local fishing regulations that may apply and be followed.
Let’s start with fishing permits. Alabama residents don’t need to purchase a license, and those over 64 years, with a valid ID, also don’t need a fishing license. Any person over 16 must have a valid fishing license to fish in saltwater. The Gadsden, Alabama, fishing guides state that Alabama anglers fishing in freshwater using live bait do not need a fishing license.
Some regulations may include not exceeding the daily limit for the given fish, the methods of fishing, such as having one rod per person, or specific kinds of rods allowed.
Before going fishing, always check the Gadsden, Alabama, fishing regulations, as they differ by state.
Tips for Fishing in Gadsden, Alabama
Gadsden, Alabama, bass fishing opens on May 1st and continues through late fall. During this period, you have plenty of opportunities to catch your trophy fish. Pack your fly fishing and spin casting gear, trolling equipment, and baitcasting setup, and find the best fishing spot.
Gadsden, Alabama, has an abundance of fishing lakes with largemouth bass and other game fish that draw anglers. Below, we elaborate more on the best lures you can use for the most popular fish in Gadsden.
- Largemouth bass: positive results are proking the fish with spinnerbaits, swimbaits, or jigs. Anglers must imitate the most realistic moves, as bass are intelligent and relatively intuitive. They can easily recognize if another predator is trying to lure them into a trap.
- Catfish: Since catfish have heightened senses of smell and taste, the ideal fish bait should be stinky. We recommend live baits because they’re by far the most successful baits for catfish. If you want to use artificial lures, find smelly plastic worm lures scented with coffee. This usually surprises all anglers, but it’s said to work like a charm.
- Spotted Bass: You can use the jigs, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits you used on the largemouth bass. However, you need to go out on the lake because they are schooling fish and usually dwell deeper in the lake. Get a boat or kayak from one of the closest Gadsden, Alabama, fishing charters.
- Crappie: You can never go wrong with a spinner bait. Crappies enjoy hiding behind a log or a bush or sitting at the bottom of the lake. If you are after them, look into these areas first.
Fishing in Gadsden, Alabama: Final Words
Largemouth bass dwell in many fishing spots, including reservoirs and creeks. Gadsden, Alabama, is also known for the rainbow trout, catfish, and crappie. You can find rainbow trout in many beautiful locations where you can enjoy the intriguing challenge these trout pose. Similarly, catfish are also a popular way to test your skills.
Consult Gadsden, Alabama, fishing guides to learn more about the fishing in the area. They have the scoop on what fish like and don’t like, where they want to hide, and more. And don’t forget to check the fishing laws and the licenses you’ll need.
Local Fishing in Gadsden, Alabama with Fishing Guides
Meet the team of Gadsden Fishing Guides. We know the best spots, baits, and techniques to give you the greatest fishing experience in the Ione area.[et_pb_text content_tablet=”
Questions? Feel free to call us, Email us or use the chat us to speak to one of our specialists. Questions? Feel free to call us, email us, or use the chat to talk to one of our specialists. Questions? Feel free to call us, email us, or use the chat to speak to one of our specialists.
Nearby Destinations for Gadsden, AL Fishing
After experiencing fishing in Gadsden, Alabama, we also have great deals available in the following cities that match your search criteria.
