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.
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.
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.
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.
What We Do
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 waters to sustain fish, wildlife and plants by being visionary leaders, bold innovators, and trusted partners, working with and for people.
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
Brook 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 . . .
Get Involved
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.
Projects and Research
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.
