NEWS BULLETIN:
As of 7/29/2014, the new state record for brown trout was caught on the Hooch. It weighed 20 lbs.14 oz and was 31 1/2" long. Chad Doughty of winder was the angler who caught the behemoth on a Rooster Tail using a spinning reel. Learn more about it at the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division.
The Chattahoochee River, or Hooch as the locals call it, originates in the Chattahoochee National forest Lands of the North Georgia Appalachin Mountains. It begins as a tiny free stone stream and it flows through the resort town of Helen Georgia as it makes it way to the Sidney Lanier Lake. The lake is contained by the Buford Dam which is controlled by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
NOTE: The water is released from the dam by 3 tail races at a depth of 130 feet. As with any tailwater, the release schedules are not predictable so caution should be exercised when fishing these tailwaters and anglers are advised to check the release schedules before fishing.
The entire forty-eight mile stretch of the river from Buford Dam to the Peachtree Creek is managed by the National Park Service. The Hooch continues to run directly through the city of Atlanta, making it accessible to atlanta business travelers.
The water temperature averages about 52 degrees near the dam even in the summertime. The Georgia DRN stocks over a million brown and rainbow trout each year. The fact that there is significant natural propagation, (15%) among brown trout, gives the river added credibility a challenging fly fishing destination. In the fall of 2003 Charlie Ford landed the previous state record brown trout which weighed over 18lbs. The rainbows normally range 12 inches to 14 inches but bows in the 16 to 20 inch range are not uncommon.
Since the water released from Buford Dam remains approximately 52 degrees throughout the summer months, we can honestly say the Chattahoochee is the best place to spend the dog days of summer. Fishing remains quite good through August, but can be very challenging at times. Whether the situation calls for size 24 midges or large streamers, your guide will be prepared to make the right call with the most effective patterns and techniques.
Winter months can be very productive due to a mild climate and consistent water temperatures. The Chattahoochee has no closed season making it a bona fide remedy for cabin fever. Streamers are a good choice through January.
The addition of a 5 mile stretch of water managed as delayed harvest from November 1 through May 14 adds another exciting twist to fishing even more of the river during the fall through spring months. Springtime brings out early caddis & mayfly hatches on this section of the river. Fishing can be productive either from a drift boat or by wading.
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