Georgia's Chattahoochee River from Morgan Falls to Peachtree Creek

Discover Georgia's Chattahoochee River (Morgan Falls to Peachtree Creek) - In addition to supplying nearly 70 percent of metro Atlanta's drinking water, the 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River between Buford Dam and Peachtree Creek offers some of the best trout fishing in north Georgia. Stay and Play in GA!

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Best Fishing Bets for 2009

Shoal bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, chain pickerel, bream, catfish and trout

Chattahoochee River Fishing Tips

Trout fishing in this section can be excellent during the Delayed Harvest (DH) season (November 1 through May 14) when catches of 20-30 trout are reported. Approximately 50,000 trout are stocked from November 1 through late April. All trout must be released during the delayed harvest season, but can be harvested from May 15 through October 31.

Technique - For fly-fishing, consider a Parachute Adams in a No. 18-22. Picky fish? Try a black or olive wooly bugger. Also consider Bead Head Prince, Hares Ear and Pheasant Tail flies in No. 14-18. During an insect hatch, a small Blue Wing Olive or Griffiths Gnat in a No. 18-22 may be a better choice. For ultra light spinning tackle use 2-pound “Extra Tough Line” or 4-pound “Extra Limp” line (clear or green). Cast or troll 1/16 ounce. yellow rooster tail, or #3 or #5 yellow rapalas. Fishing in low, clear water is best.

Target the delayed harvest section from Sope Creek (off Columns Dr) downstream to US Hwy 41

Shoal Bass - Over the past 5 years, more than 200,000 fingerlings have been stocked downstream of Morgan Falls in an effort to restore this bass population. Numbers have drastically increased and last year was reportedly the best year yet. Expect good numbers in the 10 to 12-inch range.

Technique - Use a medium rod and spinning reel with 8-pound line (clear or green). Cast ½ ounce. yellow spinner bait with silver or white willow leaf blades to creek mouths and shoal areas. In deep holes, try drift drop shot with minnow or cast to rocky cliffs and creeks mouths. Low, clear water is best.

Target - Shoal bass move to shallow water in April and can be found in swift running shoals. In winter, they move to deeper water along the banks and deep pools. Focus on downed trees along the banks.

Largemouth bass and spotted bass are most active from April through October but can be caught in winter.

Technique - Many of the techniques used for shoal bass work well with largemouth and spotted bass. Also, try techniques and tackle that work in ponds and lakes, such as crankbaits in deeper pools. Worms and spinner baits also are effective.

Target - Most anglers focus their time from spring through fall. Fish are everywhere and will hit any well-presented lure. Trout fishing is too good to pass up during late fall through early spring.

Striped bass numbers are increasing as a result of stocking efforts in West Point Lake. Fish in the 20 to 30-pound class are common. Striper fishing is best in the summer, as bass migrate upstream in April in search of cool water. They will migrate back downstream in October as temperatures cool.

Technique - Use a medium rod and spinning reel with 8 to 10-pound line (clear or green). Large redfins, #5 Rapalas and swim baits work well in shallow to deep, clear water. Live and cut baits are also effective. Try a #2 hook, drift drop shot with a minnow or small bluegill in deep holes along the bottom.

Target - These fish do not seem to prefer any single habitat, but move around looking for food. Striped bass can be found in shallow shoals, runs and deep pools.

Chain Pickerel - In the winter, fish for chain pickerel on sunny days with low, clear water at 45-55 degrees (F).

Technique - Use medium rod and reel with 8-pound line in clear water with #1 hooks. Cast to blow downs and eddies with drop shot minnows. Yellow rooster tail (¾ ounce) and ½ ounce yellow spinner bait (silver or white willow) also are effective.

Target - In winter, target the river upstream of the delayed harvest section between Morgan Falls Dam and Sope Creek. Look to blown down trees in the sun with a deep hole on the downstream side.

Anglers seeking sunfish, catfish and yellow perch will find plenty of action in this section of the river.

Technique - Sunfish and catfish are most active in the warmer months. Yellow perch can be targeted in winter and early spring on sunny days when the water is low and clear. Look to blown down trees with a deep hole on the downstream side.

Target - Sunfish and yellow perch can be caught on small spinners and jigs, or cast minnows and worms into deep holes on a drop-shot rig. Catfish can be caught using cut or commercial catfish baits. Fish the bottom in deeper holes and runs for catfish.

Boat Ramps

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, City of Roswell and Fulton County all operate boat ramps and/or step down ramps designed for canoes, kayaks, float tubes and small boats. Ramp locations and types can be viewed on the National Park Service map.

Contact Info

Wildlife Resources Division, Social Circle Fisheries office phone: 770-918-6418.
For information about the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, call 678-538-1200. For the Buford Dam water release schedule, call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 770-945-1466 or listen to 1610 AM radio or visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website.

Be An Ethical Angler

Ethical anglers fish responsibly and consider the rights of others. They portray a positive image and help protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler; the future of fishing depends on it.

Ethical Anglers:

Know and obey the fishing regulations

Report viloations and pollution

Keep only the fish they can use and release all the others properly so they will survive

Pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing

Don't transfer fish or plant species between bodies of water - Non-native species can adversely affect existing populations.

Appreciate the environment by not littering, dispose of fishing line properly and leave a place cleaner where they found it

Show coutesy to other, lend a helping hand whenever possible and always ask permission before fishing on private property

Trip Checklist

Each person on board must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved type I, II, II or V (hybrid) Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) in good condition with no rips or tears. Type V devices are acceptable only when worn and surely fastened. Each vessel, except for Class A vessels, canoes, and kayaks must be equipped with at least one type IV (throwable) device. Also, any child under age 10 who is on board a boat must wear an appropriately sized USCG approved life jacket at all times while the boat is moving, whether it be drifting, sailing, or mechanical power.

Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USGC approved fire extinquisher.

Make sure your boat registration and fishing license are current. Carry your licnese and registration card with you.

Check your boat trailer lights, navigation lights and fuel before beginning your trip.

Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent sunscreen, extra clothing, rain gear, and plenty of food and drinking water.

Be aware of and abide by all fishing regulations. A copy of current fishing and boating regulations can be obtained from any DNR office and many sotres that sell bait and tackel. Have a float plan. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Follow these guidelines for a safe and fun recreation experience.