Choctawhatchee River

The Choctawhatchee River is a coastal river in southeast Alabama and the Florida panhandle. The Choctawhatchee River begins in Barbour County and flows through Henry, Dale and Geneva counties in Alabama before going into Florida and eventually to Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.  Major tributaries include the West Fork just above Newton, the Little Choctawhatchee in southern Dale County, and the Pea River below Geneva. The watershed includes Blue Springs State Park in Barbour County.  US Geological Survey data indicates the average annual flow at Newton is 946 cubic-feet per second.  Though it has some rapids and a drop in the upper portion, most of the Choctawhatchee River is typical of a coastal river in a southern forest region of cypress, oak and other hardwoods.

The Choctawhatchee River contains many typical coastal river fish species. While anglers enjoy catching species, such as channel catfish, spotted bass, and a wide variety of sunfish; the Choctawhatchee River also supports many fish, such as redhorse suckers and carpsuckers, that hook and line anglers seldom see. In addition, this unimpeded river is considered a critical site for Gulf sturgeon spawning activity. Some small, nongame fish are found in the Choctawhatchee River and other Coastal Plain rivers, but they are not present in the Mobile Basin. A few fish, mussels, amphibians, and reptiles in the Choctawhatchee River basin are rare and need further study.

Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has three boat ramps in Dale and Geneva counties. Clayhatchee and Newton boat ramps are in Dale County. Both of these ramps are suitable for small, shallow-running boats except during low water conditions. Spann's Boat Ramp is in Geneva County. The river is usually deep enough for shallow running outboard motors in this section.  Another popular boat ramp is located at the Geneva City Park.  Several bridge crossings over the Choctawhatchee River are very popular places to slide in canoes and small jon boats.

More pictures by Beth Maynor Young

For more information on the Choctawhatchee River, contact Mr. Ken Weathers at the District VI Fisheries Office at 1-334-347-9467.  Other Web sites of interest include WSFA and Rivers of Alabama.