Posts Tagged ‘Fishing’

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals in Blue Ridge, GA offers special package rates for Fly Fishing and lodging.

Everybody loves a win – win scenario and we are happy to announce a new partnership with Kent Klewein, owner of Reel Job Fishing, LLC. His services are well known in Georgia and throughout the nation for putting his clients on trophy rainbow and brown trout on the streams and rivers of North Georgia. Reel Job Fishing isn’t just your average run of the mill fishing guide service. They’ve been operating guided fly fishing trips full-time since 2001 and their professional staff have been hand picked and trained by the owner to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible on the water. They’re known for not only catching fish but teaching their clients how to do it on their own. Hands down, Reel Job Fishing is one of the most qualified and competent fly fishing guide service in the Southeast. Its superb customer service rating and it’s 85% repeat business provides you with a guarantee you can take to the bank.

Kent Klewein has been recognized in just about every print fly fishing publication in the fly fishing industry. He’s been featured on multiple Radio and TV shows on ESPN and The Outdoor Channel.

Partnering with Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals gives Reel Job Fishing clients the “best of both worlds”. A wide variety of  affordable North Georgia cabin rentals conveniently located near the fly fishing streams and rivers that Reel Job knows best! Skill level is no concern. Reel Job Fishing can accommodate the first timer or the veteran who’s fly fished all over the world. Contact Southern Cabin Cabin Rentals to take advantage of this great offer.

 $50 OFF for Guided Fly Fishing Trips with Reel Job Fishing!

All trips include (Wade | Float | Lake)

• Refreshments
• High end – well maintained gear
• Waders
• Boots
• Rod and Reel
• Tippet
• Fly’s

Suggested Items:

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

New anglers or first timers will have tutorial to get the basics down before catching fish…

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN and AROUND BLUE RIDGE, GA

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals and the Blue Ridge Adventure Center are located in downtown Blue Ridge directly across the street from the downtown visitor’s center and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway depot at 240 West Main Street. Because of this prime location we have countless walk-ins looking for all the “fun stuff to do”. We have compiled a list of the top 10 Activities / things to do near Blue Ridge.

* For Everyone  ** For the Adventure Seeker

1. * The Blue Ridge Scenic Rail Road – The perfect family activity. This is a great way to spend quality time with friends or family. The volunteer scenic tour begins in Blue Ridge, GA and travels along the Toccoa River to McCayesvill, GA / Copperhill TN.
2. ** Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River – There are several great outfitters on the Ocoee River. Often referred to as “America favorite river” because of its easy access and thrilling rapids it’s a real treat for anyone who is looking for a rush! (Raft1 pictured above)
3. * Mercier orchards – This family owned and operated orchard provides countless options for visitors in the area. Activities and amenities include Upick fruits, General store, farmers market, and bakery severing world famous fried pies and homemade ice cream!
4. ** Zip Line Canopy Tour – Going had in hand with whitewater rafting adventure enthusiasts love the zip line canopy tours for its off the ground rush and free flowing feeling of flying tree top to tree top.
5. * Lake Blue Ridge – This man made reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers crystal clear waters and multiple access points for enjoyment. Boat and personal watercraft rentals are available at the marina Public beaches, camp sites and access points are available. Thanks to Surf Blue Ridge stand up paddle boarding has become a very popular activity on Lake Blue Ridge.
6. * Guided Fly Fishing – Known as the Trout Capital of Georgia there is no shortage of opportunities to fish for trophy trout. Increase your chances and hire a guide to navigate public waters or better yet gain access to private steams abundant with large good fighting trout in the cool year round north Georgia streams.
7. ** Blue Ridge Scenic Helicopter Tour – A new addition to Blue Ridge but not to the skies of Georgia. Blue Ridge Helicopters has operated commercially in Georgia for years they are now offering several scenic helicopter packages that will give you a whole new perspective on the area.
8. * Hiking & Waterfalls – This could really go both ways for everyone or the adventure seeker based on the trail system. The Blue Ridge Area is dotted with several well marked and mapped trail systems.
9. ** Tubing or Canoe the Toccoa River – One of the best spring, summer and fall activities. With several outfitter providing the gear it will be easy foryou to find that free flowing feeling on the Toccoa River. Float the upper Toccoa or Tail water (Toccoa below Lake Blue Ridge Dam) in a canoe or Tube, pack a lunch and let your worries melt away on the most scenic river in North Georgia
10. ** Horseback Riding in Cashes Valley or the Cohutta Wilderness Area – What better way to feel in charge than by horse back! Blue Ridge, Ga horseback riding is available through several family owned and operated stables.

