Trout Fishing Paradise

Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery is nestled deep in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of northern Georgia, approximately 75 miles north of Atlanta. Surrounded by the 749,444 acre Chattahoochee National Forest, the hatchery occupies a 44.8 acre tract of land straddling Mill Creek and Rock Creek, which are tributaries of the Toccoa River.

The hatchery is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service and produces about one million trout each year. These fish are stocked into tailwaters, streams and lakes of northern Georgia in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the U.S. Forest Service. Georgia's approximately 4,000 miles of trout streams offer an angling paradise with many exciting and various opportunities for catching rainbow, brook and brown trout. The type of species is dependent on the stream and stocking program. Rock Creek is easily accessible from the hatchery parking lot area for trout fishing.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) strain.
COVID-19
Visitors are welcome. The hatchery's information kiosk and outdoor raceways for viewing trout are open to the public. Rock Creek is easily accessible from the hatchery parking lot for an enjoyable trout fishing experience. We encourage you to:
  • Check local hatchery conditions on this website before visiting.
  • Follow CDC guidance for maintaining safe distance between yourself and others.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick.

Visit Us

The natural environment and beautiful surroundings draw thousands of visitors to Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery each year. The hatchery’s visitor kiosk and opportunity to view trout in various stages of production prove to be great attractions. Admission is free. Rock Creek, which runs through hatchery property, offers an exciting trout fishing experience for first-time and seasoned anglers with U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located nearby for overnight stays. A Georgia fishing license and trout stamp are required for anglers 16 and older. Enjoy all that Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery has to offer and celebrate our mission of working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

U.S. military veteran with his trout caught in Rock Creek at Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery
Beautiful fall scenery on Rock Creek Road leading to Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Since 1871, the National Fish Hatchery system has been at work improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the country the network of National Fish Hatcheries work with states and tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations. 

      Historic trout fishing in Rock Creek at Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery
      Kids Fishing Rodeo at Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery

      Tours

      The hatchery offers self-guided individual and pre-arranged group tours for kids and adults. Tours can be especially tailored upon request to meet group interests whether it be learning more specifically about topics such as our daily operations associated with rearing fish, the program for stocking fish into Georgia streams or the life cycle of a trout

      Home school group tour at Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery

      What We Do

      Trout production at Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery a positive economic impact

      The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a fish that was raised at Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery. Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been responding to conservation challenges affecting America’s fish and other aquatic species. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries along with habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America’s 34 million anglers who spend $36 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime. Recreational angling for fish produced by the hatchery results in a positive economic impact of considerable expenditures of recreation-related goods and services such as lodging, transportation, boats, fishing equipment, and other gear used by the fishing public.

      Our Organization

      Together, we will connect lands and wate​rs to sustain fish, wildlife and plants by being visionary leaders, bold innovators, and trusted partners, working with and for people.

      150 Years. National Fish Hatchery System.” in front of glossy orange eggs against a white background.
      The National Fish Hatchery System works to support healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish and other aquatic species across the country. Every year we raise and stock over 100 million fish to support the recovery and restoration of imperiled species, recreational fishing, and Tribal...

      Our Species

      Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery is a cold water trout production facility. Over one million trout are produced each year which includes include rainbow, brook and brown trout.

      Rainbow Trout 

      Rainbow Trout

      Brook Trout

      Brook Trout

      Brown Trout

      Brown Trout

      Our Library

      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is involved in many efforts to conserve, sustain and protect fish and wildlife species . . . 

      Historic rail carts used for transporting fish
      Our conservation roots run deep. In 1871, people recognized that America’s fisheries were in trouble and called on congress to act. The United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries was formed on February 9, 1871. Their charge was clear - to determine if America’s fisheries were declining, and if...

      Get Involved

      Join the Friends of Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery

      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opportunities for volunteers, partners and youth. Opportunities include assisting with maintenance, animal care and fishing events at Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery. Many choose to join the Friends Group which is committed to supporting the hatchery's mission, promoting conservation ethics, education, and encouraging the sport of trout fishing.

      Education and work opportunities for youth are offered at the hatchery, such as the United States Youth Conservation Corps and Junior Ranger programs. Programs are geared to teaching youth about fish and aquatic conservation and environmental stewardship. 

      Volunteer assisting Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery with bog turtle study

      Projects and Research

      Swamp pink plant

      National Fish Hatcheries raise fish and other aquatic species – like crayfish and mussels - to help restore and sustain important fish and other aquatic species for the benefit of the American people. Hatcheries also work with species such as the Southern population of bog turtles considered threatened by association and with the swamp pink plant, purple pitcher plant, eastern hellbender and monarch butterfly.

      Bog turtle
      Monarch butterfly hovering above blooming sylphium