Best Place to Trout Fish in Georgia

Are you an avid angler in search of the perfect fishing spot? Do you find yourself constantly on the lookout for new locations to cast a line and reel in your next big catch? Look no further than Georgia, where you’ll find some of the best trout fishing spots in the country.

Georgia is home to a rich variety of trout species, including rainbow, brown, and brook trout. But with so many rivers, streams, and lakes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. That’s why we’ve scoured the state to bring you the top spots for trout fishing.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of fly fishing, these locations offer something for everyone. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Georgia’s stunning waterways.

Popular Trout Fishing Spots in Georgia

Georgia is home to some of the best trout fishing spots in the southeastern United States. The state has over 4,000 miles of trout streams that are regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Some popular spots for trout fishing in Georgia include:

1. Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River is a popular destination for trout fishing in Georgia. It flows through the northern part of the state and offers excellent opportunities for catching rainbow and brown trout. The river is regularly stocked with fish, and there are several access points along its length.

2. Toccoa River

The Toccoa River is another popular spot for trout fishing in Georgia. It runs from the Blue Ridge Mountains down into Tennessee and is known for its large population of rainbow and brown trout. There are several public access points along the river, including at Horseshoe Bend Park and Tammen Park.

3. Noontootla Creek Farms

Noontootla Creek Farms is a privately-owned property located near Blue Ridge that offers exclusive fly fishing opportunities on their well-stocked streams. They have over two miles of creek running through their property that is filled with trophy-sized rainbow, brook, and brown trout.

Other great places to fish for trout in Georgia include Smith Creek, Dukes Creek, Cooper Creek, Tallulah River, and Rock Creek.

Best Time of Year for Trout Fishing in Georgia

Trout can be caught year-round in Georgia’s rivers and streams, but there are certain times when they are more active than others. The best time to go trout fishing depends on a few different factors such as water temperature, weather conditions, and hatching patterns of insects.

Spring (March – May)

Spring is one of the best times to go trout fishing in Georgia. As the water temperature begins to warm up, trout become more active and start feeding on hatching insects. This is also a popular time for fly fishing as there are plenty of dry flies and nymphs available for anglers to use.

Summer (June – August)

Summer can be a bit more challenging for trout fishing in Georgia as the water temperatures can get quite warm, particularly in low-elevation streams. However, higher elevation streams generally remain cool enough for trout all season long. In the early morning or late evening hours when it’s cooler, anglers have better chances of catching fish.

Fall (September – November)

Fall is another excellent time to go trout fishing in Georgia. As the weather cools down, water temperatures drop, and fish become more active again after a sluggish summer. Fall is also when many insects hatch, making it an excellent time for fly fishing.

Winter (December – February)

Winter can be tricky for trout fishing in Georgia as some streams may freeze over or become too cold for fish to feed actively. However, there are several tailwater fisheries in the state that provide year-round opportunities for catching trout.

How to Obtain a Fishing License for Trout Fishing in Georgia

If you plan on trout fishing in Georgia, you’ll need a valid fishing license before casting your line into any stream or river.

Resident Fishing Licenses

Georgia residents can purchase an annual resident fishing license for $15 that allows them to fish year-round in freshwater and saltwater areas within the state’s boundaries.

Non-Resident Fishing Licenses

Non-residents have several options when purchasing their Georgia fishing license:

– Annual non-resident fishing license for $50
– 3-day non-resident fishing license for $20
– 7-day non-resident fishing license for $30

Specialty Licenses

Georgia also offers specialty licenses, including trout and saltwater licenses. A resident or non-resident trout license is required to fish in designated trout waters in Georgia, which are marked with special signage.

You can purchase a fishing license online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or at any of their approved vendors throughout the state.

Types of Trout Found in Georgia’s Rivers and Streams

Georgia has three types of trout that can be found in its rivers and streams: rainbow, brown, and brook trout.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most popular types of trout found in Georgia. They can be identified by their silvery sides with a pinkish-red stripe running down their lateral line. Rainbow trout prefer cool water temperatures and are active feeders year-round.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are another common species found in Georgia’s rivers and streams. They have a darker olive-brown color with black spots on their sides. Brown trout typically prefer slower moving water and are known to be more elusive than other types of trout.

Brook Trout

Brook trout are native to Georgia but can only be found in high-elevation streams within the state. They have a dark green back with light-colored spots on their sides and fins. Brook trout prefer cold, clear water with plenty of cover.

Guided Tours and Outfitters for Trout Fishing in Georgia

If you’re new to trout fishing or want to improve your skills, guided tours and outfitters can provide valuable knowledge about where to find the best spots to catch fish, what equipment to use, and the best techniques to use for different conditions.

Unicoi Outfitters

Unicoi Outfitters is a fly shop and guide service located in Helen, Georgia. They offer guided float trips on the Chattahoochee River and other area streams as well as wade trips in the surrounding mountains. Unicoi Outfitters also offers fly fishing classes and workshops for beginners.

