Pea River facts for kids

The Pea River is a long river, about 154 miles (248 km) long. It flows into the Choctawhatchee River near Geneva, Alabama, in the United States. Many people love to visit the Pea River. It's a great spot for canoeing and other small boats. Fishermen also enjoy catching fish like bass, sunfish, and mullet here.

River's Journey: Where the Pea River Flows

The Pea River starts its journey near Midway, in Bullock County, Alabama. From there, it flows south through several towns. You'll find it passing through Elba, where there is a dam. It then continues south through places like Ino and Samson.

Finally, the Pea River reaches Geneva. Here, it joins up with the larger Choctawhatchee River. Even though the Pea River is mostly in Alabama, it briefly dips into Florida just before it meets the Choctawhatchee.

Boating on the Pea River

You can explore the Pea River by boat all the way to Elba and even beyond. When the water level is low, smaller boats are best. Many people use 14 to 16-foot boats with outboard motors to navigate the river.

Why is it Called the Pea River?

The Pea River gets its interesting name from its color. The water often has a "pea green" look! The Muscogee people, who are Native Americans, had their own name for the river. They called it Talakhatchee, which means "pea green stream." This shows that the river's unique color has been noticed for a very long time.

Amazing Aquatic Life in the Pea River

The Pea River is home to many different kinds of fish. Fishermen often catch bass, bream, shellcrackers, mullet, and catfish here. It's a great place for a fishing adventure!

Mullet and Sturgeon: River Travelers

Did you know that mullet fish travel all the way from the Gulf of Mexico up the river? They come to feed on the moss that grows on the river's "rock" walls. These walls are actually more like a slippery, clay-like substance. Sometimes, a lot of mullet are caught when they make this trip.

Historically, the river was also home to large fish called sturgeon. In the early 1900s, people used to fish for sturgeon to sell them. Now, sturgeon are protected, and their numbers are growing! You might even see sturgeon as long as six feet jumping near where the Pea River meets the Choctawhatchee River in Geneva. Scientists have even studied these sturgeon to learn more about their breeding habits in these rivers.

Other Fish in the River

Another type of fish, called suckers, also travels upstream when the weather changes. In early spring, they look for small streams to lay their eggs. Fishermen sometimes use special nets to catch these fish, as they are hard to catch with a hook and line. Shad are also common in the river. However, since shad eat moss, they are rarely caught by fishing.

Celebrating the River

The city of Geneva celebrates its river heritage every year. On the last Saturday in April, they have a special event. It's a way to honor the rich history of both the Choctawhatchee and Pea rivers.