UNICOI OUTFITTERS - GEORGIA
Believe it or not, North Georgia may be this country's best kept secret with regards to fly fishing in the lower 48 states. When most people are through fishing for the season across the United States, the fishing in North Georgia is just starting to heat up. You can wade fish the Chattahoochee or Chestatee Rivers for trophy rainbow trout, or fish for double digit striped bass on Lake Sidney Lanier. Lanier is also a world class spotted bass fishery (as it currently holds two IGFA world records). We can custom-create a package to fit any angler's needs. Our half-and-half package of both rainbow trout and striped bass lets anglers fish for stripers for a half day in the morning followed by a half day of trophy trout in the afternoon!
Typical Length of Stay
Trips and packages of any length can be arranged. From single day trips to accommodate a business meeting in Atlanta to multi-day package, we can accommodate any itinerary. Call Yellow Dog for details.
Accommodations and Lodging
Most anglers that book day trips in the Atlanta area have their own hotel accommodations. Additionally, Unicoi Outfitters has a number of hotels and/or lodges to choose from depending on what fishing package you choose. Falling Waters Lodge is situated on a beautiful lake filled with trout, bass, bream and crappie. It was designed and built with the most discriminating angler in mind. The lodge is furnished with the finest and most comfortable furnishings, original pieces of wildlife art, and expansive decks to enjoy the scenery during the fall, winter & spring months. On warmer days you can sit outside on the deck after a day of fishing and watch trout rising in the lodge's private lake while you converse with friends about your day on the water. The interior of the lodge was designed for total privacy. The bedrooms are comfortably furnished, and each has its own private bathroom. Lodging rates will vary depending on what fishing package you choose.
Fishing Information
Surprisingly, north Georgia boasts over 4,000 miles of trout streams. The creeks and rivers of the Southern Appalachian Mountains provide the perfect balance of clean, cool waters and easy access. But it's the quality of the area's private trophy trout streams that catches even the seasoned angler totally off guard. Unicoi Outfitters has access to more miles of these private gems than anyone other guide service in the region. Imagine casting for big rainbows and browns on the storied Chattahoochee, Soque or Chestatee Rivers. If you prefer smaller waters, there are intimate settings on such streams as Noontootla Creek, host waters to the 2006 Fly Fishing Masters finals.
For anglers wanting to take shots at landlocked striped bass, Lake Sidney Lanier offers both fly and light tackle anglers the perfect scenario. Light winds and calm waters are the norm on Lake Lanier. This allows anglers of all abilities to fish both top water and sub surface flies (and lures) to striped bass whose average size is between 8-12 pounds. It is basically a salt water experience in a fresh water environment. Look for diving terns and gulls picking up bait on the surface while big striped bass create pothole size boils. This fishery is not for the faint of heart. Lake Lanier also is home to a world class Kentucky spotted bass fishery. The lake currently owns two IGFA line class world records for trophy spotted bass on the fly rod, which Unicoi guides were responsible for!
Tackle and Equipment Required for this Trip
If you have a local specialty fly shop that you are currently doing business with, we encourage you to buy your gear and outfit yourself there! Take the detailed Yellow Dog equipment lists into your local shop and they will help you select the right gear for your upcoming fishing adventure. If you are not currently working with a local retail fly shop or need advice on where to purchase the right gear, however, then we can help! For information on where to purchase exactly what you need for this trip, please feel free to call us at (888) 777-5060 or CLICK HERE for a complete list of Yellow Dog approved retailers and online providers.
Boats and Equipment
Float trips with Unicoi Outfitters take place on the Toccoa and Tuckaseegee Rivers using classic MacKenzie style drift boats. The striper guides use top-of-the line center console boats to fish Lake Lanier. Unicoi Outfitters' fly shop has a complete selection of equipment, flies and clothing.
Non-Angling Activities and Options
For non-anglers, the short trip to nearby Helen, Georgia or Blue Ridge, Georgia is worth the effort. You can browse an Alpine style village (Helen) that is filled with restaurants, gift and craft shops galore.
Blue Ridge is considered the cultural center of the north Georgia Mountains. There are many art galleries, antique shops and fine restaurants. In Atlanta itself there is everything from shopping to museums to professional sporting events.
How To Get There
Unicoi Outfitters fly shop is located a short way up Highway 85 or GA 400 from Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Most anglers will rent a car and drive to the fly shop or to the marina where they meet their guide for the day.
Arrival and Departure Details / Times
Trips can be booked and arranged for any day of the week. Most fishing destinations are located one to two hours from downtown Atlanta.
2012 Fishing Rates
Prices are per day, for 1 or 2 anglers. Custom Packages can be arranged (such as half-day striper fishing combined with 1/2 day trophy trout). Please call Yellow Dog for details.
| Type of Trip | 1/2 Day Trip | Full Day Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Private Water Trout | $380 | $575 |
| Public Water Trout | $210 | $320 |
| Float Trip Trout | $305 | $425 |
| ** Lake Lanier Striper | $330 | N/A |
** Lake Lanier striper trips can accommodate up to 3 anglers in boat
* Remember that Yellow Dog's services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter.
What's Included
- Lunch on the water along with all non-alcoholic beverages
- All guided fishing and instruction
- Fishing equipment (if necessary)
What's Not Included
- Transportation to Atlanta and / or North Georgia
- Accommodations in the area
- All meals (aside from lunch while fishing)
- Fishing license
- Flies
- Gratuities for guides
Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog has a full in-house travel and reservations system, and can assist with airline tickets, hotels, transfers, and all travel logistics for every destination that we offer. Contact us at 888-777-5060 or info@yellowdogflyfishing.com for more details on airfare ticketing, travel services and trip insurance.
Other Information
Species in Season - North Georgia
| Species | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripers | Good | Good | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||
| Spotted Bass | Good | Good | Good | Best | Best | Good | Best | Best | Best | |||
| Rainbow Trout | Good | Good | Good | Best | Best | Good | Best | Best | Best | |||
| Carp | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |