The Chattahoochee River, flowing through the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, is a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Renowned for its diverse fishery, the river offers anglers the chance to catch wild and stocked trout species, including the state’s native shoal bass. The cold, oxygen-rich waters below Lake Lanier create an ideal habitat for trout, particularly in the stretches below Buford Dam where large brown trout are known to inhabit.
Fly fishing the Chattahoochee also presents opportunities to land spotted bass, largemouth bass, redeye bass, carp, and suckers, especially around the confluences of smaller creeks and tributaries. The river’s delayed harvest section below Morgan Falls Dam is a catch-and-release area from November 1 to May 15, adding to the river’s appeal.
Whether wading or floating, the Chattahoochee River promises a memorable fly fishing experience amidst the backdrop of Atlanta’s urban landscape, with the potential for both quantity and quality catches.
| Insect | Size | Begin | End | |
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Caddis | 14-18 | March | July |
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Blue Wing Olive | 16-24 | January | December |
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Sulphur | 18-20 | April | August |
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Yellow Drake | 12 | July | February |
 |
Stonefly | 6-16 | January | June |
 |
Midges | 16-24 | January | December |
 |
Cranefly | 6-12 | July | February |
 |
Scud | 12-18 | January | December |
 |
Sowbug | 12-16 | January | December |
 |
Terrestrials | 6-16 | May | February |
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Crayfish | 4-8 | January | December |
 |
Shad/Herring | 8-12 | January | March |
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Sculpin | 8-12 | January | December |