I want to take the daughter and family somewhere near the damn to have a piknic and do a little trout fishing. The park at the damn is always packed. Anyone know a spot south of there where we could all go and I might catch a trout or two. My daughter is 4 so no fast water or hard hikes...Thanks!

SR,
If you want to do it the easy way, then head to the Rainbow Ranch with your daughter. It is on Hwy 20 just south of the dam. My son caught an 8 pounder, but you can go to the small fish pond too.

I think I will try it the hard way...or until she won't go with me then I'll go to a farm.

Isnt the rainbow ranch like 5ibs a pound of fish you catch? So basically that 8 pound fish was 40 bucks?

yes

yeah-- but you have to land that 8 lb rainbow with a zebco 202! Besides-- I spent >$40 on bait and fuel yesterday for one 3 lb spot, so that makes those rainbow ranch fish a bargain!

Check out the Settles bridge area on the hooch--- there's some decent rock islands that you can easily walk to when the flow is low and can get you into casting range of good runs. Always check the release schedules. It's mostly shallow runs just upstream of the old bridge-- I'd keep a leash on your daughter, though, or have someone's full attention on her. Shallow is a relative term for a 4 yr old.

Don't forget about the Amicalola for future trips. It is not that far away.

You are correct on both parts. It is a great way to get kids interested. Also, the guy that owns the place is an unsung hero who does a lot for kids at fishing seminars and other events.

Up 985 and head to Clarksville is a good spot as well. That is on the Soque river and it is public right under the bridge. There are lots of small fish but since there are trophy lodges on both sides of the public area bigfish are there. I caught a 9 1/2 lb rainbow there 2 years ago. PM me and I can tell u some other spots around that area as well that dont many people know about but is on the national forest land.

Wormboy...just letting you know I took your advice and when to settles with the family and had a great time...we caught 4 trout and my wife and baby enjoy walking around the park while I took my daughter upstream. That park is really nice. Thanks for the advice. That's what these forums are meant for!!!

Wormboy's right, NPS park at Settles Bridge. It's off Suwanee Dam Road. You turn on Johnson Road. Part of the river is strong in that stretch, but there are some areas to wade. You can also fish the bank around the canoe launch. There's also a set of dirt stairs that lead down to the river at the north of the park. At the bottom are some rocks you can fish off. No picnic tables and the like, but there is a county park at the top of the hill that has trails that lead down to the nps park. There are pavilions and picnic tables in that park.

http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/settlesbridge.htm

http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/parks_rec/pdf/SettlesBridgePark.pdf

Glad you had fun SR-- catching 4 trout with a 4 yr old in tow is an achievement in any record book!

Does anyone know when they start stocking the trout below the Dam. Has that started yet?

thanks