Chattooga River
Walhalla · Burrell's Ford · Wild & Scenic
NE Georgia / W Carolinas, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 02177000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Chattooga is running at 409 cfs — perfect summer levels for wade fishing through the gorge sections. Sulphurs are peaking this week with ideal evening emergence windows, while terrestrials are starting to show up in the heat of midday. Davidson River Outfitters reports success on Elk Hair Caddis #16-18 and Pheasant Tail droppers in bright conditions. Focus morning and evening sessions when wild browns and rainbows are most active in the cooler gorge water.
- Flow: 409 cfs — ideal summer wade fishing levels through all sections including the technical gorge water
- Hatches: Peak Sulphur emergence #16-18 evenings, early terrestrials midday. CDC Sulphur Emergers and Elk Hair Caddis producing
- Water Temp: Mid-60s in gorge sections, upper 60s in open water. Perfect range for active feeding without heat stress
- Best Window: Morning until 10am, then evening 6-8pm for Sulphur emergence. Avoid bright midday except with droppers
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak Apr–June
The Chattooga River — famous as the river featured in 'Deliverance' — forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina through dramatic Blue Ridge gorge country. The river holds wild brown trout in the upper reaches above the falls, with rainbow and brook trout in tributaries. The fishery is wild and challenging: hike-in access to most productive water, technical pocket water fishing, and a true wilderness setting under federal Wild and Scenic protection. The Chattooga is also a major whitewater river — anglers must time their trips around rafting season.
The Chattooga was the first river east of the Mississippi to receive federal Wild and Scenic designation (1974) — protecting its Blue Ridge gorge and the wild trout fishery that few anglers reach due to the demanding access.
January Outlook
January on the Chattooga River in the Blue Ridge Mountains of GA/SC/NC is cold winter fishing. The wild trout population in this Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River is excellent. Wild brown and rainbow trout in clear Appalachian freestone water.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Hare's Ear
- Soft Hackle
- RS2
Tips
The Chattooga is one of the Southeast's finest wild trout rivers — a National Wild and Scenic River along the GA/SC/NC border. January midge fishing in the lower gorge sections can be excellent. The Ellicott Rock Wilderness section above the NC/SC line is the most remote.
Water Notes
Water 38–46°F. Appalachian winter conditions. Chattooga is a free-flowing river — no dams. Check flows after rain.
February Outlook
February on the Chattooga River. Cold but improving as the Appalachian spring approaches. Early Baetis activity on warm afternoons. Wild rainbow and brown trout in the clear mountain water.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Nymph
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Hare's Ear
Tips
February can produce excellent fishing on the Chattooga when a warm spell arrives. The wild trout are aggressive after winter. Fish the pools and runs in Sections I and II along Chattooga Ridge Road.
Water Notes
Water 40–50°F. Late winter. Free-flowing — flows can spike after rain. Pre-runoff clarity typically excellent.
March Outlook
March on the Chattooga River brings early spring and the first significant hatches. Quill Gordon and early Hendrickson begin. Pre-runoff conditions offer some of the year's finest fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Quill Gordon #14
- Hendrickson #12-14
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hare's Ear
Tips
March is a prime early-season month on the Chattooga. The Quill Gordon hatch is an early Appalachian classic — wild trout rising to the first dry flies of the year. Fish Sections II and III (above and below the bridge at Earl's Ford). The river is beautiful in early spring.
Water Notes
Water 46–56°F. Pre-runoff conditions. First Quill Gordon and Hendrickson hatches. One of the Chattooga's best months.
April Outlook
April on the Chattooga River is prime spring fishing. Hendrickson, March Brown, and early Caddis hatches produce excellent dry fly fishing. Wild rainbow and brown trout are actively rising.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson #12-14
- March Brown #10-12
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April is the Chattooga's peak spring month. Multiple classic Appalachian hatches overlap to produce excellent dry fly fishing. The upper sections in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness (Section I) are most remote. Sections II and III provide easier access along SC/GA line roads.
Water Notes
Water 50–62°F. Spring conditions. Some runoff possible after heavy rain. Excellent clarity between rain events.
May Outlook
May on the Chattooga River continues the hatch progression. Sulphur, Caddis, and early Golden Stonefly. The Blue Ridge Mountains are in full leaf. One of the finest months on this Appalachian wild trout river.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur #16
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Golden Stonefly Nymph
- PMD Dry
Tips
May on the Chattooga is excellent — multiple overlapping hatches and wild trout in prime condition. The river corridor is spectacular with mountain laurel in bloom. Fish the morning and evening hatches for the most surface activity.
