Experience Georgia’s premier trout and bass fishery with the experts. At Alpharetta Outfitters, our professional guides guide staff is are dedicated to providing an unforgettable day on the water, whether you are a seasoned angler chasing a trophy brown or a beginner casting a fly rod for the first time.

Choose Your Adventure

Wade Fishing Trips

Perfect for technical instruction and intimate river access. Step into the river and learn the nuances of wadeable sections of the Chattahoochee River. Wade trips are ideal for anglers who want to focus on reading water, mastering drift techniques, and fine-tuning their casting. * Location: Tailwater sections below Buford Dam.

• Focus: Primarily Rainbow and wild Brown Trout.
• Vibe: Slow-paced, educational, and immersive.

Float Fishing Trips

Cover more water in comfort. Our drift boats and rafts allow you to access secluded runs and private pockets that walk-in anglers simply can't reach. A float trip is the best way to see the river’s true beauty while staying dry and covering miles of productive water.

• Location: Lower and upper sections of the river.
• Focus: Trout (Upper), Shoal Bass and Striped Bass (Lower), Carp (Center)
• Vibe: Dynamic, high-opportunity, and great for all skill levels.

Why Guide with Alpharetta Outfitters?

• Local Expertise: Our guides spend hundreds of days a year on these local waters. They know every rock, eddy, and buggie hatch.
• All-Inclusive Gear: We provide premium rods, reels, and flies. You just bring your license and a sense of adventure. (Feel free to bring your own rod set up if you please.)
• Tailored Experience: We don’t believe in "cookie-cutter" trips. We customize the day based on current river flows, bug hatches, and your personal goals.

"The Chattahoochee River is a world-class trout water right in our backyard! Our mission is to help you connect with the river while sharpening your skills."

While Georgia’s public rivers offer incredible beauty, our private water leases on the Upper Etowah and Soque Rivers offer something exclusive: solitude and trophy-sized fish. These managed stretches are limited to a small number of anglers per day, ensuring the water is rested and the trout stay healthy, wild, and—above all—huge.

Trophy Trout in the Heart of Wine Country

Located just minutes from historic Dahlonega, our this private lease at Montaluce Winery & Estate offers over a mile of pristine river access. As the Etowah River winds through the rolling vineyards, it transforms into a classic mountain freestone stream, characterized by high-oxygen plunge pools, emerald runs, and massive boulder gardens.

The Montaluce Experience

Fishing the Etowah at Montaluce is a dynamic experience that feels significantly different from the spring-fed Soque. It is a true mountain river—broader, swifter, and full of character.

• Mountain Freestone Fishing: Unlike the technical sight-fishing of the Soque, the Etowah requires you to read the water. You’ll be casting into foam lines, pocket water, and deep tail-outs where trophy fish wait to ambush their next meal.
• The "Vineyard View": There is nothing quite like looking up from a rising trout to see the sun hitting the vine-covered hillsides. The scenery is unrivaled, offering an "upscale wilderness" vibe that is perfect for entertaining clients or a special couples getaway.
• Aggressive Trophies: The Rainbows and Browns here are known for their strength. Living in swifter water makes these fish incredibly powerful; when a Montaluce trout hits, they use the current to their advantage, making for a thrilling fight.

Why Fish Montaluce with Alpharetta Outfitters?

The Etowah can be a powerful river is a mountain flowing river, and our guides are experts at navigating its swifter currents to put you in the high-percentage spots.

1. Reading the Water: Our guides will teach you how to identify the "seams" and "buckets" where the biggest fish hold, a skill that translates to any trout stream in the world.
2. The "Full-Day" Lifestyle: Because the river is located on the winery grounds, we can easily coordinate a day that starts with trophy trout and ends with a world-class meal dinner and/or wine tasting at one of two the Montaluce restaurants.
3. Year-Round Vitality: The Upper Etowah is fed by cool mountain headwaters, meaning that even when other rivers warm up, the deep runs at Montaluce remain a productive sanctuary for trout.

Trip Details

• Location: Montaluce Winery & Estate, Dahlonega, GA.
• The Setting: Open mountain valley, vineyards, and rugged riverbed.
• The Fish: High-energy Rainbow and Brown trout, including frequent trophies in the 20-24" range.
• Best For: Anglers who love "active" wade fishing and those looking for a premium, picturesque day on the water.

"Montaluce is the ultimate 'Best of Both Worlds' trip. You get the rugged, technical feel of a mountain river with the luxury of a premier estate. It’s the perfect place to host a friend, hold a corporate event , or celebrate a milestone."

Plan Your Estate Fishing Trip

Combine your passion for the outdoors with the refinement of North Georgia's finest winery.

[Inquire About Montaluce Dates]

A Lush Sanctuary for Trophy Trout

Deep in the heart of Habersham County lies Fern Valley, a premier private stretch of the Soque River that lives up to its name. Surrounded by towering hemlocks, native laurels, and—of course—lush ferns, this section of the river offers an intimate and breathtaking backdrop for chasing some of the largest trout in the Southeast.

Fern Valley is the perfect destination for the angler who wants a "wild" mountain river feel without sacrificing the opportunity to land a 10-pound Rainbow or Brown trout.

The Fern Valley Experience 

What sets Fern Valley apart is its incredible water diversity. This stretch features a mix of high-gradient oxygenated water and deep, slow-moving sanctuaries where the giants reside.