Find out first hand why Blue Ridge, GA is often referred to as the base camp for adventure. You’ll discover that Blue Ridge is right in the center of the North Georgia Mountains and its close proximity to fun places such as the Aska Adventure Area, Toccoa River, Lake Blue Ridge, Appalachian Trail, Ocoee White Water Rafting, numerous Fly fishing streams and seasonal mountain festivals like the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ every September in the city park downtown.

The staff at the Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals is ready to help you find the fun things to do while you’re visiting Blue Ridge, GA so be sure to stop by because “Any Time of Year You’ll Find Southern Comfort Here!”

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals & Blue Ridge Adventure Center
240 West Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-258-3737

Trout Fishing in and Around Fannin County in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia

Fannin County is blessed with a watershed that creates a large and diverse trout stream  network.  The foundation of the watershed is the Toccoa River, a medium-sized, wadable river which actually consists of two distinct and different fisheries:  The freestone stream above the dam and the Tailwater below it.  Each section of the Toccoa has its advantages.  In addition to the Toccoa itself, the watershed contains literally hundreds of trout streams from tiny higher elevation water containing native brook trout to lower elevation streams dominated by rainbow and brown trout.  Some waters in Fannin can be fished within sight of a parked vehicle while others offer the opportunity for wilderness walk-in fishing where few others tread. It’s all here in Fannin for visitors and locals to explore and enjoy.

Here are some of the most popular trout destinations in and close to Fannin County:

Toccoa River Tailwater: The Tailwater, as it is called locally, runs from Blue Ridge dam to the Tennessee State line and is fishable throughout year-round thanks to the fact that the water in the Tailwater comes chiefly from the colder water near the bottom of Lake Blue Ridge, it is supplemented by oxygenation on the lake bottom courtesy of the TVA, and the river is cleansed by higher flows due to periodic generation at the dam. The fish are healthy, diverse in size due to holdover fish, and located throughout the length of the river. The advantages are year-round fishing, heavily stocked by Georgia DNR, floatable and wadable sections with public access at the dam, Tammen Park, Curtis Switch Bridge, and Horseshoe Bend Park. The disadvantages are the need to know the generation schedule and to be constantly vigilant for scheduled and unscheduled releases and the fact that public access is limited to the locations noted above.  Even where the river is visible from the road between the public access points, fishing without landowner permission is prohibited.  Floating through private lands on canoes, kayaks, float tubes, or pontoon boats, however, is permitted and commonly done, but the floats between access points will take take 6-8 hours depending on the amount of time one fishes. TVA Blue Ridge Dam information:  To get daily releases: dial 800-238-2264 then 423. Releases for the next day are available after 4 pm.

Toccoa River above Lake Blue Ridge: The Toccoa River is a magnificent fishery in its beauty, diversity, and quality during certain times of the year.  It is a year-round fishery, but hot-summer months can substantially curtail trout fishing in July, August, and early September when water temperature exceed comfort levels for trout, especially in the lower elevations closer to Lake Blue Ridge.  Much of the Toccoa is private, but miles of the river run through the Chattahoochee National Forest, including a 1.2 mile section with special Delayed Harvest (DH) regulations (See Georgia Fishing Regs).  From November 1-May 14, the river is stocked with lots of trout, including some 15-20 inch fish. Much of the Toccoa River on public lands is accessible by paved and forest service road.  One can literally fish in sight of the car, including some sections of the DH. Sections of the river susceptible to summer heat will also hold largemouth Bass, shoal bass, smallmouth bass and other warm water species instead of or in addition to trout. Occasionally private landowners will give permission to fish, but some sections of the Toccoa River are closed to public fishing when by landowners on both sides of the river.  Signs are prominent in those sections of the river. When in doubt, stick to public lands.

Coopers Creek: This tributary of the Toccoa River is in the Chattahoochee National Forest off Hwy 60 near Suches, Georgia, and offers camping, hiking, and fishing.  There is a public campground and parking area.  In addition, the creek may be accessed by Forest Service road in its upper sections.  Coopers Creek stocked and operates under general trout regulations.  This is an excellent and beautiful place for public fishing.  Advantages:  Good for families. Disadvantages:  Smaller water and heavily used.

