Fish Guide

Coosa Riverkeeper’s Fish Guide program is here for fishers and friends to get information that they need to enjoy fish safely– with our statewide fish consumption advisories, where to cast a line, and how to cook your catch all in one place.

Call

Cast

Cook

Game Fish

The Coosa’s Got Game

The Coosa’s Got Game

Fishers, anglers, noodlers, and friends alike are such an important part of our river community. They understand firsthand that water quality has a vital role in the health of their catch. Because they care deeply about the river, they work with Coosa Riverkeeper to tackle pollution concerns and fishy situations on our beloved river. Fishers are often the first to notice changes in the river and are encouraged to report pollution here!

The Fish Guide program is home to all you need to know (and then some) about Alabama’s fish consumption advisories, fisheries conservation, and the Coosa River Game Fish Guide. Whether you are learning where to drop your first line, tracking the spawn, or looking for tasty local catch recipes– we got you covered!

We also frequently conduct creel surveys of folks who enjoy fishing on the Coosa to better understand their fishing habits, the role of fishing in our economy, and fish consumption advisories. Our Fish Guide Coordinator worked hard to produce a two-year report on how Coosa River anglers interact with the state fish consumption advisories, download & read it yourself here!

There Are 35 Fish Consumption Advisories On The Coosa.

Take a few minutes to learn where to safely drop your line! Check out which species and sections of the Coosa have current fish consumption advisories that are issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health. You can also learn how to reduce your exposure from PCBs and methylmercury contamination along with ways to enjoy the Coosa River’s fish safely. 

Call

Get the skinny on the fish consumption advisories or dial 844-219-RISK

Cast

Learn where to cast a line on the river and see our interactive maps

Cook

How to reduce your exposure by cleaning and cooking your catch

Get current conditions for the Coosa!

Know before you go! Being an informed angler will keep you safe when fishing.

You can use these helpful tips & tools to help you figure out prepare to go fishing and learn what current conditions are for the Coosa River and surrounding areas:

  • Check the current weather conditions and forecast. Not only to keep yourself safe, but how fish bite changes in different weather conditions.
  • Check the current streamflow conditions using USGS streamgages and dam release schedules that affect fishing near the dams.
  • Create a fishing trip packing list. Be sure to include first aid supplies, fishing license information, pliers with line cutter, and all other fishing tackle you might need that day.
  • Find a place to fish! You can use the Fish Guide map on the Cast page to find places to fish.