Fishing On Alabamas Talladega Scenic Drive

The sun is shining and the sky is electric blue, blanketing the Talladega Scenic Drive in Alabama. On such a clear day, where else would you be but fishing some of the most pristine lakes in the state? Pack up your fishing pole and tackle box and head out for the perfect southern fishing adventure on the Talladega Scenic Drive in the Talladega National Forest, where you’ll discover ample fishing opportunities.

Because of the southern climate surrounding the Talladega Scenic Drive, you’ll have a hard time finding any trout in these lakes. But wait! At the end of your line a striped yellow and green bass with cherry-red eyes wildly flips around: the Coosa redeye bass. This small fish, often referred to as the “brook trout,” is great for a light-spinning tackle. Cast your line and catch a Coosa in many of the lakes that dot the Talladega National Forest, including the High Rock Lake, Morgan Lake and Sweetwater Lake.

But the fishing fun doesn’t stop there! Head about six miles north from the byway’s northern terminus, about three miles west of Heflin, and find High Rock Lake, a 19-acre lake tucked into the emerald Alabama forest. Stop here for some ideal bank fishing, which offers all the excitement of the hunt while adding variety to your catch. Spend a day on the sparkling shoreline, and in the evening, enjoy the sweet taste of victory in your fresh fish dinner.

Head back on the byway toward another fishing opportunity at Morgan Lake, a great spot for a day of fishing, located about one mile west of the byway and Abel. Go bank fishing at Morgan Lake, which is open from dawn to dusk, or hop on an electric, manually powered boat with your fellow anglers and get a closer look at the water. The lake is home to a common variety of fish found in the area, such as bass, bream, and catfish. Enjoy a calm day on the water and see what you find. Who knows, maybe you’ll beat the state record for catfish—the previous one weighed 21 pounds!

If you’re looking for a little more solitude, try the 58-acre Sweetwater Lake, reached by continuing north along the Skyway Motorway. Go ahead, bring all your bells and whistles—Sweetwater Lake allows the use of both natural and artificial baits. Spend the day at the lake and you’ll see why anglers surround the area. With the beautiful crystal water abounding with fish, you can’t help but come back for more.

For more fishing finery, get back on the byway and head for Lake Cheaha, located in Cheaha State Park, about midway along the Talladega Scenic Drive. Bring the family along, set up camp at one of several camping spots on the lake, and cast a hook in this quiet lake nestled in the Alabama hills. Remember, fishing licenses are required for fishers ages 16 to 64. Don’t have a license? You’re in luck--you can get your fishing license at the Country Store near the lake.

With plenty of lakes and recreation areas, Alabama’s Talladega Scenic Drive invites you to explore your wild side. Go on--reel in a catch-of-the-day, and enjoy the spoils of your journey as you revel in Alabama's great outdoors amidst a brilliant Alabama sunset on the Talladega Scenic Drive.