With over 1,300 miles of trout streams on the forest, there are plenty opportunities to catch Trout, Walleye, Bluegill, and Bass. Lake Blue Ridge is the only place in Georgia where anglers can catch Muskellunge as well as Trout and Bass. This 3,290-acre lake is bordered by two Forest Service campgrounds. Nottely Lake, Lake Chatuge, Lake Burton, and Lake Rabun also provide good Trout and Bass fishing.

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Fishing-A valid Georgia Fishing License with a trout stamp is required. Holders of an honorary fishing license do not require trout stamps. Certain streams are open only during fishing season which is from the last Saturday in March until October 31. Rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the Dahlonega/Blairsville area:

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Etowah River-Fishing above Jay Bridge and the Etowah tributaries upstream from the Castleberry Bridge to Jay Bridge is limited to the fishing season. The best fishing is probably in the Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

West Fork of the Montgomery Creek -Montgomery Creek is in the Blue Ridge WMA. Open only during fishing season.

Jones Creek -Jones Creek is not stocked and contains native brown trout almost exclusively. Anglers are restricted to using artificial lure on Jones Creek and its tributaries in the Blue Ridge WMA. Open only during fishing season.

Nimblewill Creek - Open only during fishing season.

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Waters Creek -Waters Creek, located just 10.5 miles from Dahlonega, is a trophy trout stream and only fishing with artificial lures with a single barbless hook size 6 or smaller is allowed. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout here. Whether you’re baitcasting, fly fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Waters Creek. Waters Creek is in the Chestatee WMA and is open during the trout season on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In addition to a fishing license and a trout stamp, a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) stamp is required when fishing on Waters Creek. Size limits are 22 inches for brown and rainbow and 18 inches for brook trout. Smaller trout must be returned to the water immediately. Only one trout these sizes or larger may be kept each day and a maximum of 3 for the season. Waters creek flows into Dicks Creek.

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Dicks Creek -Dicks Creek is in the Chestatee WMA and is open only during the fishing season. This creek has a number of pretty falls and is easily accessible.

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Noontootla Creek -Noontootla Creek is in the Blue Ridge WMA and is formed by the confluence of Stover Creek, Chester Creek and Long Creek known as the The Three Forks Area. Noontootla Creek and its tributaries are not stocked and are managed to imitate a natural stream with an unharvested trout population. Noontootla Creek and its tributaries are open throughout the year. Only fish 16 inches in length or greater may be kept and only artificial lures are allowed.

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Cooper Creek -Cooper Creek is open only during the fishing season. Cooper Creek flows through Cooper Creek Scenic Area.

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Rock Creek -Open year round. Also, 2miles past is Rock Creek Lake, a small man-made lake which is also stocked with trout.

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Dockery Lake -This lake which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service is a great lake for kids. Hiking and fishing platforms are available. Fishing Rodeos are held occasionally in the summer.

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Lake Winfield Scott -This pretty mountain lake is stocked with rainbow trout and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Hiking and fishing platform are available. Boats with motors are not allowed.

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Lake Zwerner-Lake Zwerner is located north of downtown along Morrison Moore Parkway East. This lake (also known as the Yahoola Creek Reservoir) provides most of the City of Dahlonega's water supply along with a great recreational area. The lake offers fishing, mountain and lake side walking trails, and picnic areas. The types of fish found in the lake are bream and bass.

 

Hunting

Dahlonega hunting land options include the Lumpkin County Chestatee WMA with 25,000 Acres and the Blue Ridge WMA including Lumpkin, Dawson, and Fannin with 38,900 Acres. Species include deer and bear, turkey, small game, raccoon, opossum, fox, bobcat, and feral hogs.

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For planning your Dahlonega area hunting or hunting outing while visiting Dahlonega please visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting. Here you will find hunting information covering a variety of subjects, such as where and when to hunt a specific type of game, hunting license information, hunter education requirements, and important regulations. A valid Georgia Hunting License is required.