Prime Catch: Fly Fishing In Northeast Georgia Mountains

For anyone who believes the perfect day is donning waders and standing in a river casting a line—northeast Georgia is waiting for you!

Man in waders and fishing vest casting a line from the side of a river.With more than 4,000 miles of trout streams, the Blue Ridge Mountains of northeast Georgia are known to have some of the  best fishing on the east coast, so pack your rod and head up to Lucille’s. We make a great base camp, as you can head in any direction and find a choice place to cast your line.

The Chattahoochee River, which flows right through Helen, is as near ideal as you can get. Open to fishing year-round, it offers deep holes and cool pockets where rainbow and brown trout love to pool. You can access the water at the Upper Chattahoochee River Recreation Area. Most of the riverbank is unsuitable for standing and fishing—this is a river best fished by wading or floating in a drift boat.
Upper Chattahoochee River Recreation Area
F.S. Road #44, Helen, GA
706-754-6221

An angler’s paradise. That’s the term often given to Duke’s Creek, a beloved crystal clear stream that is considered one of the best places to snare rainbows. Located in Smithgall Woods State Park, the creek navigates through gorgeous mountain scenery and a gorge. In an effort to keep this a quality area, fishing here is allowed only on certain days, so be sure to call ahead as you make your plans.
Duke’s Creek
Smithgall Woods State Park
61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, GA
706-878-3087
7:00 a.m. – dark
$5 parking fee

Largemouth bass is the fish of choice in Unicoi Lake (also known as Smith Lake), the 44-acre heart of Unicoi State Park. Anglers will find several fishing docks along the shore. Smith Creek runs through the park and is divided into an upper and lower sections (above and below the lake). Fish either of these for brook, rainbow, and brown trout.
Unicoi State Park
1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA
706-878-2201

If you’d like to get a little more insight into fishing in our area, or wish to book a guided trip, check out Unicoi Outfitters in Helen or Blackhawk Fly Fishing in Clarkesville. Both offer top-notch expertise and experience.
Unicoi Outfitters
7082 S. Main Street, Helen, GA
706-878-3083

Blackhawk Fly Fishing
Clarkesville, GA
706-947-3474

After a day of wading, may we suggest a nice massage to soothe those tired muscles? Book a stay at Lucille’s Mountain Inn & Spa and we’ll be happy to make an appointment for you.