Discover Georgia's Conasauga River

Discover Georgia's Conasauga River - From its confluence with the Coosawattee River, upstream to its origin deep within the Cohutta Wilderness area of Fannin County, the Conasauga extends about 95 miles through rural north Georgia and southern Tennessee. Stay and Play in GA!

Videos of places and things to do in Georgia

Best Fishing Bets for 2009

Trout, black bass, bream and catfish

Conasauga River Fishing Tips

Trout - Home to rainbow, brown and native brook trout. Rainbows and browns range from 6-14 inches with the occasional brown trout topping 20 inches. Brook trout up to 8 inches can be found in the headwaters and smaller tributaries at elevations typically above 2,500 feet.

Technique - Match the hatch for fly anglers. Spin casters offer worms or try small silver, white or black in-line roostertail spinners. Check state fishing regulations for artificial lure restrictions in portions of this river and its tributaries. Trout are not currently stocked, so an element of stealth is required for consistent catches of these wild trout.

Target - The best trout fishing opportunity on the Conasauga and its tributaries, is generally found upstream of the rivers confluence with Little Rough Creek in the rugged Cohutta Wilderness Area.

Catfish - Blue and channel cats account for the bulk of the catfish population, with fair numbers of moderately sized flatheads available. Blue cats average 20 inches and 2.5 pounds, while channel cats typically measure around 14 inches and 1 pound. Flathead catfish average around 20 inches with occasional catches topping 30 inches and weighing 20-30 pounds.

Technique - Channel cats can be coaxed to hand with fresh cut baits, chicken livers, and catalpa worms. For flatheads and blue cats, use live fish to draw strikes from larger individuals.

Target - For blues and flatheads, focus efforts in the lower section of the river below Highway 76. For channel cats, target the lengthy area from the Tennessee state line downstream to the city of Calhoun.

Black Bass fishing is considered fair with spotted, largemouth and redeye bass available. Spots comprise the majority of the black bass population. Most bass are under a pound, so consider fish greater than 2-3 pounds a good catch.

Technique - Drift fishing live minnows or hellgrammites are certainly good choices. Jigs, shallow running hard baits (like rapalas) and buzz or spinner baits will allow you to cover more water in search of hungry bass. Fly-fishing with minnow imitations or dry terrestrial insect patterns also have their place in an angler’s arsenal.

Target - Black bass will strike nearly anywhere on the river below the state line. Look for downed trees, undercut banks and rock outcrops with good water flow nearby.

Redear sunfish, bluegill and redbreast sunfish are available to anglers. Lesser-known species like spotted, longear and green sunfish are relatively abundant in the river. Expect average bream around 5-plus inches with some in the 8 to 9-inch range.

Technique - Artificial flies, small jigs and live bait such as crickets or worms, fished in river pools near fallen trees, should produce a variety of bream species.

Target - You can find bluegill and redear sunfish throughout the river below the Tennessee state line. Redbreast and longear sunfish are concentrated in the narrow waters upstream of Hwy 76 between Dalton and Chatsworth.

More Fish Species - Freshwater drum, smallmouth buffalo, carp and a variety of suckers also are common in the river. Drum are likely the largest and most abundant of this group and average 12 inches. Some thicker drum topping the 20-inch, 5-plus pound mark also are available.

Technique - Try small jigs, live crawfish, cut mussels or shrimp fished on the bottom to entice a drum strike.

Target - Concentrate on the “runs” of the river, which are generally 2-3 feet in depth at normal flows, with relatively swift water flow. Fish runs along undercut banks and near fallen trees where actively feeding drum are often found.

Note: Lake sturgeon, once resident to the Coosa River system, were eliminated from the river in the 1960s. With improving water conditions, stocking efforts were started as a means of re-establishing this large native species. Since 2002, more than 80,000 fingerlings have been released into the Coosa basin. If accidentally caught, release sturgeon immediately. For deep-hooked fish, cut the line close to the hook to increase survival chances after release. To aid in this long-term restoration process, please contact the Wildlife Resources Division, Calhoun Fisheries office at 706-624-1161 if you catch or see a sturgeon.

Boat Ramps

WRD operates one boat ramp near the mouth of the Conasauga River, providing access to the lower portion of the river. Click here for more information on WRD-operated ramps. Otherwise, public boat access is restricted to a few road crossings and private boat ramps found over the course of the river. Use extreme caution navigating anywhere on the river as shoals, rocks and debris jams are common.

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.