Georgia is the southern edge of trout country, and the mountains around Ellijay hold most of the state’s trout water. WRD notes that the state offers year-round trout fishing, but November is when things get interesting: that is when the Delayed Harvest streams open.

Delayed Harvest streams

The Wildlife Resources Division manages five streams under Delayed Harvest rules. From Nov. 1 to May 14, these streams are catch-and-release only, and anglers may use only single-hook artificial lures. WRD stocks them monthly during that season. Outside those dates, check the current regulations before you keep a fish.

The five streams, as described by WRD:

  • Toccoa River: on U.S. Forest Service land upstream of Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County, from 0.4 miles above Shallowford Bridge to 450 feet above the Sandy Bottom canoe access. This is the closest of the five to Ellijay.
  • Amicalola Creek: on the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area, from Steele Bridge Road downstream to GA-53.
  • Smith Creek: downstream of Unicoi Lake at Unicoi State Park near Helen.
  • Chattooga River: from GA-28 upstream to the mouth of Reed Creek, on the South Carolina line.
  • Chattahoochee River: from Sope Creek to US-41 (Cobb Parkway) in metro Atlanta.

Wild trout: Noontootla Creek

For anglers who would rather catch wild fish, WRD highlights the Noontootla Creek watershed, south of Blue Ridge in Fannin County. It holds wild brown and rainbow trout, with brook trout in the tributaries. The watershed is managed under artificial-lure-only rules with a 16-inch minimum size.

The Toccoa tailwater

WRD lists the Toccoa River downstream of Lake Blue Ridge among its recommended fall trout waters. This stretch sits below Blue Ridge Dam, which the Tennessee Valley Authority operates, so water levels can change when the dam releases water. Look up TVA’s release schedule for Blue Ridge before you wade, and get out of the river if the water starts rising. Our Blue Ridge town guide has more on the lake and the river.

Other water worth knowing

WRD also points anglers to the Tallulah River and the Chattooga for fall trout. Closer to home, WRD lists Mountaintown Creek in Gilmer County among its artificial-lures-only streams, along with the Conasauga River, Jones Creek and Noontootla Creek. WRD’s trout page has interactive maps and stocking schedules.

Licenses

Anglers 16 and older need both a Georgia fishing license and a trout license. They are sold at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, through the Go Outdoors GA app or by phone at 1-800-366-2661.

Pairing with a trip

The Toccoa Delayed Harvest water is not far from the swinging bridge, and a morning on the river can end with lunch in Blue Ridge. In early November the orchards along Highway 52 still have apples, cider and fried pies for the drive home.

If you’d rather run rapids than wade them, our guide to white water rafting in North Georgia compares the Chattooga, Ocoee and Nantahala.

Sources and further reading

Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.