Autumn in Georgia is a beautiful time of year for fly fishing. The leaves are changing colors and the weather is cooling off, making it the perfect time to spend a day outside. For anglers, autumn is also the best time of year to go fly fishing. This is because the fish are making spawn runs up the river and those big, aggressive brown trout are out looking for a mate. So if you're looking for a good time to go fly fishing, North Georgia in the fall is the place to be.

Why Fall Is The Best Time For Fly Fishing

As we mentioned before, one of the reasons why fall is the best time for fly fishing is because the fish are making spawn runs up the river. This means that they are more likely to be caught in shallower waters where they can be easily reached and lured into a bite. Spawn runs also make fish more aggressive, so if you're looking to catch a big one, autumn is your best bet.

Another reason why fall fly fishing is so great is because of the scenery. The leaves are changing colors in the mountains and the cooler temperatures make for an amazing day spent outdoors. There's nothing quite like being out in nature with a fly rod in hand, surrounded by the beauty of fall foliage.

Tips For Fall Fishing in Georgia

If you’re wanting to head out to some of the Tailwaters, the Toccoa River fly fishing is great this time of year. The fish here generally start making their spawn runs in mid to September after the rains have hit. They will move in patterns that correlate to water levels since higher water helps the river become more navigable for them. They can be found hitting smaller flies in the 16-20 range. The wooly booger is always a good go-to-fly if they are being finicky though, especially since they are more aggressive this time of year due to the spawn.

Most of the trout on these runs will be brown trout, but you can come across some smaller rainbows as well. Your best bet is to pay attention to the rain patterns and try to get out a day or two after a good rain, you will more than likely run into some good size fish that are generally hard to find outside of private waters.

Fly Fishing Private Streams

Outside of the public rivers like the Toccoa and Chattahoochee, private streams are a great way to find those monster trout! One of our favorite private sections is found on the Soque River. We have exclusive access to a section that houses some of the biggest trout you’ve ever seen! Just because it’s private, doesn’t make it any more easy though. You can check out our Ultimate Guide for Soque River Fly Fishing if you want to learn more about fishing this gem of a stream.

Things To Do Around North Georgia

If you find yourself coming in from out of town to stay for a couple of days, go check out what North Georgia has to offer! We have a wide selection of restaurants, wineries, breweries and other places to explore in your time off the river. Below are a few of our suggestions.

Places To Dine

• Clyde’s Table and Tavern- Clyde’s offers a variety of menu items from appetizers & entrees to signature cocktails and local brews. Everything on their menu is house-made and made fresh to order. They truly have something for everyone in their family friendly environment.

• Creekside Deli - Located within walking distance of the Cleveland Square, Creekside Deli serves a wide array of sandwiches, subs, burgers, hot dogs, salads, soups, dinners, and daily specials. They offer fresh and delicious food in a prompt manner and at affordable prices. They have indoor and outdoor seating that is, yup, you guessed it…creekside!

• Mountain Fresh Creamery - After you enjoy your dinner, head on over to Mountain Fresh Creamery for some of their amazing ice cream! They provide a wholesome, all natural product, fresh from their farm to your family.

• The Copper Pot - Go check out this brick oven eatery, located in downtown Clarkesville, GA. They specialize in good food and craft cocktails. Their atmosphere is amazing and their food is even better!

• The Cottage Vineyard and Winery - Voted one of the top 25 wineries in the USA, The Cottage is an experience you will never forget it. Their tasting room is open 7 days a week and they offer private events if you want to schedule something for larger groups!

Things To Do

• Smoky Mountain Trader - This outfitter offers an eclectic experience while shopping for outdoor gear. Whether you’re looking for gear, apparel or just to stop in and take a picture with Bigfoot, you’re going to want to check them out.

• Buford Trout Hatchery - If you’re up for the hour drive, this trout hatchery is worth it! You can do a self-guided tour of the hatchery that is stocking Georgia’s designated rivers. With over 500,000 trout being raised here, it’s worth the drive!

• Smithgall Wood State Park - Smithgall Woods is an angler’s paradise. One of north Georgia’s premier trout streams, Dukes Creek, runs through this spectacular mountain property and is a favorite for catch and release fishing.

• Unicoi Outfitters - If you want to find a place to stock up on flies before hitting the Soque River or any other local streams, Unicoi Outfitters is your place! In addition to the variety of gear offered in Clarkesville, they also carry plenty of fly-fishing and fly-tying equipment.

  
  
  

There's no doubt about it, Autumn is an amazing time to go fly fishing in North Georgia. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy all that this wonderful season has to offer!