Fly Fishing Guide

The mountains around Helen have some of the best trout water in the Southeast. Cold, clear streams fed by mountain springs run through deep forest, and you can fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, and even native brook trout depending on where you go. Whether you are a beginner looking for stocked water or an experienced angler chasing wild fish on dry flies, there is a stream here that will make you happy.

Dukes Creek at Smithgall Woods (Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, GA 30545, 706-878-3087) is the premier catch-and-release stream in North Georgia. It is artificial-lures-only, and the trout here are wild and wary. You need a $5 daily ParkPass, and fishing access is limited to certain days, so call ahead. The creek runs through 1,800 acres of gorgeous hardwood forest, and the solitude alone is worth the trip.

The Chattahoochee headwaters in and around Helen are stocked regularly by the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. These are good put-and-take waters, especially for beginners or families. Just be aware that the tubing section through downtown Helen is not ideal for fishing during summer afternoons. Go early morning or late evening for better results.

The Soque River is mostly private water, but it holds some of Georgia's largest trout. Several outfitters and lodges offer guided access to trophy sections. If you are serious about landing a big brown trout, this is where to go. Spring and fall are the best seasons, with March through May and October through November offering the most consistent action. You need a Georgia fishing license ($15 resident, $50 non-resident annual) with a trout stamp to fish any of these waters.