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Fishing with spinning rod and bait casters is possible on Little River at DeSoto State Park but, the river is most suited for Fly Fishing.
 
 

DeSoto State Park Fall Fly Fishing (PDF)

       
 

When to Fly Fish

Spring – as the waters warm, fish activity grows
Summer – red eye bass and bluegill action is best
Fall – cooler water temps slow fish down, but fishing is still good
Winter – cold temps and high water make fishing a challenge. 

 

 
Where to Fly Fish
 

DeSoto Falls -   DeSoto Falls, near Mentone, Alabama, is one of the most picturesque areas in Alabama.  The old hydro-electric dam, creates about two miles of still water.  You can fish from the bank or put a kayak or canoe, and paddle upstream, fishing along the way. 
This area is open year round from sun up to sun down.  Sunfish include largemouth bass and a variety of pan fish

DeSoto Falls, Mentone, AL
 
DeSoto State Park, West Fork of Little River

DeSoto State Park – The West Fork of Little River provides some the most beautiful fly fishing opportunities in North Alabama.  The crystal clear mountain river can be accessed on the yellow trail, which is a section the DeSoto Scout Trail.  Red-eye bass and a variety of pan fish can be caught on traditional dry flies and poppers during the spring, summer, and fall months.  Tight quarters require lots of roll casting.

 
DeSoto Scout Trail - After leaving the State Park boundaries on then yellow trail, you enter Little River Canyon National Preserve, the trail, also known as the DeSoto Scout Trail, winds through some extraordinary backcountry areas.  Access to the DeSoto Scout Trail can be from the Gilliam Trailhead in DeSoto State Park or from WMA Road 5 inside Little River Wildlife Management Area. Green Sunfish, West Fork of Little River, DeSoto Scout Trail
 
Little River Management Area

Little River Management Area - Within the boundaries of Little River Canyon National Preserve is Little River Management Area, which offers backcountry roads where Little River can be accessed with plenty of long, wadeable runs, perfect for the fly rod.

 

Little River Canyon National Preserve - Hiking into Little River Canyon can tax the most athletic, but the view from the bottom is always worth the hike in……and out. Little River Canyon National Preserve has made improvements to the canyon and offers a few trails leading to the bottom.

Photo courtesy of the National Park System
 
Photo courtesy of the National Park System Canyon Mouth Park – LRC National Preserve – $3 per vehicle entrance fee, Canyon Mouth Park offer access to Little River.  Barbecue grills, picnic tables, restrooms, pavilion available
 

Nearby Fishing Opportunites

Weiss Lake provides almost 36,000 acres of fishing along the Coosa River, with about 426 miles of shoreline. Located 20 miles from DeSoto State Park in Cherokee County.

 

DeKalb County Fishing Lake is 120-acres located on Sand Mountain one mile north of Sylvania, Alabama.

 
Valid Alabama fishing license required.
 
For information about fishing licenses and to order one online, visit the fishing section of OutdoorAlabama.com
 
 
Access to Alabama State Parks and State Park Programs is available without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disabilities.

 

For information about fishing licenses and to order one online, visit the fishing section of OutdoorAlabama.com