Fish River in Alabama

Trip Overview

Most Baldwin county locals around here have been on the Lower Fish River. It is calm black and there are many houses to be seen. Pretty boring really.

Now the Upper Fish River is another story. It is quick flowing clear cold water.
I have done a two day trip on this river twice.

The first time was a nightmare. I was dropped off at the bridge on hwy 104. My truck was waiting for me at the Honey Rd boat launch off hwy 9. I don't know how many miles. Maybe 20. I had my open kayak and my pack.

I set out just before dusk and got maybe a half mile and set up camp before running out of daylight. All was good. In the morning I set out and found there to be log jams every 30' no joke. That was bad but when the morning started to warm up I found cotton mouths on these many log jambs. These snakes are not nice at all. They hiss and strike and will come after your butt.

Somehow I made it to hwy 48. There is a park there. I was going to call for help and get off that damn river but my phone was dead. I pushed on and it got easier after that. No more cotton mouths. I am glad I did it. It was life changing.

Now just a few months ago I did the same trip only the river has been cleared by some very cool people. So that changed everything! I had a very peaceful trip.

There are very few houses between 104 and 48. You will not see anyone else on the river. It's not going to stay that way long. Enjoy it while it lasts.

If you think you are ok with snakes and spiders then do this trip. It may change your life... it might make you a man.

Accommodations:

None. The woods my friends. Oh well there is the lil park on Hwy 48 - it has portapottys. I think it may have water...

Outfitting:

I use a Pelican open kayak. Its been dragged, bashed, smashed and I don't know what else. It's a fine boat.


I use a Field Line pack and Hillary tent. Ontario machete.

Fees:

Nope. You just have to pay your friend to drop you off.