It’s time to check out their new home in Sautee Nacoochee Valley!

On The Fly Gear

July 2026

By Polly Dean.

Photos by Jimmy Jacobs

When anyone asks about fly-fishing gear, guided trips, where to learn to fly fish or just about anything that has to do with the sport in North Georgia, the reply is invariably Unicoi Outfitters. Located near Helen, Unicoi Outfitters opened its doors in 1994. Remaining in the same region, they upsized their shop by recently settling in their new location in the Sautee Nacoochee Valley, just south of Helen.

In 2020, they opened a second location in the nearby historic downtown of Clarkesville. Here, they expanded their inventory to include a large selection of conventional bass tackle to cater to anglers fishing in the area’s lakes and rivers for black and striped bass.

Unicoi Outfitters is permitted to guide on a number of Georgia’s public waters, along with access to several private waters, such as the Soque River for a chance at a trout of a lifetime. They offer guided trips for stripers on Lake Lanier, as well as several species of black bass, including largemouth, trophy-sized spots, shoalies and redeyes on a variety of North Georgia rivers and reservoirs.

For anyone wanting to learn to fly fish or just hone their skills, Unicoi Outfitters is the place that can handle that as well. They offer The Gilligan Special which is a three-hour trip that includes an hour of casting instruction followed by two hours of instructional trout fishing on a public water. The class is ideal for couples wanting to learn to fly fish, but is also offered to individuals and groups.

Unicoi Outfitters’ staff all have experience in fishing North Georgia. They strive to be more than just a typical fly shop. Unicoi Outfitters values its customers and builds relationships and pride themselves on authentic interaction and customer service. I can vouch for this. Over the many years I have fished their waters on guided trips, purchased gear, just stopped in for advice or to say hello. Every time I was greeted by knowledgeable and friendly men and women. All were professional, knowledgeable and exuded the fact that they did truly love their job.

Gear can be purchased online, as well as gift certificates for providing the perfect experience or gear for the angler in your life. Give Unicoi Outfitters a try and you’ll understand how they provided me the experience of seeing my backing for my first time on a fish, and a freshwater rainbow trout at that!

For more information visit their website by clicking here.