Fishing in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

With diverse fishing spots, abundant fish species, and convenient amenities such as fishing piers and boat ramps, the CRNRA caters to anglers of all levels seeking a memorable fishing experience along the Chattahoochee.Anglers 16 and older in CRNRA are required to have a valid Georgia fishing license and trout stamp. Learn about fishing regulations and purchase a license at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.


Anyone wading in the river between Buford Dam and the Highway 20 Bridge or between Morgan Falls Dam and the Morgan Falls Boat Ramp is required to wear a PFD at all times. It is highly recommended to wear your PFD even on the other stretches of river where it is not required. Exercise caution before swimming across the river, as the water is cold and the current may be swift. There are multiple deaths each year from people attempting to swim across the river most of whom were not wearing a properly fitting PFD. Always practice safety first, and check the flow before you go.

In the Park - Fishing Hot Spots

Would any devoted angler ever give up her best fishing spots? In general, fishers are very generous with advice. Additionally, the tailwater of the Chattahoochee below Buford Dam is so large, and the CRNRA offers so many access points, that there is no shortage of good opportunities to catch fish and thus no need to be secretive. 


During the summer, trout like the coldest water they can find. Bowmans Island is an excellent choice. At lower water, most of the river is accessible to wading, and it also offers good opportunities to floatfish. Access is best from the Lower Pool West boat ramp just above Haw Creek. Try to stay on the gravel, not the slippery rocks, and be aware of any potential water release from the dam. The Jones Bridge unit is also a popular part of the river for fly fishing along the shoals.


Another excellent time to enjoy lots of fish and relative solitude on the lowest portions of the tailwater is the Delayed Harvest season which runs from November 1 to May 14. During that time, the Georgia DNR releases 50,000 trout into the river from Sope Creek in the Cochran Shoals unit downstream to the US 41 bridge in the Paces Mill unit. No bait fishing is allowed, and no multi-hook lures. All fishing is catch and release. As a result, there are a lot of fish in this area during the Delayed Harvest, providing excellent fishing.


Always remember that the cold water that trout love comes out of the dam in massive releases of water that can be very, very dangerous, overwhelming anyone downstream. Don’t ever get into the upper reaches of the “lower” Chattahoochee without checking the release schedule at (770) 945-1466 and understanding how long the released water takes to go downstream, and always wear a PFD above the highway 20 bridge. This is fantastic trout water, but it can be fatal to humans who don’t take the time to understand when releases are coming or to take precautions.


Fishing for Brown & Rainbow Trout

The “Lower” Chattahoochee, below Lake Lanier, holds a lot of trout. Although trout are not indigenous, the river is now a prime habitat with the mighty Buford Dam sitting 160 feet above the riverbed, allowing extremely cold, oxygen-rich water at the bottom of Lake Lanier to flow out from its base year-round.


Three species of well-oxygenated trout have populated the lower Chattahoochee. The first species was the Brook Trout (actually a char, but why quibble). The Brook Trout was stressed by nineteenth century warming of the (un-dammed) river, then pushed out of the river altogether when two more non-native species were introduced. The first of those species is the beautiful and adaptable Rainbow Trout.


Voracious and varied eaters, these flashy fish are marked by their red-pink stripe down their sides. Rainbow Trout thrive both in the ultra-cold water near the dam and in the warmer, slower moving water much farther downstream past CRNRA’s Paces Mill unit. The other non-native species is the Brown Trout, which hails from Europe. It prefers the colder, faster water in the upper reaches of the tailwater and will lurk in eddies and pools. The great news is that they are now self-sustaining in that region. Catching a wild, brown trout on a surface fly is a real treat!


For more information on local aquatic species fish found in the Chattahoochee, check out the interpretive panel funded by CNPC partner the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited on the new overlook at the Jones Bridge unit.

Fly Fishing Basics

There are a lot of ways to catch fish, and they are all fun. Most of us are familiar with bait fishing, which uses live or dead bait to attract fish with sight and smell, and spinning, which uses artificial lures that are cast using the weight of the lure. Fly fishing is another traditional way of fishing in which an ultra-light hook covered in feathers or yarn is cast using the weight of a heavy line to carry the tiny, nearly weightless fly out to the waiting fish. This unique delivery mechanism permits a tiny imitation of an insect to float quietly down onto the surface of the river, imitating an aquatic insect landing on the water. It is intended to fool the fish’s sight. When it works, it results in a great fight on light line and a long, very flexible rod. When it doesn’t work, the angler does not reel in but rather simply lifts the line with the rod and casts it to a new spot.


