Chattahoochee Fishing Forecast
Atlanta area tailwater
Open year-round
Below Buford Dam (within CRNRA). Tailwater open year-round
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 6:32 AM
53°F
--
2 AM - 4 AM
Scud
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout
tailwater
46°F - 54°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Quill Gordon
Mayfly
First major hatch, late March to early April
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall on cloudy days
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-44°F | Nymphing, Midges, BWOs |
| February | 40-46°F | Nymphing, Midges, BWOs |
| March(Now) | 46-54°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, March Browns |
| April | 52-60°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, March Browns |
| May | 56-64°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, March Browns |
| June | 60-68°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, Evening |
| July | 64-72°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, Evening |
| August | 66-74°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, Evening |
| September | 60-68°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| October | 54-62°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| November | 46-54°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| December | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Midges, BWOs |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Chattahoochee
Buford Dam
Immediately below Buford Dam with trophy potential.
Jones Bridge
Popular access within Atlanta metro area.
Island Ford
National Recreation Area access.
Morgan Falls Dam
Access to lower tailwater section.
How to Fish Chattahoochee: Tips & Tactics
The Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam is the South's premier urban tailwater. Cold water releases create a 48-mile trout fishery through the Atlanta metro area.
Best Times of Day
Year-round fishing is excellent due to cold dam releases. Morning and evening offer best dry fly action. Generation schedules affect fishing - check releases.
Recommended Techniques
Match the midge and mayfly hatches. Nymphing with small patterns is the primary technique. Streamers work for larger fish. Float tubes and kayaks are popular.
Water Conditions
Cold dam releases keep water temperatures ideal year-round. Generation schedules affect flows and wading. The urban setting provides easy access.
Fly Selection
Midge patterns in sizes 18-24 are essential. Sulphurs and BWOs for mayfly hatches. San Juan Worms produce consistently. Small streamers for browns.
Local Knowledge
The Chattahoochee flows through the Atlanta metro area. Generation schedules are posted online. The Chattahoochee National Recreation Area provides access.
Local Tips
This is urban trout fishing at its finest. The National Recreation Area provides multiple access points. Check generation schedules for safety and fishing conditions.
When is the Best Time to Fish Chattahoochee?
Spring
Excellent fishing with Sulphur and BWO hatches.
Summer
Year-round tailwater stays cool. Fish early morning before generation.
Fall
Brown trout become more active. Streamer fishing improves.
Winter
Cold water fishery stays productive. Midge fishing is primary.
Recommended Equipment for Chattahoochee
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight for most fishing. 4-weight for technical situations.
Line
Floating line for dry flies and nymphing.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Wet wading possible in summer.
Essential Flies
Chattahoochee Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check Georgia DNR for current regulations.
Special Regulations
Delayed harvest and catch-and-release sections.
Bait Restrictions
Check regulations by section.
Notes
Generation schedules affect safety - check before wading.
Always verify current regulations with Georgia fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Chattahoochee
Local Fly Shops
- Fish Hawk - Atlanta
- Orvis Atlanta
- Cohutta Fishing Company
Guide Services
- Fish Hawk Guide Service
- Chattahoochee River Guides
- Atlanta Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
500 - 2000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
48° - 60°F
Ideal for active trout
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