What You'll Find Below Buford Dam

Buford Dam creates Lake Lanier, and the tailwater below it—roughly 40 miles of the Chattahoochee River down to the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area—holds some of Georgia's most consistent trout water. The dam releases cold water year-round, keeping temperatures in the 50s and 60s even in summer, which means you can fish productive hours during heat that would shut down other Georgia rivers.

The river below the dam splits into two distinct sections. The upper tailwater, from the dam down to Morgan Falls, runs narrow and fast with heavy current and rocky structure. The lower tailwater, from Morgan Falls to the recreation area boundary, widens and slows, with more pools and easier wading. Both sections hold rainbow and brown trout, but they fish differently and require different approaches.

Key Takeaways

  • The upper tailwater below Buford Dam runs cold and fast year-round, making it productive even in summer when other Georgia rivers are too warm.
  • Water releases from the dam change daily based on power generation, so check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website before you go to avoid being caught by rising water.
  • The upper section fishes best with small nymphs and streamers in the fast current; the lower section responds to dry flies and larger nymphs in slower pools.
  • Most of the river is open to public access, but you need a Georgia fishing license and must follow trout regulations that vary by section.

Understanding Water Releases and Timing

The dam operates for hydroelectric power generation, which means water levels and current speed change throughout the day. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes real-time release schedules on their website—search for "Buford Dam water release schedule." Releases typically happen in the morning and afternoon, and they can raise the water level by several feet in minutes. A river that was wadeable at dawn can become dangerous by mid-morning.

Check the release schedule before you leave home. If you see a large release scheduled for the time you plan to fish, either adjust your timing or plan to fish the lower tailwater, which is less affected by sudden rises. Many local anglers fish early morning before the first release or late afternoon after releases have stopped. During winter, releases tend to be smaller and more predictable; in summer, they can be larger and more frequent.

Tackle and Techniques for the Upper Tailwater

The upper section—from the dam down to Morgan Falls—demands small, heavy flies that sink fast and stay in the strike zone despite the current. Nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 work year-round: Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and Copper Johns are reliable choices. Add split shot or use a weighted nymph to get down quickly. The current is strong enough that you don't need much weight, but you do need to keep the fly near the bottom where trout hold.

Streamers also produce, especially early and late in the day. Small black or olive streamers in sizes 8 to 12, fished on a dead drift or with a slow strip, will draw strikes from larger browns. Use a 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. The water is clear, so fine tippet matters, but the current and rocky bottom mean you'll lose flies regularly—tie on fresh ones often and don't use your best patterns here.

Wade carefully in the upper section. The rocks are slick, the current is powerful, and the bottom drops off suddenly in places. A wading staff is not optional. Fish the seams where fast water meets slower water, the inside bends of the river, and the pockets behind large rocks. Trout in fast water don't move far to eat, so cast close and be ready to set the hook immediately.

Lower Tailwater Fishing and Access

Below Morgan Falls, the river widens and slows, and the fishing changes. Dry fly fishing becomes viable here, especially in spring and fall. Mayfly hatches occur regularly—look for Hendricksons in April and May, and smaller olives in fall. Fish small dry flies (sizes 16 to 20) in the slower pools and along the banks where trout rise to feed.

The lower section also holds more larger trout because the slower water requires less energy to hold position. Bigger nymphs (sizes 12 to 16) and larger streamers work well. You can cover more water here because the current is gentler, so you can use longer casts and fish more methodically downstream.

Public access to the lower tailwater is available at several points. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has parking and river access at Vickery Creek, Johnson Ferry, and Powers Island. These areas have facilities and are well-maintained. Arrive early on weekends—parking fills up. You can also access the river at several points along Azalea Drive in Atlanta, though parking is limited and street parking rules apply.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a valid Georgia fishing license to fish the Chattahoochee below Buford Dam. You can purchase a license online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or at most sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting.

Trout regulations vary by section. The upper tailwater (from the dam to Morgan Falls) is designated as a special trout water with a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily creel limit of five trout. The lower tailwater has different regulations—check the current Georgia fishing regulations before you go, as they change. Some sections are catch-and-release only during certain seasons. The regulations are printed in the Georgia fishing guide, available free online.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (March through May) brings consistent hatches and active trout. Water temperatures are cool, and the dam releases are usually moderate. This is the most predictable time to fish and the best season for dry fly fishing.

Summer (June through August) is when the tailwater's cold water becomes an advantage. While other Georgia rivers are too warm, the Chattahoochee stays fishable. Releases tend to be larger and more frequent because of air conditioning demand. Fish early morning or late afternoon, and focus on the deeper pools and faster current where water is coldest.

Fall (September through November) offers excellent fishing as water temperatures drop and trout become more active. Releases often decrease, making the river more stable. This is a good time for both nymphs and dry flies.

Winter (December through February) is productive but cold. Releases are usually smaller, and the water is clearest. Nymphs and small streamers work well. Dress warmly and be aware that wet wading is not comfortable—bring neoprene.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The biggest mistake is not checking the water release schedule. Anglers get caught by rising water every year, sometimes dangerously. Check before you leave home, and check again when you arrive at the river. If you see the water rising, get out immediately—the current becomes too strong to wade safely.

The second mistake is using flies that are too large or too light. The current is fast, and trout in fast water eat small food. A size 12 fly will catch fewer fish than a size 16, and an unweighted fly will drift too high to be effective. Go smaller and heavier than you think you need.

The third mistake is fishing the same spot for too long. In fast water, trout don't move far to eat. If you don't get a strike in three or four casts, move downstream. Cover water efficiently rather than working one pool to death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Chattahoochee year-round?

Yes. The tailwater below Buford Dam is open to fishing year-round, and trout are present all 12 months. Winter fishing is productive but cold. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons.

Do I need a guide to fish here?

No, but a guide can save you time learning the water and current patterns. Many local guides fish the Chattahoochee regularly and know where trout hold at different water levels. If you're new to the river, a half-day guide trip is worth the cost.

What's the difference between fishing above and below Morgan Falls?

Above Morgan Falls (upper tailwater), the water is fast and narrow, and you fish small nymphs and streamers in heavy current. Below Morgan Falls (lower tailwater), the water is slower and wider, and you can fish dry flies and larger nymphs. The lower section is easier to wade and more forgiving for beginners.

How do I know if the water is safe to wade?

Check the release schedule before you go. If a large release is scheduled, either fish the lower tailwater or wait until after releases stop. When you arrive, wade slowly and use a wading staff. If the water is rising or the current feels too strong, get out. Trust your instinct—if it feels dangerous, it probably is.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning before the first water release and late afternoon after releases stop are safest and often most productive. During summer, fish early morning when water is coldest. During spring and fall, midday can be good if hatches are happening. Avoid fishing during scheduled releases.