Escaping to a North Georgia cabin is the perfect way to find the relaxation and rejuvenation many of us crave during our hectic lives. There are a multitude of things to do in the mountains of Georgia including swimming, hiking, and fishing. The streams, rivers, and lakes are full of fish and are definitely a sportsman’s paradise. Would a day spent fishing near Georgia Cabin help you cast away your cares?
North Georgia locals and frequent guests to the Helen area have certain fishing spots they’d certainly recommend. Some of our favorite fishing holes include:
Waters Creek
This trophy trout stream is in the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and is a special regulation stream. All three of Georgia’s trout species can be found in this creek. Special use regulations require a fishing license, a trout stamp, and a WMA stamp. The creek is open for fishing Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and has strict size limits. Anything smaller than 18 inches for brook trout and 22 inches for brown and rainbow trout must be thrown back.
Dockery Lake
This manmade lake is stocked with trout and is perfect for fishing with children. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is located on a small tributary of Waters Creek. You can rod and reel fish either on the shore or in a canoe or other small non-motorized craft.
Unicoi State Park
The lake at Unicoi State Park is regularly stocked with brim, catfish, and bass. You can choose to fish from the bank or from one of the six fishing docks. There is a five dollar per vehicle fee to enter and enjoy the park. Smith Creek is also located in the park and has two separate areas available for fishing. The area above the lake is open during trout season from the end of April through the end of October. You can access this area by taking Anna Ruby Falls Road. The area below the lake can be accessed via the mountain bike trail head. In order to fish in this section of the lake you must collect a permit at the Lodge’s front desk.
Chattahoochee River
The portion of the Chattahoochee that runs through Helen is a perfect place to fish when you stay in a North Georgia cabin. There are a wide variety of fish available in the Chattahoochee including striped bass, brown trout, striper, and walleyes. The river is shallow enough that you can wade in to angle and it is wide enough that fly fisherman can catch as well. With its accessibility to the town of Helen you can take a break from your fishing to catch a bite at one of the restaurants on the river.
Dukes Creek
This popular creek requires advance reservations due to overfishing and limited availability. Trout fishing is welcome on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday with a reservation. Please check in and register at the park’s Visitor Center. Dukes Creek is a part of Smithgall Woods State Park and is known for its catch and release fishing.
Before you head out the door of your North Georgia cabin take a minute to consider basic fishing safety tips. You want to have fun and be safe at the same time!
- If you are fishing from a boat or wading into the water make sure to wear a life vest. Non-swimmers or young children should wear a life vest at all times they are around the water. Although fishing is a fairly safe sport accidents can happen.
- If you choose to wade while fishing, make sure you always wear a life vest and only go out with a buddy. Before you wade out make sure you know how deep the water is and how strong the current may be. Protect your ankles and legs by wearing wading boots or high top sneakers and long pants.
- Check all your equipment before you begin to ensure everything is working properly. Look behind you before you cast and don’t leave any tackle lying on the ground. Be careful removing a hook from a fish; use needle nose pliers or cut the line and leave it in if you can’t remove it.
You’ll want to make sure you get a Georgia fishing license before you hit the waters. You can apply online or in person at one of the over 400 authorized licensing agencies. Details can be found at the Georgia Department of Wildlife Website.
You may also opt to obtain a fishing permit through Unicoi Outfitters, a license agent in White County. While there, stock up on fishing essentials at their bait and tackle shop or you may want to take advantage of one of their expert, guided tours on both private and public streams. Want to learn to fly fish? Take lessons at Unicoi Outfitters, where you can satisfy all of your fishing needs.
There’s plenty of fishing in the waters surrounding Helen. What type of fishing are you looking forward to on your next vacation to a North Georgia cabin?
