Where to Go Fly Fishing in Georgia
You don't have to go far in Georgia to experience fly fishing for most of the year, and there are lots of guides and schools to show you the best spots to fish and techniques to use for a successful day on the water. Trout season runs from March to October. It's easy to pick up a fishing license from a nearby outfitter or to purchase one online for those 16 and older. Go for the day or longer!
Where to Go
North Georgia
The communities of Blue Ridge and Clarkesville in the North Georgia mountains are two of the best places for fly fishing around, especially for trout because of the cold water.
Blue Ridge is considered to be the state's trout fishing capital with dozens of outfitters on the Toccoa River. But the smaller creeks like Rock, Cooper and Noontootla also offer trout fishing.
Clarkesville has rainbow and brown trout in the waters of the Soque River and at privately managed ponds.
Chestatee Wildlife Management Area's Dukes Creek, north of Dahlonega, also offers fly fishing.
Atlanta & Farther South
You can even go fly fishing on the Chattahoochee River, a short drive from downtown Atlanta. The river is a blue ribbon trout stream and has been named one of the top streams in the country.
In Georgia's stretch of the Flint River, for instance at Sprewell Bluff Park in Thomaston, anglers can fly fish for the shoal bass, a unique species of black bass that can be caught like a trout but grows to over 8 pounds. Spring is the best season to catch them.
Outfitters and Guides
Georgia has dozens of fly fishing outfitters and guiding services for amateurs and experts. Pick up the gear you need when you arrive and ask a local for the best spots. Below are a few outfitters to help plan your trip.
Appalachian Anglers in Blue Ridge
Appalachian Anglers is one of the top outfitters in Blue Ridge with guides offering a deep knowledge of local waters.
Blackhawk Fly Fishing in Clarkesville
Blackhawk Fly Fishing is one of the guides that operates in Clarkesville on the Soque.
Fly Shop Company in Blue Ridge
Join Will Taylor, a native of Blue Ridge and owner of Fly Shop Co, for a fishing experience like no other on the creeks and rivers in the North Georgia mountains.
Unicoi Outfitters in Helen
Unicoi Outfitters is located in Helen's section of the Chattahoochee River and has classes on fly fishing and fly tying.
River Through Atlanta
In Atlanta, there's an Orvis store that offers guiding services, and River Through Atlanta is another Orvis-affiliated company on the Chattahoochee River.
Experiences and Events
Fly fishing is only a small part of what makes Georgia a great destination for anglers.
Schools
Amateurs can take lessons from any of the state's fly fishing schools.
Ken Louko Fly Fishing School in Cumming offers instruction year-round and offers guided catch-and-release trips.
Guests at Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain can take fly fishing lessons or go on a guided fishing trip.
Visitors can take classes to make their own bamboo fly fishing rods at Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, a company in Blue Ridge that handcrafts award-winning rods.
Blue Ridge Fly Fishing School offers classes for beginners as well as more advanced classes on fly casting, fly tying and specialized techniques.
Brigadoon Lodge is the only fly shop on the Soque River and is a favorite of CEOs and celebrities like President Jimmy Carter. It also has lessons and onsite accommodations.
Events
The Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoor Adventures is an annual event in Blue Ridge that brings in avid anglers every April. It has live music, food and more.
Where to Stay
After a long day of fishing, rest your head at accommodations tailored to outdoors lovers.
In Clarkesville, Blackhawk Fly Fishing has an 1800s farmhouse furnished with antiques where fly fishers can stay.
Near Clayton, Hatch Camp and Art Farm is a beloved campground with six sites inspired by the local traditions of fly fishing, music and art. It has a catch-and-release stream, a private guided trout stream, a fly shop and music venue.
Discover additional accommodations on our places to stay page.
