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How long is the chattooga trail?
The Chattooga River Trail runs from US 76 Bridge north to Ellicott Rock. I guess about 40 miles. Parts share the pathway with the Bartram and Foothills trails.
I am thinking about a looong backpacking and fly fishing trip of about a week and a half. I am thinking this might be a good place.
Lots of great scenic flyfishing waters along the trail Snowshoe, but I would check when they stock it as it's my initial impression there isn't an abundance of holdover fish. My first suggestion would be to check out the NC and/or SC Fish and Game stocking dates along the Chatooga.
ohhh thanks for the insight dogwood. I didnt know it was a stocked waters area. I have the number for n.c. game and fish. i will give them a call.
brian2o0o
07-07-2009, 01:19
You probably already know this, but the area above hwy 28 bridge is off limits to boaters. Below hwy 28 you will probably run into quite a few kayakers and rafters since the water level is up. Nice trail though, there are a couple hotspots (Earl's Ford, Burrell's Ford) for weekend car campers along the way, but you should find plenty of space between to not be bothered.
MintakaCat
07-07-2009, 06:18
There is also a trail that runs along side the Chattooga in North Carolina that will follow it up to close to Cashiers. It's called the Chattooga Cliffs trail. I was thinking about following it this winter.
http://www.highlandhiker.com/Chattooga_River_Head.html
mister krabs
07-07-2009, 08:55
The chattooga river trail doesn't actually spend much time along the chattooga river. It is a really nice trail though. The parts where it is near the river are pretty heavily fished because of good road access. Consider the foothills trail that starts on the SC side of the river and heads up to lake jocassee. Lots of good fly fishing along the horsepasture and thompson river. Good fishing at the outlets of the rivers on the lake as well. Another good choice might be the Jacks and Conasauga rivers in the Cohutta wilderness.
The Foothills Trail crosses/passes fishy water a number of times. That would be a good choice to carry a flyrod on.
ohhh thanks for the insight dogwood. I didnt know it was a stocked waters area. I have the number for n.c. game and fish. i will give them a call.
I believe the fish hatchery is on the S.C. side.
I have been talking to a couple of guys and they said they thought that it was a prettier hike on the N.C. side but the fishing was better on the S.C. side. I am still talking to a couple people at local flyshops. They are saying a fall trip would be the best. Leaves changing colors and the fishing would be better. But that time is when the browns are spawning here so its a tuff choice. HAHA such delimas HUGH?!?!:)
Nearly Normal
07-07-2009, 15:09
Get the guide and map at FTC or Oconee State Park. It will cover some of the river section.
From Simm's Field up to Eliccott's Rock is very scenic, mostly right along the river. About 8 miles of it.
There is limited legal camping between Simm's and Burrell's Ford.
Lot's of camping at Simm's and Burrells and above Burrell's to the Bad Creek crossing.
With the Wild and Scenic designation you must be a 1/4 mile from any road access and 50 ft from the river and trail.
From Highway 28 upstream 2 miles there is a delayed harvest season with special tackle.
From Burrell's Ford upstream it's wild fish only.
PM me for accesses and detailed info. I hike and fish up there a couple of times a year.
Suggest you go during the week if you want the place to yourself.
SC and GA honor eachs fishing license. Above Ellicott Rock is NC and they don't. SC license (temp) is cheap, NC is not.
SC daily limit for Chattooga is 8 for most of the river.
Browns, rainbows, Brookies, chubs, warstripes most common.
Water temp and level are important.
Nearly Normal
07-07-2009, 15:23
The parts where it is near the river are pretty heavily fished because of good road access.
Only 2 uncontrolled road accesses in the Wild and Scenic designated area in SC. Highway 28 and Burrell's Ford road bridge.
Nicholson's and Big Bend are 40-60 min. hike to the river.
State Fish Hatchery is 90 min hike.
Fork Mountain Trail is 3-4 hour hike.
mister krabs
07-07-2009, 17:05
Only 2 uncontrolled road accesses in the Wild and Scenic designated area in SC. Highway 28 and Burrell's Ford road bridge.
Nicholson's and Big Bend are 40-60 min. hike to the river.
State Fish Hatchery is 90 min hike.
Fork Mountain Trail is 3-4 hour hike.
Quite a few forest roads in there as well, and a horse camp with trails near willis knob. Darn horses have torn up everything south of 28. At least the "fine equestrians" clear the blowdowns. Most of the trail south of 28 seemed pretty accessible to me, at least in comparison to the foothills trail. North of 28 it does get more remote, but even then it's interrupted by burrell's ford.
Let me know if you make it I can get you some backup if needed.
And everything's preetier on the N.C. side of life, except for Jocassee that is, and then there's not much anywhere to compare.
deadhorsejoe
07-14-2009, 23:35
Did part of the Chattooga river trail this past weekend. Took Fork Mountain trail down to Ellicote rock and camped there Friday night. Chattooga river trail down to the big rock wall for Saturday night and then down to Lick log and the Foothills trail to Oconee State Park on Sunday. Great hike. Was moderately hot and humid but a good soak in the river on Friday and Saturday late afternoon helped a lot. Highly recommend. We did not fish but saw many fisherman over the weekend. Burrells Ford was crowded with fishermen on Saturday.
MikenSalem
07-15-2009, 00:32
I grew up a mile from Oconee ST. Park! Deer season starts Oct 1'st for two weeks then it's two weeks of bear hunting then back to deer till January. Burrels Ford has a reputation since I was a child for people getting accidentally shot, it's sadly - still going on. DO wear orange and don't be on the trail first or last light. Fishing anytime should be okay the hunters tolerate fishermen. If you go up Foothills Trail some of those NC streams are protected. GA honors only SC licenses when fishing in border waters. Low water bridge road (off 28) has about a mile of road within 20 yard of the river, might be a plastic fish in there.