Chattooga River Bartrams Bass

 One of my favorite fishing outings, and one I try to make at least a few times every year, is a hike-in wading trip on the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River to fish for Bartrams bass. I’ve only made two trips this year, and the season if quickly passing for the way I like to fish, so that might be it for 2022.

If you don’t know Bartrams bass, they are one of several species of black bass that are collectively called redeye bass. When I first started chasing these fish, nearly three decades ago, they were categorized as shoal bass, but there was no explanation as to why shoal bass in other areas grew substantially larger. Then they were recognized as redeyes, but lumped with Coosa redeye bass. More recently, biologists recognized redeyes in the Savannah River watershed as genetically distinct and named them Bartrams bass.

There’s no hot section of the Chattooga for these fish, from my observation. I’ve caught them well up into trout waters and at the far lower end of the river run and have found similar success throughout. Numerous trails and a couple of roads provide access in different areas, from Georgia and South Carolina. River levels, the amount you are willing to do and the character of stream you seek are better determinants for the best section for any given day. 

Some areas are pretty easy to access with a short walk and well suited for quick outings. Others can only be reached with a lot of walking, wading, rock hopping, climbing etc. Some areas have no practical fishing access.

I keep my fishing approach simple for these fish, wading wet and carrying a single light or ultralight spinning outfit and a small box of lures that I can put on a backpack or vest pocket. I like small, crawfish-imitating crankbaits, topwater lures and small soft plastic baits. If I could have only one bait for this fishing it would be a Rebel Deep Teeny Wee Crawfish. Top producers on this year’s outings were the new Bobby Garland Mayfly and a Bomber 6A.

It’s important to note that much of the Chattooga corridor is rugged and remote, and currents, vertical drops, slippery rocks and more can be dangerous. Water levels are also ever changing, totally changing the river’s character and accessibility. 

A fishing license is required, but a reciprocal licensing agreement makes either a valid Georgia or South Carolina license valid anywhere on the river.