Dicks Creek, near Dahlonega, is a jack-of-all-trades trout stream.
Want a limit of stocked trout for the dinner table? The lower runs of Dicks receive heavy stockings of catchable-sized trout throughout the season providing an opportunity for even the novice fly fisher to bring home a meal.
Want a wall-hanger? The creek produces an inordinate number of trophy fish — especially in the fall — although it isn't classified a trophy stream. Some think these big fish migrate from Waters Creek, a state-designated trophy stream that merges with Dicks Creek. But trout exceeding 20 inches have been caught well upstream of Waters confluence with Dicks, and above several waterfalls that would virtually eliminate Waters as the source of these trophy fish. No matter its origin, trophy trout are in residence and every season brings reports of some very large catches.
In the higher elevations of the Chattahoochee National Forest, several small brooks merge to form the boulder-strewn upper creek, home to Georgia’s native brook trout. This is tight, difficult fishing for fly rodders with roll casts and bow-and-arrow casts the norm. At Dicks, there is a correlation between the degree of difficulty required to access the water and the type of trout fishing you may expect. If access is easy, most of the fish will be stocked trout. Where access is difficult, the harder fighting wild trout population increases dramatically. On Dicks, that means the lower portion of the creek near the road lures the most anglers while the remote headwaters get very little fishing pressure.
Fly selection on Dicks Creek is just about the same as most north Georgia streams. Stonefly patterns, yellow stimulators and yellow and black stonefly nymphs; mayflies, blue-winged olives, March browns, and light Cahills; and tan and black caddis patterns — work well in the spring months. Light Cahills, midges and golden stoneflies hatch throughout the summer. Add terrestrials — ants, beetles, crickets, inchworms and grasshoppers — from the dog days of August through the autumn months.
To get to Dicks Creek (not to be confused with a creek of the same name near Clayton, Ga.) from Atlanta, drive 65 miles north on Ga. 400 to Dahlonega. Turn left on U.S. Highway 19 N/Ga. 60. Approximately 10 miles north of Dahlonega, the road splits — follow U.S. 19. Turn left on Dicks Creek Rd. (If you reach U.S. Highway 129, you have gone too far)
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