This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re doing something a little different and heading north into the Great Smoky Mountains with Birmingham angler and backcountry fly fisherman Andre Davis. Andre spends a good chunk of his year exploring wild streams throughout the park, and he joins us to break down exactly how Alabama anglers can plan a first-time Smokies trip without getting overwhelmed. Andre talks through how the seasonal weather shift opens the door for cooler-water adventures, why winter is actually one of the best windows to start planning a spring trout trip, and how the park’s endless network of blue-line creeks can make even a two-day getaway feel like a full-blown expedition. He explains how he first discovered the Smokies when he moved south from Missouri, what drew him back after getting hooked on fly fishing in the Northeast, and how the popularity of the area doesn’t have to mean crowded water if you know how to approach it. Andre shares his simple philosophy for finding solitude in one of the most visited parks in the country: start at the obvious access points, then hike three-quarters of a mile to a mile upstream before ever rigging your rod. In his experience, that short walk is all it takes to get into beautiful, quiet water that most people never reach.

From there, we get into the differences between stocked fish, delayed-harvest stretches, native brook trout water, and how quickly fishing regulations can change once you cross from Tennessee into North Carolina. Andre explains what first-timers need to know about the signage, how to read the rules around harvest seasons, and why checking in with local fly shops and ranger stations is the safest and easiest way to stay legal. He walks through the tools he uses before every trip—Recreation.gov, state stocking schedules, and a handful of regional Facebook groups—and encourages new anglers to visit fly shops not just for flies, but to build real relationships with the people who fish those waters every day. As André puts it, buying a few flies, showing up at their tying nights or community events, and simply being part of the local crowd can open doors to mentorship and access you won’t find on a map.

Gear-wise, Andre breaks down what Alabama anglers should pack and what they should leave in the truck. He talks about how mountain streams demand a lighter, more intentional loadout, why wool layers and good boots matter more than the brand of fly you’re carrying, and how quickly current can surprise someone who’s only fished warm-water creeks back home. We also get into wading safety, the value of a sturdy staff, and the surprising way slow, flat water can hide some of the strongest undercurrents in the park. Andre shares a few hard-learned lessons from hundreds of miles of wading, along with a reminder to read up on stream safety before going, just so those instincts are already in place if something unexpected happens.

To wrap things up, we explore the logistics of planning a first Smokies fishing weekend. Andre outlines simple home-bases like Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Cherokee, and Bryson City, each with affordable motels, easy dining, and shockingly fast access to wild water. He also talks about how the most roadside, obvious creeks often fish better than people think, simply because everyone assumes they’re too pressured. And for anglers wanting the classic Smokies experience—native fish, pocket water, and zero crowds—Andre explains how just a short hike can put you in places that feel like you’ve stepped thousands of years back in time. If you’ve ever wanted an adventure close to home, this episode is full of encouragement, tips, and stories to get you planning your own trout trip the moment deer season winds down.

It’s all brought to you—good, bad, or ugly—by Great Days Outdoors. 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 the link in the show notes to join our email list. Every Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report subscriber gets a promo code for a free AFTCO sun-protection mask with any purchase.

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This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re heading down to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Delta with Darren Shirah. Darren says that while mornings have been frosty, the fish have still been biting. He’s been back to running limb lines after a spell of saltier fishing, catching a mix of channel and blue cats—and, surprisingly, a few hardheads, gafftops, and even stingrays as far north as Little Bayo Canot. With low rainfall and strong tides pushing salinity deep into the Delta, it’s been a weird blend of freshwater and saltwater species sharing the same backwaters. Darren also reports seeing big schools of jack crevalle cruising through the area, proof that the line between fresh and salt is still blurred this fall.

Darren’s been catching his share of perch, crappie, and bream on Beetle Spins and says the bite has been hot when you can find the right hole—he and his son-in-law pulled over forty fish from one small ditch on their last trip. He believes those fish were holding near a spring-fed pocket of clear water, and though low water has made some backwaters tough to access, there’s still plenty of action if you know where to look.

Nick and Darren also talk about the Delta’s other pastime this time of year—hog hunting. Darren’s been seeing and hearing plenty of pigs while fishing and has been taking advantage of cool weather to hunt from his boat. He breaks down his approach with a .22, why shot placement and staying within the law matter on public lands, and shares how he times hunts with dropping tides and north winds that push hogs toward the banks to root for reeds and clams. 

