Soak It Up

Life is better on the water

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS, KENNETH BOONE & CLIFF WILLIAMS

Kayaking on the Coosa River is a popular choice among locals and visitors

Welcome to Elmore County, known as the River Region, and nestled around two of Alabama’s most beautiful lakes. Elmore Country is truly a gem just waiting to be discovered by newcomers like you.

With plenty of rivers, lakes and trails to keep everyone busy, there is always something to do in the River Region.

Of the two lakes that locals frequent, Lake Jordan is the only one that totally belongs to Elmore County, connecting Wetumpka to Holtville. Lake Jordan is a whopping 6,800 acres of water and 188 miles of shoreline. From the Jordan Dam overlook, visitors can observe an expansive view of the lake stretching 18 miles toward the horizon, and just below them lies a stretch of powerful rapids deemed the Devil’s Staircase for those who like to get active on the water. Jordan Lake is also used for many sporting and recreational events and professional and amateur fishing tournaments. And for those who are less competitive but love to fish, the lake also provides several favorite spots for the casual fisherman, supporting high densities of sport fish and forage species. According to Outdoor Alabama, the most common sport fish found in Lake Jordan include Alabama spotted bass, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and black and white crappie.

If you’re looking for more activities to keep you busy around the lake, check-in with the Lake Jordan Home Owners and Boat Owners. The organization helps plan and organize many of the events around the lake – including the Fourth of July Boat Parade and Santa & Friends Christmas tour – while playing a crucial role in maintaining and preserving the laid-back lifestyle that is Lake Jordan and the lush surrounding areas.

Lake Jordan gives way to the Coosa River, which runs through the west side of Elmore County, making its most central appearance in the heart of downtown Wetumpka. The river offers calm waters for those who wish to relax while tubing or fishing and whitewater rapid for the more adventurous kayakers. Just downstream from the Jordan Dam lies Moccasin Gap. If paddlers are looking to experience a day of twists and turns as they rush through the Coosa River rapids, this six-mile stretch is worth every July 4 boat parade invigorating second. off the shores of Lake Whether you choose Martin in Eclectic calm and relaxing or extreme and athletic, both are popular choices among locals and visitors. And the plus is, there are several easy-to-access drop-in points for the Coosa located throughout the county. Fishing the Coosa is a little trickier for a newcomer. The water is fast and deep, making it harder to find a special spot to sit and catch a mess hall full of fish; however, the Coosa is home to a robust, naturally reproducing land-locked striped bass population. There are only a handful of such populations found in the nation. So for those lucky enough to find that special spot, it could be a really good day. But the Coosa is not the only river in Elmore County that provides anglers with the potential of catching striped bass or hardcore paddlers with a challenging set of rapids. The Coosa River converges with the Tallapoosa River south of Wetumpka. The Tallapoosa begins to act as the dividing point between Elmore and Montgomery, Macon and Tallapoosa counties. It winds its way through miles and miles of terrain to inevitably create Lake Martin to the north, which then divides Elmore, Coosa and Tallapoosa Counties. The Tallapoosa River offers a multitude of calm places to boat and fish. It also has several opportunities

for those looking to ride lower-level rapids, as well as a tougher set for the more experienced paddlers.

While a four-mile whitewater adventure may seem daunting to some, others will happily strike out on the 9-mile trek that carries paddlers through some of the best fishing spots on the Tallapoosa River. These particular spots are known as flats because it is just that – flat. But where the water is flat, the fish will bite with the right bait and gear.

Redeye bass, spotted bass and bluegill are plentiful in the flats of the Tallapoosa River. Try using ultralight gear and spinnerbaits to catch these fish. Others like to fish for catfish. But rumor has it, fishing with worms and liver will have the squeelers tugging on a line in no time on the flats of the Tallapoosa River.

In the 1920s, Martin Dam was constructed on the Tallapoosa River to create clean energy through hydroelectricity. During the construction process, whole towns were disassembled, relocated and reconstructed above the 491-foot mean sealevel waterline of Alabama’s treasured lake Lake Martin.

Lake Martin’s primary function is to protect homes in the Tallapoosa River Basin – and the people who live in them – from floodwaters. The waters also turn four 230-ton turbines that can generate enough electricity to power 45,000 homes; beyond that, the lake’s purpose is recreational.

Boasting 41,150 acres more than 880 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is the perfect place to live, work and play.

And what a place to play. Lake Martin draws visitors from across the country that love to boat, fish, swim, ski, wakeboard, camp, bird watch, site-see, relax, retire and live.

Popular islands and attractions include Goat Island, where you can feed and take selfies with the goats: No dogs allowed; Chimney Rock, where the daring plunge into the waters from adventurous heights; and Peanut Pointe, where boaters can pull up to purchase a hot bag of boiling nuts.

Lake Martin is also a hot spot for local anglers that want to take on the challenge of fishing in clear and rocky waters. There are two bait shops right off the west side of the lake in Eclectic to get your day started before hitting the edges of the lake to find a variety of fish.

Popular species sought by anglers include largemouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, white bass, black crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill and redear sunfish.

Part of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s central division, marine patrol officers monitor activities on the lake 24/7 to enhance safety and promote responsible use of the waterway.

Three groups of hardworking, dedicated volunteers keep Lake Martin clean and advocate for its welfare: Lake Martin Resource Association, Lake Watch Lake Martin and the Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners.

It is the work of these organizations, their membership and volunteers that make Lake Martin a great place to live, work and play. Visit their websites and Facebook pages to find out how you help.

Fishing is a favorite pastime on any body of water in Elmore County.