Peach State Trout Steams--Short Trip for
Virginians
Some great vacation spots
by Kevin Lee McIver
The rising of a rainbow trout to take a dry
fly can be one of the most challenging and exhilarating experiences that
an angler can possibly enjoy.
I have to tell you, seeing a rainbow
explode out of the water to devour a hovering insect is an example of
nature at its best. If you haven't experienced trout fishing, then it's
time you did.
Many anglers fail to realize that excellent
trout fishing isn't found only in western and northern waters. There are
many outstanding trout streams throughout the South, and Georgia falls
into this category.
The Peach State offers some 4,000 miles of
trout inhabited waters stretching across the state. The majority of these
are located in the North Georgia Mountains, although some fine fishing can
be found as far south as Atlanta.
In fact, one great place to fill a creel is
the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta. This area
offers the wide-open expanses associated with larger, northern rivers. The
water is fast, cold and quite deep. It is stocked regularly and offers
plenty of room for any angler wielding a fly rod.
Although you'll be fishing in the middle of
Atlanta, once you step into the river you leave the big-city behind. If it
wasn't for tubers floating down the river, you could just as well be in
Colorado.
More to the north, another great Georgia
trout location is Helen. This Alpine village makes a wonderful vacation
and fishing spot for the entire family. The Chattahoochee, which
originates upstream of Helen is much smaller here than in Atlanta; but the
fishing is just as good.
I consider Alpine Helen the all-around
perfect trout vacation place. You can rent a cabin on the river, step out
your front door to catch some beautiful trout, and after a hard day of
fishing, enjoy some traditional Bavarian dinner and dance only blocks
away. Of course, for those family members not wanting to fish, Alpine
Helen offers unlimited shopping and tourist opportunities.
About 15 miles down the road from Alpine
Helen, you'll find Waters Creek, another fine Georgia trout steam. Waters
Creek is a trophy trout steam for experienced anglers only. Here you'll
find the maximum width of the creek to be about two meters, and with trees
along much of the bank you have to be good with your fly-rod.
Nevertheless, Waters Creek is a great location for hooking a trophy trout.
The Peach State offers avid trout anglers
excellent opportunities to take their favorite fish. With thousands of
miles of trout waters and just a short drive from Virginia, it makes for
a nice weekend trip or vacation.
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