Georgia is home to more than 4,000 miles of trout streams and three species of trout! Trout streams are designated as seasonal, year-round or delayed harvest and different streams offer varying populations of rainbow, brown and brook trout. Seasonal streams are open from the last Saturday in March through Oct. 31, year-round streams are open all year and delayed harvest streams have special regulations from Nov. 1 - May 14. All these streams can provide excellent fishing opportunities as fall settles over the state, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
"Many anglers can think of no better way to spend a crisp fall day than by fishing a trout stream amidst the beautiful foliage and cool waters," says WRD Assistant Chief of Fisheries John Biagi. "We are fortunate that Georgia has so many varying opportunities available to trout anglers - no matter if you are an amateur or experienced - you can find a trout stream to suit you."
Listed below are some Georgia trout stream highlights:
Blue Ridge Tailwater: This tailwater is actually a stretch of the Toccoa River located downstream of Blue Ridge Lake in Fannin County and is considered by many in trout fishing circles to be both blue-ribbon trout fishing and Georgia's best kept secret. Anglers will find good numbers of both rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional trophy-sized fish caught. Most anglers prefer to float from shoal to shoal and then get out and wade to fish. Ultralight spinning gear and small spinners, such as rooster tails and panther martins, are best bets. Anglers should keep safety in mind - high water and strong currents can occur when the dam's turbines are on. Keep a close eye on the water level and seek higher ground immediately if it starts to rise.
Noontootla Creek Watershed: This watershed offers some high quality year-round fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout, with many of its tributaries offering a chance at a wild brook trout (a real plus since most other brook trout waters are closed to fishing after Oct. 31). Both Noontootla and its tributaries are managed under an artificial lure only regulation and have a 16" minimum size limit in order to "recycle" the 8"-12" trout that make up most of the population.
Dukes Creek: This stream, located on the Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area offers year-round trout fishing by reservation (706-878-3087). All fish caught here must be released immediately and anglers must use artificial lures only with barbless hooks. The stream offers a great chance at a trout over 20 inches, so bring your camera for a quick shot before release. Best time to fish is after a rain discolors the water.
Some additional notable year-round trout streams include the Conasauga River, Brasstown Creek (as it flows through the Brasstown Valley Resort) and the West Fork Chattooga River.
The best fall trout fishing can be found in Georgia's delayed harvest streams! A lot of trout, including some big fish can be caught thanks to the monthly trout stockings coupled with catch-and-release regulations. Beginners have a chance to catch their first trout because DNR conservation rangers enforce the regulations to ensure that a lot of fish are in the stream. The four trout streams managed under delayed harvest regulations are: Amicalola Creek on the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (from Steele Bridge Road downstream to Georgia Highway 53), Smith Creek at Unicoi State Park, the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta (between Sope Creek - off Columns Drive - and U.S. Highway 41) and a portion of the Chattooga River (from Ga. Hwy. 28 upstream to the mouth of Reed Creek) on U. S. Forest Service land bordering South Carolina. Anglers may use only artificial lures with single hooks.
Download your free Georgia trout stream map and other trout fishing tips from the WRD website, www.gofishgeorgia.com or call 770-535-5498 for trout fishing information.