Chattahoochee River
Below Buford Dam · Blue Ribbon
N Georgia, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 02334430. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 644 cfs and 47.8°F, the Chattahoochee is running in prime summer form with cold tailwater temps keeping trout active despite Georgia heat climbing to the mid-80s. Little Brown Sedge caddis are peaking this month, with emergence likely starting around dawn before air temps spike. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions. Fish early mornings through 9am before the heat becomes unbearable, focusing on caddis dries and midge clusters in the deeper runs below Buford Dam.
- Flow: 644 cfs — ideal summer level with good wading access and fish holding in classic lies throughout the cold tailwater reach
- Hatches: Little Brown Sedge caddis peaking, emergence at dawn before heat builds. Midges #20-26 active all day in deeper pools
- Water Temp: 47.8°F — classic cold tailwater refuge. Caddis threshold met, trout feeding actively despite 85°F+ air temps
- Best Window: Dawn through 9am before Georgia heat peaks. Cold dam release keeps fish active all day but comfort window is narrow
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak Mar–June and Oct–Nov
The Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam in north Georgia is a productive tailwater fishery within commuting distance of Atlanta. Cold water releases from Lake Lanier create year-round trout habitat in what would otherwise be warm Piedmont river country. The reach from Buford Dam through Roswell offers wade and float access to wild and stocked brown and rainbow trout. The fishery is technical: fish are educated, the water is often crowded near access points, and timing flow releases is critical for safe wading. Midges, BWO, and sulphur hatches dominate.
The Chattahoochee tailwater is the southernmost cold-water trout fishery on the US East Coast — entirely created by the Buford Dam releases, with no wild trout existing in this stretch before the dam was built.
January Outlook
January on the Chattahoochee River tailwater below Buford Dam near Atlanta — one of the most accessible winter trout fisheries in the Southeast. Millions of people live within an hour of this tailwater and it fishes year-round. Midge and scud nymphing in the National Recreation Area.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- RS2
- Midge Cluster
Tips
The Chattahoochee tailwater is exceptional in January. The Buford Dam release maintains consistent 46–52°F water while the rest of Georgia alternates between mild and cold. The Island Ford section and Morgan Falls dam area hold the most fish. Midge nymphing in size 20–22 produces year-round.
Water Notes
Regulated 200–800 cfs. Water 46–52°F year-round from Buford Dam. Urban tailwater accessible year-round within Atlanta metro area.
February Outlook
February on the Chattahoochee tailwater. The urban accessibility makes this a popular winter destination for Georgia and Southeast anglers. Consistent midge and scud fishing regardless of February weather. A remarkable tailwater resource in the heart of metropolitan Atlanta.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge #20-22
- Scud
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
February fishing on the Hooch is consistent and accessible. The Bowmans Island section and Island Ford section of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area are the best public-access water. Fish the slow pools with midge nymphs on 5X–6X tippet. Check Buford Dam generation schedule before fishing.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Year-round tailwater. Check generation schedule — high flows after rainfall can make wading unsafe.
March Outlook
The Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam near Atlanta is a surprising urban tailwater. Large rainbow and brown trout in a metropolitan setting.
Productive Patterns
- Midge Cluster
- Scud
- BWO
- RS2
Tips
The Hooch's tailwater effect keeps fish populations dense. Midge fishing in the slow pools produces year-round. The National Recreation Area provides excellent public access.
Water Notes
Regulated 200–800 cfs. Water 46–52°F year-round. The tailwater from Buford Dam — one of the South's finest.
April Outlook
April brings spring hatches to the Chattahoochee tailwater. BWO and Caddis hatches begin producing surface activity on this urban tailwater. One of the most unusual fisheries in the US — excellent trout in suburban Atlanta.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April marks the beginning of reliable dry fly activity on the Hooch. BWO hatches appear on overcast afternoons. The cold tailwater keeps fish in optimal condition while the weather warms around it. Fish the Island Ford section for the best spring dry fly fishing on this Atlanta gem.
Water Notes
250–800 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Spring conditions building. BWO hatches beginning on the tailwater.
May Outlook
Excellent spring fishing on the Chattahoochee with hatches beginning. A remarkable fishery within driving distance of millions of people.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The 'Hooch' near Helen, GA in the upper reaches offers beautiful mountain stream trout fishing above Lake Lanier. The tailwater below Buford Dam fishes year-round.
Water Notes
250–700 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Good spring conditions on the tailwater.
