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Ellijay Fishing Guides

Ellijay fishing guides work the North Georgia mountains’ rivers, creeks, and deep lakes for trout, bass, crappie, and seasonal walleye.

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American Fly Fishermen
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American Fly Fishermen

Ellijay, GA

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Ellijay, GA Fishing Guide

Tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills, Ellijay sits where the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers join to form the Coosawattee, giving anglers quick access to cold-water trout streams and clear mountain reservoirs. Guided trips here range from half-day wade sessions to full-day lake outings, with a few night fishing options in summer. The rivers have a mix of shoals, undercut banks, and deep pools, while nearby Carters Lake and Blue Ridge Lake feature steep rocky shorelines, submerged timber, and long main-lake points.

Runs are short. A drift boat can be in productive water within minutes of launch, and trailered boats on the lakes often idle straight to the first waypoint. Popular access spots include public river pull-offs near Lower Tails Creek Road and the main ramps at Carters Lake. On the moving water, fly fishing with nymphs, streamers, and seasonal dry fly patterns is common, but light spinning tackle with small lures or live bait rigs works just as well. The lakes lean toward drop-shotting, vertical jigging, and trolling small crankbaits to cover deeper water.

Fishing patterns shift with the seasons. Spring brings aggressive trout in the rivers and bass moving shallow in the lakes. Summer pushes fish into deeper, cooler holding areas, so early morning, evening, or after-dark trips are the norm. Fall sees trout feeding hard ahead of winter and bass chasing shad in creek arms, sometimes blowing up on topwater plugs. Winter slows things down, but sunny afternoons can spark a trout bite in the rivers and spotted bass will stack deep on main-lake structure. For variety, the Toccoa River tailwater is an easy drive and offers consistent trout action even when smaller creeks run warm or low.

Fishing Seasons in Ellijay

Spring (March–May)

Rising flows and warming water wake up the rivers, with rainbow trout feeding aggressively and brown trout mixed in. Fly anglers often run bead-head nymphs under indicators or strip small streamers, while spin fishermen do well with inline spinners. On the lakes, spotted bass and crappie move into shallows to spawn, hitting jigs, soft plastics, and small crankbaits. Water clarity changes fast with rain, so lure choice and presentation can shift from day to day.

Summer (June–August)

By mid-June, most river trout are holding in deeper pools or under cutbanks, making accurate casts with small nymphs or drifting live bait productive. Early morning and late evening fly hatches offer short windows for dry fly action. On Carters Lake, bass and hybrids hold in 20–40 feet of water near points and humps. Drop-shots, spoons, and vertical jigs get the nod. Night fishing on the lake picks up in July and August, especially for spotted bass and the occasional walleye.

Fall (September–November)

Cooler nights drop water temperatures, and both trout and bass get more active through the day. Brown trout begin spawning, concentrating in shallow gravel runs where small streamers or egg patterns can be deadly. On the lakes, bass push shad into the backs of creeks, making for great topwater mornings with walking baits and poppers. This is prime time for full-day trips, as fish stay active well past midday.

Winter (December–February)

Fishing slows but doesn’t stop. Sunny afternoons warm river pockets just enough to draw strikes from trout, usually on small nymphs or midge patterns. Carters Lake bass hold deep on ledges and bluff walls, with spoons and jigs working best when fished slow. Some anglers key on pre-spawn walleye staging in late winter, running crankbaits or jigs along rocky points. Fewer boats and low pressure make it a quiet, deliberate season on the water.

Gamefish in Ellijay

  • Rainbow Trout – 10–16 inches. Taken in local rivers year-round; best on flies or small spinners in spring and fall.
  • Brown Trout – 12–18 inches. Found in cooler river sections; peak activity in fall during the spawn.
  • Brook Trout – 6–10 inches. Native to small headwater creeks; best on ultralight tackle in summer.
  • Spotted Bass – 1–4 pounds. Carters and Blue Ridge Lakes; drop-shot rigs and jigs work year-round.
  • Largemouth Bass – 1–5 pounds. Found in shallower lake coves; most active in spring and fall.
  • Crappie – 0.5–1.5 pounds. Peak spring bite in shallow coves; minnows or small jigs produce.
  • Walleye – 1–5 pounds. Carters Lake; deep in summer, shallow pre-spawn in late winter.

Ellijay Fishing FAQs

Most trips leave from public river access points near town or from ramps on Carters Lake, depending on the target species and conditions.

Half-day outings work well for river fishing, while full-day trips are more common for lake fishing, especially during spring and fall.

Yes, most local guides supply rods, reels, tackle, and flies or bait. Waders are usually included for wade trips.

Yes. Georgia requires anglers 16 and older to have a fishing license, and trout fishing also needs a trout stamp.

Spring and fall offer the most consistent action for trout and bass, though year-round opportunities exist with the right approach.

Fly fishing with nymphs, streamers, or dry flies is common, along with light spinning gear using small lures or live bait.

Yes, many guides run trips geared toward beginners and families, keeping runs short and instruction simple.

Night fishing happens mostly on Carters Lake in summer, targeting bass, hybrids, and sometimes walleye

The Toccoa River tailwater and Lake Blue Ridge are close enough for day trips and offer solid multi-species fishing.