Good starting river

[Wheeler]

I havent been trout fishing in probably 5 years and a few buddies and I are looking for a few places to go in north east georgia or just north georgia in general. After we get back in the swing of things we will take our kids with us. I have been just looking through some posts looking for some good spots. Any help would be appreciated.

[RScott]

Wheeler,

Seriously, it does all depend on what you are looking for in a stream. If you want to catch trout, one of the stocked streams like Coopers, Rock Creek, or the Hooch in Helen would be fine, especially for spin fishing. Additionally these are all good streams for kids, well stocked and uneducated fish. Good campsites as well. I don't know how far North East you are in Georgia, but the Chatooga fishes good as well.

If you are looking for something more challenging, the DH streams, Smiths and Amicalola.

If you are up to even more of a challenge Dukes Creek is certainly a place to try, but it is fishing by appointment, artificial single hooks only, and totally catch and release.

Another type of challenge would be the Noontootla, all wild trout, very spooky, artificial only.

Grab a map from the nearest WalMart or go on the GADNR.org website and get a list, and start trying them out.

RScott

[skibum]

The Ranger driving the van on Sunday said the spin guy's can use trebble hooks at Dukes.... 6 HOOKS.. As long as they are debarbed.. I did not know that...

[salmon_egg]

The Ranger driving the van on Sunday said the spin guy's can use trebble hooks at Dukes.... 6 HOOKS.. As long as they are debarbed.. I did not know that...

:yikes: REALLY ??

[chrisfish]

RScott hit the nail on the head. Wheeler, find what is convenient for you and then learn it. I used to live near the Chatt. trophy trouth section, so I fished it. Then I got the nerve to head up into the mountains and explore and take my lumps. Got the nerve up to hit Smith's and Dukes creeks as well. Some I have had success and some not so much. Bottom line, all that have been mentioned are possibilities and there are so many more! Good luck and don't catch 'em all!

Chrisfish

[Wheeler]

For now catching fish is the key. Yes we will be spin fishing for now. After we take the kids if my buddy stays interested we will venture out. We used to fish Tallulah and wilcat creek several years ago. We went a few times over around warwoman also maybe saras creek ? I dont even know if I could find anything around that area anymore. thanks

[Wheeler]

Oh yeah whats good to fish with ? We used to use corn, salmon eggs and rooster tails. Anything new or better? Not after any secrets just want to catch a few fish . thanks again

[finless brown]

A Rapala #5 will bring in a fish or two

[Counslrman]

I've been traveling from Columbus, GA to the Northeast corner of the state for 35 years and for my money and time, the Chatooga below Hwy 28 bridge (Ben Russell Bridge) , the West Fork of the Chatooga up Overflow Creek Rd. (which also has great camping sites), and the Tallullah are all good beginning places. My kids are both in college in Lookout Mtn. Ga and they have made annual trips up there for the last 16-17 years and caught trout at all of these places.
For kids, the West Fork is relatively easy access and you can camp right next to the river at a Forest Service maintained campsite.

[RScott]

Wow - i didn't know that, thought it was singles only....

Wheeler - choice of bait or lure is personal and depends on what you want. If you take the kids, definately go the bait route to start as lures are too costly. Corn, powerbait, salmon eggs, crickets are all good.

For lures start with small spinners, Mepps size 00, 0, & 1s - I use Agila's with both silver and gold blades. Rooster Tails and Panther Martins in about any color, but I like yellow and chartruese.

Small Rapalas, Rebels, Yozuris are effective - especially if you are fishing larger streams / rivers where there is a good chance for holdover fish. To holdover the become mostly carnivorous. Trout patterns are killers.

Have fun, and watch out for those guys waving long sticks in the air...

RScott

[Speck]

Oh yeah whats good to fish with ? We used to use corn, salmon eggs and rooster tails. Anything new or better? Not after any secrets just want to catch a few fish . thanks again


All the above will work, though my personal favorite is half a fat nightcrawler. I hear the small Rapalas work well especially for bigger fish, and I've been thinking about trying the smallest spoon I can find to see how they do with that.


Since you've been to Tallulah I'd go back there to help dust off the technique.

[huntfish]

Take the sons up to Moccasin Creek beside the Burton hatchery. That section is for kids and it has lots of fish. Also you can tour the hatchery and fish the catfish pond. There is a campground next door wtih facilities and a playground for the kids.