Local Fly Fishing Locations
The "big three" river systems in the Upstate are the Chattooga, Chauga, and Saluda rivers, each offering distinct experiences.
Chattooga River: A National Wild and Scenic River. The Ellicott Rock Wilderness area is renowned for wild trout, accessible via hiking trails from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery.
Middle Saluda River: Located within Jones Gap State Park, it features a "catch and release, artificial lures only" section with aggressive wild rainbow trout. It is one of the most pristine small-stream trout fisheries in the region.
Chauga River: Often described as a "hidden gem," it offers a more remote, lightly pressured setting for brown and rainbow trout.
Eastatoe River: Runs through the rugged Jocassee Gorges. The Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve provides access to headwaters with wild trout populations.
Lake Jocassee: A deep mountain reservoir that holds record-breaking brown and rainbow trout. Its four main tributary streams are also excellent for fly fishing.
If you’re getting into fly fishing or maybe you just moved to the area, here are two local fly fishing spots to start out with…
Middle Saluda River
Located approximately 25 miles northwest of Greenville, this is the state's first designated scenic river. It offers prime fly fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout within a mountain gorge. Access is available via the
Jones Gap Trail which follows the river for over five miles. The section within Jones Gap State Park is managed as year-round catch-and-release and requires barbless hooks and artificial lures/flies only.
Picnicking, hiking, camping, trout fishing, backpacking and nature study are some of the activities enjoyed at Jones Gap. An environmental learning center offers nature exhibits, a meeting/assembly area and is also the site of the park office. Portions of the old Cleveland Fish Hatchery have been restored and are stocked with trout. Jones Gap State Park is located 25 miles northwest of Greenville off U.S. 276. Park hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 7 days a week.
Jones Gap State Park
303 Jones Gap Road
Marietta, SC 29661
(864) 836-3647
Local River & Steam Conditions
South Carolina DNR Stocking Schedules
North Carolina Stocking Schedules
USGS Water Flow Data
Chattooga River at Burrells Ford (near Pine Mt., GA)
Chattooga River Near Clayton, Ga (Hwy 28 bridge)
South Saluda River
Green River Release Schedule
Davidson River
Hwy 28 Bridge
The Hwy 28 Bridge, also known as the Russell Bridge, is a primary access point for the Chattooga River at the South Carolina and Georgia state line. It serves as the lower boundary for the Delayed Harvest (DH) section, which runs approximately 2.3 miles upstream to the confluence of Reed Creek. There are two main parking areas near the bridge for anglers, but many anglers prefer parking on the SC side and walking through the fields to reach higher sections of the river more easily. South Carolina Side (Ridley Fields is located about a "football field" east of the bridge. From this lot, you can access the Chattooga River Trail, which leads upstream into the DH section.
Driving Directions
The bridge is located on SC-28 / GA-28.
From Walhalla, SC: Drive west on SC-28 through Mountain Rest. The bridge is approximately 13 miles from Walhalla at the state line.
From Clayton, GA: Follow Warwoman Road east for roughly 14 miles. Turn right (south) onto GA-28 and continue for approximately 3 miles to reach the bridge.
Fishing Regulations
Delayed Harvest (Nov 1 – May 14): This section is strictly catch-and-release during these months. You must use single-hook artificial lures or flies only.
Licensing: Because the river is a border water, a valid freshwater fishing license from either South Carolina or Georgia is recognized for fishing from the banks or while wading.
Registration: Visitors are often required to fill out a self-registration permit at the Forest Service stations located at the access points.
For real-time river conditions and hatch reports, you can stop by the Chattooga River Fly Shop in Mountain Rest, which is located just a few miles from the bridge.
