Kayak Trip Report, Bradford on Redstone Arsenal

[Ditch Basser]

Bradford is open tomorrow so I'm going to make a short trip and pick up a limit. I plan to fish from daylight till it gets too hot.

[RickJohnson]

can you park near the lake?

[Ditch Basser]

Your able to park right at the edge of the water. The challenge is Bradford is located on Redstone Arsenal so you need a Dept of Defense, NASA or similar federal ID to access the base. Once on an additional pass is required to access Bradford. Kind of a pain really, but the fishing is great.

[CrappieFlopper]

Good luck!

[Ditch Basser]

I fished Bradford from 6:00AM till about 12:30. Good day, had a limit by 9:00, continued to catch fish and toss them back till it just got too hot to stay any longer. The water was 84 degrees at daylight, warmed to 90 by the time I left. Fish were scattered. I started the morning on White 1/16oz Marabou, spider rigging three feet deep. Bite shut down as the sun got overhead. I tried several things, finally got them to take a Pink and Pearl, Bobby Garland on a 1/16oz jig head. Fish had moved to the bottom, all fish were coming from just a few inches above the bottom in five feet of water. Several gills and bass mixed in. It was a great day to be on the water and I had Bradford to myself.

[RickJohnson]

Can I get on with a VA ID? I am a vet but not sure if it will be good. I also have my old Military ID but it expired 30 years ago

[Ditch Basser]

RickJohnson,

I'm not sure on the access requirements.

I spent 23 years on active duty, retired and went back to work for the Army as a civilian so I've always had easy access to military installations. Contact the Redstone visitor center and ask about access. (256) 876-2151

Good luck, great little hidden gem.

[Tony the Tiger]

Boy Howdey. That's a honey hole

[RickJohnson]

Nice haul too Ditch! And Thanks will do!

[RetiredRR]

Ditch, I think you could catch fish anywhere there was water, Congrats. Good report.