Georgia rivers provide countless opportunities to fish, from the cold, clear trout streams of the north Georgia mountains to the big, slow rivers, lakes & swamps below the Fall Line. Georgia boasts 12 native black bass species!

Fishing is one of the most accessible ways to connect people to rivers. It builds confidence, creates mentorship opportunities, and opens the door to conservation. Georgia Rivers’ FISH GEORGIA connects people to rivers & water trails through fishing clinics for youth, kayak fishing instruction and trips, instructor training, and conservation-based stewardship activities to restore native species & their habitats. Partner organizations include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Muscogee Nation, American Canoe Association, Native Fish Coalition of Georgia, Trout Unlimited, Yamaha Rightwaters, & Minority Outdoor Alliance.

Kayak Fishing Training

American Canoe Association (ACA) instructors teach anglers top safety skills and essential fishing techniques in Intro to Kayak Fishing classes.

New anglers and avid fisherman alike are invited to learn from the best and hone their skills through lake and river instruction.

Fish Georgia Rivers also trains new kayak fishing instructors to expand the number of leaders in the Southeast who hold national certification.

Kayak Fishing Trips

For class graduates or experienced fishermen that don’t need instruction, Fish Georgia Rivers offers kayak trips dedicated to fishing.

Typically offered in the fall, participants can meet like-minded individuals and see who catches the biggest fish! Trips may be announced spontaneously via the Georgia Rivers newsletter.

Youth Fishing Clinics

Fostering the next generation of river stewards, Fish Georgia Rivers offers fishing clinics to teach children and provide them with their own rod and reel.

As the program grows, we plan to partner with school systems to provide instruction to students across the state.

Native Fish Education & Conservation

Georgia, the bass capitol of the nation, is home to some of the richest diversity of fish and other aquatic life in the world. Georgia Rivers partners with Native Fish Coalition to educate anglers about Georgia’s fish biodiversity and managing invasive species that threaten native populations.

Fish Georgia Rivers works with partners to support targeted fish passage restoration efforts. Restoring fish passage improves aquatic habitat, supports biodiversity, and helps return natural water flow to impacted streams.

These projects reduce environmental impacts, promote responsible river use, and strengthen the connection between recreation and stewardship across Georgia’s waterways.

Crescent Kayak Smallie

Georgia Rivers – The “Cause behind the Craft”

Georgia Rivers is proud to be selected as the “cause behind the craft” for the launch of the new Crescent Smallie, a throw ‘n go fishing kayak.  A portion of Crescent Smallie proceeds will support our work to protect public access to all the places we love to paddle and fish.

Did you know?

Fishing is big business in Georgia! The Georgia Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that in 2022 outdoor recreation generated $15.7 billion for the state’s economy. Fishing and boating topped the list at $1.1 billion, putting the state ninth in the nation for these activities and supporting nearly 161,000 jobs.

Watch us fish!

See us in action on YouTube at @OurGeorgiaRivers and follow our champion fisherman Kendon Townsel at @GotemGangKen.