The Chattooga River is one of the most legendary wild trout streams in the Southeast — a National Wild and Scenic River that begins its 52-mile journey below Whiteside Mountain near Cashiers, North Carolina, before forming the border between South Carolina and Georgia. Designated in 1974 and rated by Trout Unlimited as one of the top 100 trout streams in North America, the Chattooga offers an unparalleled combination of wilderness beauty, challenging fishing, and trophy trout potential.
The river flows through three distinct personalities: the North Carolina section above Ellicott Rock features remote wild brown trout water that rivals any in the East; the border section from Ellicott Rock to Highway 28 provides heavily stocked delayed harvest fishing with excellent access; and the lower sections transform into spectacular whitewater that attracted Hollywood to film "Deliverance" here in the 1970s.
What makes the Chattooga truly exceptional is its wildness and diversity. Much of the fishable water flows through designated wilderness areas — the Ellicott Rock Wilderness in the upper sections and vast stretches of National Forest land throughout. This protection ensures pristine water quality, abundant insect life, and a genuine wilderness fishing experience. The river supports all three species of Appalachian trout: rainbow, brown, and brook trout, with the Appalachian Trout Slam possible in a single day for skilled anglers.
The North Carolina section is particularly special — an exclusively wild brown trout fishery managed under wild trout regulations, where patient anglers can target trophy browns exceeding 20 inches in pocket water beneath rhododendron canopies and towering hardwoods.
National Wild and Scenic River
Federal protection since 1974 ensures pristine water quality, wilderness character, and protection from development.
Top 100 Trout Stream in America
Rated by Trout Unlimited among the nation's finest trout fisheries for wild trout populations, scenic beauty, and fishing quality.
Three-State Fishery
Flows through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, offering diverse regulations and fishing experiences across three states.
Appalachian Trout Slam Opportunity
All three trout species (rainbow, brown, brook) present in the watershed, with the slam possible in a single day.
Trophy Wild Brown Trout
The North Carolina section above Ellicott Rock harbors wild browns exceeding 20 inches — some of the largest wild browns in the southern Appalachians.
Excellent Delayed Harvest Section
The 2.5-mile section from Highway 28 upstream receives heavy stocking and provides accessible fishing for anglers of all skill levels.
Remote Wilderness Character
Much of the fishable water requires hiking through wilderness areas, ensuring solitude and a genuine backcountry experience.
| Species | Seasonal Activity | Average Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | Year-round; peak fall | 9–14 in (typical); 16–25+ in (trophy) | Wild browns dominate NC section; wary and challenging |
| Rainbow Trout | Year-round | 8–14 in (stocked); 6–10 in (wild) | Abundant in delayed harvest and border sections |
| Brook Trout | Year-round | 6–10 in | Stocked in delayed harvest; wild fish in headwater tributaries |
| Technique | When to Use | Best Target Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Fly Fishing | Spring & Fall | All species | Essential technique; excellent hatches |
| Dry-Dropper Rigs | Spring–Fall | Rainbow, Brook | Perfect for pocket water |
| Nymphing with Indicator | Year-round | All species | Critical in delayed harvest section |
| High-Stick Nymphing | Year-round | Brown, Rainbow | Excellent in fast pocket water |
| Euro Nymphing | Year-round | Trophy Browns | Highly effective in NC section |
| Streamer Fishing | Fall & Winter | Trophy Brown Trout | Swing streamers through deep pools |
| Spin Fishing – Small Spinners | Spring–Fall (DH section) | Rainbow, Brook | Mepps, Rooster Tails |
CRITICAL NOTE: The Chattooga River crosses three states with different regulations. Know which state you're fishing in and carry the appropriate license.
Season: Year-round
Regulations: Wild Trout — Artificial lures only, single hook
Creel Limit: 4 trout per day
Size Limit: 7 inches minimum
Natural Bait: Allowed (unlike most NC wild trout waters)
License: North Carolina fishing license + trout stamp required
License: Either South Carolina OR Georgia license valid (reciprocal agreement)
Note: North Carolina license NOT valid in border waters
Regulations: Catch-and-release only
Lures: Artificial lures only, single hook
Bait: No natural bait
License: South Carolina or Georgia license
Creel Limit: 5 trout per day
Size Limit: None
Bait/Lure: Any legal bait or lure
| Section | Required License | Approx. Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC Section | NC Fishing + Trout Stamp | $25 + $10 (Resident), $45 + $25 (Non-resident) | Required above Ellicott Rock |
| Border Waters | SC or GA Fishing License | Varies by state | Either state license valid |
Purchase Licenses:
Old Iron Bridge (Primary Access):
Whiteside Cove Road:
Burrells Ford Campground (Most Popular):
Highway 28 Bridge:
The Chattooga River stands among the finest wild trout fisheries in the southern Appalachians. As a National Wild and Scenic River and a Trout Unlimited Top 100 stream, the Chattooga offers everything serious trout anglers seek: wilderness beauty, challenging fishing, trophy trout potential, and genuine solitude in remote sections.
The North Carolina section above Ellicott Rock is the crown jewel — exclusively wild brown trout water where patient, skilled anglers can target trophy fish exceeding 20 inches in technical pocket water. This remote section sees minimal fishing pressure and rewards anglers willing to hike and work for their fish.
For those seeking more accessible fishing, the delayed harvest section near Highway 28 provides heavily stocked catch-and-release water with excellent access, making it ideal for families and beginners. The Burrells Ford area offers a middle ground — stocked fish near the campground and wild trout for those willing to hike upstream or downstream.
What sets the Chattooga apart is its wilderness character. Flowing through pristine National Forest lands and protected wilderness areas, the river maintains exceptional water quality and abundant insect life. The opportunity to catch all three Appalachian trout species — rainbow, brown, and brook trout — in a single day adds another dimension to the Chattooga experience.
Whether you're an expert angler seeking trophy wild browns in the North Carolina section, a family enjoying stocked trout fishing near Highway 28, or a wilderness enthusiast combining fishing with backcountry exploration, the Chattooga River delivers authentic mountain fishing at its finest.
Location: Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania Counties, NC; borders SC and GA
Nearest Towns: Cashiers, Highlands (NC); Clayton (GA)
Fishing Season: Year-round (NC section); Delayed Harvest varies
Main Species: Wild Brown Trout (NC), Rainbow, Brook Trout
Best Methods: Dry fly, Euro nymphing, high-stick nymphing, streamers for trophy browns
Regulations: Wild Trout (NC), Delayed Harvest (border waters), varies by section and state
Special Features: National Wild and Scenic River, Top 100 trout stream, trophy brown trout, wilderness fishing, Appalachian Trout Slam opportunity, three-state fishery
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