Fly fishing & other lures

Tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains, Clarkesville offers big opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to cast your first line, the countryside surrounding Clarkesville has a variety of fishing spots and events to explore - starting with the Soque River, which runs on the edge of downtown.

First, Fly Fishing  

Clarkesville is home to some of the best fly fishing locations in Georgia. The Soque River, a winding, lazy river that runs down from the Blue Ridge Mountains past Clarkesville, was once a long-time kept secret in the angling world. That is not the case anymore! If you are a seasoned fly-fishing aficionado, then you probably know your way around the Soque River. If not, and if tangling with trout in the 3-pound to 15-pound class appeals to you, we think you need to know about Blackhawk Fly Fishing. This outfitter offers private fly fishing along approximately two miles of the spring creek-fed waters of the Soque River in Batesville, Georgia. Open year-round with weather permitting, Blackhawk Fly Fishing provides a great opportunity to catch big rainbows and browns.

Turning Stone's Fly Fishing also offers guided fly fishing excursions to the rainbow trophy trout waters of the Soque River. Before you head to the river, they can teach you the art and craft of fly casting. Soon, you will be experiencing Zen-like peace standing in the babbling and rushing waters of the Soque River.

Images Instagram: @turningstonesflyfishing, @blackhawk__flyfishing

Other Fishing Opportunities

Not into fly-fishing or a little intimidated, or maybe it is the time to show junior how to hook a line? Clarkesville offers other opportunities to catch a fish! Moccasin Creek State Park, Tallulah Gorge State Park, and Unicoi State Park and Lodge are said to be some of the top fishing spots near Clarkesville. According to the Georgia Game and Fish Division, Nancy Town Lake supports a solid population of bass and bream and is stocked each spring with 2,000 catchable-sized trout! Check out Stepoutside.org for more detailed information on where to fish, when to fish, and what to expect!

Are you new to fishing and don’t know where to start? Check out TakeMeFishing.org for some great first steps.

Fishing Events

Feel a competitive streak coming on? The Soque Slam is a new and exciting event where teams of six anglers and one Shepherd Center patient compete for the largest total number of fish "clearly on the hook"” With concerts and celebrations - even those not fishing can enjoy this event.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing day of fly fishing on the Soque River, a lazy day on the lake, or a competitive fishing event, Clarkesville, Georgia, offers a variety of fishing opportunities for all levels of anglers. So grab your fishing gear and head to Clarkesville for a reel adventure!