Blue Springs, AL Fishing: Fishing Around a Natural Blue Spring

Blue Springs is a small township in southern Barbour County situated in the southeast corner of Alabama. The community only has less than a hundred residents as of the 2020 census. Blue Springs is centrally located between Montgomery and Eufaula in Alabama and Columbus in Georgia to their south. Thomas Hagler, one of the original settlers in the area, bought the land that would be Blue Springs from the federal government in 1839. During the mid-19th century, farming was a major economic driver in the area. In the 1890s, local entrepreneurs realized the site’s potential as a travel destination due to the constant 68-degree springs. Therefore, tourism became a mainstay of its local economy. Around the same time, the Whigham family invested in expanding a spring on their property. They also erected the Blue Springs Hotel by 1900 to welcome travelers drawn to the alleged healing power of the springs’ water. The community was incorporated in 1907.

Blue Springs is considered one of the best small towns in Alabama because of its natural and historical features. Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, many people have built their own cottages around the local water. Many politicians visit the local resort to draw in bigger crowds. One of the main points of interest is its local state park within the locale’s limits. People who wish to stay in Blue Springs can access necessary facilities and amenities in nearby cities. There is also easy access to the neighboring state of Georgia and the Florida coast. Blue Springs can be a viable Alabama inshore fishing destination because of the local spring and river. Anglers also have a way to fish from nearby lakes and rivers.

Blue Springs Fishing

The community offers anglers the chance to fish from its local blue spring and river that winds throughout its domain. It’s a must-visit place for those on their Alabama fishing tours because of its unique opportunities and attractions.

The West Fork Choctawhatchee River is found in the community, Blue Springs State Park, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain. It is a major tributary of the Choctawhatchee River, a coastal plain river shared between southeast Alabama and the Florida panhandle. The river contains several types of fish species, mainly bass and bream. Largemouth bass, spotted bass, sunshine bass, striped bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish, channel catfish, and warmouth are some of the popular species found in its waters. Anglers will enjoy the greatest success of fishing when their water levels are low, and one can fish from its banks.

Panfishing is a popular method of catching fish from the river using crickets, wigglers, and catalpa worms frozen in clear corn syrup as recommended baits. Bluegill and redear sunfish can be targeted along spawning beds and the banks lined with deadfalls and snags. Big redear sunfish are caught along channels of water lily beds. Bigger bream can be found along the mid to upper reaches of the river system. Largemouth bass are targeted using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and artificial worms. Treetops and snags in the river’s mid to upper reaches and along sawgrass flats are where one can usually spot big bass. The main river’s lower end, with sandbars and points, is a popular spot for sunshine and striped bass fishing. Preferred baits to catch those species are finger mullet, live shad, and shad-like lures. Boat ramp areas can be found throughout the main river system.

Another fishing spot in the Blue Springs State Park is the small pond stocked with catfish, bass, and bream. Fish must be harvested using a pole or rod and reel. Anglers are not permitted to catch fish from boats. The natural spring itself doesn’t allow fishing. Daily limits include six catfish, six bass, and 30 bream. The park holds its annual Fishing Rodeo, where young anglers primarily target catfish. Complimentary refreshments and prizes are given away during the event. 

Lake Eufaula, aka the Walter F. George Reservoir, is located east of Blue Springs, divided between Alabama and Georgia. It’s another excellent bass fishing destination, especially due to its healthy hybrid striped bass population. It’s also a perfect stop for anglers on their crappie fishing trips. Largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish reside in the lake. Boat docks and brush along the lake’s shoreline are ideal hideouts for bass and bream. Bass can also be spotted around structures, ledges, points, islands, and creek channels. Hybrid striped bass school together to follow bait fish as they migrate from shallow water to deeper river channels throughout the year. Striped bass charters, boat ramp access, marinas, bait and tackle shops, and camping and lodging sites are available around the lake. There are also boat ramps that give access to pleasure boats, bass boats, and other fishing boats. Shoreline fishing access has portage areas for canoes and kayaks. The nearest boat ramp anglers can access from Blue Springs is the single-lane ramp at Thomas Mill Park in Abbeville.

Top 10 Fish Species in Blue Springs, AL

The top 10 fish species found in Blue Springs, AL, are largemouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, white bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, and spotted sunfish.

Seasonal Fishing

Bream and sunfish species can be caught all year, but the best time is spring when they spawn. Fishing for sunshine bass (hybrid striped bass) and striped bass is excellent in the spring and fall in shallow water. They migrate to deeper waters in the winter and summer. The best striper fishing is on the outgoing tide at dusk or dawn. Spring is the best time to target other bass species as they feed and spawn in shallower waters. Catfish are also year-round targets, with their peak season occurring in the summer. Crappie can also be caught all year, but they best bite in cold water in the fall and winter. Most anglers target them from November to February when they are in pre-spawn mode and from February to April during their spawning season.

The Best of Blue Springs

Despite being a small community, Blue Springs offers plenty of attractions and environments visitors can enjoy.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Alabama is one of the best fishing destinations in the US because of its countless lakes and rivers and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Finding guide services that can elevate one’s fishing experience in Blue Springs and the state is easy. Sunrise Charters, Water Walker Fishing, Reel Fishin' Charters, and Killin Time Fishing Charters are some of the best fishing charters in the area. Boat rental services and bait and tackle shops are available in numerous fishing locations. Anglers are urged to ensure they have their Alabama fishing license before setting out on their fishing trip in the state.

2. Cool Off in the Local State Park

Blue Springs State Park is the perfect place to cool off because of the renowned natural underground spring, making it the favorite local swimming hole. Its swimming pools are fed by the crystal-clear underground spring that remains a cool 68 degrees no matter what season it is. People can also enjoy the picnic area, camping sites, and a biking and hiking trail that runs along the spring and river. The state park has small gate fees for the day-use area, with discounts for children and senior citizens.

3. Visit a Nearby Garden

The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens are located just a few miles south of Blue Springs in Kinsey. It comprises 50 acres of cultivated gardens, nature trails, and undeveloped, wooded landscapes. It is also the home to Wings of Wonder, a seasonal butterfly house that people can visit from April through October. The gardens are open all week, from 8 AM to 5 PM CST and 9 AM to 6 PM CDT. The admission fee costs $5 for non-members and is free for those 15 years old and younger.