Georgia
Chattahoochee River at Buford Dam near Buford
Location Snapshot
Chattahoochee River at Buford Dam near Buford is a cold north Georgia tailwater immediately below Lake Lanier, distinct from both the upper river at Helen and the Atlanta reach downstream. Rainbow trout are the primary supported target, with brown trout adding another established coldwater opportunity.
Current River Rating
Fair · 70
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within the preferred trout range.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 606 CFS
- Gage Height
- -0.57 ft
- Water Temperature
- 50.5 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 1:00 PM
Updated recently · USGS station 02334430 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Mostly clear
Temperature
45°F
Feels like
41°F
Wind
6 mph NE
Wind gust
7 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 7:30 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 10 AM
Clear
Temp 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 2 PM
Overcast
Temp 72°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 6 PM
Clear
Temp 73°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 57°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 6 AM
Clear
Temp 50°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 74°F / Low 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 7 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 73°F / Low 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 18 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Clear
High 77°F / Low 50°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 73°F / Low 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 20 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Chattahoochee at Buford Dam is the upstream end of the designated trout water that runs to the mouth of Peachtree Creek, including Bull Sluice Lake.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Chattahoochee River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Tailwater
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Stocking information
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
- Stocked
Brown Trout
Stocked · Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Gwinnett, Georgia
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Gwinnett
Management Category
Inland trout tailwater
Regulation Scope
Chattahoochee River at Buford Dam near Buford.
Regulation Summary
Chattahoochee at Buford Dam: GADNR inland trout-tailwater and CRNRA rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, brown-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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