Half To Full Day Trout Fly Fishing On Soque River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target wild native trout on pristine Soque River watersCatch, photo, release policy ensures sustainable fishing practicesGuided trips accommodate all skill levels and ages
If you're looking for a genuine mountain stream trout fishing experience in Georgia, the Soque River delivers exactly what you're after. This wild waterway flows through some of the most beautiful country in north Georgia, and it's loaded with native trout that'll test your skills and reward your patience. Matt Dorsey knows this river like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why local anglers consider the Soque one of Georgia's top-rated trout streams. Whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or you've been chasing trout for decades, this personalized one-on-one trip puts you right where the fish are.
The Soque River runs crystal clear through the North Georgia mountains, creating perfect habitat for wild trout populations. You'll be wading through pocket water, deep pools, and classic riffle sections where trout hold in predictable spots. The scenery alone is worth the trip – towering hardwoods line the banks, and you'll often spot deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife during your day on the water. Matt keeps his groups small with just one angler per trip, so you get his full attention and the best possible chance at success. The catch and release policy means these fish are educated but healthy, and you'll be contributing to keeping this world-class fishery sustainable for years to come. Plan on spending anywhere from half a day to a full day depending on how the bite is and how much you're enjoying yourself. The river fishes well year-round, though different seasons bring different opportunities and challenges.
The Soque requires a thoughtful approach since these wild trout have seen their share of flies. Matt will have you rigged up with the right gear for the conditions – typically a 4 or 5 weight rod that handles the tight quarters and overhanging branches you'll encounter. Depending on water levels and what's hatching, you might be throwing dry flies to rising fish, working nymphs through deeper runs, or stripping streamers along undercut banks. The key to success here is reading the water and presenting your fly naturally. Matt will coach you through proper casting techniques, how to mend your line in moving water, and most importantly, how to spot the subtle takes that wild trout are famous for. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to flies tied specifically for Soque River conditions. Waders and boots are available too, though you might want to bring your own if you have them for the best fit.
Rainbow Trout are the most common catch on the Soque, and these aren't your typical stocked fish. Georgia's wild rainbows fight harder and jump higher than anything you'll pull from a put-and-take pond. They average 8 to 12 inches but don't let the size fool you – a wild Soque River rainbow will give you a fight you won't forget. These fish are opportunistic feeders that respond well to attractor patterns in the spring and fall, while summer fishing calls for smaller, more realistic imitations. The best action typically happens during cooler parts of the day, especially early morning and late afternoon.
Brown Trout are the craftiest residents of the Soque River system. These European imports have adapted perfectly to Georgia's mountain streams and grown into apex predators. They're harder to fool than rainbows but when you hook into a good brown, you'll know it immediately. Most run 10 to 14 inches, with the occasional trophy pushing 16 inches or better. Browns love structure – look for them under root wads, behind boulders, and in deep pools where they can ambush prey. They're most active during low-light conditions, making dawn and dusk prime time for targeting these selective fish.
Golden Trout represent the holy grail for many Georgia fly fishermen. These stunning fish are actually a color variation of rainbow trout, but their brilliant golden flanks and vibrant red markings make them stand out like jewels in the clear Soque River water. They're not as numerous as rainbows or browns, which makes landing one extra special. Goldens tend to be spookier than other trout species, requiring longer, more delicate presentations and smaller flies. When you do connect with one, take plenty of photos – these fish are as photogenic as they come.
Brook Trout are Georgia's only native trout species, and finding them in the Soque River system connects you to centuries of angling tradition. These char are smaller than the other species you'll encounter, typically running 6 to 10 inches, but they make up for size with pure beauty. Their olive backs, cream bellies, and distinctive white-edged fins are works of art. Brooks prefer the coldest, most oxygenated water, so you'll often find them in higher elevation tributaries and spring-fed sections. They're aggressive feeders that rarely refuse a well-presented fly, making them perfect targets for beginning fly fishermen.
The Soque River offers some of the best wild trout fishing you'll find in Georgia, and Matt Dorsey's expertise gives you the edge you need to make the most of your time on the water. This isn't just another guided fishing trip – it's a chance to experience a renowned mountain trout stream with someone who understands every riffle, pool, and undercut bank. The personalized attention means you'll learn techniques and tactics that'll make you a better angler long after you leave the river. Whether you're hoping to land your first trout on a fly rod or add a Georgia golden to your life list, the Soque River delivers memories that last a lifetime. Book your trip today and discover why this customer favorite keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the native beauties of our southern Appalachian streams, typically 6-12 inches with those gorgeous wavy lines on their backs and red spots circled in blue. They stick to the coldest, cleanest water you can find - usually small headwater streams with temps below 68°F. Fall spawning season gets them active, but they bite well spring through summer in shaded pools. What guests love about brookies is their willingness to fight way above their weight class and those amazing colors, especially the males during spawning. They're also great eating if you're keeping dinner. Here's the key: look for them tight against cover like fallen logs, undercut banks, or boulder pockets. Make short, accurate casts - these small streams don't give you room for error.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the wary veterans of the Soque, typically ranging 10-20 inches and sporting those distinctive black spots with golden sides. They're homebodies that love deep pools, undercut banks, and anywhere with good cover like fallen logs or overhanging vegetation. Fall is when they really turn on, feeding aggressively before spawning season kicks in. What draws anglers to them is their reputation as the smartest trout - they're tough to fool but fight hard when hooked. These fish prefer cooler water below 65°F and often feed at dusk or dawn. Pro tip: if you're not getting hits in the obvious spots, try the slower, deeper water that most people skip. Browns often sit in surprisingly calm sections.
Oncorhynchus AguabonitaGolden trout are the rare gems of Georgia's high country waters, though they're more commonly found out west. These beauties typically run 6-12 inches with that unmistakable golden coloring and dark oval marks along their sides. They prefer crystal-clear, cold water in remote streams and high-altitude lakes. Early morning and late evening are your best windows since they're spooky in clear water. What makes them special is their stunning appearance - they're probably the most photogenic trout you'll ever catch. They feed on midges, caddisflies, and small terrestrials. The trick with goldens is staying low and making long, delicate casts. They'll bolt at the first sign of movement, so approach each pool like you're hunting.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the bread and butter of our Soque River trips, running 8-16 inches with that classic pink stripe down their sides. They love the faster water and gravelly runs, especially where the current breaks around rocks. These fish are aggressive feeders and put up a solid fight with plenty of jumps. Spring through early summer is prime time when water temps sit in that sweet 55-65°F range. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both dry flies and nymphs - they're not too picky. Here's a local tip: focus your casts just upstream of any pocket water behind boulders. That's where they sit waiting for food to drift down, and you'll get more strikes than fishing the main current.
Cornelia, GA