Argo, AL Fishing: A Suburban Atmosphere

Most of the city is in St. Clair County,  west-central St. Clair County, and northeast Jefferson County in the heart of the state. When St. Clair County was established in 1818, the Argo region was already populated. It was one of the villages along the Old Georgia Road, which later became United States Highway 11. The town was traversed by a rail line erected in 1871, most likely on the Great Southern Railroad, which later joined the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Veterans of the War of 1812's conflicts with the Creek tribe of Native Americans returned from the then-Mississippi Territory to Virginia and the Carolinas with tales of fertile land, clear streams, and an abundance of game. In the 1880s, local James R. Massey ran numerous businesses in the community, including a cotton gin, a blacksmith shop, and a grist mill. Incorporated in February of 1987, Argo had its first municipal election in April of the same year, and ​​Gordon H. Massey was elected as its first mayor.

Two hundred years later, the descendants of those first settlers now live in a still-thriving community that is expanding along with the rest of St. Clair County. A shared work ethic, strong faith, and values rooted in the importance of family unite the residents relocating here. In Argo, anglers will find a welcoming community.

Argo Fishing

One of the major fishing destinations near Argo is the Coosa River which is only about a 40-minute drive away. The spectacular shoals that so famously dominated the Coosa in the steamboat period are covered by impoundments as the Coosa flows from its headwaters in Georgia and Tennessee to Alabama. Tens of thousands of people reside in lake homes along the Coosa and fish and swim in the six enormous lakes created due to those impoundments: Weiss, Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Lay, Mitchell, and Jordan.

The watershed of the Coosa River originates in Tennessee and Georgia before flowing into Alabama near Weiss Lake. The water is fertile by nature and gains extra nutrients from different types of land use in the watershed. Gar, carp, smallmouth buffalo, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white, yellow, striped bass, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, and redear sunfish are some of the common fish species in the Coosa.

Many anglers consider catfish to be their favorite Coosa River quarry. The biggest fish are typically found in deep pits, and blue catfish are the most prevalent. Many trophy-fish anglers use enormous live fish as bait and fish at night. Traditional catfish baits like worms, chicken livers, and stink baits are available for those less concerned with trophies. Lake sturgeons can be caught while catfishing, but they must be returned immediately and undamaged. The Coosa River system is reintroducing lake sturgeons, which are not allowed to be taken. Sturgeon can be recognized by its shark-like tail, rounded snout, toothless mouth on the bottom of its head, four "whiskers" in front of its mouth, and bony plates on its sides.

Meanwhile, about only six minutes away from Argo is Tadpole Lake which houses largemouth bass and spotted bass. Knowing where they live in a wide body of water is the simplest approach to catching one largemouth bass. Generally speaking, bass like warm, shallow areas of reservoirs, natural lakes, and rivers. This species' greatest distinguishing characteristic, a massive mouth the size of a bucket, is credited with much of its success. It offers a simple catch for bass that attack and consume a variety of prey, from small zooplankton mice to ducks and snakes, but in many fisheries, it mostly relies on prey fish and other sustenance. Lures that provide organic flashes or motions with few parallels to actual events can mislead bass. Meanwhile, ​​during the post-spawn and early summer, spotted bass can be caught with a variety of topwater poppers, prop baits, and walking plugs fished near main lake points. Try drop-shotting finesse worms or swimming a plastic grub along bluff ends or long tapering points during the summer when places get deep.

Only eight minutes away is Weaver Pond, where anglers can catch pickerel, catfish, smallmouth bass, perch, bluegill, and bullhead. Pickerel can be caught using spinnerbaits, spinners, and weedless fishing spoons with plastic or pork dressings. Soft plastic jerkbaits are great for deceiving fish, although they tend to chew them up a little. The best retrieval speed is between moderate and fast. However, occasionally going slow is advantageous. 

On the other hand, the most popular live bait for catching bluegills are red worms and crickets. Wigglers, mayflies, mealworms, catalpa worms, grubs, and nightcrawlers are also effective. Those lures are suitable for perch-jerkers who wish to spend a relaxing day lounging on the lawn in a lawn chair and watching a cork dunk.

Other nearby fishing spots are Holcomb Lake, Minith Lake, Echo Lake, and Quickhaven Lake. In these areas, anglers will have a great time catching largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, blue catfish, bluegill, and black crappie. The most effective baits while fishing for crappie are frequently jigs and minnows. Since crappie have a wide variety of diets and can be caught in a variety of methods, they are a great species for practically any angler to try out using their preferred method.

Top 10 Fish Species in Argo, AL

The top ten fish species caught in Argo, AL, are smallmouth buffalo, blue catfish, channel catfish, striped bass, green sunfish, redear sunfish, lake sturgeon, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and crappie.

Seasonal Fishing

The best fishing in Alabama occurs in March, April, and May. As the water temperature rises, anglers will likely catch crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Due to the state's climate, bass can be caught all year, but January through May are the best months to snag a trophy. Alabama is a well-liked location for anglers because it regularly hosts bass tournaments on various lakes throughout the state.

Take a Break in Argo

1. Book a Fishing Charter

A quick and easy way to have a great day fishing is to hire fishing charters. The fishing charter will provide you with everything you need to complete your fishing adventure, including the best equipment, well-kept boats, and wise advice. Fishing is a complex activity. It makes sense to put your faith in the professionals at fishing charters if you want to improve your luck. You can learn the nuances of sailing from seasoned sailors and fishing staff and some insider fishing secrets to enhance your experience. Both learning and having fun are possible!

2. Unleash the Artist in You at the Messie Monkies

Vinyl monogramming is a specialty of Messie Monkies. They provide a wide range of monogramming choices, including custom-made crosses for front doors, hospital doors, and home decor. Glasses, buckets, cake plates, and many other items can all be personalized.

3. Watch Movies Under the Stars at the Grand View Drive-in

Enjoy meals and snacks from The Snack Shack while watching movies outside. There is also an off-leash dog park, a playground for kids, a mini-golf course, and yard games.