Wondering where the best places to cast a line and reel in a big catch are in North Georgia? Whether you’re a pro angler or novice fisherman, our simplified guide to fly fishing in North Georgia holds all the answers. Find out where to go fly fishing in and around Blue Ridge — the trout capital of Georgia — from guided fishing trips to the neat Trout Adventure Trail. Add visiting the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery to your list of fun things to do on your North Georgia vacation. And consider booking a cabin on the Toccoa River, where all the best fishing spots around are found. Now your Blue Ridge fly fishing adventure can begin!
Year-Round Fishing in the North Georgia Mountains
North Georgia offers some of the best trout fishing in the South. There’s even an annual event dedicated to trout fishing and outdoor fun — the Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival. Trout season runs from March through October, but the fishing season lasts year-round in this warmer state. Georgia allows fishing from the shoreline, by boat or float, and wading in the water.
BIG trout can be caught in the Toccoa River, best done with a fly line weight between 5 and 8 plus a fishing rod length of 8 feet or less in tight spaces or 9+ in wider spots. There’s also Noontootla Creek, Rock Creek, and Cooper Creek that run through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Let’s not forget the Chattahoochee River, a great place to fly-fish just North of Atlanta, is considered a blue-ribbon trout stream. And while tubing the Hooch is what most people come to experience, anglers will be happy to know this river is where the largest trout — weighing in at 20 pounds + 14 ounces — was hooked in Georgia!
Guided Fishing Trips
Professionally guided fishing trips are offered in and around Blue Ridge, reaching up to Copperhill in Tennessee, stretching over to Ellijay and down to Suches, and even across to Helen and Clarkesville in North Georgia. Many local fishing guides provide gear, rentals, and a variety of trip options, so you’re all set to go fishing once you book a slot.
Fly Fishing North Georgia
Known for catching monster trout, Fly Fishing North Georgia in Blue Ridge offers full or half-day fly fishing trips year-round. Take a float trip on the Toccoa River, pick a wade trip in public or private waters, or plan a group event.
Fly Fishing North Georgia
3668 Newport Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
888.792.3364
Cohutta Fishing Company
A leading outfitter and guide service in North Georgia, Cohutta Fishing Company offers fishing schools and guided trips for trout. Choose from public or private access wade trips and Toccoa Tailwater (lower portion of Toccoa River) float trips to fish for rainbow and brown trout.
Cohutta Fishing Company
490 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.946.3044
Fly Shop Company
Want to simply catch and release? Fly Shop Company believes in the trout fishing experience without the need to keep what you catch and only offers 100% catch-and-release guided trips. Check out their off-the-hook Instagram!
Fly Shop Company
3801 East First Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.303.1108
Appalachian Anglers
Enjoy a full or half day of fishing for rainbows and browns in Fannin County with Appalachian Anglers. This locally owned and operated fishing company boasts seasoned guides who grew up in Blue Ridge, fishing since they could hold a rod.
Appalachian Anglers
6045 Mobile Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.633.3622
Fly Fish Blue Ridge
With 20+ years of experience guiding fishing trips, Fly Fish Blue Ridge offers a full guide service on private trophy streams year-round. These half-day wading trips are catch and release only and provide all necessary equipment for you.
Fly Fish Blue Ridge
11 Overview Drive
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.455.5640
Noontootla Creek Farms
Trophy waters plus 1,000 acres of private land welcome guests year-round to fly-fish for brown and rainbow trout with a professional guide at Noontootla Creek Farms. Beginners can use borrowed equipment. And this trip is catch and release only, a great option for family-friendly fishing.
Noontootla Creek Farms
3668 Newport Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.838.0585
Georgia Wild Trout
From Blue Ridge and Ellijay to Dahlonega and Helen, Georgia Wild Trout offers guided fly fishing across North Georgia! They offer services for novices and skilled anglers — with half-day and full-day fishing trips on public or private waters. Plus, everything you need to go fishing is provided at no extra charge!
Georgia Wild Trout
5420 Belvedere Street
Cumming, GA 30041
469.678.9154
On the Fly Excursions
Reel in rainbows and browns On the Fly! Guided wading and float trips in private waters of Noontootla or Hemptown Creek or on the Toccoa River in the Blue Ridge Mountains are offered year-round for new fishermen and expert anglers with On the Fly Excursions.
On the Fly Excursions
500 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.633.0306
Hulsey Fly Fishing
Fly fishing classes and guided trips are available for families and friends with Hulsey Fly Fishing in North Georgia. You can also participate in their Blue Ridge Trout Trek that covers top fishing spots in and around Blue Ridge.
Hulsey Fly Fishing
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706.838.4252
Toccoa River Outfitters
Under 20 minutes from Blue Ridge, Toccoa River Outfitters in Copperhill, Tennessee, features a fly shop and guide service 7 days a week. Here you can fly-fish by kayak, drift boat, and wading. And if you go for a full day, they provide lunch!
