Grab your fishing license, because Georgia is overflowing with great places to catch a variety of native fish. Taking into account serenity, scenery, preservation, nearby activities, these are the best places to cast your line in the Peach State. Before setting out, be sure to educate yourself on the regulations of each area. Best of luck anglers!
St. Simons Island Pier
Off of the bustling Pier Village, this ocean platform is best known as a great spot for angling trout, redfish, flounder, and even sharks. Some like to toss crab traps over the pier side. St. Simons Bait & Tackle issues fishing licenses, which are very important to keep on hand. Luckily, there’s the Georgia Sea Grill or Blue Water Bistro at Pier Village if you don’t catch anything. It’s great to have the village nearby, as Dad can fish while the kids grab fudge and candy from St. Simons Sweets.
Ossabaw Island Inlet
Ossabaw is the northernmost Golden Isle and is full of diverse landscapes. Inland marshes are off limits, so fishermen can head to the inlet for sea trout. Traveling in the inlet is known to be hazardous, so always go with an experienced guide.
Hiwassee River
The Hiwassee River’s various fishing spots are more easily accessed than most. Great for families and beginners, shopping, food and play areas are dotted along the river. Rainbow and Brown trout account for most of the species in the high quality, state protected waters.
Main Chattooga River
Flowing from the North Carolina mountains, down into Georgia is the Chattooga River, known for being the location for the filming of Deliverance, starring Burt Reynolds. Otherwise a low key and protected environment designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, fisherman flock to the Georgia mountains to hook Brook, Rainbow and Brown trout, which can be on the larger side compared to fish from other spots.
West Fork Chattooga
Yes, there is an abundance of great fishing spots on the Chattooga, which earns it two spots on our list. West Fork of Chattooga River branches off the bigger main channel into a smaller stream. Fisherman can choose to camp at the not too populated grounds—keep in mind, it’s not very crowded because spaces are limited. Bring a canoe or tubes along for more river fun from this nook and enjoy the incredible views and a load of Brook and Rainbow trout. Clayton, a north Georgia shopping and eating hub, is also nearby.
SAV Artificial Reef
Artificial reefs date back to the 1700s in Japan and have also been used along Georgia’s coast as “foundation” for natural sea biome growth. Surplus steel equipment, like tanks and ships, have created some pretty cool fishing spots. Black Sea Bass, Snapper, Grouper, Baracuda, Amberjacks, Spade Fish, and other reef fish can be caught amidst the wreckage in the Atlantic waters below.
Nottely River
Beginning in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Nottely flows through the groomed hills of Union County, and remnants of gold sometimes can be seen flickering in the water. Shopping, restaurants and all around cozy vibes can be found close by, in Blairsville. Nottely is another easily accessible site where a variety of trout swim.
Toccoa
Upper and lower portions of the Toccoa River are excellent for fishing—each section is different but amazing. If you hang around the upper section, adorable Blue Ridge is at your fingertips, as there are multiple access points. Camp at the Deep Hole Recreation Area to make a weekend of it. Lower Toccoa is one of the best tailwater fisheries in the state, with deep water and plenty of the best fish in Georgia—trout! McCaysville is near this section and is one of the cities the Blue Ridge Railway stops at.
Upper Chattahoochee
Georgia’s most famous river provides access to those in Atlanta, where visitors bring their kayaks and canoes and enjoy its rapids and whitewater. Tubing is a safer option, which nearby Helen offers, along with a fun Bavarian-themed atmosphere. Expect to catch wild and stocked fish.
McQueens Inlet
Although difficult to navigate at times, St. Catherine’s Bull Redfish and Summer Flounder make the journey worth it. Never venture into this inlet inexperienced, always go with a local charter who knows their stuff. All experts will tell you “the gettin’ is good” in McQueens, but its sketchy entry points and breakers can mean disaster for the captain with little sea knowledge. A sliver of St. Catherine’s Beach is open to the public, but otherwise, visitors cannot explore the salty marshland of the island. It’s atmosphere considered a fisherman’s dream.
