Beat The Heat – Mountain Trout Fishing

By Capt. Cefus McRae | Nuts & Bolts Fishing Series Hartwell, GA

It’s hot outside! Here’s a cool way to spend a day on the water and enjoy some beautiful scenery… take a trip to the mountains and do some trout fishing.

Maybe you’re thinking you need to head out west or to the northeast to find good trout fishing, and while those are good options; the southeastern states have an abundance of awesome trout fisheries.

In the north Georgia mountains, brook trout are actually native fish to the area. Now most of these fish live in small, secluded streams where adventurous anglers target them. And for the most part, these are smaller fish. But they are beautiful and can be challenging to catch. For the rest of us, we have the good fortune of easier access and easier fishing, thanks to our state DNR Fish Hatcheries that regularly stock these streams with rainbow and brown trout. To fish for them, you’ll need a freshwater fishing license that also includes the fee for trout fishing privileges.

The mountains of Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas have clean, clear streams that look much like the streams of Vermont and Maine. Slow riffles, gentle falls and placid pools will be within a few hundred feet of each other. You can walk the banks (be aware of private property), you can wade the streams, or you can even float the larger streams and rivers in drift boats or fishing tubes.

Tackle can be as simple or as ‘purist’ as you want. Fly anglers will occasionally need to be careful on their back-casts for overhanging branches. Light tackle spin anglers will test their casting accuracy to perfectly retrieve a small in-line spinner or tiny spoon across the current without getting hung on a rock. And of course, there’s the old standby’s…corn, crickets, and worms…all will draw a quick strike from these hungry stockers. There are regulated streams that require barbless hooks, or artificial bait only, or catch and release only. So, check the regulations before you jump in the water. The fines are kinda pricey.

One of the best ways to begin enjoying the cool temperatures and experience the excitement of catching some true monster trout is to book a guided trip on the water. There are outfitting companies that offer everything you need…tackle, rods, waders, and expert guides that will show you the ropes, whether you’re an accomplished angler or it’s your first time.

One of my favorite destinations is Helen, Georgia, home to Unicoi Outfitters. They have a full fly shop and manage literally miles of pristine, private trout waters in the area. And their streams hold some monsters! If you want a truly unique experience, book a day on a float boat casting to bows and browns on the Toccoa River. The scenery is beautiful, and you’ll be catching wild, stream-raised fish. Check ‘em out at UnicoiOutfitters.com Great people, and great fishing!

Another cool option, that will also let you put dinner on the table, is what I call ‘Public Access Fishing’. These are public streams where the hatcheries regularly release fish. And in most of these streams, you can keep what you catch. State parks, like Unicoi State

Park in north Georgia is a great place to start your trek. The road that winds through the park has numerous shelter areas where you can park and wet a line just steps from your car. Perfect for bringing the kids and teaching them the fun of trout fishing. Plus, you can stay at the lodge, go zip-lining, shopping in Helen, and do it all in the cool mountain air.

So, plan a trip out of the heat and into the naturally air-conditioned comfort of the mountains this summer. You’ll love it.

Tight lines and calm seas.