What Longshore Creek offers and who should fish it

Longshore Creek runs clear and cold through the hills east of Wedowee, Alabama, and holds native brook trout and stocked rainbow trout in its upper reaches. The creek is small — you can step across most of it — which means you fish tight to the banks, work around fallen timber, and learn to cast short and accurate rather than far. If you're coming from the larger impoundments around Wedowee, Longshore will feel like a different sport entirely: no trolling, no casting to open water, just you and a narrow ribbon of current threading through rhododendron and hemlock.

The creek works best for anglers who like to move constantly, read water close-up, and don't mind getting their waders wet. It's not a destination in itself — most people fish it as a half-day trip while exploring the Talladega National Forest — but if you're already in the area and want to escape the crowds at the lakes, Longshore delivers solid trout fishing in a setting that feels remote even though you're never far from a road.

Key Takeaways

  • Longshore Creek holds native brook trout and stocked rainbows in water so narrow that short casts and tight-line nymphing work better than distance casting.
  • The best fishing is in the upper creek above Forest Road 500, where the water stays cooler and trout hold in defined pools rather than scattered throughout.
  • You'll need a valid Alabama fishing license and must follow state trout regulations, which include a daily limit and minimum size requirements that vary by season.
  • Access is easiest from the Cheaha State Park area or via Forest Service roads, and the creek is open year-round, though water temperature and flow change the bite significantly between seasons.
  • Bring a headlamp and plan to fish early morning or late evening, because the creek runs through dense forest and trout feed most actively when light is low.

Where to access Longshore Creek and how to get there

Longshore Creek is accessible from several points along Forest Road 500 and the roads branching off it in the Talladega National Forest. The most straightforward access is from Cheaha State Park — drive to the park, then head east on Forest Road 500 toward the creek. You can park at informal pullouts along the road where you see water, or hike down from the road to find deeper pools. The creek also crosses private land in its lower reaches, so stick to the national forest sections unless you have permission.

From Wedowee, drive east on Alabama 48 toward Cheaha, then follow signs for Cheaha State Park. Once you're in the park area, ask at the ranger station for current access points — road conditions and parking change seasonally, and rangers know which spots are passable. The drive from Wedowee is about 20 minutes. Bring a detailed map of the Talladega National Forest, because Forest Service roads are not always marked clearly and cell service is spotty.

Trout species and seasonal patterns on Longshore

Longshore holds both native brook trout and stocked rainbow trout. The brook trout are smaller — usually 6 to 9 inches — and live year-round in the coldest, most shaded sections of the upper creek. They're skittish and prefer small flies and careful stalking. Rainbow trout are stocked in spring and fall, grow larger (8 to 14 inches), and are more aggressive feeders, especially in the weeks right after stocking.

Spring (March through May) brings higher water from snowmelt and rain, which makes the creek harder to read but pushes trout to feed more actively. Summer (June through August) drops water levels and raises temperature; fish move to the deepest pools and feed early and late. Fall (September through November) cools the water and brings another stocking, making it one of the best times to fish. Winter (December through February) slows the bite, but the creek rarely freezes solid and winter-hardy anglers can find fish in the deeper pools on mild days.

Flies, lures, and techniques that work on small creeks

Longshore's narrow water demands small flies and light tackle. Nymphs work year-round: size 14 to 18 Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and small stonefly nymphs drifted tight to the banks and under overhanging brush. Use a short leader (7 to 9 feet) and fish upstream, letting the nymph tumble naturally through the current. A small split shot or two keeps the fly near the bottom where trout hold.

Dry flies work best in late spring and early fall when insects are hatching. Bring size 16 to 20 Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and small Stimulators. Cast upstream and let the fly drift drag-free — on a creek this small, drag-free drifts are short, sometimes only a few feet, but that's all the distance you get before the fly passes the fish. Small spinners and spoons (size 0 to 1) work if you want to cover water faster, but they spook fish in the clear water; save them for high-water conditions or when you're exploring new sections.