Rock Creek: This public access fishery is open year-round and boasts frequent stocking and the side benefit of the USFWS Hatchery off Hwy 60 near Suches.  The Hatchery conducts public education and tours and feeds the trout daily.  Rock Creek flows through the Hatchery and is accessible by forest service road for several miles below the Hatchery.  It is heavily used, but a fun place to fish.  Advantages:  Great for families.  Disadvantages: Smaller water and heavily used.  Hint:  For the technical fly fisher or spin fisher, Little Rock Creek is a tributary of Rock Creek, the upper portions of which may be accessed by a forest service road off the Hatchery Road offers backwoods small stream fishing for tiny trout.  This is less used.  The stream is small and somewhat enclosed by vegetation; and the fish are small, but born in the stream, as this stream is not stocked.

Wilderness Fishing

Noontootla Creek: This is a gem of a stream operated year-round under special regulations on size of fish and type of gear and wilderness license (See Georgia Fishing Regs).  It is a favorite of fly fishermen.  Surprisingly, the public sections of Noontootla are easily accessible by a forest service road that runs the length of the public section.  It is beautiful and holds surprisingly decent sized fish for its size.  It is not stocked, so these are resident fish.  The fishing is quite technical.  Advantages:  Beautiful small stream fishing easily accessible and an ace in the hole when lower waters are swollen with rain. Disadvantages:  Technical fishing, some pressure especially on weekends, and decreased chances of success if someone fishes before you do.  Hint:  Rainy days that take away some clarity of the water will make the fishing easier.  Note:  There is a private, trophy section of Noontootla Creek accessible only by appointment with a guide on a fee basis.  This is a protected, limited access trophy water within 30 minutes of  downtown Blue Ridge.

Jacks and Connasauga Rivers: These are two premier trout streams in the Cohutta Wilderness. Both rivers hold resident fish in a magnificent setting on public lands. .  Jacks is a Mar-October fishery and the Connie is open year-round (See Georgia Fishing Regs).  The trail distances distance in and out are formidable, but worth it to the wilderness fisher.  A wilderness trout license is required.

Small Stream Fishing

Fannin County boasts hundreds of miles of trout streams, as do nearby counties .  Some trout streams are on private land and others are not practically fishable.  However many small streams offer wonderful opportunities for seasonal and year-round fishing.  Some are fairly accessible and others are more remote. Naming small streams in a forum like this ruins their appeal and ambience by having crowds descend upon them.  There are, however, sources of information from which a determined fisherman can locate wonderful places.  Unicoi Fly Shop and local book stores in Blue Ridge have books for sale on North Georgia fishing with information on all the aforementioned streams and many of our smaller streams as well. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources publishes a comprehensive trout fishing guide to Georgia, available for free at the Fannin Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.

Big Creek: This pristine mountain stream is almost 100%  private. The only way to fish this stream is by invitation by a land owner or private guide service such as Upper River Adventures. A year round dense canopy offer many shady and cool areas. Couple this with deep well maintained holes and you will find the perfect habitat for several species of mountain trout.

Some guides and outfitters have access to terrific private access water with limited traffic  such as Noontootla Creek Farms,  Mountaintown Creek, Big Creek, and Frog Hollow.  Check with local fly shops, the Blue Ridge Adventure Center  for availability and fees.

Surrounding Areas

Fannin County is in the epicenter of trout fishing in North Georgia. In addition to the rivers and streams right around Blue Ridge, within an hour more or less west (Tennessee), North (North Carolina) and East (Clayton County, Ga.) one may find excellent trout fishing in the Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala River, and Chattooga River.  In addition, within the similar distances are special regulation areas at Dukes Creek (Smithgall Woods), Amicalola Creek, Waters Creek and other terrific public fisheries, not to mention private water trophy experiences.

Fishing is Fishing

Dare we mention Lake Blue Ridge and Lake Nottely? These lakes provide awesome destination fishing in their own right for numerous species other than trout. How about fishing for bass and bream on ponds and surrounding lakes or fishing for shoal bass or smallmouth in the Toccoa River?

