Fishing Forecast - Chattahoochee River
Buford Dam to Roswell Road
Overview
In addition to supplying nearly 70 percent of metro Atlanta's drinking water, the 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River between Buford Dam and Peachtree Creek offers some of the best trout fishing in north Georgia. The Lanier Tailwater runs from below Buford Dam to Bull Sluice lake, a very small Georgia Power impoundment located between Roswell and Sandy Springs. Within this stretch, Georgia anglers can fish for both stocked Rainbow Trout and a wild population of Brown Trout. Only artificial lures may be used between the Hwy 20 bridge and the boat ramp at the National Park Service Medlock Bridge Park immediately upstream of GA Hwy 141. The cold release of deep water from Lake Lanier maintains suitable trout habitat year-round within this stretch—and it produces high catch rates of small wild trout with the potential for a trophy brown. As always – safety first! Tailwater flows can change rapidly and unexpectedly according to dam operations, so be sure to check the flow before you go by calling the Corps of Engineers (770-945-1466).
For the current water release schedules call: 1-855-DAM-FLOW.
Contact Information: DNR Office: 770-535-5498; Chattahoochee River Natural Recreation Area: 678-538-1200
Best Bets: Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. The mouth of the tributaries emptying into the river will also hold some quality Largemouth Bass and Alabama/Spotted Bass, but not in high numbers.
Chattahoochee River (Buford Dam to Roswell Road) - Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Prospect: Brown Trout have not been stocked in this section since 2004, and have since been managed as a wild population. The current state record Brown Trout (20 pounds, 14 ounces) was caught in the Lanier Tailwater section in 2014. The majority of Brown Trout caught will be in the 8 to 12-inch range. Sampling results from the fall of 2024 indicate that the average size of brown trout in Lanier tailwater is 9" and average weight is 1/2 lb. Fifty-seven percent of the population is less than 9", 36% of the population measured between 9" - 14", and 6% of the population was >14". The largest fish sampled in 2024 was 24" and 7 1/2 lbs. Brown Trout exceeding ~13" are capable of transitioning from a bug-based to fish-based diet, after which their growth and trophy potential skyrocket. Though most brown trout you catch will be respectable in size, always be ready for the occasional trophy fish that’s over 20 inches.
Large male brown trout sampled by Georgia DNR WRD Fisheries staff during the fall of 2023.
Technique: For fly-fishing, use a 4 to 6-weight, 7 1/2 to 9-foot rod with either floating or sinking tip lines. Small nymphs and flies work well. Woolly buggers (size 8-12) and bead-headed nymphs in prince (size 14), or hare's ear (size 16) patterns often produce fish. Add split-shot to the leader to get nymphs to sink to appropriate depths. If fish appear active but are not responding to these patterns, try very small (size 18-22) black midge adult or pupa flies. Look to cast to places immediately adjacent to the main current. Trout are most likely to be found at the head of pools, behind and alongside rocks, and in the tails of pools. For spin fishing, use a 5 to 7-foot rod with 4 to 6-pound test. Try 1/8 ounce spinners (e.g. Rooster Tail or Panther Martin) in silver, white, brown, green, yellow or orange and spoons in gold/silver (e.g., Little Cleo). Also try 3 to 5-inch Rapalas in perch, trout, gold or silver patterns.
To target trophy-size fish, use larger streamers or lures that mimic baitfish such as Sculpins, small Brown Trout, or Rainbow Trout. During colder months (especially late fall), consider dead-drifting white streamers or using white inline spinners to mimic dead Threadfin Shad and/or Blueback Herring that have died in Lake Lanier due to cold temperatures and passed through Buford Dam.
Target: The Lanier Tailwater section of the Chattahoochee River can be fished from the bank, from a boat, or by wading. For all angling methods, remember to be mindful of Buford Dam’s release schedule. Anglers are often successful when fishing near the dam. Large numbers of fish are often present in wadeable shoal areas. Fish during clear, low flows. If water is turbid, a gold spinner or spoon may produce the best results. The largest Brown Trout are often found in deep runs surrounded by cover such as downed timber. Maps noting access points along the river can be obtained either in person or online from the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Remember that only artificial lures are permitted from GA Hwy 20 south to the boat ramp at Medlock Bridge.
Chattahoochee River (Buford Dam to Roswell Road) - Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Prospect: Rainbow Trout have been stocked in the Lanier Tailwater section since 1962. Approximately 180,000 catchable-sized Rainbow Trout are stocked annually, and the Chattahoochee River is expected to receive its full allotment of trout in 2024. Most Rainbow Trout caught by anglers will measure out in the 9 to 12-inch range, but some individuals (often referred to as “holdovers”) may survive in the river for multiple years and can grow quite large.
Hatchery Rainbow Trout sporting some vibrant colors during fall electrofishing surveys in 2023.
Technique: For fly-fishing, use 4 to 6-weight, 7 1/2 to 9 foot rods with either floating or sinking tip lines. Small nymphs and flies work well. Woolly buggers (size 8-12) and bead-headed nymphs in prince (size 14), or hare's ear (size 16) patterns often produce fish. If fish appear active but are not responding to these patterns, try very small (size 18-22) black midge adult or pupa flies.. In recently stocked sections, patterns that are highly visible and/or mimic the pellets that are fed to hatchery trout (e.g. Y2K pattern) can be highly productive. For spin fishing, use a 5 to 7-foot rod with 4 to 6-pound test. Try 1/8-ounce spinners (e.g. Rooster Tail or Panther Martin) in silver, white, brown, green, yellow or orange or gold/silver spoons (e.g. Little Cleo). Also try 3 to 5-inch Rapalas in perch, trout, gold or silver patterns. For bait fishing, a similarly outfitted rod will work well with natural baits such as corn, nightcrawlers, or Powerbait. Add split shot to the line to allow the bait to reach the depth of the water you intend to fish. Please be aware that natural baits are not permitted between Georgia Highway 20 and Medlock Bridge.
Target: Recently stocked Rainbow Trout will often initially remain congregated near the stocking location. Within a few days, they will disperse relatively evenly throughout the stocked location. Look for deep runs with moderate current and boulder or bedrock substrate. Look for structure such as eddies formed by rocks or downed timber. Maps noting access points along the river can be obtained either in person or online from the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Additional Information
The section between Buford Dam and Peachtree Creek lies within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) and is managed by the National Park Service (NPS). The Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and NPS work closely to manage the land, river and wildlife.
