Aliceville, AL Fishing: Angling in a Homey City

The city of Aliceville can be found in Pickens County in west Alabama. It has been the largest municipality in the county since 1930. Despite this, its population only consists of over 2000 residents. In the first decade of the 20th century, the city was founded by John Taylor Cochrane, founder of the Alabama, Tennessee, and Northern Railroad. He built a small railroad that linked Pickens County’s county seat with the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The then-new quaint little town was named after Cochrane’s beloved wife, Alyce Searcy Cochrane. In 1902, Cochrane bought the land where Aliceville now sits. On March 18, 1907, Aliceville was incorporated as a municipality. 

Aliceville is known as the home of the World War II-era German prisoner-of-war camp, Camp Aliceville. The camp operated between June 1943 and September 1945. The site has contributed much to the city’s interesting history and heritage. Aliceville also boasts a tight-knit community yet a hospitable atmosphere through its motto: ‘A Touch of Home.’ Those who come to the city have the chance to stay in a place where they can take time to wind down and enjoy feeling at home away from home. There are a ton of angling opportunities in Aliceville as it’s surrounded by multiple abundant waterways, from rivers to lakes.

Aliceville Fishing

Aliceville’s geography consists of all land, but anglers don’t need to worry about finding fantastic places to catch fish nearby. The city is surrounded by multiple bodies of water that can be easily accessed when one decides to plan a trip to Aliceville.

One of the major fishing spots to check out is the Tombigbee River, situated just to the city’s west. This tributary of the Mobile River is known for its excellent summer bass fishery. From Aliceville Lake downstream to Coffeeville Lake, impoundments provide fantastic fishing for many sought-after sport fish species such as largemouth bass, blue catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, black crappie, and bream species like bluegill. Other fish caught from its free-flowing waters include white perch, striped bass, and black drum. Bass fishing in the Tombigbee River can be very predictable yet exciting due to the tremendous number of baitfish seen during the warmer months. Anglers can quickly hook and reel in bass by baitcasting, spinning, or jigging with live bait, topwater lures, and crankbaits. Most bass in the river can be easily found waiting for prey to pass within their target zone. 

On the other hand, smaller fish form schools to follow shad in open water. Instead of foraging in open water, big bass are frequently grazing around structures. Anglers can often find fish feeding on the surface of the water. Topwater fishing at creek mouths and above drop-offs is best done early in the morning. Using a boat is the best way to go fishing in the river. Three boat ramps are available between the Coffeeville Lake and Mobile River section. 

To the south connecting with the Tombigbee River, is the Sipsey River. It’s one of the state's last, wild, free-flowing swamp streams and is considered one of ‘Alabama’s Ten Natural Wonders.’ Vegetation and trees are diverse, making its waters an excellent habitat for plenty of wildlife. It is home to many kinds of mussels. It acts as a refuge and habitat for about 102 freshwater fish, including naked sand darter, southern sand darter, blackbanded darter, dusky darter, saddleback darter, spotted gar, longnose gar, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, tricolor shiner, pretty shiner, mimic shiner, bluntnose minnow, bullhead minnow, quillback, warmouth, smallmouth buffalo, Alabama hog sucker, spotted sucker, river redhorse, golden redhorse, blacktail redhorse, shadow bass, Mobile logperch, and freshwater drum. Several rare fish in the river may qualify for special conservation status, including southern walleye and American eel. Popular sport fish in the Sipsey River are largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, redear sunfish, longear sunfish, redspotted sunfish, redfin pickerel, and chain pickerel. One can also spot exotic species introduced to the river, like goldfish, grass carp, and common carp. This river is also best fished and navigated by boat. There are some areas where anglers can go bank fishing or wading where the water is shallow or clear of vegetation.

Also located to the south of Aliceville is J S Sommerville Lake, another spot where anglers can catch bass, catfish, and bluegill. Sterling Lake, where bass and catfish are also found to the east of the city. The same fish can be found in Carpenters Lake, situated in the southeast. These lakes can be fished from the shore or by a small boat. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Aliceville, AL

The top 10 fish species found in Aliceville, AL, are largemouth bass, blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, white crappie, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, longear sunfish, and chain pickerel.

Seasonal Fishing

Bass species such as largemouth bass and striped bass overflow the Aliceville area in the summer because of the abundance of baitfish in local waters during the warmer months. The best time to target catfish species is when they begin spawning in May. Crappie can be caught all year, but the best time to get them to bite is when the water is cold. Prime months for crappie are from November to February during the pre-spawning season and February to April in spawning beds. Bream and sunfish species such as bluegill, redear sunfish, and longear sunfish are available all year, but the best time is when they spawn, from April to September. Redfin pickerel and chain pickerel are excellent targets for spring anglers. These fish can also withstand cold water temperatures, so fishing for them in the winter is possible. March and April are the best months for shad fishing. Hot summer months like July and August are when gar fishing can be exciting. 

Going Around Aliceville

With a rich and interesting history and homey atmosphere, Aliceville provides a unique experience for those visiting. 

1. Book a Fishing Charter

With major rivers surrounding Aliceville, booking a fishing charter can increase the number of fishing grounds anglers can cover. Tombigbee River and Sipsey River have tons of branches, creeks, and tributaries that contain an abundance of fish. A charter can help one look for the best fishing spots and provide local knowledge of how to fish and navigate the waterways. Boat rental services may be available in designated recreational areas near bodies of water.

2. Visit the Aliceville Museum

Revisit the past by stopping by the Aliceville Museum, located right in the city's heart. Its main exhibit features artifacts from the Aliceville POW Camp. It also possesses the largest collection of World War II POW artifacts in the United States. All the items in the exhibits were donated or lent by individuals or families from or with ties to Pickens County. The museum is always interested in obtaining additional items to enhance their collections, especially if they pertain to Camp Aliceville, POW camps, WWII military, and things related to the history of the city, county, and the local African American experience. The museum is open all year on weekdays from 10 AM to 12 NN and 1 PM to 4 PM. On Saturdays, it is available between 10 AM and 2 PM. Admission fees range from $5 to $10, with discounts for senior citizens and active military personnel.

3. Visit Camp Aliceville’s Remains

The former site of Camp Aliceville is now next to an industrial park. An old stone chimney is the only thing that remains of the World War II-era German POW camp. Those who have the chance to spot the camp’s remains can give time to appreciate what it was like during that era and express gratitude for those who served.