WHERE TO GO FOR INFORMATION

Download  printable safety information on the Toccoa River Tailwater here

TVA Blue Ridge Dam information:  To get daily releases: dial 800-238-2264 then 423. Releases for the next day are available after 4 pm.

Fannin Chamber of Commerce: Orvin Lance Extension off Hwy 515 (behind CVS);

Unicoi Outfitters and guide service: 490 E. Main Street, Blue ridge, GA 30513. www.Unicoioutfitters.com

Fishing Guides: There are numerous north Georgia trout fishing guides in the Blue Ridge area. Contact Upper River Adventures for Private Guided Trout Fishing in the Aska Adventure Area

Current Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations, available at the Chamber of Commerce, Unicoi Outfitters, or anywhere licenses are sold and online See our local area guide to buy a fishing license in Georgia

Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited, is local, extremely active TU chapter meets monthly on the second Saturday of each month, 9 am at the Chamber of Commerce. TU and its members are dedicated to preserving trout waters but provide a public service of information on fishing and fishing safety in the area.

SOURCE: Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited

With the launch of  SoCo Bucks, guests of Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals will receive fresh discounts at select Blue Ridge establishments and adventure activities.

All SoCo bucks issued February through April 2011 will receive:

• $25 off of future cabin rentals
• one free beer or house wine from the Blue Ridge Brewery
• buy one guided trout fishing tour with Upper River Adventures and the second person comes for free (great for couples & parents)
• and 10% off ANY purchase at the most fantastic gourmet lifestyle store in north Georgia, Out of the Blue!

Future loyalty savings and Blue Ridge discounts will include items such as: Family fun center passes, Massage / Spa Treatments, Stand-up Paddle, Train Tickets, Free Food, Guided Tours, Theater Tickets,  Horse Back Riding, Tube / Canoe Rentals, Zip Lines, Whitewater Rafting, Golfing, Boat Rentals, and many, many more activities.

It’s all about saving your next vacation before it starts!

Contact us now to plan your next Blue Ridge adventure or to purchase So Co Bucks for your next gift!

When a property can speak of a lifestyle experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, one might describe it this way…

You will be greeted by a shimmering lake and quiet tranquility the moment you walk through the doors at Pine Point Lodge. Whether your visit includes golfing on one of the nearby courses, a relaxing day of fishing, shopping in downtown Blue Ridge, or just relaxing with loved ones, this  luxury vacation cabin offers an engaging backdrop in the heart of nature.

This vacation home will instantly make you feel relaxed and at home. As you and your loved ones relax in the great room you`ll be surrounded by tasteful elegance and upscale decor.

Whether you`re sitting by the fire enjoying a cup of coffee or laughing with a glass of wine on the back porch with your best friend, this luxury vacation home is sure to please all your senses.

Looking at the pictures it’s easy to imagine sitting at an amazing dining room table that was rescued by the owners from an old farm house in Texas set for the entire family.

The entry level is mostly open with one bedroom that features a queen size bed, large closet, and hallway bathroom. This bathroom includes vanity area, walk in shower, and a closet with washer / dryer.

Moving upstairs to a large open loft you will discover a grand view either way you look. To your right you will find a study area with a desk opening up to two massive double doors welcoming you to a king size bed in the master bedroom. This room looks across the entire upstairs toward floor to ceiling windows framing the lake and mountains in the distance. The bathroom includes his and hers vanities, walk in shower, and garden tub. For additional comfort this room also includes a walk in closet and entertainment center.

Leaving the master bedroom you can continue across a two story catwalk above the great room to a captivating sitting area where you can find yourself totally immersed in a good book or catching up with friend. Continuing through the cabin and heading down stairs you will find another dimension of the house. Two large bedrooms featuring a super comfortable king bed in one room and a set of twin beds in the second. These rooms share a spacious bathroom with walk in shower. For extreme convenience you will find a second set of washer/ dryer in a large utility room off the bathroom. Looking to have fun? Perfect for family time the lower level has all the essentials to keep you entertained for weeks! Large 42 inch TV with home theater, wet bar, game table, and tons of great games. Just outside on the patio there is a large 6-8 person hot tub, fire pit, 2 tables with seating for 8, and outdoor ping pong table perfect for a little sibling rivalry or father daughter tournament.

If this descprition fits the type of lifestyle experience that you are looking for. Find out more by visiting the Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals Website or call 706-258-3737.