Planning to stick around North Georgia during the summer and want to spend time outdoors? North Georgia offers amazing fishing spots with various species and difficulty levels. The mountains of Georgia have many streams and lakes packed with fish cater to those who enjoy fly fishing or prefer to use spinner and bait caster rods.
Unicoi State Park
1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545
Beginner level
Unicoi State Park, located just outside of downtown Helen, offers many fishing spots. While the park has many outdoor activities available, it has some of the most simple fishing in North Georgia. Fishing above the lake at the head of Smith creek typically is only good fishing when stocked with trout. With it being shallow in most spots, fly fishing is recommended with flies like trout brains, eggs and mop flies. The lake has trout, bluegill and bass. There are trails surrounding the lake, allowing for on shore spinner fishing. Below the dam where the lake feeds into Smith creek is one of the best areas to fish. There are several great holes and runs that are often stocked with trout. Fly fishing and spinner fishing works great here. Check the delayed harvest for catch and release only dates.
Smithgall Woods State Park
61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, GA 30545
Intermediate to expert levels
Just outside of Helen is Dukes creek at Smithgall Woods, which is great for intermediate fishing. To fish here, calling ahead to reserve a half-day spot, either in the morning or afternoon, is a must. Fly fishing only along with fishing with barbless hooks is required. Using flies that look more natural, like nymphs, are recommended. Species include trout, which are considered trophy trout because of their size. This stream is catch and release only. Park at the welcome center and then choose to walk to the spots or take the shuttle for transportation farther down stream.
Vogel State Park
405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
Beginner to intermediate levels
While this state park is a bit farther from campus, it is a great get-away. Vogel State Park has primarily lake fishing. Kayaking and canoeing at Vogel is the best way to fish here, but fishing on shore works good too. Any style of fishing at Vogel is perfect. Species include lake trout, bass, bluegill and catfish. Fishing with rooster tails typically follows with a successful day of fishing. As of recently, the welcome center has been under construction along with parking. Maps online may not be accurate for parking and grill sites.
Tallulah River
Tallulah River Rd, Clayton, GA 30525
Beginner to intermediate levels
When stocked, fishing the Tallulah River is a good spot. Any style of fishing is good at this river. The road to the stream is gravel and very bumpy, so be sure to have a reliable vehicle. The best holes and parking is driving up to Sandy Bottoms campground and walking up the stream. There are a lot of good runs and deep holes for the fish. Species include stocked trout. The best time of year to fish when freshly stocked is mid June, but there is a kids fishing derby where kids can keep the fish they catch which may affect the behavior of the trout after, along with the heat in the summer.
Lake Lanier
Various levels of experience based on location
Just south of Habersham county is Lake Lanier. This lake is one of the more popular fishing destinations for many styles of fishing. With such a large diversity of fish, you can fish for minnows to a 10lb bass or larger. Species range from striped, largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, various brim species, catfish, longnose gar and many more. There is no specific sought after spot that will guarantee a catch. There are several public parks that surround the lake in Gainesville, Flowery Branch and Cumming, if one does not own a kayak or fishing boat. At the tail end of the lake, the Buford Dam feeds into the Chattahoochee River, also offering great trout fishing locations. With Lake Lanier being so large, there are many places to fish on and off shore.
