Blackhawk Fly Fishing on the Soque River
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Sponsored By
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On The Fly Freshwater
July 2025
By Polly Dean
This prime spot of land on the banks of the Soque (pronounced so-quee) River in North Georgia has been lovingly, but meticulously groomed and tended to, by owners Abby and John Jackson to provide the best of habitats for rainbow and brown trout to thrive and grow to exceptional proportions. John and Abby are owners of Blackhawk Fly Fishing and have family roots in the region going back for decades. The couple has maintained the former family farmland and have developed a trophy trout fishery by installing bank enhancement and natural improvements to provide the very best environment for the fishery to flourish.
Julie Harris (L to R), Abby Jackson and the author about to hit the water. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
As a result, the Jacksons have produced an award-winning experience that has garnered attention from Georgia Economic Developers, as well as anglers that travel from near and far to sample this piece of trout heaven. In fact, during On The Fly South’s recent visit to Blackhawk, one gentleman that has been fishing at Blackhawk since its beginnings nearly 30 years ago, was on the water having an outstanding day. It likely may have been just an average experience to him, but what he described at lunchtime would be spectacular to the us. Actually we too were having a memorable day, despite not landing the numbers or size fish he did..
My guide for the day was Mason Biggers. He was an extremely patient and knowledgeable young man who was a pleasure to spend several hours on the water with. I came prepared with a 5- and 6-weight rods and he opted for the 5-weight. Mason tied a section of lightweight fluorocarbon tippet to my leader and tied on a larger leech pattern, with a very small midge as a droppers. Olive was a popular color and the leech proved to be the more productive pattern that day.
The olive leech pattern that worked on the trout. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
Mason knew the water well, even down to where the trout were more likely to be holding. He coached me in a few sections of the stream, pointing out where a seam or a small drop-off was present, but he also knew where the big trout were likely to be and how to present the fly so the fish would be most likely to eat it. I did realize that I would not have tried the technique or locations he suggested had Mason not been there. The day was somewhat of a learning experience for me, along with being rewarded with some out-sized trout being enticed to eat!
During the afternoon hours, after seeing a few splashy rises, we opted to try dry fly patterns that varied slightly, but all were at least a size 12. That made them easy enough for me to see, even in the glare. Most dries were variations of hopper patterns. Our original plan was to visit Blackhawk when dry fly fishing was at its best. However, due to rainy conditions and our busy schedules, we postponed our fishing trip to a few weeks later. Optimal dry fly season was coming to an end and though other anglers were finding success on topwater, we did not.
Guide Mason Biggers showing off one of the author’s big rainbows. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
However, the day was hardly a disappoint, as I caught “hawgs” on nymphs and streamers, making it a great day on the water. These trout grew huge, and I was grateful to have a knowledgeable guide nearby coaching me in easing the massive fish close, where Mason skillfully netted the huge trout for me.
The “takes” from the fish were generally light, causing a very subtle movement, stop or change of direction of my strike indicator. I am generally in tune to this, especially with larger fish, but I mentioned to Mason, that I certainly didn’t mind a “set the hook!” reminder.
As all too often occurs, if you glance away or lose concentration for a second, that is the moment that a monster trout will eat. I am confident that I did miss more than a couple opportunities to set the hook on a big one! And there were a few occasions that my indicator hesitated or shifted slightly and Mason let me know that I had missed a fish.
The author in action. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
The Soque River in northeast Georgia is legendary for producing trophy-sized trout. It flows for about 30 miles within Habersham County. Most of the land adjacent to the Soque is privately owned, with a handful of the landowners offering guided fishing on their sections. Many landowners along the river feed the fish and maintain the banks and waters to provide optimal conditions for the fishery.
There is a 3/4-mile public section of the Soque River on Chattahoochee National Forest land that is accessible for anglers wanting to sample the waters and perhaps hook into a stray “hawg” that didn’t pay attention to boundaries. It’s located just north of the Jackson Bridge after driving through the “Dip” going north on Georgia Highway 197 from Clarkesville. You will recognize the dip, since there’s a sign at roadside that says “Dip.”
Blackhawk Flyfishing offers full days of wade fishing. A full day of access per person is $300. Anglers may just pay the access fee and fish unguided. If you prefer a guide, it is an additional $200 plus tip. For book a day of fishing, or check other details and their cancelation policy, visit their website. Also be aware that the fishery is closed during the hottest portion of the summer to protect the trout from stress.