To wrap things up, Darren says crappie fishing has been excellent around deep tops in the middle of creeks, the bass bite is picking up as fish gang up for winter, and the catfishing is steady on cut bait. With falling tides and cool north winds clearing the shallows, now’s a great time to hit the Delta—whether you’re after crappie, cats, or a little solitude in the swamp.

It’s all brought to you—good, bad, or ugly—by Great Days Outdoors. 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 the link in the show notes to join our email list. Every Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report subscriber gets a promo code for a free AFTCO sun protection mask with any purchase

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Join hosts Nick Williams and the Great Days Outdoors team for this week’s Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, featuring the latest updates from Weiss Lake to the lower Delta.

First up, veteran Coosa River guide Lee Pitts of Lee Pitts Guide Service checks in from Weiss Lake with a full crappie rundown. The bite’s running a bit behind schedule this fall, but Lee’s confident things are heating up as water temps drop. He’s targeting fish in 12–16 feet of water on deep brush and creek channel structure, downsizing to Bobby Garland Itty Bit baits like the Slab Slayer and Baby Shad for maximum results. Lee also shares why he’s sticking with his tried-and-true long-lining techniques instead of relying on forward-facing sonar, keeping his trips focused on fun, steady action, and client engagement.

In a laid-back chat, Lee and Nick swap stories about hunting season overlap, gear chaos, and Lee’s vintage Remington .243 that’s still filling freezers after 50 years. Looking ahead, Lee predicts the crappie bite across Weiss and Neely Henry will fire up late November into December as fish push shallow to feed before winter.

Next, we head south with Justin Dunham, better known as The Eight Mile Drifter, who’s been chasing bream and perch in the Pascagoula River system. Justin breaks down his go-to late-fall approach—working 8–10-foot creek bends with light jigs like the Z-Man Shad FryZ, then resting each spot before circling back for another bite window.

He also shares top-tier reel maintenance tips for anglers hopping between fresh and salt water, from careful side-plate cleaning to corrosion prevention around the cast control knob. Finally, Justin offers high-water strategies for winter: when the upper Delta floods, focus on more stable lower systems like Steele Creek, Bayou Sara, Fly Creek, and Fowl River—plus a few secret winter gems around Jug Lake and Bayou Jessamine.

It’s a story-packed episode full of practical fishing advice, timeless gear wisdom, and down-home outdoors talk—perfect for anyone ready to make the most of Alabama’s late-fall fishing.

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Don’t miss an episode—subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Text “fishing” to (646) 495-9867 or click the link in the show notes to join our email list and grab your promo code for a free AFTCO sun protection mask with any purchase.

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Join host Nick Williams on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report as he welcomes Dr. Matthew Lewis, author of the new book on fly fishing in Alabama.

This episode dives into the best Alabama fly fishing rivers—including the Coosa, Cahaba, and Tallapoosa—essential gear for fly fishing in Alabama, the region's unique biodiversity, effective fly tying patterns, and local spot protection ethics.

Dr. Lewis shares expert insights on targeting diverse fish species across Alabama's freshwater ecosystems, fly fishing tips for all skill levels, and details about his highly anticipated book release. Whether you're a seasoned angler or beginner looking for the best places to fish in Alabama, this episode is packed with Alabama fishing tips.

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This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re talking with Steve “Graz” Graziano of Graz’s Guide Service and Hunter Suchsland of LS Lures about the release of their brand-new collaboration—the Graz’s Special jig. Graz has been fishing jigs since the early 1980s and had a color he could never quite get anyone to replicate until he found Hunter’s work. Together, they fine-tuned the design through multiple prototypes to create a hand-tied jig built with premium hooks, balanced skirt layering, and a color pattern that flat-out catches fish.

Hunter explains how the jig blends silicone and living rubber for a lifelike flare and contrast underwater, with amber, copper, and red tones that mimic crawfish, bream, and shiners across the country. Graz shares his on-the-water results, saying the jig’s quality and hand-tied skirt make it more durable and natural-looking than most others he’s used—and it’s already proven to be a big-fish bait.

The Graz’s Special will be available in every LS Lures head style, from football to swim jigs, all designed for anglers to customize to their own preferences. You can grab yours now at LS Lures and check them out on YouTube and social media for more behind-the-scenes looks. 

It’s all brought to you—good, bad, or ugly—by Great Days Outdoors. 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 the link in the show notes to join our email list. Every Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report subscriber gets a promo code for a free AFTCO sun protection mask with any purchase.

