Written by Atlas Editorial · Last updated
The Alabama River runs through a chain of three hydropower dams — Robert F. Henry Lock & Dam (into Jones Bluff Reservoir), Millers Ferry Lock & Dam (into Bill Dannelly Reservoir), and Claiborne Lock & Dam (into Claiborne Lake). Below all three, current from hydropower generation is the biggest driver of activity — Alabama bass feeding below Robert F. Henry Dam is directly tied to current, and striped bass require free-flowing water to reproduce, which is the strongest reason these tailrace zones matter more than the lake sections upstream.
Alabama River — tailrace reaches below three hydropower dams: Robert F. Henry, Millers Ferry, and Claiborne
Below Robert F. Henry Lock & Dam
Current from hydropower generation is the biggest driver of fish activity here — Alabama bass feeding is directly influenced by current below the dam.
Species on this reach
Feeding activity is highly influenced by current below the dam.
Striped bass require free-flowing water for reproduction, making this tailrace more important to the species than the lake section upstream.
Present in the tailrace; catchable year-round with current as the daily trigger.
Present in the tailrace below the dam.
Access points
- Benton Boat Ramp
Seasonal notes
Catfish feeding ramps up around 70°F water temperature and peaks between 80-84°F; flathead spawn June through July. Catfish are catchable year-round, with current as the daily trigger rather than the season.
Catfish: standard statewide 34-inch / 1-fish rule applies. Striper/hybrid limit is the standard statewide 15/day (max 5 over 22 inches). PFDs must be worn, not just carried, within 800 feet of any dam or lock.
Always verify current statewide and lake-specific rules at /regulations/ before fishing.
Below Millers Ferry Lock & Dam
Current from hydropower generation drives activity here in the same pattern as the other two Alabama River tailraces.
Species on this reach
Present in this tailrace; striped bass require free-flowing water for reproduction.
Present in the tailrace below the dam.
Present in this tailrace.
Present in this tailrace.
Access points
- Cobbs Landing
Seasonal notes
Catfish feeding ramps up around 70°F water temperature and peaks between 80-84°F; flathead spawn June through July.
Catfish: standard statewide 34-inch / 1-fish rule applies. Striper/hybrid limit is the standard statewide 15/day (max 5 over 22 inches). PFDs must be worn, not just carried, within 800 feet of any dam or lock.
Always verify current statewide and lake-specific rules at /regulations/ before fishing.
Below Claiborne Lock & Dam
The southernmost of the three Alabama River tailraces, flowing into Claiborne Lake. Current from hydropower generation drives activity in the same pattern as the reaches upstream.
Species on this reach
Fish of 30-plus pounds are caught below Claiborne.
Fish of 40-plus pounds are caught below Claiborne; flathead spawn June through July.
Spring fish to 3 lb below Claiborne.
Large stripers are caught below Claiborne in spring; striped bass require free-flowing water for reproduction.
Access points
- Isaac Creek – Damsite East Bank — At Claiborne.
Seasonal notes
Spring brings white bass to 3 lb and large stripers below Claiborne. Catfish feeding ramps up around 70°F water temperature and peaks between 80-84°F; flathead spawn June through July. Catfish are catchable year-round, with current as the daily trigger.
Catfish: standard statewide 34-inch / 1-fish rule applies. Striper/hybrid limit is the standard statewide 15/day (max 5 over 22 inches). PFDs must be worn, not just carried, within 800 feet of any dam or lock.
Always verify current statewide and lake-specific rules at /regulations/ before fishing.
Fishing regulations, generation schedules, and water conditions change. Alabama Fishing Atlas provides informational content only. Verify all regulations with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources before fishing, keeping any fish, or launching watercraft. We are not liable for decisions made based on information published here. Full disclaimer →
Data sources
- outdooralabama.com/reservoirs/jones-bluff-reservoir
- outdooralabama.com/resovoirs/claiborne-reservoir
- outdooralabama.com/rivers-and-mobile-delta/alabama-river
- outdooralabama.com/temperate-bass/striped-bass
- outdooralabama.com/catfish/blue-catfish
- outdooralabama.com/catfish/flathead-catfish
- recreation.gov/activitypass/AP2183
- recreation.gov/activitypass/AP2187
- USGS 02427506
Data last reviewed: 2026-07-01