Derryl's Question:

Can you tell me of any good places to trout fish in Georgia? Thanks.

Derryl Seals

Mark's Answer:

Derryl,

Nestled in the southernmost reaches of the Appalachians, course some of the finest trout streams in the southeast.

Most anglers are not aware that in the state of Georgia flow nearly 4,000 miles of trout waters, more than half of which lie in the Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia. The streams are typically small, clear creeks, difficult to access, but loaded with deep pools and hungry trout.

Brook trout have been on the decline in Georgia streams for years and most streams are augmented from the stocking of rainbow trout. Most Georgia trout streams have special regulations.

Some of the finest trout waters in Georgia are Dicks, Noontootla and Waters Creeks, and the West Fork of the Chattooga, Jacks, Conasauga, Toccoa and the Chattahoochee Rivers.

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Except for the Toccoa and Chattahoochee Rivers, both tailwaters, anglers can get by with ultra-light spinning gear or lightweight fly fishing rods and hip waders. An 8-foot, 4-weight would work on most Georgia streams although you could go shorter on the small creeks and larger on the tailwaters.

For the mountain streams, you might have to hike a bit and the terrain is sometimes challenging, but well worth the effort. It's hard to believe as developed as the southeast has become the last half of the century, that wilderness streams still exist. If you go, and you want to find solitude, find a trail along the Conasauga and you'll see what I mean.

For more information on rules and regulations, contact: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division, (404) 918-6400. There are several fly shops in Atlanta who can put you with a guide or tell you more about local patterns and developments.