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Fly Fishing in Georgia for BeginnersThe mountains of north Georgia are within the natural range of the brook trout, and because of stocking efforts, brown and rainbow trout also make the mountain waters their home. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest spreads across the state from South Carolina to Alabama and provides hundreds of miles of trout streams available on public lands.

The communities of Blue Ridge and Clarkesville in North Georgia are two of the best places for fly fishing for trout, including remote mountain streams in areas such as the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area and more accessible lakes such as the one found in Blackrock Mountain State Park.

Also found in the region are the award-winning trophy trout waters of The Soque River in Habersham County, Georgia, which flows approximately thirty miles through private land before emptying into the Chattahoochee River. 

You may be interested in taking advantage of the many wonderful areas in which to fly fish in Georgia, but are new to the sport and are intimidated by the specialized gear or the rushing waters; however, you have to start somewhere, and every experienced angler was once a beginner.

Fly Fishing for Beginners in Georgia

Fly fishing can be a daunting hobby for beginners just looking to get on the water. Whether you are fishing deep waters of major rivers or tracking wild trout in one of the many small streams of North Georgia filled with overhanging mountain laurels, the learning curve can be rather steep at first with limited success.

It takes practice on the water to become a successful trout fly angler; however, one way to jump-start the learning process is to utilize one of the professional guides at Turning Stone's Fly Fishing to lead you on one of our fishing excursions in north Georgia tailored specifically for the beginner angler.

Although an invaluable training opportunity awaits you when you book one of our trips, the key to graduating from the beginner to the experienced angler takes practice. Turning Stone's Fly Fishing can place you on the right track.

Basic Fly Fishing Tips for Beginners

Here are a few tips that we feel can help you as you begin to explore the many streams, rivers, and lakes that are found in Georgia.

  • In the absence of an experienced guide, it is important that you have a good map of the area you wish to fish that shows the streams where it is legal to fish, where access points are, and what sections are stocked.
  • Fishing gear can be intimidating at first. Start with a basic, inexpensive rod and reel package before investing in higher-quality gear as you go. Go to a local fly fishing shop and ask what is best needed for the area where you are fishing.
  • To further decrease the amount of upfront investment on fishing gear, start out fishing in the summer months when the water is warmer, and you do not need waders.
  • Do research ahead of time. There are many YouTube videos that can do a great job of showing you how to get started. 
  • Practice casting in the backyard before you get in the water. Select larger, more open water to begin fishing, where it is much easier to cast without all the overhanging trees and brush found on smaller waters.
  • Always ask questions of more experienced anglers, especially on the proper flies to use on specific waters. Find a mentor who is willing to let you go align with them and will spend time showing you a few of their tricks of the sport.
  • Stealth is very important when you are in the water. Trout typically will always be looking upstream as they search for food. So you should be working the water upstream as well so as not to spook fish with the disturbance that you create.

Be patient. Fly fishing for trout is a very rewarding sport, offering the chance to be in some of the most beautiful and wild places in the mountains of Georgia as you search for the elusive trout. 

However, the learning curve can be steep at first, so don't feel bad as you lose flies to the water or overhanging branches, scare fish by poorly targeted casts, or watch trout flee your approaching shadow in the water. With each cast, you will get better.

Utilize Professional Fly Fishing Guides

To fully appreciate the many wonderful opportunities for fly fishing in Georgia and jump-start your fly fishing learning curve, consider utilizing the services of Turning Stone's Fly Fishing.

  • Our guides here at Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing have over a decade of experience leading trips in the mountains of Georgia.
  • Our guides research the streams in the area and know where to go and how to get there to catch trout.
  • Our guides know the local stream conditions and the best fly patterns to utilize.
  • Our guides can work with any fly fishing experience level and pick locations that best suit the experience and physical condition of the angler. We will take the time to show you the proper way to catch trout.
  • If you need the right fly fishing gear for the local conditions, our guides can assist you with finding the right equipment to catch trout.

If you wish to experience the excellent trout waters found in the mountains in the search for trout, then book a trip with Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing today. For more information on booking a trip, contact us at Turning Stone's Fly Fishing.