Toccoa River Outfitters
120 Grand Avenue
Copperhill, TN
423.548.0066
Reel ‘Em In Guide Service
As one of the longest-running fly fishing guide services in Blue Ridge, Reel ‘Em In offers anglers top-notch fishing experiences in the Chattahoochee National Forest. With guides located throughout North Georgia, you can fly-fish in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cleveland, Clarkesville, Dahlonega, and Blairsville.
Reel ‘Em In Guide Service
1890 Burnt Mountain Road
Ellijay, GA 30536
706.273.0764
The Valley at Suches
Featuring a private 2,000-foot stretch along the Toccoa River, a fly-fish casting pond, and a small holding pond with brood fish, The Valley at Suches is a great catch-and-release place to spend the day fishing with experienced guides.
The Valley at Suches
2939 Gaddistown Road
Suches, GA 30572
678.591.5905
Bowman Fly Fishing
All skill levels are welcome to join Bowman Fly Fishing on a guided fly fishing trip in North Georgia. Bowman provides all the fishing equipment you’ll need so you can book with ease and head out on the Toccoa River, Soque River, or Noontootla Creek. They also offer striper fishing in the Chattahoochee and Chestatee River basins.
Bowman Fly Fishing
706.963.0435
Unicoi Outfitters
Fly fishing classes for total beginners or those looking to brush up on their fly fishing skills are offered at Unicoi Outfitters. You can also schedule a guided, catch-and-release trip in private or public waters with experienced guides who have a passion for fishing.
Unicoi Outfitters
7280 South Main Street
Helen, GA 30545
706.878.3083
Blackhawk Fly Fishing
Fly-fish for big rainbows and brown trout in the Soque River that flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains with Blackhawk Fly Fishing. Their professional guides will take you on a North Georgia fly fishing adventure from start to finish.
Blackhawk Fly Fishing
9400 Highway 197 North
Clarkesville, GA 30523
706.947.3474 (FISH)
Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery
Free and fun for the whole family, the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery is a neat place where you can hike, picnic, and fish in Rock Creek (a tributary of the Toccoa River). Raising about 1 million rainbow trout each year to stock North Georgia waters, this fish hatchery — operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — supports recreational fishing while mitigating environmental impact.
At the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery, you can tour the hatchery and see gorgeous rainbow trout in life stages, from small guppies to mature fish. Education programs, fishing derbies for kids and seniors, and major fishing events are held each year to spread awareness, promote conservation, and grow an interest in environment-friendly fishing in North Georgia.
Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery
4730 Rock Creek Road
Suches, GA 30572
706.838.4723
Trout Adventure Trail
Plan your own trout fishing journey along the Trout Adventure Trail, an unguided fishing trail that features a variety of trout habitats and famous hiking trails. Kids will love earning a special patch for learning on the trail, and families, friends, and groups will have a great time fishing and exploring the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Not only is the Trout Adventure Trail a great teaching opportunity, but it’s also a fun way to make memories together. Routes range from easy to moderate, and you can see cascading waterfalls and breathtaking mountain views as you hike the Appalachian Trail and Benton-MacKaye Trail. Where to start? Follow the map.
Georgia Fishing License
Those 16+ years of age must have a Georgia fishing license and trout license to fly-fish anywhere in North Georgia. Kids 15 and younger do not need a license, but they must be with a properly licensed adult. A basic Georgia fishing license is first required to get a Georgia trout license, and both are needed to fly-fish in North Georgia. You can grab basic and trout fishing licenses at a nearby outfitter or online with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Georgia Fishing License Prices
Basic Fishing License
- Resident (students attending a Georgia college or university + active residing military included)
- Annual: $15
- 1-Day: $5
- + Additional Day: $1
- Senior (65+ years old): $4
- Nonresident
- Annual: $50
- 1-Day: $10
- + Additional Day: $3.50
Trout Fishing License
- Resident (students attending a Georgia college or university + active residing military included)
- Annual: $10
- 1-Day: $5
- + Additional Day: $1
- Senior Sportsman (includes basic and trout fishing licenses): $7
- Nonresident
- Annual: $25
- 1-Day: $10
- + Additional Day: $2
Fishing at YOUR Cabin on the Toccoa River
Want to cast a line only a short walk from where you’re staying in Blue Ridge? Georgia Cabins for YOU offers amenity-loaded cabins right on the Toccoa River — Modern River Retreat and Toccoa River Mist! Whether you plan a guided trip, visit the hatchery, or take on the adventure trail, you’ll appreciate a place to rest, recharge, and practice your cast.
Having access to a bountiful river means you can take it easy, fly fishing all day if you like. After cleaning your catch, you can toss ‘em on the grill for dinner. Plus, our river cabins come with perks that include hot tubs, outdoor lounge space, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, king suites, big screen TVs, games, high speed Wi-Fi, and more!
Plan YOUR memorable fly fishing trip in North Georgia and stay at a cabin on the Toccoa River today. Who knows? Maybe you’ll reel in a record-busting rainbow!
