Discover Georgia's Etowah River

Discover Georgia's Etowah River - This river extends nearly 49 miles from Lake Allatoona Dam downstream to the city of Rome. Stay and Play in GA!

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The Lower Etowah River runs westward from Lake Allatoona to the confluence with the Oostanaula River at Rome.

Before heading out, call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) for the dams water release schedule. Boat the Etowah with caution, as water levels can rise quickly and numerous rock formations are found throughout.

Powerboats do not easily travel these 48 miles of river. Numerous shoals make this river most navigable by canoe or kayak. Although there is a boat ramp just below Allatoona Dam, another dam just downstream limits boating from this access. There are no other public boat ramps on this stretch of stream. The Lower Etowah River runs westward from Lake Allatoona to the confluence with the Oostanaula River at Rome.

The Lower Etowah River runs westward from Lake Allatoona to the confluence with the Oostanaula River at Rome.

Common fish species in the Etowah River include: carp, smallmouth buffalo, redhorse suckers, blue catfish, channel catfish, striped bass, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, redeye bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass and freshwater drum.

Etowah River Fishing Tips

Catfish are common in the river with channel catfish being the most abundant and blue catfish next in abundance. A few flathead catfish are also occasionally caught. Catfish up to 10 pounds are commonplace.

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.

Striped bass use the river in the summer as a cool water refuge. A few fish may be found year-round in the Carters re-regulation dam tailrace but most stripers leave the river once the water cools in the fall. The best fishing is from June through September.

Bass, bream and crappie inhabit the river year round but fishing is best in the cooler waters of spring and fall. Spotted bass are the most prevalent black bass species, however, there are also fair numbers of redeye and largemouth bass present. Bluegill are the most abundant pan fish but there are also good numbers of redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, and redear sunfish.

Freshwater drum are abundant in the river, although few Georgians pursue them. This species is popular in other parts of the country and is an underutilized fishery in the Coosawattee. Anglers can best catch drum using live worms, crayfish or small minnows fished on the bottom.

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.