North Georgia is known for its cooler days and abundant streams, two ingredients for excellent fly fishing. Just a few hours drive from Atlanta, novices and experts alike can try their hand at fly fishing in the more than 2,000 acres of streams in North Georgia. For easy access don’t overlook the northern sections of the Chattahoochee. “Atlanta has a great fishery right in its own back yard,” says Jeff Fields of North Georgia Trout Online. “The Chattahoochee River has a lot of trout with many access points. Also during the winter, a section of the river is designated Delayed Harvest. This means that during this period, all trout must be released which allows a higher catch rate.”

Atlanta Fly Fishing School (404-550-6890) offers basic instruction for first-timers, as well we more advanced casting lessons and private lessons. Several outfitters offer instruction and guided tours. Unicoi Outfitters (706-878-3083) provides its guests with access to the trophy- size trout on their private section of Nacoochee Bend. All Unicoi Outfitter guides have a U.S. Forest Service permit and are fully insured.

If you want to turn your excursion into an overnight stay The Lodge at Smithgall Woods State Park (61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, 800-318-5248) offers daily fishing in the private stretches of Dukes Creek, plus rustic accommodations for up to 28 guests including awesome gourmet meals. One of North Georgia’s premier trout streams, Dukes Creek, runs through spectacular mountain scenery and is a favorite for catch-and-release fishing. Brigadoon Lodge (706-754-2229), in Clarkesville, also offers catch-and-release private fishing, this time on the Soque River. Visitors can arrange for a full day of guided fishing or an overnight stay.

For public fishing, try Bartow County’s Stamp Creek (off County Road 269 east of Cartersville). Stamp Creek watershed is open to fishing year-round. Most of the designated trout portion of this creek is located on the Pine Log Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The creek is regularly stocked, which can definitely make for a more successful expedition. – Katie K. Bell