• Two Diverse Water Structures: Fern Valley offers From tumbling pocket water and technical riffles to deep, dark "honey holes," Fern Valley challenges your casting and mending skills in the best way possible. The Meadows at Fern Valley offers structured stretches with long pools. Perfect for setting up long drifts, fishing undercut banks and covering multiple dry dropper opportunities.
• The "Stealth" Factor: Because of the natural canopy and rock structures, Fern Valley is a dream for anglers who love to "hunt" fish. You’ll use the natural cover to position yourself for the perfect presentation to resting trophies.
• Unmatched Privacy: Like our other private leases waters, Fern Valley is strictly limited. When you are here, you have the river to yourself, allowing for a peaceful, focused day of fishing.

Why Fish Fern Valley with Our Team?

Navigating the currents and the massive residents of Fern Valley requires a seasoned hand. Our Alpharetta Outfitters guides know every underwater ledge where a trophy might be hiding.

1. Strategic Positioning: We help you navigate the riverbed to get the best angle on fish tucked under the rhododendrons or behind submerged boulders.
2. Technical Instruction: Fern Valley can be technical. We’ll coach you on the "reach cast" and complex mending to ensure your fly looks natural in the river’s swirling currents.
3. Conservation First: These fish are precious. We practice the highest standards of fish handling, using rubberized nets and keeping the fish in the water for photos to ensure Fern Valley remains a world-class fishery for years to come.

Trip Details

• Location: Clarkesville, GA.
• The Setting: Heavily timbered, scenic mountain river valley.
• The Trophy Potential: Extremely high. This water is managed for health, growth, and longevity.
• Best For: Anglers who enjoy well maintained trail access a bit of "mountain hiking" with their multiple wade fishing access points in and want a scenic, shaded environment.

"Fern Valley offers a sense of discovery. You turn a corner around a moss-covered boulder and find yourself staring at a three-foot-deep pool holding three-foot-long26-30’ trout. It’s a magical place."

Book Your Fern Valley Escape

Due to its reputation and beauty, Fern Valley dates are some of the first to disappear from our calendar. We recommend booking well in advance for the spring and fall seasons.

The Pinnacle of Private Water Fly Fishing

If you are looking for the absolute gold standard of trophy trout fishing in Georgia, look no further than Dragonfly on the Soque. This exclusive, privately managed stretch of water is world-renowned for its massive Rainbow and Brown trout and its stunningly beautiful river valley setting.

At Alpharetta Outfitters, we are proud to offer guided access to this legendary property, providing our clients with a chance to hook into the fish of a lifetime in a setting of total serenity.

The Dragonfly Experience

Dragonfly isn’t just a fishing spot; it’s a meticulously maintained trout sanctuary. The river here is a perfect blend of deep, oxygenated runs, slow-moving pools, and technical riffles.

• Sight-Fishing Paradise: The water at Dragonfly is often gin-clear, allowing you to "stalk" your target. There is nothing more exhilarating than watching a 5-pound (or 10-pound!) trout rise to take your fly.
• World-Class Size: While an average trout in Georgia is 10 inches, the fish at Dragonfly are frequently measured in pounds rather than inches. Rainbows and Browns over 2 feet long are common.
• Accessibility: The banks at Dragonfly are well-maintained, making it one of the most accessible wade-fishing experiences for anglers of all ages and mobility levels.

Why Fish Dragonfly with Alpharetta Outfitters?

The fish at Dragonfly are large, but they are also smart. Our guides have a deep understanding of the specific hatches and the "moods" of the Soque.

1. The Stealth Approach: We teach you how to approach these giants without spooking them, ensuring you get the best possible shot at a trophy.
2. Premium Tackle: When you hook a fish at Dragonfly, your gear is put to the ultimate test. We provide heavy-duty, high-performance tippet and rods capable of handling the power of a Soque River beast.
3. Expert Netting: Landing a 28-inch Rainbow in moving water is a team effort. Your guide is there to ensure the fish is handled with care and safely released after you get that "hero shot."

Trip Details

• Location: Just outside of Clarkesville, GA (approx. 1 hour 15 mins from the shop).
• Season: Optimal fishing occurs from October through June.
• Regulations: Strictly Catch and Release. Barbless hooks only.
• Exclusivity: Limited rods per day. This ensures the fish remain active and the river remains quiet.

"A day at Dragonfly is the closest thing to a destination trip to Patagonia or Alaska, right here in the North Georgia mountains. It is a 'must-do' for any serious fly angler."

Book Your Dragonfly Escape

Due to its reputation and beauty, Dragonfly dates are some of the first to disappear from our calendar. We recommend booking well in advance for the spring and fall seasons.

To ensure you have the best day possible on the water, we’ve put together a quick list of what we provide and what you should bring along.

What’s Included?

• Professional Guide & Customized Instruction
• Premium Fly Rods & Reels
• All Flies, Leaders, and Tippet
• Waders/Boots available upon request for wade trips
• Bottled Water and Snacks (Full-day trips include lunch)

What You Should Bring

• Georgia Fishing License: Must include a Trout Stamp. You can purchase this online via theG A DNR website: Georgia DNR
• Polarized Sunglasses: Essential for seeing through the surface glare to spot fish and underwater structure. (They also protect your eyes from any potential misguided fly hook.)
• Sun Protection: A brimmed hat and sunscreen (please avoid spray sunscreen, as it can damage fly lines and boat finishes).
• Appropriate Clothing:
• Winter: Synthetic layers (avoid cotton) and warm socks.
• Summer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking long sleeves and quick-dry pants.
• Rain Gear: We fish rain or shine! A lightweight rain shell is always a smart carry.