The Coosa River Might Be Georgia’s Best Kept Fishing Secret

Even many residents of our largest cities, like Atlanta and Columbus, love to spend time outdoors. It's one of the things that makes Georgians so unique. Some love hiking or geocaching, others love wildlife photography or hunting, but one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Peach State is undoubtedly fishing. Many of us have spent many a morning or afternoon relaxing on the water, pole in hand, waiting for a nibble. Like the old saying goes, "even a bad day fishing is better than a good day at the office." If you're looking for a new fishing spot near Rome, GA, you may want to check out the mighty Coosa River, which flows all the way into Alabama.

The Coosa River is a 280-mile-long tributary of the Alabama River, and it's quite a popular recreation spot in the Yellowhammer State. However, many people aren't aware that it actually begins in Georgia, where the Oostanaula and Etowah rivers meet, in Rome.

Only about 10% of the Coosa River is within Georgia's borders, but even so, it's a wonderful spot for fishing.

In total, there are 87 species of fish that live within the Coosa, so you've got plenty of opportunities to catch something.

If you're looking for catfish, summertime is the season to head out. Casting a line at sunrise or sunset gives you the best chance of catching a big fish, and you'll want to make sure to bring different kinds of bait.

Note that there are occasionally fishing advisories on the Coosa River due to pollution, so it's typically a good idea to release your fish after you catch them.

Fishing in the Coosa River is a wonderful pastime in Georgia, and it's a spot all sportsmen should check out.

What's your favorite spot for fishing in Georgia? Share your thoughts in the comments!