Fly Fishing in Ellijay GA
Ellijay, Georgia, renowned as the "Apple Capital of Georgia", is also a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts. Located in the North Georgia mountains, a short drive from Atlanta, it provides the perfect amount of opportunities to wet your line and catch some fish!
While the Ellijay River holds a special place in the heart of many anglers, the surrounding trout streams of Ellijay, Georgia, such as the Cartecay River, its larger sister, the Coosawattee River, Mountaintown creek and the vast Carter's Lake, offer equally exciting fishing experiences for fishermen looking to net some trout on their next fishing trip.
Where to Fish in Ellijay, Georgia
Cartecay River
A tributary of the Coosawattee River, the Cartecay River is a hidden gem for anglers visiting Ellijay. With less traffic than the main river, it offers a more peaceful and private fishing experience. The river is primarily known for its healthy population of Brown and Rainbow Trout, thanks to the favorable conditions and regular stocking by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The Cartecay River is also home to several species of Bass, creating fishing options for everyone.
Coosawattee River
Formed by the confluence of the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers, the Coosawattee River provides a larger and more varied fishing environment. The waters here house a wide range of fish, including Rainbow and Brown Trout, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, and even Catfish. The Coosawattee is a year-round fishery, with a lot of fishing spots accessible from public parks and roads.
Carter's Lake
About 15 miles from Ellijay, Carter's Lake offers a different fishing experience altogether. As Georgia's deepest man-made lake, it hosts a variety of species including Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, and Walleye. Carter's Lake is particularly famous for its trophy-sized fish. The lake provides both shore and boat fishing options, with several boat ramps and fishing piers to be found around the shoreline.
Mountaintown Creek
Another gem in Ellijay is Mountaintown Creek, a stream just northwest of Ellijay that also offers a lot of opportunity for the anglers that like adventure. This creek provides a rugged, natural experience to any angler seeking the thrill of fishing in wilder waters.
Mountaintown Creek is a popular destination for chasing after trout, with its clear waters and near-perfect temperatures offering an ideal habitat for both rainbow and browns. It's also home to the native Brook Trout, a species treasured by locals and visitors alike.
The creek is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, meaning it’s surrounded by natural beauty. The wooded landscape provides the perfect backdrop to the fishing action, making any trip to Mountaintown Creek a truly memorable experience.
It's important to note that certain sections of Mountaintown Creek are catch-and-release only, as they are classified as "Delayed Harvest" by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This means that during specific periods of the year, anglers can fish but must release their catch. This policy helps ensure a healthy, thriving population of fish, particularly trout, in the creek.
Noontootla Creek
Just a stone's throw away from Ellijay, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Noontootla Creek provides yet another fantastic location for fishing enthusiasts. Known for its wild roots and trophy fish population, this creek adds a unique element to the diverse fishing landscape of the area.
Noontootla Creek is a premier trout stream, celebrated for its Wild Trout Waters. While it has Rainbow and Brown Trout like many other water bodies in the area, Noontootla Creek is particularly renowned for its native Brook Trout population. The fishing here can be a bit more challenging, but it makes it an exciting adventure for the more seasoned anglers. We have to admit, there is something special the Noontootla Creek brookies, especially since they’re Georgia's only native trout species.
The creek offers both freestone and tailwater fishing opportunities, with stretches that meander through both open pastures and dense forests. The environment around Noontootla Creek provides not just a serene setting for a peaceful day of fishing, but also the chance to spot some of Georgia's beautiful wildlife.
Take note, fishing in Noontootla Creek follows special regulations because of its "Wild Trout" status. This means that all Brook Trout caught must be immediately released, and other trout must meet minimum length requirements to be kept.
Whether you're seeking a quiet day by the waters or the thrill of catching wild trout, Noontootla Creek offers a unique fishing experience that enhances the richness of angling opportunities around Ellijay, GA.
What Fish are in the Ellijay River?
The Ellijay River is known for the variety of fish it holds, making it an exciting place for a day of fishing. The primary species you'll find in these waters are trout, more specifically, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Because of the prime conditions of this waterway, fish eat here all year long.
Aside from trout, other species found in the Ellijay River include Smallmouth Bass and Walleye. These fish, though not as plentiful as the trout, still offer a fun challenge for anglers looking to catch something a bit different.
Is the Ellijay River Stocked?
Yes, the Ellijay River is indeed a stocked river, primarily with trout. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) actively stocks the river with Rainbow and Brown Trout. This practice ensures a healthy population of these species and makes for excellent fishing year-round.
Trout stocking usually occurs from late spring to early fall, the best time to fish for stocked trout. However, anglers should always check the latest stocking schedule from the Georgia WRD website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. With a well-maintained ecosystem and abundant fish population, Ellijay, GA is truly a treasure trove for fishing aficionados.
Why You Should Come Fishing in Ellijay, GA
Fishing in Ellijay, GA, offers an unparalleled experience for both novice and seasoned anglers. With an array of rivers, creeks, and lakes, including the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers, the larger Coosawattee River, Carter's Lake, and the wild Mountaintown Creek, there is no shortage of diverse fishing opportunities.
The local waters hold tons of fish and a diverse variety as well, including: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, various species of Bass, and even Walleye and Catfish. Thanks to the good ole' Georgia Department of Natural Resources keeping these fisheries well-stocked, the fish populations remain healthy and thriving.
The beautiful scenery of the North Georgia mountains, combined with the chance to reel in a trophy-sized catch, make fishing in Ellijay a truly unforgettable experience. So pack your fishing gear, and embark on an adventure in this angler's paradise, known as Ellijay, GA.
If you're looking for some of the area's best fishing though, you should head Northeast to Blue Ridge, GA for some Toccoa River trout fishing! We would love to pair you up with one of our guides and show you why Blue Ridge is one of the best areas for trout in the state. No matter your experience level, there are plenty of opportunities to land fish here. Give us a call today or contact us via our website to start planning your next trip!