Guide to Fishing the Lower Conasauga River

Fishing Tips

The Lower Conasauga River is that portion of the river running Bass and bream are popular quarry from the state line down to southward from the Tennessee/Georgia state line to the confluence near Dalton. This portion of stream is too small for travel by with the Coosawattee River near Calhoun. The river habitat motorboat but is popular for bank and float fishing. Redeye bass changes dramatically during this 62 miles run. The upper stretch are prevalent but spotted bass and largemouth bass are also found. is relatively clear and contains cool water species such as redeye Bream species include longear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, bass. The lower portion is not as clear and contains species more shadow bass (rock bass) and redear sunfish. typical of big river habitats. The only boat ramp is at Hwy 225 near the river’s mouth. Common fish species in this river include: Catfish and carp are found throughout the stream but are most carp, smallmouth buffalo, redhorse suckers, channel catfish, popular in the slower, murkier waters below Dalton. Channel redbreast sunfish, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, redeye catfish are the most prevalent species but blue catfish, flathead bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, black crappie and freshwater catfish and bullheads can also be found. Anglers fishing for drum. Anglers wishing to consume their catch should pay catfish may catch a lake sturgeon but they must be released attention to the fish consumption guidelines as described in the unharmed immediately after being caught. Lake sturgeons are sport fishing regulations or at www.dnr.state.ga.us/dnr/environ/. being reintroduced by the DNR into the Coosa River system and √ Boating Check List cannot be harvested. Sturgeon can be identified by its rounded • Each person on board must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast snout, a toothless mouth on the bottom of its head, four “whiskers” Guard (USCG) approved Type I, II, III, or V (hybrid) Personal in front of its mouth; bony plates on the side of its body and its Floatation Device (life jacket) in good condition (no rips/tears). shark-like tail. Anglers can help this reintroduction effort by Type V (hybrid) devices are acceptable only when worn and reporting any sturgeon they see by calling the Calhoun Fisheries securely fastened. Each vessel, except for Class A vessels, canoes, office at 706-624-1161. More information on this reintroduction and kayaks must be equipped with at least one type IV (throwable) project can be found at www.gofishgeorgia.com device. All children under age 10 must wear an appropriately sized USCG approved life jacket while on a moving boat, whether Some anglers have reported that good numbers of white bass can it is by drifting, sailing, or mechanical power. be found on the lower section along with a few striped bass during the March and April spawning runs. • Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USCG approved fire extinguisher. Tips on using the map • Carry your fishing license and boat registration with you. • The map is most useful if viewed in color. • Check your boat’s trailer, navigation lights, and fuel before • Maps in this series (Coosa, Oostanaula, Etowah, Coosawattee leaving home. and Conasauga rivers) are of the same scale so they can be • Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, extra clothing, pasted together if desired. • The mileage labels represent distance from the river’s mouth. food, and drinking water. • Be aware of, and abide by all fishing regulations. • Boaters can use a GPS and the following GPS coordinates to estimate their position on the river. • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Mile Lat Lon Mile Lat Lon 0 N 34 32.598 W 84 54.158 32 N 34 44.535 W 84 51.074 BE AN ETHICAL ANGLER! 2 N 34 34.281 W 84 54.021 34 N 34 45.336 W 84 52.061 4 N 34 35.394 W 84 55.150 36 N 34 46.708 W 84 52.735 6 N 34 36.115 W 84 56.523 38 N 34 47.220 W 84 51.748 Ethical anglers fish responsibly, consider the rights of 8 N 34 37.176 W 84 55.516 40 N 34 48.093 W 84 50.359 others, portray a positive image, and help to protect and 10 N 34 38.396 W 84 54.802 42 N 34 48.879 W 84 51.707 12 N 34 39.877 W 84 55.616 44 N 34 50.081 W 84 51.067 conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler, the 14 N 34 40.701 W 84 56.377 46 N 34 51.196 W 84 50.649 future depends on it. 16 N 34 40.742 W 84 54.532 48 N 34 51.603 W 84 49.768 18 N 34 40.155 W 84 53.289 50 N 34 52.756 W 84 49.379 Ethi cal Angl ers: 20 N 34 41.352 W 84 54.370 52 N 34 53.923 W 84 49.649 22 N 34 42.387 W 84 56.008 54 N 34 55.020 W 84 50.472 # Know and obey the fishing # Report violations and 24 N 34 42.670 W 84 54.551 56 N 34 55.918 W 84 49.504 regulations. pollution. 26 N 34 42.882 W 84 52.982 58 N 34 56.467 W 84 48.308 28 N 34 43.085 W 84 51.519 60 N 34 57.180 W 84 47.236 # Keep only the fish they can # Do not litter! 30 N 34 44.236 W 84 52.283 62 N 34 58.408 W 84 46.947 use and release all others. # Dispose of fishing line Units are in degrees and decimal minutes # Pass on the tradition by prope rly. taking a child fishing. # Do not tresspass. # Leave a place cleaner than # Are courteous of others. 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 „x

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