Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam)
river in Alabama
Below Martin Dam the Tallapoosa offers deep pools, current seams and a mix of warmwater species — good for streamer and baitfish patterns as well as topwater in spring and fall.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Tallapoosa River
- 01Good flows and clear water conditions are creating excellent fall fishing.
- 02Fish are concentrating in deeper holes and around significant underwater structure.
- 03Baitfish, crayfish, and leech imitations are highly effective subsurface patterns.
- 04October Caddis and Popping Bugs offer opportunistic topwater action on warmer days.
- 05Targeting tailwaters below power dams is recommended for striped bass.
Past reports week by week
7 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Muskie Fly
Explicitly recommended for fall muskie in large rivers and lakes, imitating baitfish which are a primary food source for predatory muskellunge.
Olive Woolly Bugger (Bass)
A classic, highly versatile streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for a wide array of predatory species in the Tallapoosa River during fall.
Perch Pattern
Fall is prime time for walleye feeding on perch fry and juveniles, making this an effective imitation.
Hellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a consistent, high-protein food source on rocky river bottoms year-round, making this a reliable subsurface pattern for bass, catfish, and opportunistic walleye in fall.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
A versatile baitfish imitation, effective year-round for predatory species like bass and striped bass, which are keying on baitfish in fall. Its weighted eyes help it reach deeper holding fish.
Popping Bug (Bass)
On warmer fall days, topwater action can still occur, and this popper creates an enticing surface disturbance, drawing aggressive strikes from sunfish (bream) and bass.
October Caddis (Dry)
While not a dominant hatch for all species, October Caddis are a known fall insect, providing an opportunity for opportunistic risers like bream, bass, and walleye on warmer afternoons.
Buy at AmazonSilversides
Fall baitfish migrations are crucial for striped bass, and this pattern effectively imitates prevalent baitfish, targeting active striped bass below power dams.
Where to fish and who to ask
Huntsville Rd / Tallapoosa Access
A common shore and boat access into deep runs and current structure.
Martin Dam Tailrace
The immediate tailrace produces active fish when releases are scheduled; productive for streamers and heavy nymphs.
White City Bridge Put-In
Popular launch for float trips through productive pools and eddies downstream.
Get Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam) reports by email
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Alabama season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Largemouth Bass Fly Fishing in Alabama
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Rainbow Trout Fly Fishing in Alabama: Complete Guide
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Quick answers
Common questions about Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam).
What flies work best on Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam) right now are Clouser Minnow (80% confidence), Woolly Bugger (Olive) (80% confidence), Crappie Jig Fly (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam)?
Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam) holds Bream, Catfish, Muskellunge, Walleye. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Tallapoosa River (below Martin Dam) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.