Fly fishermen can be gearheads, but an expensive setup is not necessary. A decent flyrod with reel and line can be bought as a package at any of the big-box outdoors stores or online for a reasonable amount. There are several good fly shops along the Chattahoochee that can help with flies and other gear, such as Alpharetta Outfitters in downtown Alpharetta (bonus: CNPC Members get exclusive discounts on gear, apparel, and guided Chattahoochee fly fishing trips at Alpharetta Outfitters!), The Fish Hawk in Buckhead, and Orvis in Alpharetta and Atlanta. You can start fishing from the shore or wade out in the warm weather. A pair of waders will let you keep fishing into colder weather or closer to the chilly tailwater coming out of Buford Dam.


To get started, you will need a fly rod, reel and line in a 5 or 6 weight (this refers to the weight of the line and the corresponding size of the rod). Check out online tutorials on casting and practice without a fly in a large yard, or better on a calm pond or section of river away from trees. Alternatively, the Atlanta Fly Fishing School offers lessons (and use of their equipment) and is endorsed by Trout Unlimited, a national conservation organization devoted to preserving trout habitat. A local guide, such as Chris Scalley at River Through Atlanta, can take you out on the Chattahoochee to help refine your new skills and make those trout dreams a reality.

Support Your Local National Park

If you enjoy CRNRA, consider supporting the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). Your donation helps maintain and improve our beautiful trails and river, ensuring they remain a top destination and escape for metro Atlanta. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving this natural treasure for future generations.

