Written by Atlas Editorial · Last updated
ADCNR states it plainly: "From Coffeeville Lake to Jackson, Alabama, the Tombigbee River is free flowing." Coffeeville Lock & Dam, at river mile 117, is the last lock and dam before the Gulf — everything below it is unimpounded, a sharp contrast to the fully engineered, 234-mile channelized Tenn-Tom Waterway upstream with its 10 locks. Catfish are the standout fishery on this free-flowing stretch.
Tombigbee River / Tenn-Tom Waterway — free-flowing below Coffeeville Lock & Dam
Free-flowing reach (Coffeeville to Jackson, AL)
ADCNR: "From Coffeeville Lake to Jackson, Alabama, the Tombigbee River is free flowing." Coffeeville Lock & Dam (river mile 117) is the last lock/dam before the Gulf; everything downstream is unimpounded, unlike the fully engineered, channelized Tenn-Tom Waterway upstream (234 engineered miles, 10 locks).
Species on this reach
Historical harvest data (1980-81) showed roughly 282,000 lb of channel catfish taken from this system.
Historical harvest data (1980-81) showed roughly 250,000 lb of blue catfish taken from this system.
Historical harvest data (1980-81) showed roughly 31,000 lb of flathead catfish taken from this system. Peak activity runs late September through March, with spawning in May and June.
Present in this free-flowing reach.
Present in this free-flowing reach.
Present in this free-flowing reach.
Access points
- Jackson City Ramp — Clarke County.
- McIntosh Bluff Landing — Washington County.
- Old Lock #1
- Service Campground Ramp — At Coffeeville Dam.
Seasonal notes
Catfish move into tailraces from May through June to spawn. Flathead peak from late September through March, spawning in May and June — this seasonal pattern is inferred from system-wide catfish behavior rather than measurements specific to this free-flowing segment.
No Tombigbee-specific rule; the standard statewide catfish limit applies (no limit under 34 inches, 1 fish per day at 34 inches or over). Standard statewide 30/day crappie limit and 10/day black bass aggregate limit also apply.
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/rivers-and-mobile-delta/tombigbee-river
- outdooralabama.com/reservoirs/coffeeville-reservoir
- outdooralabama.com/catfish/blue-catfish
- outdooralabama.com/catfish/flathead-catfish
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tombigbee_River
Data last reviewed: 2026-07-01