Yellow River

The Yellow River begins above north of Opp, AL as a small creek. It joins Lightwood Knot Creek and these two streams form Lake Jackson. As the Yellow continues to flow through Covington County, it makes the transition from a small stream to a full sized river. The Yellow is normally run below HW 55 at Watkins Bridge. This section in southern Covington County forms the border of the Conecuh National Forest. There is very little development along the river. You will only see the occasional camp or access point.

Both largemouth and spotted bass are found in the Yellow River. The spotted bass are more common between Watkins Bridge (HW 55) and Givens Bridge (SR 4). You will also pick up small bream. This section is ideal for small boats and canoes. You best level for floating is 300-800cfs. There are no significant shoals or rapids. You may have to get around a logjam or two, especially near the confluence with Five Runs Creek.

The river becomes wider and the current slows down below Givens Bridge, largemouth become more common. Redbreast, redear and bluegill sunfish are also plentiful. Keep in mind that motorboats are also more plentiful below Givens Bridge and into Florida, because of deeper water and easy access with public boat ramps.

Trip Report

Level: 81.3 Flow: 500 cfs (steady)
Gauge: Yellow River at Oak Grove
Clarity: Clear
Weather: Mid 60's Saturday, Near 30 Saturday night, Low 70's Sunday, Clear skies
Section: HW55 Watkins Bridge, AL to SR 2 Oak Grove, Florida

Section I
Watkins Bridge (HW55) to Givens Bridge (SR 4)
Distance: 11 miles

The access below Watkins Bridge is downstream river right. There is a narrow dirt road that takes you 50-100 yards downstream. Here, the bank is not as steep as it is at the bridge. You will find an easy access for canoes or perhaps a small jon boat. There is no boat ramp here, and this section can contain minor logjams and obstructions. This is mostly a section for paddlers.

This upper portion of the Yellow River winds along with occasional rock formations. Low sandbars are present as the river makes deeper bends and turns. Most of the sandbars are suitable for camping as long as the gauge is below 800 cfs. Higher water will result in challenging fishing conditions and fewer possible camping spots. The river is not quite as clear as other blackwater streams in the area. However, you will notice very clear, spring fed tributaries entering on both the east and western banks. Wildlife is common along the river. If you are quiet, you may see deer, turkey, wood ducks, and the occasional beaver. Kingfishers, pileated woodpeckers, hawks, and owls are also prevalent along this remote waterway at the edge of the national forest.

There are two distinct areas with small rocky bluffs and deeper holes. One is found only several miles below the put in. The other is only a mile or two below the entrance of Five Runs Creek. There is good potential for spotted bass in these areas. There are also small boulders scattered along the bottom of the Yellow in a few spots. The woods can be very pretty in the early spring with dogwoods in bloom, red maples budding out, and the trees pushing out bright green leaves. Cypress trees are also common along the banks of the Yellow. The fishing was extremely challenging considering the post frontal/midspawn conditions. However, the scenery was nice, and we saw a lot of wildlife. Compared to other rivers in South Alabama, you may be surprised at how clean the river was. There is very little trash along the way.

Section II
Givens Bridge (SR 4) to Oak Grove, FL (SR 2)
Distance: 8 Miles

The access at both the put-in and takeout is excellent with public boat ramps at both locations. There are several long and straight sections as the river flows southward. You will also encounter several tight bends with logs along the banks. There is a clear route for small boats down to levels around 400 cfs in this section. Expect to see motorboats fishing for bass, panfish, and running trotlines for catfish.

There are several nice sandbars along this route. You won't find the rocks or boulders. There are also small sloughs and slack water areas off the main channel. Hardwood forests and cypress trees line the banks in many areas. There are some areas where pine trees come close to the rivers edge, but timber management practices seem to be more river friendly along the Yellow in both states.

This section is perfect for a half day of floating. Small plastic baits, crankbaits, and 1/8-1/4oz spinner baits are a good bet for the largemouth and occasional spotted bass along this section. Beetle spins, crickets, and worms will work for the panfish. With the increase in boat access, the fishing pressure makes the bite tougher here.