North Georgia Fly Fishing
Capt. Tad Murdock
March 5, 2023
Chattahoochee River - Freshwater Fishing Report
North Georgia Fly Fishing
Spring has arrived really early this year and the trout and striper activity has picked up considerably. The warm rains we had in February have warmed the creeks and lake into the mid to upper 50s. Still seeing plenty of midges and winter stoneflies across North Georgia with BWO and even a stray caddis joining in on the festivity. A couple species of small caddis (size 16 or smaller) and have begun emerging leading to a productive dry fly bite on the small mountain creeks. The tandem dry fly rig is having the best luck on the wild trout streams. I have been leading with a size 14 or bulky size 16 caddis or stimulator pattern then trailing with a thin size 18 or 20 caddis, mayfly or midge pattern in the rear. On days when the activity is slower, a dropper will clean up what doesn't fall for the dries. Check out our article on the best flies for North Georgia to get a better idea of what the trout are looking for. The trout have begun to venture away from their winter holes and into some skinnier water so don't be afraid to venture away from the overfished pools and target some faster water, especially on a warmer day. These patterns should remain consistent in the coming week as it looks like the mild weather will be hanging around.
North Georgia Stocked Trout Waters
The stocked trout waters including the Georgia Delayed Harvest Streams should also be buzzing with activity as they have been stocked well in recent weeks. Have your junk flies ready and be prepared to fight the ensuing crowds of anglers ready to get outside this spring. Only one more month until we see our local waters restocked once again. Our private waters have been stocked for the spring, so if you're looking to give fly fishing a try, now is a great time to cut down on the learning curve. Check out our North Georgia Fly Fishing Trips page for more details.
Chattahoochee Tailwater Trout Fishing
The lower Chattahoochee has been fair as fish activity increases with the longer days. If you can dodge around the irritating generation schedule, there are plenty of trout to be had. Junk flies and midge patterns are still the tickets. Don't overlook the mouths of the feeder creeks as they begin to warm much quicker this time of year. The dry fly and emerger bite has been good on days when the wind dies and longer casts are possible.
Lake Lanier Striper Fishing
The striper bite on Lake Lanier is finally on the rise. Most fish have found their way to the mid lake area or above and are beginning to leave the deep winter holes they've been occupying for the shallows. Main lake and secondary points with a fair amount of bait (not too much bait) are what you will be looking for. Striper are cruising fast and can be difficult to keep pace with. Use what is left of the birds and keep your eyes on the horizon for any surface activity on overcast days. Schooling fish should be moving fast to corral shoals of bait so make your casts count as the feeding frenzies tend to not last long. The dock light bite has also been fair if can manage your way onto the lake in the early AM and may improve if the shad/herring spawn happens sooner than normal due to the recent weather. Use stealth when approaching these lights as the fish do see a good bit of pressure in these areas. The striper will be on the feed if they remain unspooked.
Target Species:
Rainbow, Brown, Brook Trout, and Striped Bass
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