Contrary to the movies, You don’t have to drive to the mountains or pack up for a weekend getaway to try fly fishing. If you’re in Atlanta and curious about what it’s like to cast a fly rod (without a tent, compass, or growing a beard), you’re in luck! There are actually some fantastic spots to get started within city limits.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a mindful way to get outside, or just want to see what the fly fishing fuss is about, here are a few places where you can dip your toes in ITP.
Chattahoochee River at Cochran Shoals
Where: Interstate North Trailhead in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Sandy Springs
What you can catch: Rainbow trout, bass, panfish
What’s to love: This stretch of the Chattahoochee is popular for walkers, runners, and yes, beginner-friendly fly fishing! Wading is relatively easy here, with multiple exposed shoals to hop around while you cast in the riffles. Trout are stocked in this area year-round and is part of a Delayed Harvest (or DH -- read more about this here) from November to May of every year.
Other notes: This area is part of the National Park Service and requires a $5 daily entrance fee. Fee kiosks are located at the trailhead (also with a handy dandy QR code to pay online if that's more your thing).
Lake Clara Meer at Piedmont Park
Where: Midtown Atlanta
What you can catch: Bass, panfish
What’s to love: Yep, you can cast a fly rod in Piedmont Park! Clara Meer is stocked with bream and bass — perfect for learning the ropes in a laid-back setting. It’s also a fun spot for group lessons or low-stakes practice after work.
Murphey Candler Park Lake
Where: Brookhaven
What you can catch: Bass, panfish
What’s to love: Tucked inside Brookhaven, Murphey Candler Lake offers a peaceful spot for casting practice and learning the basics. The lake has bass, bream, and catfish, perfect for beginner-friendly fly fishing without the pressure of fast-moving water. You’ll see walkers, families, and the occasional heron. Bonus: ample parking and shady trails for a post-fishing stroll.
Chattahoochee River at Paces Mill
Where: Paces Mill Trailhead in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Vinings
What you can catch: Rainbow trout, bass, panfish
What’s to love: Paces Mill offers a serene stretch of the river with slower currents, making it a great spot for beginners to practice casting and possibly catch bass or panfish. The area features picnic spots and easy trails, perfect for combining a fishing outing with a relaxing day outdoors.
Other notes: This area is part of the National Park Service and requires a $5 daily entrance fee. Fee kiosks are located at the trailhead (also with a handy dandy QR code to pay online if that's more your thing).
Fly fishing doesn’t have to mean backpacking, expensive gear, or committing your whole life to chasing fish. It can just be a way to spend a peaceful morning outside, and yes, it’s totally okay to be curious and intimidated at the same time.
If you’ve been wondering where to start, or if it’s “too late” to learn, or if you’ll be the only one who’s never held a rod before… you’re not. And you won’t be!
Ready to try it?
We teach women-focused fly fishing classes in easy-to-reach Atlanta spots. All gear is provided, no experience needed. Come see what it’s all about and meet some awesome people while you’re at it.
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