Fulton County, GA · Inland River
Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater)
A rare urban trout tailwater — the cold flow below Buford Dam runs through metro Atlanta as the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, stocked with rainbows and holding wild browns within sight of the skyline. Waded and floated; one of the most-visited trout fisheries in the South.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (43/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater).
Air Quality Alert issued June 4 at 4:35PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Marginal conditions for Rainbow Trout. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 8
Georgia: 8 trout/day. The Chattahoochee tailwater through Atlanta is an artificial-lures-only stream; trophy areas (Dukes Creek) are catch-and-release. Confirm the reach.
Source: Georgia regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Marginal conditions for Brown Trout. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 8
Georgia: 8 trout/day; Chattahoochee tailwater is artificial-lures-only. Confirm the reach.
Source: Georgia regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Georgia
Coordinates
Notes
Georgia: 8 trout/day; the river is an artificial-lures-only stream through much of the NRA. Watch Buford Dam generation flows.
Local reports & rules for Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater): Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater)?
Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater) have?
Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Georgia: 8 trout/day; the river is an artificial-lures-only stream through much of the NRA. Watch Buford Dam generation flows.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater)?
state agency regulations apply at Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater) tidal water?
No. Chattahoochee River (Atlanta tailwater) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.