Support CRNRA

Related Posts

June 30, 2025
ATLANTA, GA – In light of federal developments affecting the National Park Service (NPS), two Atlanta-based environmental organizations – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) – have joined forces to raise awareness, encourage public action, and protect the future of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). Stretching across 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River and more than 7,000 acres in metro Atlanta, CRNRA consistently ranks among the top 30 most-visited units in the national park system, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually. Yet like many national parks, it now faces serious uncertainty around funding, staffing, and resources, raising concerns and more questions among the community about what preserving and protecting it will look like moving forward. As Congress debates the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget, both organizations are urging the public to act now to prevent further cuts to the National Park Service, with funding shortfalls that threaten the prioritization of conservation and restoration efforts, resource stewardship, scientific research, and the ability to address growing maintenance needs. “This park has been chronically underfunded, but is now facing an even more significant strain. If the budget falls shorter, it will only get worse," said Brittany Jones, Executive Director of CNPC. "We are here to support this park, but we need those who care about our park to speak up now, while there's still time to shape the outcome." In May 2025, the federal administration released a FY26 budget recommendation that includes a $1.2 billion cut to the National Park Service – nearly 40% of the agency’s current funding. If enacted, it would be one of the largest reductions in NPS history, with far-reaching effects for parks nationwide, including CRNRA. Several other recent federal shifts have added pressure to park operations. Executive Orders restricting federal hiring and purchasing have made it harder for the park to bring on needed staff, procure supplies, and cover basic operational expenses – challenges that are especially difficult as visitation continues to grow. Additionally, a House proposal to eliminate $267 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding for NPS has raised concern among public land advocates. With CRNRA already understaffed, further cuts would endanger critical functions of the park. CNPC is the official nonprofit partner and friends group to CRNRA, raising funds to directly support and enhance the park through projects, community outreach, and volunteerism. CNPC is one of over 200 friends groups to national parks across America. CRK is a watchdog and advocacy organization focused on protecting the entire Chattahoochee River watershed – 430 river miles from North Georgia to Florida – through water monitoring, education, legal action, and public engagement. 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River fall within CRNRA, and CRK works directly with the park on water quality monitoring and oversight. To help people understand what’s at stake and how to help, CNPC has created a landing page explaining recent federal changes, the impact on CRNRA, and what local citizens can do to engage at chattahoocheeparks.org/updates. At the same time, CRK has launched a letter-writing tool that makes it simple to contact elected officials and urge full NPS funding at chattahoochee.org/nps. This joint effort follows a recent advocacy win: after public outcry and pressure from Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, the Department of the Interior reversed its decision to terminate the lease for the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center in Norcross, a critical facility that maintains stream gauges that track the Chattahoochee River’s bacteria levels and water height, discharge, and temperature. Several of these gauges are located within CRNRA and are vital for ensuring safe recreation for paddlers, anglers, and families on the river. “We’re grateful for the reversal of the USGS lease termination. It’s proof that advocacy works,” said Jason Ulseth, CRK’s Riverkeeper and Executive Director. “Now, we need to keep that momentum going to protect the broader system of public lands and the park rangers who care for them.” To get involved, the two organizations are encouraging the public to take action in two key ways: Speak Up: CRK’s letter-writing tool makes it easy to advocate for adequate NPS funding and stronger environmental protections. Supporters can write to members of Congress with a few easy clicks on their website at chattahoochee.org/nps . Support the Park: CNPC invites the community to help maintain trails, preserve ecosystems, and support public access to CRNRA through donations, memberships, and volunteering. Learn more at chattahoocheeparks.org/updates . This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting one of metro Atlanta’s most treasured public spaces, and a reminder that while federal decisions may be out of our hands, local action still holds power. “CRNRA belongs to all of us,” said Jones. “By working together, we can make sure it stays safe, clean, and enjoyable for future generations.” About Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. CNPC enhances the park by building community, enriching lives, and catalyzing support to ensure a sustainable national park for future generations. Learn more at www.chattahoocheeparks.org. About Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s mission is to educate, advocate, and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries, and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet. For more information, visit www.chattahoochee.org. Media Contacts: Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy: Erin Tallent – erin.tallent@chattahoocheeparks.org Chattahoochee Riverkeeper: Rosemary Pitrone – rpitrone@chattahoochee.org
June 17, 2025
Keep Your Furry Friends Safe: Leashing Dogs at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Leashing your pet protects them and preserves the park's natural beauty and ensures a safe experience for everyone. SANDY SPRINGS, GA – Dogs are welcome on the trails at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), but pet owners must follow the basic rules to ensure the safety of their pets, other visitors, and the park itself. One of the key requirements is that all dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. CRNRA sees over 3 million visitors a year, making the trails busy with people and pets. With all the new and exciting scents and sights for a dog to explore, a visit to the park for a dog can be overwhelming. Even a well-behaved and trained pet can behave unpredictably in such an environment. Leashing your dog is a rule that is an important safety measure to protect your pet, other park visitors, and the flora and fauna of the park itself. Several past incidents in the park involving unleashed pets have caused damage and created issues for park visitors and staff alike. Incidents that highlight the importance of leashing include: Damage caused to rare and sensitive plants by unleashed dogs running off trails. CRNRA staff being bitten by unleashed dogs, with one ranger bitten three times. Park volunteers facing confrontations with aggressive dogs, prompting them to carry protective items. An unleashed dog attacking a baby beaver, which had to be euthanized due to its injuries. An unleashed dog jumping on a visitor, resulting in a broken wrist. Leashing your pet also protects them from potential dangers such as venomous snakes, coyotes, poisonous plants, and unsafe water. As a pet owner, you are responsible for your dog’s behavior and safety while in the park. To promote a safe and enjoyable experience for pets and their owners, CRNRA offers the B.A.R.K. Ranger program. This initiative educates pet owners on best practices for visiting the park with their furry friends, including the importance of leash requirements. The program is available daily at the Island Ford Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants earn a certificate and have their dogs sworn in as official B.A.R.K. Rangers.  About Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area . Designated as a unit of the National Park System in 1978, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area preserves and protects the natural and cultural resources of the 48-mile Chattahoochee River corridor from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. The park annually welcomes over 3,000,000 visitors. About the National Park Service : More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov , and on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube .
May 23, 2025
Looking to spend quality time with your loved ones in the great outdoors? Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is a natural fit for families seeking fun, fresh air, and meaningful moments together. With scenic trails, peaceful picnic spots, and hands-on learning experiences, CRNRA offers plenty of ways to connect with nature—and each other. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly activities to enjoy in the park: