The DH management strategy of catch-and-release from fall until spring allows fish to be caught more than once, all but assuring a high catch rate. Catchable-sized trout are heavily stocked at the beginning of the period and then periodically replenished to replace fish lost to injury or natural mortality.

According to Bill Couch, the DNR stocks 50,000 trout into the 4 1/2-mile DH section. Most are rainbows; some 10 percent are browns. Over 31,000 fish 9 to 10 inches long are put into the DH in November and December. An additional 1,300-plus 12- to 14-inch trout, and 200 fish 14 inches and larger are added during these months. The remaining 17,400 fish are stocked January through April. Couch estimates that a 15-inch fish will weigh about 2 pounds.

With the growth of the trout once in the river (which has been documented in the past to be as much as a half-inch per month) and the catch-and-release regulations in place, anglers in late winter to early spring can expect to catch some nice-sized fish.

The Chattahoochee DH section is especially popular with flyfishermen. A number of areas are very well suited for wading, and plenty of casting room is to be had. The high number of trout in the DH section makes it ideal for introducing a youngster or newcomer to the sport of trout fishing with spin or fly gear.

Plentiful as they are, the trout can at times be fickle. If throwing a fly, you may have to try a variety to be successful. Using a dropper is allowed as long as each lure or fly has a single hook. Of course, offering two choices increases your chances of hooking up. Nymphs such as Lightning Bugs, Copper Johns (in copper or red body colors), Pheasant Tail or Prince nymphs are smart options, and Wooly Buggers are definitely worth a try. Olive is generally my first choice, if I’m fishing at midday; I go to black if olive fails to produce, or when the sun is low or its cloudy.

Size No. 16 to 20 Blue-Winged Olives are smart dry-fly choices to throw in winter months. Hatches of those insects are common at midday. Midges or a Griffith’s Gnat on a size No. 18 to 22 hook are also an option, especially during a sunny winter day.

From Nov. 1 to May 14, only artificial lures are permitted in the DH water; no bait is allowed, and lures must be fitted with no more than a single hook. (You can cut off two of the hooks if you’re throwing a lure with a treble hook.)