Have you ever wanted to fish away from the crowd? Do you wonder what is at the top of the blue ridge that you see in the distance on your commute to and from work every day? Come with us into the middle of nowhere and into the middle of the laurel and rhododendron, to the cool clear headwaters streams that flow from the high altitudes of the Appalachian mountains in beautiful north Georgia. Our guides are highly experienced in fly fishing, bushcraft, and conservation. It is our mission here at Southern Hackle Outfitters to provide clients with an experience not offered anywhere else in the state. It is possible to catch larger, uglier, lazier, hatchery-born-and-raised trout in a creek next to a road while competing with two or three other anglers holding a can of corn and a stringer full of rainbows. That is not what you will receive from us. Whether are looking for a native southern Appalachian brook trout with red and yellow spots with blue halos and deep red fins with leading white stripes and a fiery orange underbelly or a buttery-golden brown trout with bright red spots or a shiny silver rainbow trout with a bright pink stripe down his side, peppery black spots, and rouge blush cheeks, then make no mistake, you will find them with us. If you want trout who have never seen a person, much less a fly, who are waiting to pounce on your bushy size 16 yellow humpy and then run at top speed under a log jam and put a bend in your slow action fly rod, we are your perfect match. We do not fish for ugly fish, and we do not fish in ugly places.
We are proud to be one of the few outfitters who target this elaborately colored, rarely caught species. The southern Appalachian brook trout is the ONLY species of trout native to Georgia. They were displaced here by the last ice age, and are only found in extremely remote areas. Though they are the smallest species we target (avg. 4-6”), we have spent decades searching for their habitat. They are the Holy Grail of Appalachian fly fishing. Though small, they are always willing to eat your dry fly. Once hooked, these fish will sprint toward the nearest cover they can find, putting a bend in even a 4-weight fly rod. They are hidden, and they are spooky, but we will take you to them and help you cross them off your bucket list. Warning: you will become addicted to their beauty.
These aren’t the stockers you have caught your whole life. Their great-great-great-great-great-(you get the point)-grandparents were raised in a hatchery and somehow made the spawning run up to the top of the mountain. This is the second-largest (avg. 8-12”) hardest-fighting fish that we target. On the rods we use, they will feel much larger than they area. We have had plenty of them break us off on 5x tippet. They are extremely aggressive and will eat nearly anything you drop in the water in front of them, and they aren’t quite as spooky as brook trout. They are an excellent option for the new angler or someone who just wants to stay busy fighting and releasing fish the entire day.
The brown trout is the ultimate challenge for any freshwater fly angler. This species originated in Europe, but once introduced to the United States, we gave them fins and taught them how to swim. They are the largest (avg. 10-14”) and most selective species that we target, and they definitely will keep you awake at night wondering which pattern they will eat tomorrow.
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER FLY FISHING
We offer guided wading trips below Buford Dam at a price lower than any guide service on the entire river. After fishing this stretch for 20+ years, we consider this our “home water” and will show you exactly where to place your fly to get a strike from one of these fish. The stretch that we fish is heavily stocked with rainbow trout during the spring and summer, and it also provides a healthy population of the most beautifully colored wild brown trout you will find anywhere in the world. This area also provides opportunities for some trophy sized wild brown trout. We have the right amount of experience to ensure that you have a great day on the water even when nobody else on the river seems to be catching anything. Unique to our company, we are also addressing a need that has long been ignored by the Atlanta fly fishing industry. Our city is a large hub for traveling business men and women who may be looking for a way to relax and unwind for an afternoon after a long day of meetings, conferences, etc. Check out our “business special” with 24-hour notice bookings, provided gear, and some of the best fly fishing in the east. This also provides an opportunity for some amazing dry fly fishing during late summer afternoons.
Wild Chattahoochee Brown Trout
Chattahoochee Dry Fly Fishing
Nonstop Stocked Rainbow Action
Meet the Guides
Head Guide
Hunter is a United States Army Veteran who has been fly fishing for over a decade and is dedicated to the conservation of cold-water fisheries. Hunter grew up in Columbus, Georgia fishing the lower Chattahoochee River for striped bass and gar. After high school, he moved to the small mountain town of Dahlonega, Georgia where he honed his skill fishing the small streams of the north Georgia mountains while attending North Georgia College and State University. After college, Hunter served in the United States Army. After the Army, he moved to Colorado where he fished for native cutthroat trout as well as wild brown and rainbow trout. He guided in both Durango, Colorado and on the San Juan Quality Water stretch in New Mexico for approximately one year before moving back to the southeast. He now acts as our trainer for all newly hired guides with Southern Hackle.
