Discover Georgia's Chattooga River

Discover Georgia's Chattooga River - The Chattooga is a tributary of Weiss Reservoir. It originates near Lafayette and meanders about 51 miles southwest. A narrow river channel with numerous hazards makes
most of the river floatable only by canoe or small boat. Stay and Play in GA!

Best Fishing Bets for 2009

Bream, black bass, striped bass and catfish

Chattooga River Fishing Tips

Bream dominate the river's sport fishery. Redbreast sunfish are more abundant in the upper reaches, while bluegill dominate the downstream reaches. Bream 5-8 inches long are common, with some individuals even topping the 10-inch mark.

Technique - For artificial baits, small is the key. Try small spinners and natural crawfish imitating jigs. For live bait, crickets or worms rigged under a bobber and bottom presentations weighted with split-shot are both effective.

Target - For catches of larger bream, target the river above the city of Trion. Concentrate in deep pools, behind logjams and along undercut banks. In summer, bream will bed in slack areas along the shore, behind debris and on the downstream side of sandbars.

Black bass fishery is fair in comparison to the bream fishery. Expect most catches to be less than 1 pound. Anglers do have a chance at three species: redeye, largemouth and spotted bass. Redeye are more common in the upper reaches, while spots dominate the lower portion. Largemouth are least common throughout.

Technique - Light colored spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and topwater plugs are all good choices. Crawfish jig imitations bumped along the bottom near structure also works well under most conditions. Stealthy angler will fair best in these “skinny” waters.

Target - Fish deeper pools, especially those with woody debris. The largest individual will be found where the river enters Lake Weiss.

Catfish population is relatively modest. Channel cats greatly outnumber both flatheads and blue catfish. Most channel cats will be in the 1-pound size class.

Technique - Cut fish baits, chicken livers, catalpa worms and prepared stink baits fished on the bottom are recommended.

Target - Target channel cats in moderately deep flowing habitats especially those found along outside river bends.

White Bass are available seasonally. They migrate into the lower Chattooga in early spring, and the spawning runs peaks in March and April. Outside of these months, few white bass will be found in the river.

Technique - Small jigs and shad-patterned crankbaits (rat-l-traps) are favored lures for these “mini-linesides.”

Target - Find spawn-run fish around creek mouths in the lower sections of the river below Lyerly Dam off Lyerly Dam Rd.

Striped Bass - These striped behemoths migrate into the river during the spring months, and good numbers remain through summertime in search of a cool water refuge. Expect linesides anywhere from 1-25 pounds with the average fish weighing around 6-7 pounds. Persistent drought may limit the number of 15-plus pound fish caught this year.

Technique - Best bets are live gizzard shad or cut bait, but aggressive stripers will hit shad imitations and top water plugs (zara spooks or redfins) under the right conditions. To keep fish from breaking off on the numerous downed trees, 20 to 30-pound line and heavier rods are recommended.

Target spring-fed pools, especially around fallen trees and logjams and in the mouths of cool water tributaries or springs. Look for flowing water near cover, as these are prime striper haunts

Other Fish Species - Freshwater drum are a unique but common edible river resident. Expect the average drum to run slightly better than 12 inches, but a fair number of “bull drum” will top 17 inches or better.

Technique - For drum, small white jigs fished along the bottom, crayfish, cut mussels and shrimp are the best techniques.

Boat Ramps

Access to the river is limited to bridge crossings and an undeveloped ramp in Gaylesville, AL.

Additional River Info

Current USGS river gage data for the Chattooga River just above Gaylesville, Alabama

There are two dams on the Chattooga River. The first is the Mt. Vernon Mill’s Dam in Trion, which is impassible to boaters. The second is a small low-head dam further downstream in the town of Lyerly. This dam is breached in several places and can be floated through or portaged around under normal water conditions. Chattooga River Fishing Guide

Contact Info

Wildlife Resources Division, Calhoun Fisheries office - Phone: 706-624-1161

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.