Bessemer, AL Fishing: Urban Gateway to Central Alabama’s Fishing Hotspots

Bessemer is situated in the southwestern part of Jefferson County and is part of the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan area. It sits at the end of the Appalachian Chain foothills, deep in the Jones Valley. Its strategic location along Interstate 59/20 makes it easily accessible from Alabama’s major cities, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, and Vance. 

Primarily known nowadays as one of the major economic centers in Central Alabama, Bessemer was founded in the state’s iron ore and limestone district by coal magnate Henry Fairfield DeBardeleben. It had always been a force to be reckoned with as an industrial locale, and so early after its founding, it gained its nickname, The Marvel City. Looking at the exponential growth the city has had over the years; it’s fair to say that it has earned its nickname.

Just 15 miles southwest of Birmingham, Alabama, Bessemer is an excellent destination worth exploring. It offers the best of both worlds — urban sights and sounds for the culture vulture and natural attractions for the outdoor enthusiast. For anglers looking to experience the ultimate Central Alabama inshore fishing adventure, Bessemer offers a conveniently located gateway to some of the state’s most prized waterbodies, including the Black Warrior River and its tributaries, the Cahaba River, and more.

Bessemer Fishing

For anglers on freshwater fishing trips around Alabama, Bessemer and the greater metropolitan area surrounding the city are good places to start. The region has access to the great Black Warrior River, a major tributary of the Tombigbee River, and the largest river system in the state. The river’s watershed is home to more than 16,000 miles of streams, and its headwaters, Sipsey, Mulberry, and Locust Forks, are all excellent fishing spots. Sipsey Fork, in particular, is a unique year-round rainbow trout fishing water, while Locust Fork is beloved as a fly fishing hotspot. Anglers can find at least 127 freshwater fish species in its watershed, including largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and other sunfish species, as well as 36 species of mussels and other aquatic animals.

At the upper Black Warrior River, there’s a narrow reservoir called the Bankhead Reservoir. It is the second-largest lake on the river at 9,200 acres, and It flows through the counties of Jefferson, Walker, and Tuscaloosa. It has a developed shoreline filled with private residential areas and commercial marinas. Anglers will likely find freshwater charters and striped bass charters, and other fishing and boating facilities in this place. The lake primarily has healthy largemouth bass and spotted bass populations. Still, if you’re keen to catch these fish in trophy sizes, you’re better off exploring the backwaters for largemouth and the lower reservoir for spotted bass. If crappie fishing in the lake, you’re in for a treat as its waters are home to huge crappie. Hybrid striped bass are another highlight for anglers here, with many fish in the 3- to 8-pound range found in the headwaters and tailrace during spring and fall. The heads of the river, sourced from the tailwaters of Smith Lake, are home to bountiful rainbow trout, catfish, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and many sunfish species.

If you’re looking for a relatively smaller stream to fish, you can include Shades Creek in your fishing trip itinerary. Though it has experienced vast development over the years that have affected its watershed and natural resources, it remains one of Jefferson County’s favorite places to fish. The stream is home to bluegill and other sunfish species, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and channel catfish, particularly in the deeper sections of the creek around the riffle edges. Anglers may need permission from private landowners to fish at the bottom of the stream. However, other access points to the stream can be found on road crosses and overpasses. When fishing the stream, it’s important to note that parts of it are undergoing rehabilitation as it has experienced the fallout of urban development.

For adventurous anglers wishing to fish a “natural wonder,” the Cahaba River is a must-visit fishing site. The state’s longest free-flowing river, flowing through the Birmingham region, has been recognized as one of the eight Biodiversity Hotspots in the contiguous United States. Aside from its rare fish species, mussel species, and aquatic snail species, it is home to lots of Alabama’s favorite sport fish, such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, chain pickerel, crappie, redear sunfish and longear sunfish, along with hundreds more. Channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish are likewise found in the river. 

Fishing the Cahaba River is not for the faint of heart. It’s not as easy to access by a motor boat or the shore. Anglers that regularly fish the river often do it from a canoe or kayak. There are several great fishing spots along the river. Below the Highway 280 dam in the upper part of the river is an excellent place to catch crappie, largemouth bass, and sunfish. The Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge in West Blocton is a great spot to fish if you want to cast from the shore or a Jon boat. The Cahaba Historical Park in Centreville offers bank fishing and wade fishing opportunities. If you’re fine with a fishing experience that’s scenic but not as productive, Perry Lake Park on the lower river basin is a great place to be.

Top 10 Fish Species in Bessemer, AL

The top 10 fish species found in Bessemer, AL, include largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, rainbow trout, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, chain pickerel, longear sunfish, and redear sunfish.

Seasonal Fishing

Central Alabama offers year-round freshwater fishing, depending on your target catch. Spring is always the best season to fish in Alabama, as the summers here tend to get too hot and humid. Fishing for bass is always best before or after the spawning season, but fall offers excellent bass fishing opportunities if you can’t make it in time. The region is also known for waterbodies like Sipsey Fork that shelter stocked rainbow trout all year round. 

Find Delightful Sights and Sounds for the Whole Family in Bessemer

Travelers who want the convenient comforts of a big city and the rugged delights of the outdoors will love Bessemer, as it offers access to both in equal measure. 

1. Book a Fishing Guide

Whether you’re a novice angler or an expert, booking a local expert guide will work in your favor if you’re fishing in a place for the first time. Make your Alabama fishing trip a success with guides such as Reel Fishin’ Charters and Black Flag Company in Orange Beach or Off the Hook Charters and Nauti Charters in Gulf Shores. Find a charter that specializes in your target catch or waterbody. Book a charter that can accommodate anglers of all levels if you bring your entire family.

2. Splash Around with the Whole Family

The waterpark-slash-amusement park is one of the city’s favorite outdoor pastimes. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, don’t miss out on the Upsurge, a 216-ft slide, or the Kahuna Waves. Other thrill-seekers will love its signature wooden roller coaster, Rampage, and the Drop Zone. 

3. Enjoy a Leisurely Stroll in a Historic Park

Downtown Bessemer is filled with many historical landmarks, but the highlight of your stroll in the area should be DeBardeleben Park, a beautifully landscaped park named after the city’s founder. Spot the famous Spirit of the American Doughboy sculpture, which honors veterans from the First World War. The park is a great spot to rub elbows with locals, especially when it hosts various local events like the annual Blues and BBQ Festival and other live musical concerts.