Fishing Season: Year round

Chattooga River - SC

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

70

Mark White's Tip of the Week

There's never been a better time to put a Bartram's Bass in your net! Chattooga was stocked with trout by SCDNR on 7/26 and 7/28. Evening storms the past few days have brought our flows back to respectable levels. Temps are hot, though! If you plan on catch and release fishing for trout, definitely go barbless , move up in tippet size, and use a net to eliminate handling the fish. Hike a little to get away from the crowds and find some pools to work. Evening always brings about some dry fly action but the earlier you are out, the better. If you can cover water easily try casting bushy dry flies and a bright green nymph dropper. If you are sticking to a few pools try a double nymph rig and swing your flies downstream. Chartreuse nymphs will get the fish moving.

Directions open in app

Map of Chattooga River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 8/1/22

Water and air temps are getting hotter in the afternoons, play those fish quick and get them back into the water.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/1/22

Dry droppers, poppers and crayfish.

Local Species Available Year round

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    Rainbow

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    Brown

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    Brook hatchery supported and wild trout along with native Bartram's bass.

Mark White's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 12-14
Sparkle Dun Yellow 12-16
Splitsville Caddis Tan 12-14
TH Duracell Jig Purple 14
Pat's Rubber Legs Brown, Black, Golden 8-12
Acticulated Streamers Brown, Olive, Black, 04-12
Shaky Worm Red 14
Fly Formerly Known As Prince Natural 12-18
Eggstasty Egg chartreuse 12-16
Crawdad Natural 06-10

Elk Wing Caddis

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Item #0378

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Mark White's Recommended Gear

Description: About Chattooga River

The "Deliverance River" given this name for the 1972 movie filmed on the river, starring Burt Reynolds. South Carolina's best-known trout stream, the Chattooga River is arguably the best stream in the state. Clearly, no other waterway offers a greater variety of opportunities for trout fishermen. Beyond a legendary wild brown trout fishery, various sections of the Chattooga also offer good prospects for stocked rainbows and semi-wild brown trout, plus heavily stocked rainbows, browns and brook trout in a specially managed three-mile section.There is easy access to the river at both Highway 28 and Burrells Ford Road, where there is also a campground. The Chattooga River Trail and Foothills Trail closely follow the river throughout the entire section of trout water, giving the adventurous angler many miles of solitude. Despite this relatively easy access, a day on the Chattooga is truly a wilderness experience. There are no facilities along the river and the terrain can be tough and unforgiving. It s always a good idea to travel with someone, but if going alone, plan on letting someone know your destination.On the Chattooga River you can fish for Rainbow and Brown Trout, and Redeye Bass.

Nearest Airport:

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Hatches:

Caddis Sulphur Stonefly Midges

Best Time to Fish:

Early mornings

Best Stretch:

Burrells Ford Upstream

Best Access:

Burrells Ford or Hwy 28