Guide to Fishing the Coosa River

Fishing Tips

The Coosa River forms in Rome where the Oostanaula River Catfish are a favorite Coosa River quarry for many anglers. Blue meets the Etowah River. From there it flows 30 miles westward catfish are the most abundant with the biggest fish (some exceed 40 before entering Lake Weiss at the Georgia-Alabama state line. pounds) generally found in deep holes. Many trophy-fish anglers There are four public ramps available to provide boat access to the fish at night using large live fish as bait. Those less interested in river. Common fish species in the Coosa include: gar, carp, trophies can use traditional catfish baits such as worms, chicken smallmouth buffalo, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, livers and stink baits. Anglers fishing for catfish may catch a lake white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, redbreast sunfish, green sturgeon but they must be released unharmed immediately after sunfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted bass, largemouth bass, being caught. Lake sturgeons are being reintroduced by the DNR black crappie and freshwater drum. Anglers wishing to consume into the Coosa River system and cannot be harvested. Sturgeon can their catch should pay attention to the fish consumption guidelines be identified by its rounded snout, a toothless mouth on the bottom as described in the sport fishing regulations or at of its head, four “whiskers” in front of its mouth; bony plates on the www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/environ/. side of its body and its shark-like tail. Anglers can help this

reintroduction effort by reporting any sturgeon they see by calling √ Boating Check List the Calhoun Fisheries office at 706-624-1161. More information • Each person on board must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast on this reintroduction project can be found at www.gofishgeorgia.com Guard (USCG) approved Type I, II, III, or V (hybrid) Personal Floatation Device (life jacket) in good condition (no rips/tears). White bass and striped bass are a popular quarry in spring when Type V (hybrid) devices are acceptable only when worn and they leave Weiss Reservoir for their annual spawning run. securely fastened. Each vessel, except for Class A vessels, canoes, Although somewhat regulated by water temperature, water level and kayaks must be equipped with at least one type IV (throwable) and other factors, white bass generally begin their spawning run in device. All children under age 10 must wear an appropriately early March. Striped bass run somewhat later with mid April being sized USCG approved life jacket while on a moving boat, whether the peak spawning period. it is by drifting, sailing, or mechanical power. • Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are Bass, bream and crappie inhabit the river year round but fishing required to be equipped with a USCG approved fire extinguisher. is best in spring and fall. The backwater creeks near the state line • Carry your fishing license and boat registration with you. are favored locations by many bass and bream anglers. The Brushy Branch boat ramp is a great access point to pursue these species. • Check your boat’s trailer, navigation lights, and fuel before leaving home. Tips on using the map • Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, extra clothing, • The map is most useful if viewed in color. food, and drinking water. • Maps in this series (Coosa, Oostanaula, Etowah, Coosawattee • Be aware of, and abide by all fishing regulations. and Conasauga rivers) are of the same scale so they can be • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to pasted together if desired. return. • Actual water near Weiss Lake varies by lake level so the water indicated on map may not be accurate for all conditions. BE AN ETHICAL ANGLER! • River mile designations for the Coosa River represent the miles from the state line. For other rivers the mileage labels Ethical anglers fish responsibly, consider the rights of represent distance from each river’s mouth. others, portray a positive image, and help to protect and • Boaters can use a GPS and the following GPS coordinates to conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler, the estimate their position on the river. future depends on it. Ethi cal Angl ers: Mile Lat Lon Mile Lat Lon 0 34 11.990 85 26.680 16 N 34 14.720 W 85 19.900 # Know and obey the fishing # Report violations and 2 34 10.980 85 24.990 18 N 34 13.100 W 85 20.460 regulations. pollution. 4 34 11.560 85 23.390 20 N 34 12.980 W 85 18.570 6 34 12.040 85 24.160 22 N 34 12.380 W 85 16.770 # Keep only the fish they can # Do not litter! 8 34 12.820 85 25.980 24 N 34 12.050 W 85 14.740 use and release all others. # Dispose of fishing line 10 34 13.990 85 25.310 26 N 34 12.870 W 85 12.980 # Pass on the tradition by prope rly. 12 34 14.400 85 23.490 28 N 34 14.090 W 85 11.650 14 34 14.910 85 21.830 30 N 34 15.450 W 85 11.000 taking a child fishing. # Do not tresspass. # Leave a place cleaner than # Are courteous of others. Units are in degrees and decimal minutes it was found. # Lend a helping hand. # Do not transfer fish or plants between bodies of water.

For more fishing information visit the Georiga DNR website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (706) 624-1161. T.I.P (Turn in Poachers): To report game/fish law violations, fish kills, or hazardous spills: call (800) 241-4113 . GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES / WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION / FISHERIES SECTION 2070 U.S. HIIGHWAY 278 SE / SOCIAL CIRCLE, GEORGIA 30025 mu r ™ e h

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