Chattooga River - near Clayton - South Carolina
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Chattooga River – near Clayton - Water Flow Chart
Chattooga River – near Clayton - Weather report & radar
Chattooga River – near Clayton - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge |
| Blue Wing Olives | Overcast days | 18-20 | Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail | |
| February | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge |
| Blue Wing Olives | Overcast days | 18-20 | Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail | |
| March | Blue Quills | Afternoon | 18-22 | Blue Quill Dry Fly |
| Little Black Stoneflies | Afternoon | 14-18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| April | Blue Wing Olives | Overcast days | 18-20 | Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail |
| Hendricksons | Afternoon | 12-14 | Reddish Brown Dry Fly | |
| May | Caddis | Afternoon | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Mercer’s Caddis Poopah |
| June | Selective Trout | Morning & Evening | 18-22 | Blue Wing Olives, Sulphur Duns |
| July | Terrestrials | Throughout the day | 10-14 | Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns |
| August | Terrestrials | Throughout the day | 10-14 | Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns |
| September | Terrestrials | Afternoon | 10-14 | Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns |
| October | Blue Wing Olives | Overcast days | 18-20 | Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail |
| Blue Quills | Afternoon | 18-22 | Blue Quill Dry Fly | |
| November | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge |
| Pedestal Egg | Mid-morning & Mid-afternoon | 14-16 | Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear | |
| December | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge |
| Blue Wing Olives | Overcast days | 18-20 | Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail |
Chattooga River – near Clayton Access Points
The Chattooga River, located near Clayton, has a plethora of fantastic access points for fly fishing. Here are the best points:
- Burrell’s Ford: This easy-access site is a popular starting point for many anglers. It offers a thriving Brown Trout population.
- Earls Ford: Accessible via Earls Ford road, it provides extensive wading areas for an ideal fly fishing experience.
- Highway 76 Bridge: Bordering Georgia and South Carolina, it offers abundant opportunities, particularly for Rainbow Trout.
- Section 3: Known for its rapid currents and adventurous atmosphere, Section 3 is a pristine fly fishing spot. Please note that this site is not suitable for beginners due to the river currents.
Always ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses before you hit the water. As always, practice catch and release to sustain the fish population for generations to come.
Chattooga River – near Clayton Fishing Spots
The Chattooga River near Clayton is one of the top destinations for fly fishers with various hotspots known for the abundance of fish. Here are notable spots:
- Bull Sluice: This exceptional spot is known for large Rainbow and Brown trout.
- Section III: A six-mile stretch of the river laden with smaller, but plentiful, trout species.
- Ellicott Rock: Features a mix of Brown, Rainbow, and the native Brook trout. This is the point where Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina borders meet.
- Sandy Ford: Another great location with a decent population of Rainbow and Brown trout.
- Earls Ford: Ideal for both fishing and camping, this spot is known for Brown and Rainbow trout.
Remember, the Chattooga River is catch-and-release only, so ensure you follow all regulations while enjoying the fishing experience.
Chattooga River – near Clayton Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout – Known for their fighting spirit and are typically caught on dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. They are considered a top species for fly fishing on the Chattooga River.
- Rainbow Trout – Rainbow trout are a popular target for fly fishers due to their beautiful colors and readily attacking a wide range of fly patterns.
- Brook Trout – The only native trout of the Southeast, the small but vibrant brook trout can be found in the headwater tributaries of the Chattooga River.
- Smallmouth Bass – Though not as common as the trout species, smallmouth bass are a strong and acrobatic species that provide a fun challenge on a fly rod.
- Largemouth Bass – In the lower sections of the river, the less common but larger Largemouth bass can also be pursued with a fly rod.
- Redeye Bass – This unique species, also known locally as “Coosa Bass,” provides a special opportunity for fly fishers in the Southern Appalachians.
- Bluegill – While not as commonly targeted as trout or bass, bluegill are still a fun species to catch on a fly and can often be found in the slower, warmer sections of the river.
- Chain Pickerel – Though rare and often overlooked by fly fishers, chain pickerel can provide a thrilling surprise when hooked on a fly.
About the Chattooga River – near Clayton
If you love breath-taking wilderness or thrilling white water rafting, you’ve got to check out the Chattooga River near Clayton, Georgia. Recognized as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974, it’s a true gem with a rich history that dates back millennia.
- The river’s name is actually derived from the Choctaw words for “rock” and “come to”, wonderfully capturing the spirit of its rocky terrain.
- Interestingly, the Chattooga marks the state lines between Georgia and South Carolina, and for centuries has been an important route for trade and transportation.
- Its fame skyrocketed when it featured in the 1972 thriller “Deliverance”, although the movie somewhat darkened the river’s image.
Rafting enthusiasts make a beeline for Section IV, known for its turbulent waters and challenging rapids. The Chattooga River personifies adventure and beauty, serving as a reminder of the untouched and raw grandeur of nature.
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