The key technique is stealth. Wade slowly, keep your shadow off the water, and approach pools from below or from the side. Trout in small creeks have nowhere to hide and bolt at the first sign of danger. Fish the water closest to you first, then work upstream gradually. Don't cast to a pool, spook the fish, and move on — wait a few minutes and fish it again once the trout settle.

Regulations, licenses, and what you need to know before you go

You must have a valid Alabama fishing license to fish Longshore Creek. Licenses are available online through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're just visiting.

Trout regulations on Longshore follow Alabama's statewide rules: a daily limit of five trout, with a minimum size of 7 inches for rainbow trout and 6 inches for brook trout. Some sections of the creek may have special regulations — check the current Alabama Fishing Guide before you go, because rules change and some areas have catch-and-release-only sections. The creek is open year-round, but water temperature and flow vary enough that you should call ahead to the Talladega National Forest office or Cheaha State Park to ask about current conditions.

Seasonal timing and water conditions

Spring water is high and often stained from runoff, which makes sight-fishing difficult but gives trout less reason to be cautious. Fish nymphs and streamers in the deeper runs and behind large rocks. By late May, water clears and cools, and dry fly fishing becomes reliable.

Summer is the hardest season. Water warms and trout retreat to the deepest pools, usually in the shade of overhanging trees. Fish early (first light until 9 a.m.) and late (5 p.m. until dark). Midday fishing is nearly pointless. Fall is ideal: water cools, stocking happens, and trout feed throughout the day. Winter requires patience and mild-weather timing, but the creek rarely gets too cold to fish.

Check water flow before you go. High water (usually after heavy rain) makes the creek harder to read and wade, but trout feed more actively. Low water (late summer) concentrates fish in pools but makes them spookier. Moderate flow — what you get most of the year — is the sweet spot for both finding and catching trout.

Gear and preparation for creek fishing

Bring a 7 to 8-foot fly rod rated for 4 to 5-weight line, or a light spinning rod with 4 to 6-pound test. Waders are essential because you'll be in the water constantly, and the creek stays cold even in summer. Felt-soled wading boots give you better grip on slippery rocks than rubber soles. A small backpack with a water bottle, snacks, and a headlamp is all you need — Longshore isn't a long hike, but you'll be in the forest and light fades fast under the tree canopy.

Bring a small net or a pair of forceps for handling fish, and a small fly box with a variety of nymphs and dry flies. A leader wallet and extra tippet are worth the space. Sunscreen and insect repellent matter more on a creek than on open water, because you're close to brush and the sun reflects off the water even when the sky is overcast. A small headlamp or clip-on light lets you fish the last hour of daylight without losing your footing on rocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hike far to reach good water on Longshore?

No. You can park near Forest Road 500 and walk down to the creek in minutes. Some of the best pools are within 100 yards of the road. If you want to explore deeper into the forest, you can hike farther, but the creek is accessible without a long bushwhack.

What's the difference between fishing Longshore and fishing the lakes around Wedowee?

Longshore is a small-water creek where you cast short distances and work tight to the banks. The lakes are open-water fisheries where you cast farther and often fish from a boat. Creek fishing rewards stealth and reading small-scale water; lake fishing rewards covering more water and working different depths. Both are worth learning.

When is the best time of year to fish Longshore?

Fall (September through November) is ideal because water is cool, trout are stocked, and they feed throughout the day. Spring (March through May) is good but water is often high and stained. Summer is possible but requires early morning or evening fishing. Winter works on mild days but the bite is slower.

Can I fish Longshore if I've never fly-fished before?

Yes. A light spinning rod with small spinners or spoons works fine on Longshore. Fly fishing is more effective in clear water, but spinning gear catches trout too. If you want to learn fly fishing, Longshore is a good place to start because the short distances and tight quarters mean you don't need to cast far.

Is Longshore Creek crowded?

No. Most anglers in the area fish the lakes or larger streams. Longshore gets light pressure, especially on weekdays. You may see other anglers on weekends, but you won't feel crowded. That's part of what makes it worth the trip.