Cahaba River Al.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Anyone here familliar with fishing the Cahaba River around the Jefferson and shelby county area? My buddy has talked me into trying river fishing and I'm curious about this river.

[David Russell]

I've thought about fishing the Cahaba some as well, but access to Lay and the upper part of that lake (which is essentially the Coosa River) is a lot closer for me. I can imagine the size and numbers of bass in the Cahaba are smaller than in larger rivers, like the Coosa chain. But the Cahaba runs very near my work and I've often thought of fishing there on lunch breaks. So I'd also be interested to hear if anyone has had success on the Cahaba.

[Aaron Hanlin]

Hey. I'm Aaron, i'm 21 and still learning about fishing. My folks live in Irondale, and i've fished in that section of the cahaba a lot in the last year. That part of the river is very fertile, as it is above the 280 dam and not exposed to quite as much siltration and such. The biggest bass i caught out there was a spot around 2.5 lbs caught on a beetle spin, but around the same week last winter i hooked into an even bigger bass on a jig and pig, but he got off. I've actually caught the biggest bass in the cahaba in winter, although the fishing was a lot slower. I've caught a lot of .5-1.5 lb spots around the edge of pools and below riffles. I know that there is a big crawfish population in this section of the river, and a lot of what i've had luck with looked like a crawfish or acted like it. The jig and pig is one example. I've also had luck with small 1-2" crankbaits, but only had much success with these when they are being bumped off the rocks. There are also a lot of little red-eye bass in the section that I fish. These are a lot of fun to catch, as a 3/4 lb redeye fights like a two pound spotted bass. I have caught bass in the cahaba on pieces of nightcrawler, as well as one I caught on the head of a cut bream. I do a lot of catfishing in the river, and have had good luck with the flatheads and channels. I've caught a smallmouth buffalo and hooked into a 3 ft spotted gar both on accident.

All in all, i would say that the fishing in the Cahaba can be excellent. It can be very hit or miss though (i'm not experienced enough to know all of the reasons why). I think the key to finding success is wading, floating, or hiking to a spot that is not heavily fished. Anywhere away from developed recreation areas will hold fish, and there is a variety of environments to please the different tastes of bass fishermen. Its also just d**n pretty out there.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Well you convinced me Aaron. I believe i will head out there after work one day this week. I'll definately be out there this weekend. Maybe we'll run into each other out there one day. Thanks for the info homie.