Reel’em In Guide Service

Reel’em In Guide Service is based out of Blue Ridge, Georgia, and offers guided fly fishing trips on the Toccoa River and other nearby streams. They specialize in teaching beginners how to fly fish but also cater to experienced anglers looking for new challenges.

The Fish Hawk

The Fish Hawk is a fly shop located in Atlanta that specializes in trout fishing gear and supplies. They also offer guided tours of local rivers and streams with experienced guides who can help you improve your skills.

Equipment and Gear Needed for Trout Fishing in Georgia

To get started with trout fishing in Georgia, you’ll need some basic equipment to get started.

Fishing Rods

A 7-8 foot medium-action spinning rod or a 9-foot fly rod is ideal for trout fishing in Georgia. The rod should be lightweight yet durable enough to handle large fish if necessary.

Fishing Reels

A spinning reel or a fly reel should match the size of the rod being used. The reel should have smooth drag capabilities to prevent line breakage when fighting larger fish.

Fishing Line

For spinning reels, 6-8 pound monofilament line is recommended, while fly rods typically require specialized weight-forward floating lines.

Bait and Lures

Live bait such as worms or crickets are popular choices for trout fishing in Georgia, as are artificial lures such as spinners, spoons, and soft plastic baits. Fly fishing requires specialized flies that mimic the insects that fish are feeding on.

Fishing Accessories

Other essential gear includes a landing net, waders or waterproof boots, polarized sunglasses to reduce glare on the water surface, a hat and sunscreen to protect against sunburn, and a tackle box to store all your equipment.

Fishing for Trout in Fresh and Saltwater Areas of Georgia

In addition to its freshwater streams and rivers, Georgia also has several saltwater areas where anglers can catch trout.

Saltwater Trout Fishing

Saltwater trout can be found along the Georgia coast in areas like Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island. They are typically caught using live shrimp or artificial lures such as jigs or topwater plugs.

Freshwater Trout Fishing

Freshwater trout fishing is more common in Georgia’s mountain streams and rivers. These areas are regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout and provide excellent opportunities for fly fishing or traditional spinning gear.

Regulations and Restrictions on Catch-and-Release Practices for Trout Fishing in Georgia

Georgia has specific regulations regarding catch-and-release practices for trout fishing in the state.

Size Limits

Rainbow and brown trout must be at least 7 inches long to keep while brook trout must be at least 8 inches. There is no length limit on other species of trout.

Bag Limits

Anglers may keep up to 8 combined total of any species of game fish per day while fishing in designated waters unless otherwise specified by special regulations.

Special regulations apply to some waters so be sure to check with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources before fishing.

Catch-and-Release Practices

When practicing catch-and-release, anglers should handle fish carefully and release them quickly back into the water. Barbless hooks are recommended to minimize injury to the fish, and anglers should avoid removing fish from the water for extended periods. It’s also important to not overcrowd or harm wild trout populations when fishing in designated areas.

In conclusion, Georgia offers some of the best trout fishing spots in the country, with a variety of rivers and streams providing ample opportunities for both experienced anglers and beginners alike.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Place to Trout Fish in Georgia

What is the trout fishing capital of Georgia?
Blue Ridge, located in Georgia, is recognized as the Trout Capital due to its excellent freshwater fishing opportunities.

Where are the biggest trout in Georgia?
Lake Rabun is a manmade lake in northeastern Georgia with a thriving population of rainbow trout that have been extensively stocked. The biggest trout ever caught in the lake weighed over seven pounds, making it an excellent spot for fly fishing. The rainbow trout are active for most of the year, making it the perfect fishing destination.

What is the best bait for trout fishing in Georgia?
Fishing techniques often involve using lightweight gear to cast small spinners and spoons, as well as bait-fishing with a variety of options including red worms, night crawlers, crickets, meal worms, kernel corn, and popular processed baits like Berkley PowerBait and Pautzke’s Balls O’ Fire salmon eggs.

Is there a trout season in GA?
Fishing for trout in North Georgia is possible for almost the entire year, from March to October. However, those 16 years and older must have a fishing and trout license, which can be bought from various places such as bait shops, gas stations, local outfitters, or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

How many trout can you keep a day in Georgia?
There are limits on the number of certain game species that can be caught daily, such as sunfish or bream, with a limit of 50 for species like bluegill, flier, and warmouth. For trout species, like brook, rainbow, and brown trout, and their hybrids, the daily limit is 8. The daily limit for walleye is also restricted.

How many trout can you keep in Georgia?
You can keep up to 8 trout when fishing in seasonal trout streams, with no restrictions on their size. For further details on fishing regulations and requirements in Georgia, including trout fishing rules and licenses, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com for more information about the Fisheries Section.