Northal Fly Fishing Blog

FLY FISHING IN NORTH ALABAMA IS BETTER THAN YOU THINK

Most people hear "fly fishing" and immediately picture Montana. I get it. But you do not have to drive two days west to find good water. There is serious fly fishing within an hour of Oneonta, and most folks around here have no idea.

I love fly fishing. It is one of my favorite things to do. The part that surprises people most is this: fly fishing is not just for trout. You can throw a fly at largemouth bass, red-eyed bass, bream, panfish. The Locust Fork River runs right through Blount County, and it fishes well. The bluffs are beautiful, the water moves, and there are fish in it. That is all you need for an amazing day on the water.

Four Places Worth Your Time

Nakalula Falls in Gadsden is about 40 minutes east of us. They stock rainbow trout there from October through June, so if trout is what you are after, that is your closest option. About 45 minutes northwest is the Sipsey Fork below Smith Lake Dam. Cold water pumps out year-round, which means it is the only place in Alabama where trout survive through summer. Little River Canyon is an hour or so to the northeast.  Crystal clear mountain water that is absolutely beautiful. It offers unmatched wading for red-eyed bass, and they stock it with trout in the fall too.

Four destinations. All within driving distance of Oneonta. None of them require a plane ticket or a week off work.

Fly fishing has a reputation for being complicated. Some of that is earned. There is technique involved. But the barrier to getting started is lower than people think, and once you try it, most people are hooked. That is not a figure of speech. I have watched it happen with people who were skeptical (including myself several years ago) and came back later asking when's the next trip.

If you are ready to get started, come see us. We carry fishing shirts and gear from brands like Patagonia, L.L. Bean, and Free Fly among others. We can help you figure out the right gear and point you toward the right water for where you are in the process. We look forward to seeing you at the store and talking about your next adventure.