Catfish Fishing in Alabama

Featured Catfish Guides

Expert captains ready to take you on your next adventure in Alabama.

Backwoods Catfishing Guide Service

Backwoods Catfishing Guide Service is the premiere trophy catfish charter on the Tennessee River. Are you ready to catch the APEX predator?

Catfish

Decatur, Alabama

Seasonal Activity Chart

Current Status: poor

Low activity season. Catfish are less active and catches may be limited. Consider targeting other species.

BEST

GOOD

FAIR

POOR

Catfish

freshwater

Catfish fishing in AL: focus on seasonal forage and water conditions near Birmingham. Use natural presentations and adjust depth with temperature and current.

How to Catch Catfish

Typical Size

Length: Varies by fishery

Weight: Varies by fishery

Habitat

•Local structure and edges
•Current seams
•Bait concentrations
•Depth changes

Where & When to Fish

Target Locations

•Points and channel edges
•Ledges/humps
•Inflow/outflow areas

Best Times

•Low light windows
•Seasonal transitions; follow bait

Bias patterns to Birmingham area: use local structure (passes/bridges for coastal; channels/points for inland) and match depth to temperature.

Catfish Fishing Regulations in Alabama

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

No limit

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Alabama Fishing License

No limit on channel and blue catfish less than 34 inches in length. Only one blue catfish greater than 34 inches in length may be harvested per day.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Alabama state wildlife agency before fishing.

Popular Cities for Catfish Fishing in Alabama

Guntersville Dothan Little River River Falls Phenix City Scottsboro Decatur Tuscaloosa

Other Popular Species in Alabama

Striped Bass Flathead Catfish Hybrid Striped Bass Bluegill Channel Catfish Carp White Bass Largemouth Bass