Striped Bass

While not as widely known as some other Alabama destinations, Emelle offers a unique opportunity to chase Striped Bass in a freshwater environment. The Tombigbee River and its associated impoundments are your best bet for finding these hard-fighting fish. Spring and fall are prime times, as the Stripers migrate upstream to spawn or feed. Look for them near dams, bridges, and areas with strong current. Trolling with crankbaits or casting swimbaits can be effective techniques. A local tactic is to use live shad when available, as they are a natural food source for Stripers in this area. Access to the river is available via several public boat ramps. Be prepared for some challenging fishing conditions, as the river can be unpredictable. The Striped Bass population here isn't as dense as in some larger reservoirs, but the chance to catch a quality fish in a riverine environment is worth the effort.