FISHING NFNC 

The upper section of the Chattooga River is located in Jackson County on the Highlands Ranger District where it flows into Georgia and South Carolina.  The Chattooga River flows thru the Ellicott Wilderness area and is classified as a “Wild and Scenic River”. Anglers enjoy the trout fishing that the Chattooga has to offer. Brown trout are abundant, and rainbow trout are also occasionally caught in the Chattooga River.

Access:  From Franklin follow Hwy 64 East thru the town of Highlands down Bull Pen Road thru the Horse Cove community.  Bear right onto FS Road 1178 (Bull Pen Road).  Follow FS1178 till you get to the iron bridge at the Chattooga River.  

Camping:  There are only Primitive camp sites in the Ellicott Wilderness area along the Chattooga River.  This means that there are no facilities and you should only leave foot prints on the wilderness trails. 

Season:  Fishing in the Chattooga River is open all year around.  The Upper Chattooga in Jackson and Macon counties upstream of the SR 1100 bridge is managed under Wild trout regulations   In all wild trout waters the minimum length limit is 7 inches and the creel limit is 4 trout per day. Only artificial lures with one single hook may be used.  Below the bridge, Wild trout/ natural bait regulations apply (artificial lures or natural baits, except live fish, and using only single hooks; minimum length limit is 7 inches and the creel limit is 4 trout per day.)