What Brasstown Creek Offers

Brasstown Creek runs clear and cold through the mountains north of Blairsville, holding both native brook trout and stocked rainbow trout in its upper reaches, with smallmouth bass moving in as the creek widens and warms downstream. The stream flows roughly north to south through Union County, starting high in the ridges and dropping steadily through rhododendron thickets and hemlock groves before joining the Nottely River. Most anglers fish the 8 to 12 miles between Brasstown Valley Road and the Nottely confluence, where access is straightforward and the water holds fish year-round.

The upper creek, above Brasstown Valley Road, runs narrow and fast over bedrock and boulders—classic pocket water that rewards short, accurate casts with a dry fly or small nymph. The middle section, from Brasstown Valley Road down to where the creek enters a gorge, is wider and slower, with deeper pools and more room to wade. The lower section, below the gorge, is warmer and slower still, better suited to spinning gear and live bait for smallmouth than to fly fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • Brasstown Creek holds stocked rainbow trout in the upper section and native brook trout in the coldest tributaries, making spring and fall the most reliable seasons for fly fishing.
  • Access is easiest from Brasstown Valley Road, which parallels the creek for several miles and has pullouts where you can reach the water without crossing private land.
  • The creek is open year-round, but winter water is cold and flows are unpredictable; summer heat can push trout into the deepest pools and make midday fishing slow.
  • Smallmouth bass fishing improves as you move downstream and the water warms, particularly in the lower creek below the gorge where the current slows.

When to Fish Brasstown Creek

Spring, from March through May, is the most productive season. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, stocked trout are actively feeding, and the creek runs clear most days. Runoff from snowmelt and rain can muddy the water for a few days at a time, but the creek clears quickly because it drains a relatively small watershed. Fish the morning and evening when light is low; midday fishing is slower but still possible in the deeper pools.

Fall, from September through November, is nearly as good as spring. Water cools back into the 50s and 60s, trout feed heavily before winter, and the creek runs clear most of the time. October is often the best month—water is cool, flows are stable, and the crowds thin out after Labor Day. Winter fishing is possible but difficult: water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, flows become erratic after heavy rain, and trout move into the deepest pools and barely feed.

Summer is the slowest season. By July, water temperatures in the lower and middle creek can reach the high 60s or low 70s, pushing trout into the coldest water they can find—usually the deepest pools in the upper creek or the mouths of cold tributaries. Fish early in the morning before the sun warms the water, or focus on smallmouth bass in the lower creek where the water is warmer and the fishing is more consistent.

Gear and Tackle for Brasstown Creek

For fly fishing the upper creek, a 7 to 8-foot rod in 4 or 5-weight is standard. The creek is narrow enough that you rarely need to cast more than 30 feet, and the pocket water rewards accuracy over distance. Use a floating line and a 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. Small dry flies—size 14 to 18—work well in spring and fall when the water is cool; switch to small nymphs (size 14 to 16) in summer or when the water is high and off-color.

For spinning gear, a 5.5 to 6-foot light rod with 4 to 6-pound monofilament or braided line is ideal. Small spinners (size 1 or 2), spoons, and soft plastics all work. Live bait—small shiners or hellgrammites—is effective in the lower creek for smallmouth bass, particularly in summer when the water is warmer.

Wading is essential on Brasstown Creek. The streambed is rocky and uneven, and the current can be swift in the middle section. Felt-soled waders or wading boots with good grip are necessary; rubber soles will slip on the wet rocks. A wading staff is useful in the deeper pools and faster current. The water is cold year-round, so neoprene waders are more comfortable than breathable ones in spring and fall.

Access Points and Where to Fish

Brasstown Valley Road (Forest Service Road 69) parallels the creek for about 6 miles and provides the easiest access. There are several pullouts along the road where you can park and walk down to the water. The most popular access is near the Brasstown Valley Scenic Area, where a short trail leads to the creek. This area is heavily fished, especially on weekends, so consider arriving early or fishing on weekdays if you want solitude.

The upper creek, above Brasstown Valley Road, is narrower and holds more native brook trout. Access here requires permission from private landowners or a longer hike from the Scenic Area. The middle section, from Brasstown Valley Road down to the gorge, is the most productive for fly fishing and is accessible from several pullouts along the road. The lower section, below the gorge, is warmer and slower, better for spinning gear and smallmouth bass.

