Helen, Georgia, located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a popular tourist destination known for its Bavarian-style architecture, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor activities. However, one of the most popular pastimes in Helen is trout and fly fishing. With its pristine trout streams, beautiful scenery, and excellent fishing opportunities, Helen, Georgia is a trout angler's paradise.
Helen Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a very popular in Helen, Georgia, as the area is home to several excellent trout streams that possess both stocked and wild trout. The Chattahoochee River flows through the heart of town and its tributaries north of Helen are where many anglers flock to find trout each year. These streams offer anglers a chance to catch trout of all sizes and varieties, with rainbow and brook trout being the most prevalent.
Fly Fishing the Upper Chattahoochee River
The best places to go fly fishing in Helen, Georgia are on the main stretch of the Chattahoochee River through and above town. The river runs directly through the city and is easily accessible and traversable for anglers of all levels. The best time to fish on the Chattahoochee is during the cooler months when stocked trout are abundant and the fish are more active. When the river fills with swimmers and tubers during the summer months, it is best to move northward. Some of the best flies to use on the Upper Chattahoochee River are junk flies for stocked trout and nymphs/dry flies on a dry dropper set up for wild trout. Learn more about the Fly Fishing the Chattahoochee River in our destinations article.
Trout Fishing Helen
If you're looking for a more remote fishing experience, the smaller trout streams are an excellent option. Sope Creek, Jasus Creek, Low Gap Creek, and Smith Creek are located just outside of Helen, Georgia, in the Chattahoochee National Forest and adjacent public lands. These creeks are known for their clear waters and excellent trout fishing during the stocking seasons and each have wild trout present. Anglers can catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout, that have been stocked during the stocking season as well as some some wild and native trout populations of trout. The best time to fish the to visit these creeks is in the late spring and mid fall when trout are the most active and stocked regularly.
Must See Stops in Helen
One of the best things about fly fishing in Helen, Georgia is the beautiful scenery. The area is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, with rolling hills, pristine forests, and crystal-clear streams. Anglers can enjoy the peaceful serenity of the natural surroundings while catching fish and enjoying the sport of fly fishing. Several waterfalls such as Horse Trough, Anna Ruby, and Dukes Creek Falls are close to town and excellent destinations.
Fly Fishing Helen For Beginners
If you're new to fly fishing, Helen is an excellent place to learn. Several North Georgia Fly Fishing Guides offer guided trips for beginners. These classes can teach you the basics of fly fishing, including casting techniques, fly selection, and reading the water. Guided trips are also available, on some of the best wild trout streams in Georgia Mountains for the native Brook Trout.
Fly Fishing Clayton
The nearby town of Clayton, Georgia offers similar fly fishing opportunities with less traffic than Helen for anglers looking to venture out on their own and find productive water to themselves. The upper sections of the Tallulah River, Chattooga River, and Warwoman Creek can offer the seclusion. More popular destination in the Clayton area are the lower sections of the Chattooga River, Warwoman Creek, the West Fork of the Chattooga River, and Wildcat Creek. For children and senior visiting the area, some great seasonal trout fishing can be found on Moccasin Creek by the State Trout Hatchery. We take a deep dive into several of these trout streams in our article on Fly Fishing the Chattooga River.
Trout Fishing Clayton
Much like Helen, trout anglers can find brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout around Clayton. The best wild trout fishing tends to be found higher up in the tributaries where they can escape the catch and keep anglers. Stealth is crucial when targeting these species in small waters as they can spook easily.
Helen Trophy Trout Fly Fishing
Helen is also home to a handful of Trophy Trout Streams. Many of these are located on private waters outside of town. You can learn more about these Georgia Trophy Trout Streams here. Dukes Creek, possesses a catch and release only trophy trout fishery available to the public during the cold weather months. This area was once home to some oversized trout but has seen a drastic decline over the past few years. Going the way of other publicly managed trophy waters such as waters creek.
Overall, Helen, Georgia is a must-visit destination for any trout angler. With its excellent fishing opportunities, beautiful scenery, and peaceful surroundings, it's no wonder why so many anglers flock to the area each year. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, there's something for everyone in Helen, Georgia. So pack your fly rod and hit the water, we assure you that you won't be disappointed. Be sure to visit our Fly Fishing Georgia Fly Fishing Ellijay, Fly Fishing Dahlonega, or Fly Fishing Blue Ridge page for more insight on trout fishing in the Peach State.