There are few foods more deeply woven into Alabama life than catfish.

It shows up at family fish fries, roadside restaurants, church gatherings, and along riverbanks where generations have spent weekends waiting for a bite. It is part of the culture of the Black Belt, a staple on menus across the state, and a tradition that connects Alabama’s waterways to its tables.

Now, Alabama Tourism is inviting travelers to experience that story firsthand through the new Alabama Catfish Trail, a statewide celebration of the people, places, and traditions that define catfish in Alabama.

The trail includes more than 50 destinations—from notable lakes, ponds, and rivers to restaurants, markets, and unique experiences—where visitors can explore Alabama’s catfish culture through both recreational and culinary adventures. Featured stops include longtime favorites such as Ezell’s Fish Camp, where recipes and hospitality have been passed down through generations, as well as some of Alabama’s most popular fishing destinations, including Wilson Lake, Wheeler Lake, Lake Guntersville, and the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers.

“Alabama’s catfish culture runs deep,” Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell said in a release announcing the trail. “Our new Catfish Trail invites visitors to experience our beautiful state through its waterways, recipes, and cultural traditions.”

For many Alabamians, those traditions begin with memories. Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate recalled childhood days spent pulling trotlines with his father, describing catfish as something that runs deep both in Alabama’s waters and around its family dinner tables.

The trail also shines a light on the Black Belt, where catfish farming has helped shape communities for generations. Dallas County’s Fran Pearce, a fifth-generation catfish farmer, said the industry has long created jobs and opportunities across the region while preserving an important agricultural tradition.

The story doesn’t stop at Alabama’s borders. Several stops along the Alabama Catfish Trail are also featured on the U.S. Catfish Trail, a national guide highlighting destinations that celebrate America’s farm-raised catfish industry.

Alongside the trail launch, several events are planned throughout the summer, including Alabama Black Belt Adventures’ inaugural Big Catfish Photo Contest and the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s youth Big Cat Fishing Tournament during National Catfish Month in August.

Whether your catfish memories involve casting a line from a johnboat, gathering around a plate of fried fillets, or discovering a beloved fish camp tucked along a back road, the Alabama Catfish Trail offers a new way to explore the stories, flavors, and waterways that have helped define Alabama for generations.

To learn more about the Alabama Catfish Trail and start planning your own catfish-inspired adventure, visit Alabama Tourism’s trail guide.