Still and Tumbling Waters in DAWSONVILLE,

Pack up your fishing gear and head down to the southernmost terminus of the foothills of Northern Georgia to discover luscious streams and bountiful lakes. Dawson County has everything an angler needs for the fishing trip of a lifetime!

Lake Lanier

Whether you prefer your bass spotted or striped, you’ll never have to worry about catching one on Lake Sidney Lanier. Referred to by locals and anglers as simply “Lake Lanier”, it shares around 50 miles-worth of shoreline with the southeastern border of Dawson County. This 38,000-acre lake is great for fishing, boating, and camping, and is home to 16 species of game fish like largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and striped bass. The lake has also gained a reputation for its intense spotted bass fishing!

Over 76 recreational areas have been developed around the lake which include public parks, boat launches, hiking and biking trails, and access to activities like horseback riding and watersports.

Toto Creek Park, in Dawsonville, offers a serene fishing and rustic camping adventure for all family members to enjoy. If you prefer to stay close to town, Thompson Creek Park is just a short fiveminute drive from Dawsonville and provides plenty of boat ramps, and quiet fishing and picnicking spots along the banks.

Amicalola Creek, Etowah River, and Chestatee River

Journey to the northern corner of the county to catch some trout and experience roaring waters. Derived from the Cherokee word for “tumbling water,” Amicalola Creek is a large, river-like body of water that flows southward from the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Etowah River. Thanks to its miles of long pools, deep pockets, fast riffles, and wadable waters, you will never run out of excellent fly fishing spots. From nymphs to midges, any fly you choose will get the trout biting!

Swap out your fly fishing gear with heavier rods and larger flies on the Etowah River. With over 75 native fish species like redeye bass, spotted bass, and bream, there is something for every angler. Be sure to stop by Georgia’s tallest cascading waterfall in nearby Amicalola Falls State Park for a thrilling encounter of the region’s tumbling water, or take the approach trail to the southernmost end of the Appalachian Trail!

The Chestatee River is a 32.76-mile-long river that feeds into Lake Lanier and offers access to several tributaries and small creeks. This means that striped bass often swim out of Lake Lanier into the River, which presents unique opportunities to reel in large fish in relatively small waters! Fly fishing the small tributaries and creeks in the upper Chestatee is also popular, but be cautious of rules and fishing regulations, as some areas are privately owned.

Après-Fish

Home to the North Georgia Premium Outlets, outdoor-focused shopping is easy in Dawsonville. Stores like Orvis, Columbia, Eddie Bauer, and The North Face are sure to satisfy your spending needs. Five miles from Downtown Dawsonville, you can test your skills at the world’s most unique kart racing track, Atlanta Motorsports Park, with karts reaching speeds of 55+ miles per hour! If you prefer to stay outside, check out Dawsonville’s premier sport shooting facility, Etowah Valley Sporting Clays, which offers clays, skeet, trap, and five-stand, and provides onsite rentals and lessons. From fishing to shooting, Dawson County is a true Sportsman’s playground.

DestinationDawsonville.com

Hop on a boat and relax. Due to their vastness, both Amicalola Creek and Etowah River are also spectacular spots for kayaking and canoeing.