The creek is on national forest land for much of its length, but private land borders the stream in places. Stay on the creek itself or on clearly marked trails; do not cross fences or walk through private property without permission. The Brasstown Valley Scenic Area has a small parking area and a picnic table, making it a good base for a half-day or full-day trip.

Regulations and Restrictions

Brasstown Creek is open year-round to fishing. Georgia's general trout regulations apply: a daily limit of five trout, with no size restriction on native brook trout and a 12-inch minimum on rainbow and brown trout. Fly fishing only is not required on Brasstown Creek, so spinning gear and live bait are legal throughout the stream. Check the current Georgia fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change.

A Georgia fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. A trout stamp is not required on Brasstown Creek because it is not a designated trout stream in the same way that some other North Georgia creeks are. However, if you plan to fish multiple streams in the area, a trout stamp is inexpensive and covers you statewide.

What to Expect: Fish Species and Behavior

Rainbow trout are the most common fish in the upper creek, stocked regularly by Georgia's wildlife division. They are aggressive feeders and will take dry flies, nymphs, and small spinners readily. Stocked rainbows tend to hold in the deeper pools and behind large rocks where the current is broken. Native brook trout are smaller and more wary; they prefer the coldest water, usually in the upper tributaries and the deepest pools. Brook trout will take small dry flies and nymphs but require a more delicate presentation than rainbows.

Smallmouth bass move into the lower creek as the water warms and the current slows. They are most active in summer and fall, when water temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. Smallmouth will take small spinners, soft plastics, and live bait. They tend to hold near structure—fallen trees, undercut banks, and large rocks—and will chase a fleeing baitfish aggressively.

Hellgrammites, the aquatic larvae of dobsonflies, are abundant in Brasstown Creek and are a natural food source for trout and bass. If you flip rocks in the shallows, you will likely find them. They are excellent live bait for bass and can also be used as nymphs in fly fishing.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Brasstown Creek is crowded or the fishing is slow, several other streams are within 30 minutes. Nottely River, which Brasstown Creek joins, is larger and holds more smallmouth bass. Trackrock Creek, a tributary of the Nottely, is smaller and colder, with good populations of native brook trout. Blood Mountain Creek, on the other side of Blairsville, is another option for fly fishing and has less pressure than Brasstown Creek on weekends.

Lake Nottely, formed by a dam on the Nottely River, is about 10 miles south and offers largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. It is a good alternative if you want to fish from a boat or if the creeks are too high or too low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brasstown Creek good for beginners?

Yes, the middle section from Brasstown Valley Road is forgiving for new fly fishers. The water is not too fast, the fish are not extremely selective, and there is room to practice your cast. Start with a dry fly or a simple nymph rig and focus on the deeper pools where trout hold. The spinning gear option is even easier if you are not comfortable with a fly rod yet.

Can I fish Brasstown Creek in winter?

You can, but it is difficult. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, trout move into the deepest pools and feed rarely, and flows become unpredictable after rain. If you do fish in winter, focus on the deepest pools in the upper creek and use small nymphs fished slowly. Dress warmly and be aware that wading in cold water is tiring and can be dangerous.

What is the best time of day to fish Brasstown Creek?

Early morning and late evening are most productive, especially in spring and fall. Trout feed more actively when light is low. In summer, fish early in the morning before the sun warms the water, or switch to smallmouth bass in the lower creek where the fishing is more consistent throughout the day.

Do I need a guide to fish Brasstown Creek?

No, the creek is straightforward to fish on your own. Access is easy, the water is not dangerous, and the fish are not extremely selective. A guide can help you learn the stream faster and show you productive spots, but it is not necessary. Arrive early to scout the water and talk to other anglers about what is working.

What should I bring besides my rod and reel?

Bring waders, wading boots, and a wading staff. Pack a small backpack with extra tippet, a few fly patterns or spinners, sunscreen, and water. The upper creek has no shade in places, so a hat is useful. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish into the evening. The parking areas have no facilities, so plan accordingly.