There’s a reason why anglers love fly fishing in Georgia so much - there’s so much variety in the Peach State that you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you’re more interested in freshwater or saltwater fishing - or just staying near the coastline to do both, you’ll certainly have your hands full.
Only a couple of rivers have seasonal restrictions, so you can pretty much go river fishing in Georgia at any time of the year you decide. The wonderful weather carries on into winter as well, so don’t worry too much about the best time, you’ll have a blast regardless.
Fishing Spots
Chattooga River
Should you decide to fish the Chattooga River, you will find that it’s a favorite of not just anglers, but of tourists and hikers too. Most anglers stick to Ellicott Rock, a prime shore and wade fishing location on the upper half of the river. This is where you can also find Redeye Bass lurking about in addition to Trout that’s usually all over the place.
Toccoa River
The Toccoa River is a great destination for fishing year-round, but you might want to visit anytime from November through May for the ultimate Trout experience.
The upper stretch of the Toccoa River is a very popular fly fishing destination, and not just because of its trophy-sized fish. You also get to enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery while you’re going through some 15 miles of productive water.
The lower portion of the river is located near the Blue Ridge Dam, and stretches into Tennessee and beyond. Neither part of the river is very suitable for wade fishing due to the high water levels, which is something to have in mind when planning your trip.
Golden Isles
If you like to mix your freshwater and saltwater fishing, there’s hardly a better place to visit than the Golden Isles when staying in Georgia. The inshore flats and marshland near Brunswick are perfect for casting over shallow waters for the likes of Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Jack Crevalle.
The best time to visit the Isles is during winter, when you have the prime opportunity to sight cast over very clear water for schools of Redfish that are moving all over the backcountry. However, if going after Jack in the marshes sounds more like your thing, early summer might be a better option.
Georgia Fly Fishing Tips
When it comes to Trout fishing on the fly, it’s best to use a rod that’s in the 5-7 weight range as anything over that is likely to be overkill. There’s a whole bunch of nice locations suitable for wade fishing, so make sure you bring quality waders if you want to have the ultimate Georgian fishing experience.
Saltwater fishing is mostly done on flats boats, so wading isn’t that much of a concern. You should, however, be mindful of the fact that flats fishing can be very dependent on the tides. Make sure to either do some research yourself or go with a guide so you can make the most of the current weather situation.
Taking cues from the insects you can see is always a good plan for choosing the best flies, but some patterns never go out of style. Shrimp patterns are a local favorite for Redfish, and top-water flies do wonders if you’re looking for Jacks. In the freshwater department, midge flies and nymphs should do the job during any time of the year.
