Freshwater Fishing on the Coosa River & Lake Neely Henry
The great state of Alabama is well known for its world-class freshwater fishing! Most of the time, the bigger bodies of water, such as Lake Guntersville, Lake Eufaula & Lake Martin, hog the spotlight. With that being the case, it’s worth pointing out all the opportunities that lesser-known waterways such as the Coosa River & Lake Neely Henry provide fresh water. Picture this: breathtaking mountain views and a rich diversity of fish, including spotted bass, crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish, all waiting for you to reel them in. These bodies of water make for a year-round paradise for anglers of all levels.
What to expect when fishing on Lake Neely Henry & the Coosa River
The deeper parts of Lake Neely Henry are renowned Coosa Spotted Bass, an aggressive breed of spotted bass that feels more like a river from the Weiss Dam to the Hwy 77 bridge. In contrast, the stretch from the Hwy 77 bridge to Neely Henry Dam offers a classic lake fishing experience, with significant feeder creeks and plenty of fish-attracting structure. Additionally, the Coosa River, a vital waterway, starts in Rome, Georgia, and flows into Alabama, ending just northeast of Montgomery. It’s lined with communities and is home to various fish species, including largemouth and Alabama bass.
The Coosa River is one of Alabama’s most developed rivers. It begins at the confluence of the Oostanaula and Etowah Rivers in Rome, Georgia. It ends just northeast of the Alabama state capitol, Montgomery, where it joins the Tallapoosa River to form the Alabama River just south of Wetumpka. Around 90% of the Coosa River is in Alabama. Most of the river has been impounded, with Alabama Power maintaining seven power dams on the Coosa River. Hokes Bluff, Gadsden, Glencoe, Rainbow City, and Southside communities make convenient base camos along the Coosa.
Fishing for Bass on the Coosa River & Lake Neely Henry
Explore the river’s backwaters, where you can reel in specimens weighing 7 to 8 pounds. Alabama bass, more abundant along the main river channel, offer an average catch of about a pound, with larger catches frequently reported. Whether you prefer spinnerbaits, crankbaits, plastic worms, or jigs, or if live minnows or shad are your bait of choice, there’s something for everyone. But that’s not all – for white bass enthusiasts, the Coosa River is a dream location, especially during their prolific spawning runs from Lake Weiss into the Coosa each spring. Following a decline in catch rates, a stocking program initiated in 2019 has significantly bolstered the white bass population, making this the perfect time for white bass fishing.
An impoundment of the Coosa River created Neely Henry Lake on June 2, 1966. The lake is over 11,000 acres and is home to the renowned Coosa Spot, a breed of spotted bass that will give you the fight you are looking for! From Weiss Dam to the Hwy 77 bridge, the lake fishes more like a river. From the Hwy 77 bridge to the Neely Henry Dam, it is more of a spread-out lake featuring major feeder creeks loaded with fish-attracting cover.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, the Coosa River and Lake Neely Henry in Alabama offer an unparalleled experience with abundant fish, stunning scenery, and diverse fishing environments to explore. So what are you waiting for? Prepare to cast your line and create unforgettable memories on these fantastic waters! The Coosa River and Lake Neely Henry are home to some of the best fishing in the South. Spotted bass, crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish make the Gadsden, AL area a year-round fishing destination. Creeks along the Coosa are growing in popularity for kayaking and fly fishing. Stay tuned for more fly fishing options in Alabama. In the meantime, CLICK HERE to learn more about the options we currently offer in Central Alabama.
