Fly-Fisherman enjoying a day on the river.

Fishing the Chattahoochee River year-round for its trout, bass, catfish, and other species can be a great experience. The river stays a cool temperature year-round, rarely getting warmer than 50 degress Farenheit. The river within the park is open for fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Night fishing is not allowed.

The river offers excellent opportunities for leisurely fishing, paddling a raft, canoe or kayak to observe wildlife and wildflowers, or simple relaxed recreation. On days when Buford Dam is not releasing water, the river below the dam is calm "flat water" with an occasional class I/II shoals or rapids. Currents can be strong around submerged rocks and jagged tree snags that are found in the river. Rubber-soled shoes are a must for tackling slippery rocks and the occasional broken glass bottle. Shoals are identified by purple shading and river miles are indicated in red on the park map.

Fishing outfitters, instructors and guides are available for hire nearby. Visit our commercial services page for a list of National Park Service authorized commercial businesses.

Anglers need to follow Georgia fishing regulations. A valid Georgia fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older. Additionally, all resident anglers ages 16 to 64 and nonresident anglers age 16 or older must have a trout license. Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website at www.gofishgeorgia.com for fishing license and regulation information.

Within the park, there are three special regulation sections. The first concerns live bait-fish. Live bait-fish may only be used downstream of the GA 9 highway bridge, except at certain times in the delayed harvest section (see more information below). The seining of bait-fish is not allowed at any time.

The next allows artificial lures only year-round. This fifteen mile section is located from GA 20 highway to the boat ramp at Medlock Bridge just upstream of the GA 141 highway bridge. In this artificial lure section, it is unlawful to use or possess any other type bait.

The last section covers delayed harvest. This five mile section is located from Sope Creek (off Columns Drive) downstream to U.S. Hwy 41 (Cobb Parkway). Anglers must release all trout immediately and use and possess only artificial lures with single hooks from November 1 through May 14 annually. Anglers fishing for species other than trout must abide by the artificial lure only regulation while fishing in the delayed harvest section. These restrictions do not apply in this delayed harvest section from May 15 to October 31 of each year.

Glass containers of any kind are not allowed while on the river. Broken glass can cause serious injury to river users and damages personal equipment. Drinking alcohol impairs coordination and judgment and is illegal to consume if operating a power boat.

U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are REQUIRED TO BE WORN if you are boating, tube floating, or wading in river areas between (1) Buford Dam and the GA 20 highway bridge and (2) between Morgan Falls Dam and the Morgan Falls boat ramp. On all other river sections in the park, you must have a wearable, appropriately sized, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device on board all vessels for each person. Additionally, all children under age 10 MUST WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device when the vessel is underway.

Always be cautious of rising river water levels due to dam releases or rainfall. Flash Flood do occur on the Chattahoochee River. Check water-release schedule before entering the water directly below dams. For water release schedules, call Buford Dam at 770-945-1466 or Morgan Falls Dam at 404-329-1455. Check to see what the water levels are at three locations along the river by visiting the National Weather Service website. For the Medlock Bridge location in Norcross visit
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?ffc&ncrg1

For the Eves Road location in Roswell visit
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?ffc&rwlg1

For the Paces Ferry Road location in Vinings visit
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?ffc&ving1

You can check the water bacterial levels by visiting the Chattahoochee Riverway Project BacteriALERT Program website at http://ga2.er.usgs.gov/bacteria

Water released from Buford Dam comes from the bottom of Lake Sidney Lanier and is approximately 50 degress Farenheit. This cold water is great for trout, but dangerous for you. Betware of Hypothermia -- the severe lowering of the body's temperature. When exposed to these low temperatures, exhaustion or unconsciousness can occur in less that 30 minutes. If you fall into this cold water, get out quickly and warm yourself. Hypothermia can occur even in the warmest summer months.

Watch weather and water conditions and head for shore if bad weather threatens. If lightning occurs, get out of the water, stay away from trees, and seek low shelter. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is adequate in the summer. During cooler seasons wear clothes of natural and synthetic fiber blends. For cold weather wear wool or synthetic fibers -- they retain heat even when wet. Always wear appropriate footwear.

Never dive or jump in the river. There are dangers in the form of submerged rocks, murky water, and fluctuating water levels that can cause serious injury.

Know your planned fishing spots and tell others your plans. Paces Mill is the last take-out point in the park. It is located a short distance downstream from the I-75 Highway underpass on the West side of the river.

Bring fresh drinking water and non-perishable food or snacks. Drink and eat periodically to avoid dehydration and keep your energy levels high. Do not drink the river water.

Please remember a $3.00 daily or $25.00 annual Park Pass is required on parked vehicles in the National Park. Information on purchasing a Park Pass is available in all parking lots at the self-service fee stations, by calling 678-538-1200, or by visiting the parking fee section of our webpage by clicking here.