Chattahoochee River (Tailwater) Georgia

The Chattahoochee River, or Hooch as the locals call it, originates in the Chattahoochee National forest Lands of the North Georgia Appalachin Mountains. It begins as a tiny free stone stream and it flows through the resort town of Helen Georgia as it makes it way to the Sidney Lanier Lake. The lake is contained by the Buford Dam which is controlled by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

NOTE: The water is released from the dam by 3 tail races at a depth of 130 feet. As with any tailwater, the release schedules are not predictable so caution should be exercised when fishing these tailwaters and anglers are advised to check the release schedules before fishing.

The entire forty-eight mile stretch of the river from Buford Dam to the Peachtree Creek is managed by the National Park Service. The Hooch continues to run directly through the city of Atlanta, making it accessible to atlanta business travelers travelers.

The water temperature averages about 52 degrees near the dam even in the summertime. The Georgia DRN stocks over a million brown and rainbow trout each year. The fact that there is significant natural propagation, (15%) among brown trout, gives the river added credibility a challenging fly fishing destination. In the fall of 2003 Charlie Ford landed the new state record brown trout which weighed over 18lbs. The rainbows normally range 12 inches to 14 inches but bows in the 16 to 20 inch range are not uncommon.

Springtime on the Hooch brings a multitude of insect hatches including caddis flies, mayflies, and stoneflies. Surface action can be witnessed on a regular basis from early March through July. Matching the hatch during these months is crucial to success.
Since the water released from Buford Dam remains approximately 52 degrees throughout the summer months, we can honestly say the Chattahoochee is the best place to spend the dog days of summer. Fishing remains quite good through August, but can be very challenging at times. Whether the situation calls for size 24 midges or large streamers, your guide will be prepared to make the right call with the most effective patterns and techniques.

Fall is an excellent time to be on the river for both fantastic scenery and exceptional angling. The cooling of the weather this season brings more hatches and increased fish activity. Brown trout will be in their spectacular spawning colors and are more aggressive during this time. The Blue Winged Olive and the Midge hatches are happening during this season.

Winter months can be very productive due to a mild climate and consistent water temperatures. The Chattahoochee has no closed season making it a bona fide remedy for cabin fever. Streamers are a good choice through January.

The addition of a 5 mile stretch of water managed as delayed harvest from November 1 through May 14 adds another exciting twist to fishing even more of the river during the fall through spring months. Springtime brings out early caddis & mayfly hatches on this section of the river. Fishing can be productive either from a drift boat or by wading.

Chris Scalley and his brother John grew up on the “Hooch” and spend over 200 days on the river each year and operating the River Through Atlanta Guide Service. Chris has unsurpassed knowledge of the river's ecosystem and the behavior of the trout that inhabit it. No matter the time of year, Chris and his affiliate guides use American-made McKenzie style drift boats which are wide at the beam to help with water displacement and stability.

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Access:

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, provides some access where it can be fished from both sides of the river. However, the best fishing is from a float trip. Out of 48 river miles of public trout water there are six boat ramps available to the public. There are many productive shoals and gravel bars adjacent to private lands that can only be accessed via watercraft.

Recommended DVDs, Books, etc.:

Chattahoochee Pictures

Trout University for classes DVDs and much more.

Recommended DVDs:

Fly Fishing for Trout in Tailwaters

Fly Fishing Strategies that Catch Trout

License and Other Information::

Georgia State License

REGULATIONS

STREAM FLOW information or call water release schedule Phone number (770-945-1466)

Float Times

River Through Atlanta is the preferred outfitter.