Unicoi Outfitters, GA

Unicoi Outfitters opened in 1994 on the banks of the Chattahoochee River outside the quaint Alpine village of Helen, Georgia. Since those days of erratic operating schedules because staff members decided to go fishing rather than open the shop, we have grown into a fully-stocked shop that carries all the best in fly-fishing gear and is open every day of the year except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our goal is to help you have the best angling experience possible when you hit the water. The experienced staff in our shop will guide you in selecting the most appropriate rod, reel, line, flies, and accessories to improve your odds for a successful trip regardless of whether you are joining us on a guided trip or fishing solo. We’ll even give you a map showing you the best places to fish and tell you how to fish them.

We stock fishing kayaks, the largest selection of coldwater and warmwater flies in the region, an extensive inventory of fly tying materials, vises and tying tools, technical fishing apparel, boots, waders, and quality polarized eyewear. We think you’ll find Unicoi Outfitters to be the most well-stocked small fly shop you’ve ever visited. And if we don’t have what you’re looking for, we’ll order it and have it shipped directly to you.

Gear Recommendations:

For trophy trout, a minimum 5 wt. outfit is required. 7 wt. recommended for shoal bass and 8 or 9 wt. for stripers.

Chest waders are recommended for wading trips.

What to Bring:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Georgia fishing license and trout license if fishing in trout streams (may be purchased online or at the shop)
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Water

Season:

• October-June: Trophy trout fishing on private waters
• October-June: Public water fishing for wild and stocked trout
• November-May: Lake and river fishing for striped bass
• April-November: River fishing for shoal bass

Species:

Rainbow, brown and brook trout on private trophy water, stocked, and wild fish on public streams. Shoal bass in the Chattahoochee River. Landlocked striped bass and spotted bass in Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River

Region/Terrain:

Fishing with Unicoi Outfitters typically involves southern Appalachian mountain and foothills streams with moderately-easy access to all but the most remote wild trout destinations. Some hiking along developed trails may be necessary when accessing the Chattooga River or on walk-in wade trips for shoal bass. All of our private trophy trout streams offer very convenient access with very little hiking.

Typical Weather:

• FALL: Average high temperature between 61-79 degrees F; average low 36-56.
• WINTER: Average high 50-54; average low 27-29.
• SPRING: Average high 62-77; average low 35-50.
• SUMMER: Average high 83-86; average low 59-63.

Average rainfall is 4-6 inches per month, with the fall being slightly drier.

Guided fishing starts at $230 per half-day.
Complete pricing information is available at www.unicoioutfitters.com/rates

What is Provided:

Guided fishing includes rod, reel, waders, and flies.
Clients are welcome to bring their own gear.

Do you take children on fly fishing trips?

We find that children 10 and over can have a great time fishing with us.

Can you handle group outings?

We feel we can provide a great experience to groups of 10 or less and regularly host small corporate groups.

Do we have to provide our own gear?

Unicoi Outfitters welcomes you to bring your own gear if you like. If you would prefer, we can provide you with appropriate Orvis gear at no additional charge on our guided trips. Flies, waders and boots are all part of the package. Just bring your hat and sunglasses and we're ready to go!

Is it all fly fishing or do you offer any conventional gear fishing opportunities?

All our trout fishing trips are fly fishing only. We do offer both shoal bass and striper trips using conventional spinning tackle.

What if I've never fly fished before?

Unicoi Outfitters prides itself on teaching newcomers to the sport, and we have a special introduction to fly fishing called the Gilligan Special'it's the three hour tour that leads to a lifetime of adventure!

Additional Activities:

Northeast Georgia is a tremendous region of historical significance in the development of our country. The evidence of Pre-Columbian Native Americans communities is found all along the rivers we fish. Our area was home to the Cherokee until gold was discovered on Dukes Creek and thus began the tragedy of the Trail of Tears.

The influx of Europeans to north Georgia was marked by severe mining and logging to the point of decimation of the mountains and the streams during the 1800s. Thankfully, Mother Nature is resilient and today you can only find remnants of these activities hidden among the almost 900,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest. These days it's whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River, hiking into the depths of Tallulah Gorge or climbing to the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. The Appalachian Trail begins on Springer Mountain just a little over an hour west of our shop. If you're looking for an adventure for the day, there are numerous waterfall hikes and mountain bike trails in the area.

If entertainment is your goal, the Alpine village of Helen, GA straddles the Chattahoochee River and provides many of the family activities found in and around amusement parks.