Water Notes
Water 56–66°F. Spring hatches excellent. Appalachian spring in full bloom. Mountain laurel flowering.
June Outlook
June on the Chattooga River is summer in the Blue Ridge with terrestrials and evening caddis. The gorge sections stay cooler than surrounding elevations. Wild trout are active morning and evening.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Ant
- Evening Caddis
- PMD
Tips
June is excellent on the Chattooga with terrestrials becoming important. Fish morning and evening. The gorge sections provide shade and cooler water temperatures. The Yellow Jacket shoals section provides exciting pocket water fishing.
Water Notes
Water 60–68°F. Blue Ridge summer. Gorge sections cooler. Fish morning and evening.
July Outlook
July on the Chattooga River is summer with terrestrials the primary surface pattern. The wild Appalachian setting keeps conditions fishable in the gorge sections. Early morning is prime.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Ant
- Beetle
- Evening Caddis
Tips
July fishing on the Chattooga is best in early morning before the summer heat peaks. The gorge provides shade. Wild rainbow and brown trout are opportunistic with terrestrials. Section II above Earl's Ford and the upper gorge are the best summer options.
Water Notes
Water 64–72°F. Summer. Fish early morning. Gorge stays cooler than the surroundings.
August Outlook
August on the Chattooga River. Summer terrestrials and evening hatches in the gorge. Low flows typical — careful wading required. Wild trout holding in deeper pools.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Beetle
- Evening Caddis
- Ant
Tips
August on the Chattooga requires morning or evening timing. The gorge sections below the confluence points have cooler water. The wild trout concentrate in the deeper pools during low summer water. Go light — small flies and fine tippet.
Water Notes
Water 66–74°F. Low summer flows. Fish early and late. Deep pools for trout in summer heat.
September Outlook
September on the Chattooga River is one of the finest months. Falling temperatures, returning Baetis hatches, and actively feeding wild trout. The Blue Ridge begins its fall color.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Soft Hackle
Tips
September is the Chattooga's best fall month — temperatures cool, Baetis hatches return, and the wild rainbow and brown trout become increasingly active. The Blue Ridge fall color begins on the higher ridges. A prime time for this Appalachian gem.
Water Notes
Water 56–64°F. Cooling temps. Excellent clarity. Blue Ridge fall color beginning.
October Outlook
October on the Chattooga River is peak fall fly fishing. Blue Ridge fall color at its maximum. Baetis hatches excellent. Wild brown trout pre-spawn. The Chattooga in October is one of the finest Appalachian fly fishing experiences.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Parachute
- Streamer
- Hare's Ear
- Egg Pattern
Tips
October on the Chattooga with peak Blue Ridge fall color is one of the finest fly fishing experiences in the eastern US. Wild brown trout pre-spawn and aggressively feeding. Baetis hatches throughout the day. A legitimately world-class Appalachian experience.
Water Notes
Water 48–56°F. Peak fall color. Excellent clarity. Free-flowing — no dam influence.
November Outlook
November on the Chattooga River. Late fall with midge and Baetis activity. The leaves have fallen and the gorge is open and stark. Wild trout remain active in the clear cold water.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- BWO Nymph
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
November is a quiet and productive month on the Chattooga. The leaves have fallen, the gorge is open, and the clear cold water makes the wild trout very visible. Fish the deeper runs and pools for late-fall action.
Water Notes
Water 42–52°F. Late fall. Leaves off — gorge more open. Free-flowing. Clear cold water.
December Outlook
December on the Chattooga River is winter in the Blue Ridge. Cold but fishable on mild days. Midge nymphs and small soft hackles for the wild trout in the clear gorge.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
- Hare's Ear
Tips
December fishing on the Chattooga is rewarding for the committed angler. The wild trout are present year-round. The National Wild and Scenic River designation means pristine conditions year-round. Fish the deeper runs below the major shoals.
Water Notes
Water 38–48°F. Winter Appalachian conditions. Clear free-flowing water. Chattooga is fishable on mild winter days.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quill Gordon Epeorus pleuralis |
Mar, Apr | Mar, Apr | #12–14 |
|
| March Brown Maccaffertium vicarium |
May | Apr, May | #10–12 |
|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #16–18 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–20 |
|
Access & Approach
Clayton, GA and Walhalla, SC are the main bases. Wild and Scenic designation limits development; hike-in access from Forest Service trailheads. Georgia or South Carolina fishing license required (depending on bank fished).
Nearby Fly Shops
- Tuck Fly Shop
- Endless River Adventures
- Headwaters Outfitters
- Fly Fishing the Smokies
- R&R Fly Fishing
- Davidson River Outfitters
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
About Current
Chattooga 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.
Chattooga 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.