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This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re starting off with Jason Bagala—better known to his YouTube followers as Mutha Rippa Outdoors—with the latest from Smith Lake and Lake Guntersville. Jason says the fishing has been tough lately thanks to high skies, clear water, and finicky bass that just aren’t in a chasing mood. On Smith, he’s been finding success by downsizing and getting subtle with translucent baits like the Megabass Karashi, a small lipless jerkbait that can walk just under the surface. He shares how slow retrieves, long pauses, and keeping your distance in crystal-clear water have been key to triggering bites from picky spotted bass. Over on Guntersville, tournament pressure and bluebird conditions made things just as challenging, but he still managed to connect with fish on brush hogs, crankbaits, and chatterbaits around bluff walls and riprap banks. Jason talks about how heavy shad presence can make it hard to fool fish with artificials, why reaction strikes can still save the day, and what lure presentations are working best as fall transitions take hold.

Next, we dive into a technical segment with Peter Jordan of Delta Marine and Outdoors for a deep-dive on building fly leaders for bass. Peter breaks down why most pre-packaged leaders are designed for trout—not bass—and how stiffness, taper, and material type all affect your ability to turn over big, wind-resistant flies. He explains the difference between fluorocarbon and monofilament, when to use each, and shares his simple formula for DIY bass leaders using 25-, 15-, and 10-pound mono for topwater, or heavier fluorocarbon setups for streamers and sinking lines. Peter also talks about the importance of leader length and stiffness when targeting bass that hold tight to cover, along with knot choices like blood knots, perfection loops, and non-slip loop knots for maximum action. It’s a masterclass in customizing your rig for species, water type, and fly size—an episode that’ll make any fly angler rethink the store-bought pack hanging on the pegboard.

It’s all brought to you—good, bad, or ugly—by Great Days Outdoors. 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 the link in the show notes to join our email list. Every Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report subscriber gets a promo code for a free AFTCO sun protection mask with any purchase.

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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, the Tallapoosa River Fishing Report, and all the creeks, rivers, and reservoirs in between.

This week we’re starting things off with Stephen Rockarts on the Cahaba River. Stephen shares how the shift into early fall is bringing low, clear water and topwater opportunities. Downsizing has been the ticket—he’s found big fish willing to eat smaller bugs, dragonfly nymphs, and even tiny poppers meant for bluegill. He talks about crossover fishing where bluegill flies draw surprise bass strikes, tips on fishing with droppers, and how subsurface streamer action is starting to heat up with shad-size baitfish in play. Stephen also dives into the importance of scouting runs during low water, remembering details about every fish and spot, and slowing down enough to notice the little things that make the difference between a skunk and a banner day.

Next we head south into the Delta with Justin Dunnam. Justin’s been chasing frog fish in the lower Delta, experimenting with both traditional hollow-belly frogs and a hybrid walking frog-spook called the Zoo Pup. He breaks down how he’s tweaking his baits to improve hookup ratios and shares his love for short pistol grip rods, which give him the accuracy needed for casting under bushes and laydowns. Justin also hints at the saltwater temptation, with the fall flounder migration firing off around creek mouths, bridge pilings, and docks. He describes the fight of a true “doormat” flounder and shares why this is a hard bite to resist, even when freshwater tournaments are calling.

Finally, we check in with Rowell Guevarra on the Tallapoosa River. Rowell reports that low, clear water has the fish sizing down, with sixes and eights in natural crawfish colors producing best. He explains why he prefers patterns like the Slumpbuster over more literal crawfish imitations, since fish often key in on the fleeing motion rather than the claws-up defensive stance. Rowell also highlights the strong fall bite, with both redeye bass and spotted bass feeding heavily, and plenty of panfish action to keep things lively. He looks ahead to October and November as some of the best months of the year, when big fish will be caught even as overall numbers taper off. He closes with a reminder that fall fishing may be even better than spring—stable weather, hungry fish, and fewer crowds make it prime time on the water.

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. All Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report email subscribers receive an AFTCO FREE SUN PROTECTION MASK promo code with any purchase!

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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.

This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re kicking things off with Peter Jordan. Peter joins us to talk about how the first cool mornings of fall are already changing the bite across lower Alabama. With water temps beginning to drop, the frog and buzzbait action is heating up, and anglers can look forward to explosive topwater mornings that should run strong through November. He breaks down why this early fall window is so productive before lake turnover, shares tips for catching both bass and redfish in the salt wedge around the Causeway, and explains how Delta largemouths are keying on brown shrimp right now. Peter also tells some great stories about canoe fishing with his kids, including why slowing down in a paddle craft makes you a sharper angler and creates lasting memories on Alabama’s small rivers.

