Where is a good place to hike up streams to catch trout

[willis307]

I am new to this message board, but was wondering if anyone new some good places to follow streams up into the mountains to secluded trout pools. It does not matter how far i have to hike, I just wanted to do a little trout fishing over christmas, any advice would be wonderful, thanks.

[Jimmy Harris]

Willis,

Hike in streams that are open year round are sort of scarce. You may want to look into the Conasauga in Fannin County. You'll certainly have it all to yourself most likely.

[Buck Henry]

Without question, one of the best "hike in" destinations to trout fish in Georgia is the Chatooga River. There are numerous places along the river where you can hike in and camp. The stretch of river between Highway 28 and Burrells Ford offers quite a bit of river hiking / fishing opportunities.

PS: another option is Jack's River in the Cohutta Wilderness Area. However Jack's River is probably more of a warm weather destination as the trail crosses the river numerous times.

[Path_Less_Traveled]

Havent yet been to the Connie, but the Toog idea is a good one... but Jacks is seasonal (closed now)... some weather in the 50's would help your success... also see the thread where Jimmy Harris discusses barometric pressure.

Here's some additional information...
http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/trout.html

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53002

[dakturn]

The Jacks is closed, but the Conasauga is open year around, both are in the Cohutta Wilderness. I hiked several parts of the Cohutta last summer, but there was little water. I took the Chestnut Lead trail down to the Conasauga and hiked down the river for a mile or two. One of the books I have says that this is the easiest trail to the Conasauga, and it was going in, but coming out was another story. You'll also get wet once you hit the Conasauga, as its trail also crosses the river many times.

We took the Beech Bottom trail down to the Jacks and fished along the river above and below the intersection with the Jacks River trail. I liked the Jacks more than the Conasauga, but it had more water. The trail along the Jacks river is treacherous, so be careful. One of the tropical storms from a few years back destroyed many parts of the trail.

I would suggest waiting to visit the Cohutta until spring.

Buck Henry suggested the Chattooga River, and I do as well. Just follow his directions. The river is beautiful and the trails are much easier compared to the Cohutta. As a matter of fact, we have plans to hike in next Thursday, camp on the South Carolina side and fish up to and past Reed Creek. We were there in September and had a great time.

Wherever you decide to go, let us know how it turns out and good luck.

Derek