What Cotton Bayou offers and when to fish it

Cotton Bayou is a shallow, brackish system that sits just inland from the Gulf beaches near Orange Beach, Alabama. It holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder year-round, with the strongest fishing from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb and baitfish move into the shallows. The bayou is narrow and winding—most of it runs 30 to 50 feet wide—which means you can fish it effectively from a small skiff, kayak, or even wading if you know the tides.

The appeal of Cotton Bayou is access and consistency. You do not need a long run offshore, and the fish are there most days if you time the tide right. The water is murky, which actually works in your favor: redfish and trout hunt by feel and smell as much as sight, so they are less spooked than they would be in clear water. Expect to catch fish in the 15- to 22-inch range regularly, with occasional larger redfish pushing 28 inches or more.

Key Takeaways

  • Cotton Bayou holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder in shallow water that is accessible by small skiff or kayak year-round.
  • The best fishing runs from late May through September, when water temperatures rise and baitfish concentrate in the narrow channels.
  • Fish the incoming tide in the morning and the slack water at high tide, when redfish move into the shallows to feed.
  • Mud flats and oyster bars along the bayou edges hold the most fish; avoid the deepest channel unless you are sight-casting for larger redfish.
  • Bring a shallow-draft boat or kayak and plan for tight quarters—the bayou is narrow and winding, with several low-clearance bridges.

How to reach Cotton Bayou and where to launch

Cotton Bayou runs inland from the Intracoastal Waterway near Orange Beach. The main public launch is at the Cotton Bayou Marina, located on Canal Road just off Highway 180. The marina has a concrete ramp, parking for vehicles and trailers, and fuel if you need it. Launch fees run about $10 to $15 depending on the season and whether you are launching a skiff or kayak. The ramp can get crowded on weekends, especially in summer, so arrive early if you want a smooth launch.

If you are kayaking, you can also launch from the public beach access points along Highway 180 and paddle into the bayou system, though this adds paddling time. The marina launch is faster and puts you in the water with less effort. From the ramp, head east into the main bayou channel—you will see the markers and the deeper water. The bayou is well-marked with green and red buoys, so navigation is straightforward even if you have not fished it before.

Tides, water conditions, and seasonal patterns

Cotton Bayou is tidal, and the tide is everything here. The incoming tide pushes saltwater and baitfish into the shallow flats and marsh edges, and that is when redfish and trout feed most actively. Fish the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first hour of the slack high tide—this is your prime window. The outgoing tide can be productive too, but the fish are less concentrated and harder to locate.

Water temperature drives seasonal success. From June through August, the bayou warms to 82 to 88 degrees, and the fishing is hot. Redfish are aggressive, and you will find them in 2 to 4 feet of water over mud and grass. In winter (December through February), water temperatures drop to 50 to 60 degrees, and the fish move to deeper holes and channel edges. You can still catch them, but you need patience and slower presentations. Spring and fall are transition periods—good fishing, but less predictable than summer.

Salinity varies depending on recent rainfall. After heavy rain, freshwater pushes into the bayou and salinity drops, which can slow the bite temporarily. After a dry spell, salinity climbs and the fishing usually improves. Check local conditions before you go—the marina staff can tell you what the water looks like and where fish have been caught recently.

Tackle, lures, and live bait that work

For redfish and trout in Cotton Bayou, a 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line is the standard setup. Braid cuts through the murky water and gives you better feel for bottom contact and strikes. Tie on a 12- to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility in the shallows.

Live bait is often the most reliable choice. Mullet (3 to 5 inches), pinfish, and live shrimp all work well. Fish them under a popping cork in 2 to 4 feet of water, or free-line them near oyster bars and grass edges. The popping cork creates noise and vibration that draws fish in the murky water. Soft plastics also produce—try 4-inch paddle-tail shads in natural colors (pearl, chartreuse, or dark green) rigged on a 1/8-ounce jig head. Cast near structure and work the lure slowly along the bottom.

Topwater lures can be effective early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in summer. A small popper or walking bait fished over shallow flats can trigger explosive strikes from redfish. Keep your retrieve slow and deliberate—the murky water means fish have to hear and feel the lure to find it.

Where to fish: flats, bars, and channel edges

Cotton Bayou breaks into three main fishing zones. The upper bayou (west of the first bridge) is shallower and narrower, with extensive mud flats and marsh grass. This is prime redfish water, especially on the incoming tide. Fish the edges where shallow flats meet deeper water—redfish patrol these transitions looking for baitfish.

The middle bayou (between the first and second bridges) has a mix of flats, oyster bars, and small channels. Oyster bars are magnets for trout and flounder. Fish the deeper side of the bar where the current runs, and work your lure or bait slowly along the edge. The channels here are 6 to 8 feet deep and hold larger redfish, especially on the outgoing tide.

The lower bayou (east of the second bridge toward the Intracoastal) is deeper and wider, with less shallow-water structure. This zone is better for larger redfish and trout, and it is where you go if the upper bayou is too crowded. The deeper water also holds fish during the heat of midday when they retreat from the shallows.

Boat handling and navigation tips

Cotton Bayou is narrow and winding, and there are two low-clearance bridges that require you to duck or tilt your motor. Know your boat's height and clearance before you launch. Most small skiffs and kayaks clear the bridges without issue, but a tall T-top or hardtop may not fit. If you are unsure, ask the marina staff before you pay the launch fee.

The bayou bottom is soft mud in most places, which means you can run aground and still back off without damage if you are careful. However, there are also hard spots and oyster bars that can damage a prop, so watch your depth finder and slow down in unfamiliar water. The channel is marked, but the best fishing is often in the shallows off the marked route, so you need to pick your way carefully and watch for other boats.

Respect the narrow water and other anglers. If you see someone fishing a flat or bar, give them room and do not cut across their line. The bayou is small enough that word travels fast about who is courteous and who is not.

Regulations and what you need to know

Alabama requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual license online through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website, or at the marina. The cost varies by license type and whether you are a resident or non-resident.

Redfish have a slot limit in Alabama: you can keep one fish between 18 and 26 inches, or one fish over 26 inches. Spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum and a 2-fish daily limit. Flounder have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. These rules change occasionally, so check the current regulations before you fish. The marina staff can give you a quick rundown, or you can look up the rules on the state website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Cotton Bayou from a kayak?

Yes. Kayaks are ideal for Cotton Bayou because the water is shallow and the bayou is narrow. You can launch from the marina or from beach access points and paddle into the system. Kayaks are quiet and let you get close to fish without spooking them. Bring a push pole or anchor to hold position in the current.

What is the best time of day to fish Cotton Bayou?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive. The incoming tide in the morning is often the best window. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer, but you can still catch fish if you focus on deeper channels and shaded areas.

Do I need a guide to fish Cotton Bayou?

No. The bayou is well-marked, easy to navigate, and the fish are consistent enough that you can find them on your own. A guide can save you time and show you productive spots faster, but it is not necessary. Talk to the marina staff when you launch—they know where fish have been caught recently.

What should I do if the water is too murky to sight-cast?

Use live bait under a popping cork or fish soft plastics slowly along the bottom. The murky water is normal for Cotton Bayou, and the fish hunt by feel and smell, not sight. Popping corks create vibration and noise that draw fish in. Work the lure or bait slowly and deliberately.

Are there alligators in Cotton Bayou?

Yes, small alligators are present but rarely aggressive toward anglers. Keep your distance, do not feed them, and avoid wading in areas with heavy vegetation where they hide. Alligators are most active at dawn and dusk. If you see one, simply move to another area.