Next, we head north to Birmingham to check in with Andre Davis. Andre just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip guiding veterans in the Sierra Nevadas, where he combined equine therapy with high-altitude fishing for golden trout. He shares the behind-the-scenes planning that went into packing gear, hauling rods by mule, and hiking to 11,000-foot lakes. The fishing was a mix of fast-and-furious action and tough, technical days, but the highlight was getting veterans on their very first trout, including a few brilliant goldens. Back home in Alabama, Andre reports that local streams are still fishing great with topwater and streamers. He explains how changing conditions—bright skies versus cloud cover—dictate whether to throw surface flies or subsurface Clouser-style minnows. Water levels are low and clear, but the bite remains strong across central and east Alabama creeks.

Finally, we swing back south to the Delta for a report from Darren Shirrah. Darren has been splitting time between bass, bream, and inshore action, and right now everything seems to be biting. Topwater frogs and DOA shrimp imitations are producing bass in the rivers, while crickets and beetle spins are catching slab bream and goggle-eyes, some so big they’ve been turning up on the dinner table. Darren shares a unique tactic of downsizing to a four-inch June bug Zoom lizard to mimic the lizards seen on cypress trees this time of year, a trick that’s been deadly on both bass and goggle-eyes. He also gives a strong white trout report, with lights on the Mobile River and Chickasabogue Creek producing fast action on late-night trips. On top of all that, Darren talks about his YouTube channel, Reel Time Outdoors, and how he’s regrouping to bring fresh variety with future videos mixing fishing, hunting, and camping.

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!

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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.

This week on the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report, we’re starting down on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta with Dip McMillian. Dip recounts a serious run-in with a tugboat wake that damaged his boat and reminds us all how quickly things can turn dangerous on the water. He explains the lessons he learned about securing heavy trolling motors, why boat insurance is a must-have for tournament anglers, and the importance of documenting your gear with photos in case of an accident. He also stresses that wearing a life jacket isn’t optional—it’s what kept him and his buddy safe when things went sideways. Now back on the water after repairs, Dip shares his plans to chase crappie this weekend and talks about mentoring kids at an upcoming hunter safety course in Loxley.

From there, we swing upstate to hear from Jake Vincent of East Alabama Fly Fishing. Jake reports that late summer conditions have left rivers low and clear, which means fish are tight to shade, structure, and current breaks. He explains how targeting rock ledges, logs, and shaded creeks can turn tough days into banner ones, especially under cloud cover. Jake also makes the case for fishing from a raft, describing how rowing lets him position anglers perfectly to pick apart cover with poppers and streamers. For anglers looking to get in on the action, he suggests focusing on mornings, evenings, or cloudy days when fish are most willing to move and feed aggressively ahead of fall.

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!

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The Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report is your best resource for the Lake Eufaula 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 start on Lake Eufaula with Steve Graziano from Graz’s Guide Service. Graz explains the tough transition period anglers face in September as the lake begins its fall turnover. With water temps still hovering in the mid-80s, baitfish are suspended and bass are scattered, making for challenging days on the water. Graz shares how he’s finding success with drop shots, Carolina rigs, and a tail spinner called the Deracoup that mimics dying threadfin shad. He also breaks down what anglers can expect in the next few weeks as water temps finally cool into the 70s and bass begin moving into their fall patterns.

Then we swing south to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, where Justin Dunnam checks in from the upper creeks. Low water has the system in a late-summer drought pattern, but Justin says the topwater bite has been on fire—lasting well into the afternoon. He’s been throwing Snag Proof wake baits like the Zoo Pup in shallow, leafy backwaters where bass explode in unlikely places. He also reports on the white perch bite, explaining how he targets deeper oxbows with a simple paddle-depth gauge and a Z-Man Shad Fry on a 1/32-ounce jig head. Justin talks about balancing freshwater and saltwater this time of year, with speckled trout beginning to push into the Causeway creeks and flounder migration just around the corner.

As always, it’s all brought to you—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 join our email list. We’ll send you the new show each week, and all subscribers receive an AFTCO FREE SUN PROTECTION MASK promo code with any purchase

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