Atlanta is a big metropolis full of skyscrapers and concrete. However, less than half an hour north is the Chattahoochee River. The Chattahoochee River flows from the north Georgia mountains to Atlanta's northern suburbs. Two guiding companies run fishing trips on the Chattahoochee River, which is populated with trout, catfish, bass and other species. Other guides run trips to the rivers and lakes around Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, about one and a half to two hours north of Atlanta.
River Through Atlanta conducts half- and full-day fishing trips on the Chattahoochee River using drift boats. The drift boats have a wide beam for stability, back padded seats and safety braces to stand in when fishing. In a full day trip, they navigate about five to 10 miles of the river. The boat has room for the fisher to bring up to three rods. River Through Atlanta also offers full- and half-day fly fishing trips. Customers who want to learn to fly fish can take an introductory fly fishing class.
Chattahoochee River Outfitters provides half- and full-day fly fishing trips on the Chattahoochee River. Jet boats are used for the trips. Customers can fish for brown trout and rainbow trout year-round, while striped bass is available during the summer. Customers can also fish the Soque River, further north from the Chattahoochee River, via the company's private water access. Trips to Lake Burton and Lake Seed, about 100 miles north of the Atlanta metropolitan area, are also available.
Reel Job Fishing, based in Blue Ridge, offers traditional fishing trips to the Tuckaseegee and Toccoa Rivers. These rivers have rainbow, brown and brook trout. For bass, Reel Job Fishing heads to local lakes, such as Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Burton and Lake Lanier. Customers can also fly fish on the Toccoa River and on their private trout water at Noontootla Creek Farms in Blue Ridge. First-time fly fishers can take advantage of one-on-one instruction. Trips depart on 21-foot Ranger & Bullet bass boats fitted with electronics and fishing tackle.
Buck Ernst grew up fishing the waters around northeast Georgia. Formerly a bull rider, he now takes customers on his jet boat to fish for bass in the surrounding rivers, lakes and local farm ponds. Trips to the Oconee and Broad Rivers provide striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass and crappie. During the fall, he goes to Lake Hartwell for more striped bass and hybrid fish. Due to his local connections, Mr. Ernst also has access to local farm ponds full of bass and shellcrackers.
