Georgia newbie question .....

[Jazzman]

OK I'm a newbie to the area - not to flyfishing (Hi my name's Jazzman and I'm a flyfishing addict!!).

I recently moved to Alabama from Utah(hence Jazzman - as in NBA) with my work and have been desperately seeking trout in the area. I've fished Tennessee (Hiwassee, Eagle Creek, Bald Creek, etc.) and its pretty decent but I'm thinking about trying Georgia. I know how some of you might feel about yet another person on your beloved streams (pretty much the same where I'm from also) but I'm strictly C&R and very respectful of the resources I fish in and on, and the flyfishermen I fish around and with. I've been reading many of the discussions on this board and believe me, I'm on your side. Besides I won't be here forever - I'll eventually return to the Rockies and I'll pay non-resident fees to help your rivers while I'm here.

Anyway, this is a very simple question that I'm sure I could figure out by researching a little further but I've found its often faster to ask the locals. If a river is in a WMA do you need a WMA license on top of the fishing license and trout stamp or do you only need the WMA license when it specifically states so?

Also, I live in Huntsville AL. Are there any special regs rivers in Georgia closer to me than say the Hiwassee in TN? It looks like Johns River is close - how is that?

Thanks for any help and ...

Many great days on the river to all!!
Jazzman

[Jazzman]

Wow - never mind my question about Johns creek - I just found the review on this site - sounds like cornchucker heaven - good to have places like that I guess so the mindless masses can congregate!!!!

Jazzman

[Jon Thomas]

At all costs, forget John's Creek!!!!

You don't need any additional license for a WMA, just you GA license and a trout stamp.

Good luck!

[John Pool]

Jazzman -- You might want to think about the Jacks River and Conasauga River -- they both in the wilderness area on the Cohutta WMA and involve some hiking to get to and even better if you're into backpacking so you can spend more time fishing in relation to the time you spend walking. The Cohutta is in the western part of N. Ga. (maybe not too far for you). The area gets used heavily by hikers and backpackers but I've never had any trouble finding a stretch of either river to fish pretty much alone. Wild, challenging fishing -- might be something you'd enjoy.

On another subject, I've fished out west some but never in Utah. Been thinking pretty seriously about a trip to the Green at Flaming Gorge later this summer. Can you share any info. on the fishing there?

Welcome to the southern Appalachians and hope you find some enjoyable days on the streams here.
--JPOOL

[The Ole Man]

Jazzman:
I think there is one exception. I believe you have to have a WMA stamp to fish Waters Creek. This was managed as a trophy trout stream at one time. Recent reports indicate that it is hardly worth the additional cost these days. Seems like it was $73 dollars for residents. Don't know about non-res. I may be wrong on that figure. Someone that knows for sure will prob. post.

[Loren]

Jazzman,

You sound like you're on the right track for trout. Have you tried the smallmouths at Florence (Wilson Dam - tailrace)?

[ICHTHUS]

The wma stamp for residents is $19. The non res cost is $73. Wouldn't spend that much to fish waters cr. Got this info from " www.georgianet.org/dnr/sitemap.html"

[floater]

http://georgianet.org/dnr/sitemap.html

[Owl]

" My " creek is a good place. JPool is right about, the Couttas. Noontoola is closer to Ala than Cherokee. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif I'd say the Cohuttas, though, are the closest and best bets "fer ya", Mr. Jazzman.
Thought we had Sachmo here for a minute ! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif


Owl "Jones"

[123chris]

Jazzman;


There is a map put out I think by the GA
DNR, that tells all the trout streams and if they are stocked or wild trout. I am not sure of the address but I bet Bill Couch in the "ask DNR" forum on this board could tell you where to get one.

[BeeDub]

Jazzman,

Call DNR at 770-918-6418 for the map.

[Jazzman]

Thanks to all for the help - friendly crowd here!!!

To John Pool,

The Green River is an incredibly awesome fishery. The dam was built with trout in mind. As Flaming Gorge Reservoir warms, the dam can water for the river can be drawn from different depths throughout the summer to keep the river cold enough for trout. Its one of my favorite rivers in the world and I could go on and on about it but I'll try to keep this short but will probably fail at that.

The Green fishes good throughout the year. Main flies are Blue Winged Olive Mayflies (Arpil/May), Cicadas (huge hatch going on now), Caddis in fall, and midges midges, and more midges. The San Juan is the only other river I've heard of with more midges. Dries with midge droppers are very effective. Midge cluster patterns are also effective. Egg patterns in fall during the spawn are effective (just don't fish browns while they're on their redds). Caddis in fall evenings can be a blast. Often in the summer you may not see a rise all day and then once the sun goes down its like rain is falling and you can't get enough casts in before dark. Many terrestrials this time of year in addition to the Cicadas like crickets and hoppers.

You just have to change what your fishing with and where in the water column you fish it. Spring and Fall are good for dry action as the water is a little cooler. In summer time just hit it early and late.

Dennis Breers flyshop has a very good weekly report they give on the Virtual Flyshop site (www.flyshop.com) in the Rocky Mountain Regional section. He is honest and accurate and rates the action and crowds and gives water temperature and weather info, and if you are there (Dutch John, Utah) the guys in the shop are usually very nice also. It also makes a big difference if you can float the river as it gives you access to alot more water and less people. I've seen people do it pontoon boats but not in float tubes as there are a few very large rapids.

Spring is mayfly (BWO mainly) season and one of the best times and places to get some arm-tiring dry fly fishing. The Cicada hatch is legendary but you have to hit it early or the trout are too wary. The river gets alot of pressure in the main seasons but its very large and has a huge wild naturally reproducing trout population. Section A is best for your first time also. Don't be afraid to go in the off season. The dry action won't be as good but nymphing will still provide some great fishing and you can still hit a midge hatch.

I've never done it but it might be useful to go out with a guide for a half day or so to float the A section and then spend the rest of your time on your own exploring. Lots of fun - I miss that river with all my heart. As you can tell I love to talk about it!!!!

Feel free to e-mail me if you want more info and I'm happy to help

Many great days on the river to you!!!
Jazzman

[THE EG]

Although you were asking specific questions, I haven't heard any plugs lately for "the" book. Jimmy Jacobs' "Trout Fishing in North Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide to Public Streams and Rivers". He also did "Trout Streams of Southern Appalachia". Both have a pile of information.

[phlyster]

...and we all wonder why our trout streams are soo crowded! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

[John Pool]

Jazzman -- Thanks for the info on the Green River. Sounds like I hit a sweet spot with you and now I really want to make the trip. Have lots more questions, but instead of communicating by e-mail maybe would could talk around a campfire after some time on the water. I'll be out of pocket for the next couple of weeks but will try to e-mail you then to see if you're interested.
Thanks - JPOOL

[Owl]

I wouldn't know 1/2the streams I do if it weren't for " Trout fishing in Nrth Ga." I love that book and take it with me every time I go somewhere in Ga.


Owl http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif
It's a catch 22 thingy....