Chasing Big Browns on the Chattahoochee Below Buford Dam

If you've spent much time fishing the Chattahoochee below Buford Dam, you probably know it's a pretty incredible trout fishery. Most folks come out looking to catch a few rainbows, maybe throw some nymphs, and enjoy a day on the water. But there's another side of the Hooch that doesn't get nearly as much attention, and that's chasing big wild brown trout.

The Chattahoochee has a naturally reproducing population of brown trout, and some of those fish get downright impressive. They're not always easy to find, and they're definitely not easy to catch, but that's part of what makes fishing for them so enjoyable.

There's something about throwing a big streamer along a bank, watching a brown come out from under a log, and seeing that fish absolutely crush your fly. It'll make you forget about all the hours you spent casting without a bite.

Why the Hooch Has Such Good Brown Trout Fishing

One of the biggest things the Chattahoochee has going for it is the cold water coming out of Lake Lanier. Since the water is released from deep in the lake, the river stays cold enough to support trout throughout the year.

While Georgia DNR stocks rainbow trout in the river, the brown trout have established a wild, reproducing population. These fish spend their entire lives in the river, feeding on insects, crayfish, baitfish, and sometimes even other trout.

As brown trout get larger, they become more willing to eat bigger meals. That's one reason I really enjoy throwing streamers for them. Instead of trying to match a tiny insect, you're trying to imitate something that a big brown might chase down and eat.

Of course, that doesn't mean every big brown is going to come flying out of a hole to eat a five-inch streamer. Some days they'll chase just about anything, and other days you'll question whether there's a brown trout left in the river.

Finding Big Browns

When I'm targeting larger browns, I'm usually looking for different water than I would if I were trying to catch a bunch of stocked rainbows.

Big browns like places where they can stay out of the current, feel protected, and have food come to them. Undercut banks, submerged trees, deeper runs, large rocks, and current seams are all places worth spending some time.

I especially like banks with overhanging trees and enough depth for a fish to hide. A big brown can sit underneath that cover and ambush anything that comes past.

Outside bends are another good place to look. The current naturally digs out deeper water in these areas, and you'll often find structure that makes them even more appealing.

You don't always have to find the deepest water in the river, either. Sometimes a pretty ordinary-looking bank can hold a really nice fish if it has the right combination of cover, current, and food.

The biggest thing is learning to slow down and actually look at the water. It's easy to float past good holding water without realizing what you're looking at.

Throwing Streamers for Big Browns

Streamer fishing is probably my favorite way to target big browns on the Hooch. It's a little more aggressive than traditional trout fishing, and in a lot of ways, it reminds me of bass fishing.

You're working banks, covering water, and trying to get a reaction out of a predatory fish.

I like fishing Woolly Buggers, sculpin patterns, baitfish imitations, and articulated streamers like the Dungeon. Black, olive, white, and natural baitfish colors are all worth having in your box.

I'll throw flies anywhere from a couple of inches up to around five inches, depending on the conditions and what I'm trying to accomplish.

One thing I've learned is that bigger isn't always better. Sometimes they'll chase a big articulated streamer, and sometimes a plain old olive Woolly Bugger will get the job done.

How you fish the fly is just as important as what you're throwing.

Some days a fast, aggressive retrieve will get a fish to chase. Other days I have better luck slowing things down, letting the fly sink, and working it through deeper water with short strips and pauses.

I also like swinging streamers through current seams and letting them move naturally through a run.

If a fish follows your fly but doesn't eat, don't get discouraged. That fish just told you where it's holding. Sometimes changing the angle of your cast, switching flies, or adjusting your retrieve is enough to get another reaction.

And always fish your streamer all the way back. You'd be surprised how often a fish follows a fly right up to the boat before deciding whether it wants to eat.

What Gear Do You Need?

You don't need anything too complicated to get started streamer fishing on the Hooch, but having the right setup makes a big difference.

