Fly Fishing for Striper
Float some of our area's best rivers in pursuit of hard-fighting Striped Bass. Fly or conventional tackle welcome. One of the most exciting fishing experiences in the Southeast.
Every spring, something remarkable happens. Striped Bass (also known as Striper or Rock Fish) — big, powerful fish that often spend the rest of the year in the cold water of deep reservoirs — push upriver into several of our mountain rivers for their annual spawning migration. For a few months each year, these hard-fighting fish are up in the shallow rapids and waters of our mountain rivers and floating after them is some of the most exciting angling we offer.
From late March through August, we run float trips on several different rivers targeting Striped Bass in the deep holes, big bends, and current seams where they stack up. These are big, strong fish often over 10 lbs and at times over 20lbs — the kind that test your tackle and make your arms burn — and whether you prefer to chase them on a fly rod or conventional gear, our guides know exactly where to find them and how to get them to eat.
When chasing river Striper you'll fish from the comfort of a drift boat while your guide works you through the best water on the river. It's an ideal trip for anglers who love throwing streamers on heavy rods for fish that might show you your backing. Groups up to 8 are easily accommodated and most trips take place in the areas surrounding Dahlonega, Ga however there are other options we'd love to discuss with you at the time of booking!
If you've never chased stripers on the river before, this is the trip that will hook you for life.
Striper Float Trips
Float some of our favorite rivers in pursuit of trophy Striped Bass. All gear provided, fly or conventional tackle welcome. Perfect for hardcore anglers, fishermen looking to try something new, groups, corporate outings, and anyone looking for a serious fight on the water. View All Rates →
4 hours on the water
$425
Starting price
8 hours on the water
$575
Starting price
What Clients Say
“First time fly fishing and we landed nearly 50 fish. Daniel and the guides made it easy—we brought zero gear and they handled everything.”
“Daniel put me on a 20-inch and 22-inch brown today. Great guide—knowledgeable, patient, all-around nice guy.”
“I'd never fly fished before. Daniel was an outstanding guide and instructor. We caught several fish and loved every minute.”
The best time of year to chase River Striper is starting the last week of March through as late as early September certain years, with prime time being April - June. The fish migrate up from reservoirs each spring for their spawning run, and they hold in the rivers through summer before dropping back down in the early fall.
Not necessarily but it helps. Striper trips are one of the few we offer where conventional tackle is equally welcome. If you're looking to chase striper on the fly, anglers need to be prepared for a lot of casting with 8wt and 9wt rods throwing sinking lines and large streamers. Whether you prefer conventional gear or a fly rod, our guides will set you up with the right setup and technique for the day's conditions.
Stripers in the river systems we target are serious fish. Double-digit fish are common during the run and fish pushing 20 pounds are caught every year. The potential for a true trophy is real on every float. This is not a numbers trip, it's often quality over quantity. Don't expect to show up and land 10 in a day but as long as you stick with it and work the water we have consistent success chasing these fish all season long with bass bycatch mixed in along the way.
For fly fishing, we typically use 8 and 9-weight rods with sink-tip and intermediate lines and 4-6 inch articulated streamers. For conventional tackle, medium heavy or heavy-action spinning gear works extremely well. We can provide everything — just show up ready to fish.
Polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and layers depending on the time of year. Summer striper trips can be warm, so light, breathable clothing is recommended. We provide all rods, reels, tackle, and terminal gear but if you are bringing your own, 8 and 9 weight rods and intermediate or sinking lines are recommended for striper and a 6 or 7 weight with a floating line is good to have for catching bass as well. A Georgia fishing license is required — purchase online at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com before your trip.
River conditions vary, especially after rain. Our guides monitor water levels closely and will always put you on the best available water. In some cases we may adjust which river we float based on conditions or reschedule to a different day if the rivers are too blown out. We want you to catch fish and have a good time, so we fish rain or shine and will cancel for dangerous conditions like flooding or lightning.
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Ready to Chase Stripers?
Some of the hardest fighting River Monsters in Georgia! A true hunt for one of our favorite gamefish. Catch them on Fly rods or Conventional gear. All equipment included. 80 minutes from Atlanta.
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