Chattahoochee River is a River located in Decatur County, GA. Starting in Helen, GA the Chattahoochee River flows 435 miles through Thomaston, GA before ending in Chattahoochee, FL. The Chattahoochee River rises to an elevation of 75 feet and has a surface area of 9,256,199 square miles. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

About the Chattahoochee River, GA

Chattahoochee River is a 434-mile long body of water that runs through the whole state of Georgia. The river’s water originates from several headstreams in the Blueridge Mountains in Northeastern Georgia. It flows southwestward through the state and passes through several cities, counties, and state parks until it drains into West Point Lake where it branches out to different lakes, creeks, streams, and other tributaries. From there, the Chattahoochee River continues its journey southward, straddling the Georgia-Alabama border where, again, it gives life to several bodies of water including Lake Herring, Lake Oliver, Walter F. George Reservoir, and Lake Seminole. At the southern part of Lake Seminole, the river ends right at the border of Georgia and Florida at the western edge of the city of Chattahoochee where the Apalachicola River begins.

The name Chattahoochee is believed to be of Native American origin, particularly from the Muscogee and Seminole people found primarily in the states of Florida and Oklahoma. There are thirteen dams found throughout the course of the river that regulate and control the flow of water, mainly to store and provide drinking water to cities and irrigation to farms near the river. The dams are also used to harness the river’s power to generate electricity. Furthermore, there are three lock-and-dam facilities in the river to make its waters easily navigable by different vessels.

Thanks to the preservation efforts of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, there are some stretches of the river (especially in the northern parts of Georgia near Atlanta) that offer outdoor recreational activities. Popular activities here include hiking, camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and fishing.

All About Fishing in Chattahoochee River, GA

The whole stretch of the Chattahoochee River is considered a Blue Ribbon fishing destination. This means that anglers can expect high-quality fishing throughout the river for most of the year. Fishing can be done in a number of ways. One can cast his or her line straight off the bank and still can land some quality fish. Anglers who want to get closer to nature and, of course, some bigger prizes can rent a kayak or canoe and head out to the deeper parts of the river. Although anglers can pretty much catch something throughout the stretch of the river, the 48-mile stretch between Buford Dam and Peachtree Creek is known as the best spot to cast your line.

There are a wide range of fish species that can be targeted in the river including different types of bass and catfish. However, trout reign supreme in the “Hooch” as it’s considered as one of the top trout fishing destinations in the country. In fact, it’s where the largest trout was caught in the state—a whopping 20-pounder, measured at 31.5 inches long. Different types of trout that can be hooked here include brown, brook, and rainbow.

Fly fishing is one of the most popular fishing methods in the Chattahoochee River. For best results, a 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with a floating line is highly recommended. Match this with a tapered 9-foot leader and a tippet size 3X to 5X to provide enough control. As for lures, you can use streamers, nymphs, and dry flies.      

Fishing Seasonality

Fishing in the Chattahoochee River is a whole year affair. It’s because the river stays at its cool temperature year-round. In fact, its water does not go warmer than 50-degrees Fahrenheit, which makes the water temperature just right for trout. That said, winter is said to be the best season to go out fishing in The Hooch as it’s when most fish are said to be most active. Springtime also offers the right conditions (for the fish as well as for the anglers) to go out fishing.     

Fishing Seasonality

Fishing in the Chattahoochee River is a whole year affair. It’s because the river stays at its cool temperature year-round. In fact, its water does not go warmer than 50-degrees Fahrenheit, which makes the water temperature just right for trout. That said, winter is said to be the best season to go out fishing in The Hooch as it’s when most fish are said to be most active. Springtime also offers the right conditions (for the fish as well as for the anglers) to go out fishing.     

All About Fishing in Chattahoochee River, GA

The whole stretch of the Chattahoochee River is considered a Blue Ribbon fishing destination. This means that anglers can expect high-quality fishing throughout the river for most of the year. Fishing can be done in a number of ways. One can cast his or her line straight off the bank and still can land some quality fish. Anglers who want to get closer to nature and, of course, some bigger prizes can rent a kayak or canoe and head out to the deeper parts of the river. Although anglers can pretty much catch something throughout the stretch of the river, the 48-mile stretch between Buford Dam and Peachtree Creek is known as the best spot to cast your line.

There are a wide range of fish species that can be targeted in the river including different types of bass and catfish. However, trout reign supreme in the “Hooch” as it’s considered as one of the top trout fishing destinations in the country. In fact, it’s where the largest trout was caught in the state—a whopping 20-pounder, measured at 31.5 inches long. Different types of trout that can be hooked here include brown, brook, and rainbow.

Fly fishing is one of the most popular fishing methods in the Chattahoochee River. For best results, a 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with a floating line is highly recommended. Match this with a tapered 9-foot leader and a tippet size 3X to 5X to provide enough control. As for lures, you can use streamers, nymphs, and dry flies.