Discover Georgia's Coosa River

Discover Georgia's Coosa River - Home to a robust, naturally reproducing land-locked striped bass population, one of only a handful of such populations found in the nation. Stay and Play in GA!

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The Coosa River begins in the City of Rome and flows 30.4 miles west-southwest, entering Lake Weiss at the Alabama state line. The Coosa River forms in Rome where the Oostanaula River meets the Etowah River. From there it flows 30 miles westward before entering Lake Weiss at the GA-AL state line. There are four public ramps available to provide boat access to the river.

Common fish species in the Coosa River include: gar, carp, smallmouth buffalo, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted bass, largemouth bass, black crappie and freshwater drum.

Best Fishing Bets for 2009

White bass, striped bass, catfish and crappie

Coosa River Fishing Tips

Catfish are a favorite Coosa River quarry for many anglers. Blue catfish are the most abundant with the biggest fish (some exceed 40 pounds) generally found in deep holes. Many trophy-fish anglers fish at night using large live fish as bait.

Those less interested in trophies can use traditional catfish baits such as worms, chicken livers and stink baits.

Anglers fishing for catfish may catch a lake sturgeon but they must be released unharmed immediately after being caught. Lake sturgeons are being reintroduced by the DNR into the Coosa River system and cannot be harvested. Sturgeon can be identified by its rounded snout, a toothless mouth on the bottom of its head, four “whiskers” in front of its mouth; bony plates on the side of its body and its shark-like tail. Anglers can help this reintroduction effort by reporting any sturgeon they see by calling the Calhoun Fisheries office at 706-624-1161. More information on this reintroduction project can be found at www.gofishgeorgia.com

White bass and striped bass are a popular quarry in spring when they leave Weiss Reservoir for their annual spawning run. Although somewhat regulated by water temperature, water level and other factors, white bass generally begin their spawning run in early March. Striped bass run somewhat later with mid April being the peak spawning period.

Bass, bream and crappie inhabit the river year round but fishing is best in spring and fall. The backwater creeks near the state line are favored locations by many bass and bream anglers. The Brushy Branch boat ramp is a great access point to pursue these species.

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.

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.