I generally prefer a 6- or 7-weight fly rod when I'm throwing larger streamers. A heavier rod makes it easier to cast weighted flies and gives you a little more control when fishing around structure.

I use Lamson reels and Scientific Anglers fly lines. Depending on the water I'm fishing, I'll use either an intermediate line or a sinking-tip line.

An intermediate line works well when I want to get a streamer below the surface and work it through a run without constantly hanging up on the bottom. If I'm trying to get deeper, a sink-tip line can help keep the fly down where I want it.

I also like keeping my leaders relatively short when streamer fishing. Something in the 12- to 20-pound range usually works well, depending on the size of the fly and the structure I'm fishing around.

There's really no reason to throw a giant streamer on tiny trout tippet, especially when you're fishing around logs and rocks.

When Should You Fish for Big Browns?

I really enjoy fishing the Hooch in the fall and winter.

Fall is an interesting time because brown trout are preparing to spawn, and their behavior starts changing. It's important to give actively spawning fish their space and avoid walking through spawning areas. Those wild fish are what make this fishery special, and protecting them matters.

Winter can be a great time to throw streamers, too. Fish still need to eat, and a well-placed baitfish imitation can be hard for a big brown to pass up.

Cloudy days are some of my favorites. Lower light conditions can make larger fish more comfortable leaving their cover, and I've had some of my most enjoyable days on the water when the weather wasn't particularly pretty.

Early mornings can also be productive, but I wouldn't get too caught up in trying to find the perfect conditions. Sometimes you just have to get out there and fish.

Pay Attention to the Dam

One thing I always stress about fishing below Buford Dam is paying attention to water releases.

The Corps of Engineers controls generation at the dam, and water levels can rise quickly when they're releasing water. A stretch of river that looks perfectly safe can become dangerous in a hurry.

Always check the generation information before heading out and keep in mind that release schedules can change. You can call 770-945-1466 for Buford Dam information.

If you're wading, know where you are, pay attention to changing conditions, and always have a way to get out of the river. The water is cold, the current can be strong, and it's not worth taking unnecessary chances.

Make sure you're familiar with the current Georgia fishing regulations and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area rules for the section you're fishing, too.

Taking Care of the Fishery

One of the things I appreciate most about the Chattahoochee is having the opportunity to catch wild brown trout so close to home.

Not every river in Georgia has a reproducing population of browns, much less fish that can reach trophy size.

I encourage folks to release the larger browns they catch. Use a rubber net, keep the fish in the water as much as possible, and handle them carefully.

A big brown trout has probably spent years surviving floods, predators, changing water conditions, and plenty of fishing pressure. I figure the least we can do is give that fish a good chance to keep doing what it's been doing.

Besides, I'd much rather catch that same fish again when it's another couple of inches longer.

Why I Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing for big browns. You're probably not going to catch as many fish as you would if you spent the day nymphing, and there are definitely days when you won't get so much as a follow.

But every cast has that possibility.

You might spend four hours throwing streamers without seeing a fish, and then one big brown comes out of nowhere and makes the entire trip worth it.

I think that's what I enjoy most about it. You really never know what's going to happen.

We have a pretty incredible fishery right here in North Georgia, and I think a lot of people overlook just how good the Chattahoochee can be.

If you've never spent a day targeting big browns with streamers, give it a shot. Just don't expect every trip to be full of fish. Sometimes you have to put in a little work for the good ones.

And if nothing else, it's a pretty good excuse to spend the day on the river.

If you're interested in learning more about streamer fishing or want to spend a day exploring the Chattahoochee, we offer guided trips through Thin Line Fly Co. We provide the equipment, help you learn the water, and tailor the day to your experience and what you're hoping to catch.

You can learn more or request a trip at www.thinlinefly.com.

Tight Lines. Steady Minds.

Tyler Yearwood
Thin Line Fly Co. | Gainesville, Georgia