Where to reel in trophy trout in North Georgia streams

Time for a fishing trip

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Gone fishing

Illustration by Claire McCracken

Blackhawk Fly Fishing
On Abby Jackson’s quiet, private stretch of the Soque River near Clarkesville, you can haul in 12-pound rainbow trout and browns. Then, you can bunk up at the 1860s farmhouse and even hire Jackson—who is also a professional chef—to prepare meals. (Pick up a jar of her Sweet Fire Pickles while you’re at it.) $200 half-day access and $275 full-day, plus another $100 to $150 if you want a guide

Hatch Camp and Art Farm
This hip, idealistic little community in the northeast corner of the state was opened by Scott and Nicole Low in 2017 as a fishing, art, and music retreat. (He’s also a singer-songwriter.) Hatch offers six private campsites along Warwoman Creek, as well as private guided fishing trips and a small fly shop. In addition to catching trophy trout, you can swim, explore, hang by the fire, or catch a concert or performance art on their funky little stage. (Tickets are limited to allow folks to stay distanced.)

Cohutta Fishing Company
The charming town of Blue Ridge is known as a hub for some of the state’s best fly fishing, and the Cohutta Fishing Company can tell you all the secrets. Hire a guide and head out to the Toccoa River or small mountain streams and lakes—or just hit up the fly shop before you head out on your own. (They’re next door to Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods, where high-end, split-cane fly rods are crafted by hand.) Through the outfitter, you can lodge at the stylish, Beverly Baribault–designed Pecos Del Rio cabin. Wade trips start at $200, float trips at $350

Back to An Insider’s Guide to the North Georgia Mountains

This article appears in our September 2020 issue.

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