Discover Georgia's Chattahoochee River

Discover Georgia's Chattahoochee River (Buford Dam to Roswell Road) - 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

Brown trout and rainbow trout

Chattahoochee River Fishing Tips

This section of the Chattahoochee River offers some of the best trout fishing in Georgia.

Water quality and quantity are good and there are plenty of opportunities for the bank, wade and boat angler. This section is managed as “put-and-take” for rainbow trout and as “wild” for brown trout. Rainbow trout are annually stocked from late February through fall.

Expect a small percentage of rainbows reaching 12-15 inches. Brown trout account for greater than 70 percent of the fall trout population. Expect browns up to 9 pounds. A 14 lbs. 9.6 oz. brown was collected and released by WRD in 2008 and the Georgia state record brown trout (18 lbs., 6 oz.) was caught from this section of the river.

The chance for a trophy trout is a distinct possibility!

Technique - For fly-fishing, use 8½ to 9-foot rods for 5 to 6 weight floating and/or sinking tip lines. Small nymphs and wet flies work well. From the dam to Roswell Rd., a No. 10 or No. 12 brown or black bead-head wooly bugger or a No. 14 bead-head Prince nymph is recommended. No response? Try a dropper rig with flies like a No. 16 Elk Hare Caddis with a No. 14 bead-head Prince Nymph as the dropper.

For spin fishing, use 5 to 7-foot long rods with 4 to 6-pound test line. Try 1/8 ounce Rooster Tails in brown, green or yellow, Panther Martin 1/8 ounce spinners in yellow or orange or 3 to 5-inch Rapalas with perch, rainbow trout, gold or silver patterns.

Target - River-wide from Buford Dam to Roswell Road. Utilize the 19 county and federally maintained public access points that offer excellent bank, wading and boating access. For best chances, fish during clear, low flows; although bait, spin and fly anglers can and do find success in turbid waters.

Contact Info

The section between Buford Dam and Peachtree Creek lies within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) and is managed by the National Park Service (NPS). The Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and NPS work closely to manage the land, river and wildlife. For more information about the area, call 678-538-1200.

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.