Gainesville and Hall County
4.9 stars on Google, 165 reviews · from $400 · Soque private water about 35 minutes from Gainesville
Gainesville sits at the edge of the northeast Georgia mountains, closer to real trout water than almost anywhere in the metro. Take 985 north to 365, then 384, and the Soque private water is about 35 minutes away.
Two fisheries
Gainesville anglers get two very different fishing trips within easy reach.
| Compared on | Trout on private water | Striper float |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Soque, about 35 minutes; Etowah, about 70 minutes via 985 and GA-400 | The Chattahoochee |
| Season | Best in spring and fall; the Soque rests June 10 to September 20 | Late March to early September, best April to June |
| The fish | Big rainbows and browns in clear water | Stripers running up out of the reservoirs |
| Price | From $400 for a half day | $425 to $575 per boat |
The Soque
The Soque is the closest of Bowman's private systems to Gainesville, and it's known for large trout. A half day is $400 for one angler. For the biggest fish, the premium Dragonfly beat runs $520 for a half day.
A half day barely dents your schedule from here, which makes Gainesville one of the easiest places to fish with Bowman from.
Stripers
Striper floats run on the Chattahoochee from late March into early September, with fly or conventional tackle. Stripers move up the river from the reservoirs, and the peak is April to June. See the striper page for dates and details.
Questions
The Soque private water is about 35 minutes north via 985, 365 and 384. The Etowah is about 70 minutes.
Yes, striper floats on the Chattahoochee from late March into early September, priced $425 to $575 per boat.
Bowman usually doesn't fish the Soque from June 10 to September 20 because the water runs warm.
Close to Gainesville
Demorest · Cleveland · Dawsonville · Athens