Soque River

The Soque River: A Premier Trophy Trout Destination

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Habersham County, Georgia, the Soque River is renowned for its exceptional trout fishing opportunities, particularly for those seeking trophy trout. This river, primarily composed of privately owned trout waters, offers exclusive access to some of the most productive fishing spots in the region. At Cross Rivers, we provide unparalleled fishing experiences, ensuring you have the river to yourself with the guidance of our expert anglers. If you’re in search of the trout of your lifetime, the Soque River is your ultimate destination.

Fly Fishing on the Soque River

The Soque River is famous for its healthy populations of trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout. The river’s managed waters and strategic stocking practices create ideal conditions for growing large, vigorous fish. Anglers visiting the Soque can expect an exhilarating fly fishing experience, with the potential to catch true monster trout.

Best Times to Fish the Soque

Fishing on the Soque River is productive throughout the year, but certain times offer peak conditions for landing trophy trout:

Spring: This season is prime for fishing, with the warming waters making trout more active. Spring hatches of mayflies and caddisflies offer excellent dry fly fishing opportunities.

Summer: During the hotter months, early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish. The cooler water temperatures in the shaded sections of the river provide ideal conditions for trout.


Fall: Autumn is an exceptional time for fishing, with trout feeding aggressively in preparation for winter. The stunning fall foliage adds to the scenic beauty of the river.


Winter: While challenging, winter fishing can be highly rewarding on the Soque. Using nymphs and streamers during this time is effective as trout remain active in the colder water.

soque river

Access and Guided Trips

Since the Soque River is primarily privately owned, gaining access to these prime fishing spots often requires permission or a guide. At Cross Rivers, we offer exclusive access to some of the best water on the river through our network of relationships with local landowners. Our guided trips ensure that you can fish these productive waters without the crowds, providing a more personalized and successful fishing experience.

Public Section of the Soque River

While much of the Soque River is privately owned, there are also public sections that offer great fly fishing opportunities. The public section of the Soque provides anglers with the chance to experience the river’s beauty and productive fishing without the need for private access.

Public Access Points

Jackson Bridge: Located just north of Batesville on Highway 197, this section of the river is open to the public and offers several parking pull-offs along the road. This area is ideal for anglers looking for accessible and productive fishing spots without the need for private access.

Fly Fishing Techniques for the Soque River

To maximize your success on the Soque River, it’s essential to use the right techniques and flies. Here are some tips and recommendations:

Dry Fly Fishing

Dry fly fishing is particularly effective during spring and early summer when insect hatches are abundant. Some recommended dry flies include:
Elk Hair Caddis: Perfect for imitating the prolific caddisfly hatches on the Soque.
Parachute Adams: A versatile and reliable choice for various mayfly hatches.
Stimulator: Effective for stonefly hatches and works well as an attractor pattern.
Blue Winged Olive: Particularly useful during spring and fall mayfly hatches.

Nymph Fishing

Nymph fishing is a year-round technique that can be particularly effective when fish are not rising to the surface. Consider using:
Pheasant Tail Nymph: An all-purpose nymph that mimics a wide range of aquatic insects.
Hare’s Ear Nymph: Another versatile pattern that is effective in various water conditions.
Copper John: A great choice for getting deep quickly, especially in fast water.
Prince Nymph: Known for its effectiveness in both fast and slow-moving waters.

Streamer Fishing

Streamers are excellent for targeting larger trout, especially in deeper pools and near structure. Effective streamers include:
Woolly Bugger: A must-have fly that can mimic baitfish, leeches, or other prey.
Muddler Minnow: Ideal for imitating sculpins and other small fish.
Zonkers: Great for covering large areas and attracting aggressive strikes.
Clouser Minnow: Particularly useful for imitating baitfish in deeper runs.

Terrestrials

During the late summer and early fall, terrestrial patterns can be highly effective. Recommended patterns include:
Hopper Patterns: Grasshoppers are abundant in the summer and attract big strikes.
Ant Patterns: Imitate the various ants that fall into the river, particularly effective on warm days.
Beetle Patterns: Another great terrestrial option that can entice trout in the late summer.

soque river

Conservation and Etiquette

Respecting the environment and the landowners property, and practicing good fishing etiquette are crucial to preserving the Soque River for future generations. Here are some guidelines to follow for both our Private Water and Public Water sections:


Catch and Release: Practice catch and release to help maintain healthy fish populations. Use barbless hooks to minimize harm to the fish.


Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash and respect private property along the river. Avoid trampling vegetation and be mindful of the natural habitat.


Respect Other Anglers: Give fellow anglers plenty of space and avoid crowding popular spots. Politeness and patience go a long way in creating a positive fishing community.

 

Experience the Soque River: Book Your Guided Fly Fishing Trip Now

Ready to explore the rich waters of the Soque River? Our expert guides are here to offer you an unforgettable fly fishing adventure tailored to your skill level and preferences. Book your guided fly fishing trip today and discover why this river is a favorite among anglers.

 

Why Choose Us?

Our guided fly fishing service on the Soque River provides:

  • Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable guides ensure you have the best chance of landing a trophy trout.
  • Exclusive Access: Enjoy fishing in some of the best private waters with exclusive access.
  • Quality Gear: We provide high-quality fly fishing gear so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
  • Personalized Experience: Whether you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced angler, we tailor our trips to meet your needs.

*These trips need to be booked well in advance. Contact us ahead of time for rates and information and we can set up a perfect private water fishing trip for you!