June Outlook
Summer on the Chattahoochee tailwater. Georgia heat builds above the river but the dam release maintains cool water. Early morning Caddis and Midge hatches produce the best action. The tailwater is a thermal refuge as surrounding waters warm in the Atlanta summer.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Midge Dry
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
Tips
June requires fishing early on the Hooch. Be on the water by 7am when Georgia summer heat is still manageable. The cold dam release keeps fish active all day in the water, even when air temps climb to 90°F. The Island Ford and Medlock Bridge sections are most accessible for public wading.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Cold tailwater all summer. Fish early morning for best conditions.
July Outlook
July on the Chattahoochee — Georgia's hottest month, but the cold Buford Dam release keeps this tailwater fishable. Dawn fishing is the strategy: be on the water by 6:30am and fish until the heat and recreational boaters make conditions difficult. The midge and scud fishery is remarkably consistent.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- Midge Dry (dawn)
- RS2
Tips
July fishing on the Hooch requires pre-dawn starts — arrive at Island Ford before 6:30am. The cold tailwater produces active fish even in Georgia's 95°F July heat. The river becomes crowded with recreational tubers and kayakers by 10am on weekends. Fish weekday mornings for the best experience.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Water 46–52°F from dam. Air temps 92–98°F. Dawn fishing recommended. Recreational river traffic heavy on weekends.
August Outlook
August on the Chattahoochee tailwater. Georgia's peak summer heat continues but the cold dam release maintains trout conditions. Pre-dawn to 9am fishing is most comfortable and productive. One of very few Georgia streams that fishes in August.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- RS2
- Small Soft Hackle
Tips
August fishing on the Hooch is an exercise in early-morning dedication. The cold water keeps fish active but Georgia summer conditions make midday fishing miserable. Fish dawn until 9am in the Island Ford and Bowmans Island sections. The tailwater produces fish year-round — August is just more demanding.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Air temps 95–100°F. Dawn fishing only for comfort. The tailwater sustains fish through Georgia summer.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing on the Chattahoochee tailwater. BWO hatches and pre-spawn brown trout activity.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Streamer
- Scud
Tips
Fall fishing on the Chattahoochee tailwater is excellent with reliable BWO hatches. The fish are large and well-conditioned from the tailwater's food supply.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Good fall conditions.
October Outlook
October is the Chattahoochee tailwater's finest month. Pre-spawn brown trout are aggressive, BWO hatches are reliable, and Georgia fall weather finally makes all-day fishing comfortable. The National Recreation Area foliage is beautiful.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer (olive)
- Copper John
Tips
October on the Hooch is exceptional — comfortable Georgia fall weather combines with excellent fishing. Pre-spawn brown trout are aggressive and territorial. BWO hatches are reliable on overcast afternoons. The Island Ford section is particularly beautiful with fall foliage.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Ideal fall tailwater conditions. The year's best month on the Hooch.
November Outlook
November on the Chattahoochee tailwater. Post-spawn fish feed aggressively and reliable midge and scud fishing continues. Georgia fall weather is excellent for wading. One of the Southeast's finest November tailwater fisheries.
Productive Patterns
- Midge Nymph
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Soft Hackle Wet
Tips
November is excellent and underrated on the Hooch. The crowds thin after October and the consistent tailwater conditions continue. Fish the Island Ford and Bowmans Island sections on weekdays for the best experience. The Chattahoochee National Recreation Area is beautiful in late fall.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Cooling 46–54°F. Year-round tailwater — excellent November conditions.
December Outlook
December on the Chattahoochee tailwater completes the year-round cycle. The urban tailwater that Atlantans are fortunate to have in their backyard fishes year-round — December midge and scud nymphing in the National Recreation Area is a genuine pleasure on mild Georgia winter days.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- RS2
- Midge Cluster
Tips
December on the Hooch is excellent on mild days. Georgia winters are mild compared to northern tailwaters — 50°F December days are common. The Island Ford section holds excellent fish year-round. Check Buford Dam generation schedule. Midge nymphing in size 20–22 produces the most consistent December results.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Water 46–52°F year-round. Mild Georgia winter makes this year-round tailwater remarkably accessible.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae spp. |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
| Blue Quill Paraleptophlebia adoptiva |
Mar, Apr | Mar, Apr, May | #16–18 |
|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria |
Apr | Mar, Apr, May | #12–14 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Oct, Nov | Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis (Little Brown Sedge) Mystacides spp. |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
| Mahogany Dun Paraleptophlebia debilis |
Oct | Sep, Oct, Nov | #16–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Atlanta-metro area provides the bases. Multiple Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area access points. Georgia fishing license + trout stamp required. Buford Dam release schedule is critical — check before wading.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Georgia Wild Trout
- River Through Atlanta
Regulations & License
Fishing in Georgia requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Georgia fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
About Current
Chattahoochee River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Chattahoochee River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.