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Named one of the top 100 streams in the US by Trout Unlimited, the Chattahoochee River is one of three trout rivers that flows through a metro area of at least one million people in the world. Running a total distance of about 430 miles, the Chattahoochee River originates in the southern Appalachian Mountains in Union County, Georgia and flows southwestwards through the Atlanta Metropolitan area. It finally drains into Lake Seminole, at the Georgia-Florida border.
The river boasts good water quantity and quality. Whether you are a bank, boat, or wade angler, the river offers you loads of opportunities to catch crappie, walleye, striped bass, gar, bream, and catfish. The river also boasts decent numbers of natural spawning brown trout and stocked rainbow trout.
The areas in Metro Atlanta and near the Alpine town of Hellen, in particular, offer exciting fishing experience. The sections between Highway 115 and Don Carter State Park on the upper end of Lake Lanier are ideal for river bass and bream fishing, especially in the late spring and summer. The banks of the Chattahoochee are a true representation of Atlanta’s diversity.
The Upper Chattahoochee River can be accessed from six major points. The areas between these access points each feature distinctive characteristics and can be accessed by canoes, rafts, and kayaks. The lower sections of the river are accessible downstream by motorboat.
The Chattahoochee River is a destination that has something for everyone.If you are there for angling, all you need is a Georgia fishing license and trout stamp, and you are good to go.To increase your chances of successful fishing, consider fishing during clear, low flows.
However, if you are a spin, bait, or fly angler, turbid waters would give you the best chance of success.
To fish in the Chattahoochee River, you have to adhere to Georgia fishing regulations. Any angler aged at least 16 years should have a valid fishing license issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Moreover, every resident angler aged between 16 and 64 and non-resident anglers aged at least 16 years should hold a trout stamp.
The section of the river running from Buford Dam to Peachtree is a designated trout stream. That means there are special trout regulations that you must follow as well. You are not allowed to use live bait-fish in the river within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), which is run by the National Park Service (NPS).
You are also not allowed to sein the river within the CRNRA for bait fish. Fishing at night is also prohibited. You can get more information about fishing license from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
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The Chattahoochee River offers year-round fishing, thanks to the fact that the river maintains cool temperatures throughout the year. The temperatures rarely rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Trout are stocked annually from late February through fall.
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