Gone Fishin’… Get Hooked on the North Georgia Mountains

Finally, September is here!  I will miss summer and it did fly by but “stars above” we had some hot temps in August.  Much of the month was over 100 degrees which is very unusual for the cool North Georgia Mountains.  Now the cool mornings and evenings are back and it feels like a cool splash in the lake!  Ahh, refreshing for sure. 

With September comes the first hint of autumn color and there’s nothing like Fall in the North Georgia Mountains.  It’s a great time to be out and about in North Georgia after a long week in the grind.  There’s plenty of family recreation such as horseback riding, festivals galore, shopping, rafting and why not fishing?!  I haven’t written anything about fishing yet and I thought it was high time to do so.

The northern third of Georgia boasts beautiful streams, rivers and lakes.  Plan a trip together as a family and go with the flow.  Let’s talk about fishing…  First of all, wear good shoes, not sandals or flip flops.  Everyone over the age of 16 years old must have a fishing and trout license.  It’s a good idea to get the trout license since the majority of North Georgia’s streams are designated trout streams according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Rainbow and Brown Trout are the two most common species associated with North Georgia but catching other species is very likely, especially in the Fall.  A rule of thumb is that you have a better chance of catching trout the farther upstream and will probably catch a multitude of native warm water species in the lower streams.  Here’s what you very likely will catch: 

• black bass
• sunfish (redbreast and bluegill) bluegill may be found on steep rocky banks in six or more feet of water
• catfish
• crappie and white bass  – may be found in ten feet or more of water, creek channels, main river beds or even water around boat docks
• possibly striped bass and walleye

Visit Lake Blue Ridge Marina or any of the marinas on many other lakes throughout North Georgia for recommendations on where to fish and what kind of tackle to use.  Lake Blue Ridge Marina will rent pontoon boats as most other marinas will too.  Pontoon boats are great for families and provide a slow, lazy day of fishing.  Also, fish from the banks – walk easy and fish slowly.

Prepare yourself for great memories (don’t forget the camera) with your family and maybe even one of the best fish dinners you’ll ever have! 

Donna Yates, Realtor with Mountain Investments of North Georgia.  See Donna’s website for great mountain properties for sale; buyers and sellers tips and advice; request free market analysis; and other great tools for your real estate needs.  Donna Yates Real Estate - let Donna help you find your mountain investment.   Visit:  www.move2northgeorgia.net

Big Bear Ranch and Trail Rides – Heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Imagine a cool, crisp Blue Ridge Mountain morning.  Listen to the sounds of nature as a flock of sparrows sit above a tall Georgia pine and watches the slow trot of your horse gently walking your cares away.  Enjoy the wonderful sights and smells that the Appalachian Mountains have to offer.  Big Bear Ranch is not called Big Bear Ranch for no reason; you never know what you might see while you are riding one of their trusted horses through a maze of adventurous trails. Big Bear Ranch is approximately 78 miles north of Atlanta, Georgia.  Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains with acres of exciting trails.  The ranch is family owned and operated by Jason and Kelly White and is conveniently located between Tennessee and North Carolina.Big Bear Ranch is ideal for families with the Kids’ Corral Playground.  Mosey on over and you might even see Bailey and Jade White, their very own little cowpokes.  Their basic Trail Ride package is a fully equipped, guided tour and lasts for one hour.  Seven years of age or above and no experience in riding is required.  Visit Big Bear Ranch in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia for a vacation or weekend escape.  Spend time with your family and enjoy a stressfree adventure from you day to day responsibilities.Guidelines

• Reservations are required by phone
• A deposit of half the cost of the trip
• Deposits are refunded if cancellation notice is received 24 hours in advance
• Payments are accepted in the form of cash, cashier’s check, money order or credit card
• Discrimination based on sex, race, color or nation origin is not tolerated

Call Big Bear Ranch and Trail Rides @ 706-37-Horse (706-374-6773).  They are located at 8206 Lakewood Hwy., Mineral Bluff Georgia  30559.  Please visit:  Big Bear Ranch and Trail Rides

About The Author

Donna Yates, Realtor with Mountain Investments of North Georgia located in the beautiful pristine mountains of Blue Ridge, utilizes her corporate experience of thirty years combined with her Real Estate experience in order to help customers/clients with investment opportunities, second homes, vacation homes, meeting any real estate need. Donna contributes to several Web Blogs which focuses on the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Georgia Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to North Georgia.   View great mountain properties for sale:  ww.move2northgeorgia.net