Owner and Backcountry Guide
Devin is a conservationist first and a fly fisherman second. His vision for Southern Hackle Outfitters began as a way to raise enthusiasm for the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, which is the only native species of salmonid to Georgia. After educating himself on the decline in the species, he knew that something must be done. Though these fish are hard to find, he knew that they couldn’t stay hidden forever, so the only solution was to make people fall in love with the species. Devin’s love for the outdoors began at the young age of five when he began fly fishing for trout on the tailwater of the Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam. For over twenty years, he has safely caught and released countless wild and native trout back into the water for the next angler to enjoy. He is very patient and works well with those who not only want to catch fish but those who just want to have an all-around good day. The angler who loves to talk will do well with Devin.
Backcountry Guide and Fly-Fishing Expert
Dillon has the best skill with a fly rod of any guide you will find, and he knows exactly how to transfer that skill onto his clients. He has been fly fishing for over a decade and teaching new anglers for nearly five years now. If you consider yourself an inexperienced or novice angler, Dillon is the ideal guide for you. If there were only one fish in a stream and Dillon were your guide, you would catch that one fish. Rarely does he or his clients ever go home not having fulfilled every desire they had wished for. He works extremely well with both children and adults, and they love being on the water with him. He has taught many new anglers how to fly fish, and even on the first outing, they have succeeded. He currently attends Georgia State University and works as a guide for Southern Hackle during his time away from class. No, he is not in “A River Runs Through It”.
Available Options
Backcountry wild rainbow and brown trout:
Our guides will take you into the backcountry to target wild stream-born rainbow and brown trout on the fly. This option is for the angler who wishes to catch larger fish and have nonstop action while still enjoying the serenity and solitude of these high-altitude Appalachian streams. Included in this package is flies, tippet, leaders, an expert guide, and 7 to 9 hours of fishing. Rods may be provided if requested in advance. Lunch, water, ice, backpacks, and gratuity are not included. We do not provide fish cleaning as we are a catch and release only outfitter. If you plan to bring your own flies, we strictly enforce the use of single barbless hooks. Bait, felt soles, multi-hooked flies, and barbed hooks are prohibited.
Backcountry Grand Slam:
This option provides the angler with the chance to target the elusive, hidden gem of Georgia, the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout. Our guides will begin the day helping you cross this species off of your bucket list and then take you to fish for the wild rainbow and brown trout. This option is for the “bucket list” angler. As with the “Backcountry wild rainbow and brown trout” package, we include flies, tippet, leaders, an expert guide, and 7 to 9 hours of fishing. Rods may be provided if requested in advance. Lunch, water, ice, backpacks, and gratuity are not included. We do not provide fish cleaning as we are a catch and release only outfitter. If you plan to bring your own flies, we strictly enforce the use of single barbless hooks. Bait, felt soles, multi-hooked flies, and barbed hooks are prohibited.
Chattahoochee Wade Trips:
We offer half (4 hour) and full (8 hour) day wading on the Chattahoochee River. We consider this our home water and have fished it for 20+ years. If you are looking for a chance at nonstop action on rainbow trout or even a chance at a trophy wild brown trout, this option is for you. This option is also better suited to those who are just looking to simply get on the water, fish successfully, and get off the water. Please note that life jackets are required and strictly enforced in this area. Half day trips include bottled water. Full day trips include bottled water, ice, cooler, and lunch. It is the responsibility of the client to inform all guides of any food allergies or other health risks and special needs associated with your trip. Rods and life jackets may be provided if requested in advance. Please bring your own waders and wading boots. They may be rented at local fly shops. Gratuity is not included. We do not provide fish cleaning as we are a catch and release only outfitter. Bait is prohibited.
Business Special:
Atlanta is such a center for business that we were shocked to find no accommodations for the traveling business person who likes to fly fish! Though you would never expect Atlanta to be much of a fly fishing destination, we actually boast one of the best trout fisheries in the east. The Chattahoochee runs right through our metropolitan area. Are you in town for a conference, meetings, etc.? Would you like something relaxing and different to do during the afternoon hours after you get away from... well... “those people”? Give us a call! If the water release schedule allows it, we can get you outfitted and on the water with only 24 hours notice! We will even throw in a shore dinner before sending you on your way back to the hotel. No travel rod? No waders? No gear, whatsoever? We’ve got you covered! All you need to bring is a good attitude and a desire to catch fish and leave the stresses of work on the riverbank. Our goal is to make you forget you had them in the first place.
Rates
Backcountry wild rainbow and brown trout:
1 angler - $300
2 anglers - $400
Backcountry Grand Slam:
1 angler - $400
2 anglers - $500
Chattahoochee Wade Trips:
Half day - 4 hours (1 or 2 anglers per guide): $225 per guide
Full day - 8 hours (1 or 2 anglers per guide): $350 per guide
All-Inclusive Business Special:
3 to 4 hours depending on conditions and times (1 or 2 anglers per guide): $300 per guide
*It is recommended that you tip your guide at least 15% of the total cost of your booking.
*Cancellations made within 5 days of your booking may not be refunded. If your guide cancels your booking for hazardous weather conditions, attempts to reschedule will be made.
For further information or booking, please call us at (770) 780-6766. We look forward to spending time on the water with you.
