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Steelhead

Steelhead

Steelhead in Georgia are actually Rainbow Trout that spend time in large reservoirs before migrating to rivers, creating a behavior pattern similar to true anadromous steelhead.

While Georgia doesn't have native steelhead runs like Pacific Coast states, large rainbow trout in systems like Lake Blue Ridge and the upper Toccoa River exhibit steelhead-like characteristics.

Also known as Georgia steelhead, steelhead-type rainbows, lake-run rainbows

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish can reach impressive sizes of 4-7 pounds, with some specimens reaching 20 inches and displaying the bright silver coloration typical of lake-run rainbows.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Large reservoirs and connected river systems in North Georgia mountains.

Key Locations

  • Lake Blue Ridge, upper Toccoa River system, delayed harvest section from Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area to Shallowford Bridge Road, North Georgia mountains, Highway 76, town of Blue Ridge.

Specific Spots

  • In rivers, fish typically hold in deeper pools, eddies, and areas with cover during their river residence.
  • In lakes, focus on deeper waters where fish feed on blueback herring.

Steelhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Steelhead in Georgia?

Prime migration periods in March and April. These fish move from deep, cold lake waters into rivers primarily in late winter and early spring (March-April). Delayed harvest section fishing period: November 1-May 15.

How do you catch Steelhead in Georgia?

For lake fishing, use techniques similar to landlocked salmon fishing, dead-drifting whole herring or nightcrawlers on Carolina-rigged setups. Vertical jigging spoons work well when fish are marked on sonar.

What do Steelhead eat?

Feed on blueback herring in the lake. Adult steelhead-type rainbows do not feed once they enter freshwater from the lakes, living off stored energy during their spawning migration.

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