.sf-ga{–ink:#231C18;–deep:#7A3322;–teal:#94371C;–mist:#F5EFE8;–foam:#FCFAF7;–lure:#D3DEE2;–lure-ink:#2D4B5A;–line:#E6DBD0;–muted:#5A4D45}.sf-ga .sf-hero{background-color:#7A3322;background-image:radial-gradient(880px 520px at 96% 0%,rgba(196,214,222,.30),rgba(196,214,222,0) 62%),radial-gradient(800px 520px at 2% 100%,rgba(214,128,120,.24),rgba(214,128,120,0) 60%),linear-gradient(160deg,#8E3D27,#7A3322 46%,#2F1D16);border-bottom-right-radius:180px 96px}.sf-ga .sf-hero::before{background:linear-gradient(100deg,rgba(35,28,24,.86) 0%,rgba(35,28,24,.55) 52%,rgba(35,28,24,.20) 100%)}.sf-ga .sf-eyebrow{border-radius:4px 14px 4px 14px;background:rgba(35,28,24,.58);color:#F4F7F8;border:2px solid #D3DEE2;padding:5px 15px 4px;letter-spacing:.06em}.sf-ga .sf-hero .sf-sub{color:#F7EEE8}.sf-ga .sf-hero[style*=”background-image”]::before{background:linear-gradient(100deg,rgba(35,28,24,.90) 0%,rgba(35,28,24,.68) 44%,rgba(122,51,34,.34) 78%,rgba(122,51,34,.22) 100%),linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(28,20,16,.72),rgba(28,20,16,0) 48%)}.sf-ga .sf-bar{background-color:#231C18;background-image:radial-gradient(560px 230px at 96% 0,rgba(196,214,222,.22),rgba(196,214,222,0)),linear-gradient(100deg,#7A3322,#231C18 66%)}.sf-ga .sf-bar p{color:#EDE2DA}.sf-ga .sf-band–white,.sf-ga .sf-band–white:nth-of-type(even){background-color:#fff;background-image:radial-gradient(900px 520px at 94% 4%,rgba(122,51,34,.17),rgba(122,51,34,0) 64%),radial-gradient(780px 470px at 4% 96%,rgba(196,214,222,.46),rgba(196,214,222,0) 62%),radial-gradient(640px 400px at 50% 50%,rgba(214,128,120,.07),rgba(214,128,120,0) 62%),linear-gradient(135deg,#FFFFFF,#FAF5EF,#F2E8DE)}.sf-ga .sf-band–white:nth-of-type(even){background-image:radial-gradient(900px 520px at 6% 4%,rgba(122,51,34,.17),rgba(122,51,34,0) 64%),radial-gradient(780px 470px at 96% 96%,rgba(196,214,222,.46),rgba(196,214,222,0) 62%),linear-gradient(225deg,#FFFFFF,#FAF5EF,#F2E8DE)}.sf-ga .sf-band–mist{background-color:#F5EFE8;background-image:radial-gradient(860px 520px at 10% 8%,rgba(196,214,222,.44),rgba(196,214,222,0) 64%),radial-gradient(720px 460px at 92% 94%,rgba(122,51,34,.15),rgba(122,51,34,0) 62%),linear-gradient(200deg,#F9F4EE,#F5EFE8,#EBDFD3)}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink{color:#F6ECE5}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep{background-color:#7A3322;background-image:radial-gradient(900px 540px at 92% 6%,rgba(196,214,222,.18),rgba(196,214,222,0) 62%),radial-gradient(800px 500px at 8% 94%,rgba(214,128,120,.20),rgba(214,128,120,0) 62%),linear-gradient(150deg,#8A3B26,#7A3322,#5A2517)}.sf-ga .sf-band–ink{background-color:#231C18;background-image:radial-gradient(900px 540px at 10% 6%,rgba(122,51,34,.62),rgba(122,51,34,0) 62%),radial-gradient(760px 480px at 94% 96%,rgba(196,214,222,.12),rgba(196,214,222,0) 62%),linear-gradient(150deg,#33271F,#231C18,#16110E)}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-src,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-src{color:#DDCBBF}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-head p,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-head p,.sf-ga .sf-cta p{color:#F0E2D8}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-card p,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-card p,.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-fact span,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-fact span{color:#ECDBD0}body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-list li span,body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-list li span{color:#F0E2D8}body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–mist .sf-list a:not(.sf-btn),body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–white .sf-list a:not(.sf-btn){color:#94371C}body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–mist .sf-list li>span,body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–white .sf-list li>span{color:#54473F}.sf-ga .sf-barrow .t{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#94371C,#C8674A)}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-barrow .t,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-barrow .t{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#9FB7C1,#D3DEE2)}.sf-ga .sf-pill{background:#F1E5DA;color:#7A3322}.sf-ga .sf-btn:hover{background:#E6EEF1}.sf-ga .sf-card-img,.sf-ga .sf-tile{background-color:#7A3322}.sf-ga .sf-q p{color:#3D302A}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-kicker,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-kicker,.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-fact b,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-fact b{color:#DCE6EA}.sf-ga .sf-kicker{color:#2D4B5A}.sf-ga .sf-pf-card h3{color:#0C1F2C!important}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-btn–ghost,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-btn–ghost{border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.45);background:rgba(22,17,14,.35)}body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–deep a:not(.sf-card):not(.sf-tile):not(.sf-btn),body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–ink a:not(.sf-card):not(.sf-tile):not(.sf-btn){color:#DCE6EA}.sf-ga .sf-tablewrap{color:#231C18;border-color:#E6DBD0}.sf-ga .sf-table td{color:#231C18}.sf-ga .sf-table th{background:#7A3322;color:#fff}.sf-ga .sf-table tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#FAF4EE}body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-tablewrap a,body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-tablewrap a:not(.sf-card):not(.sf-tile):not(.sf-btn),body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-tablewrap a:not(.sf-card):not(.sf-tile):not(.sf-btn){color:#94371C}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-q,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-q{background:rgba(255,255,255,.07);border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.18)}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-q p,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-q p{color:#F2E6DE}body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-pill a:not(.sf-card):not(.sf-tile):not(.sf-btn),body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-pill a:not(.sf-card):not(.sf-tile):not(.sf-btn),body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-pill a{color:#94371C}.sf-ga .sf-band–deep .sf-card .sf-more,.sf-ga .sf-band–ink .sf-card .sf-more{color:#E6EEF1}.sf-ga .sf-bar .sf-crumbs,.sf-ga .sf-bar .sf-crumbs span,body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-bar .sf-crumbs a{color:#FFFFFF}.sf-ga .sf-note{color:#231C18}body.sfs .sf-ga .sf-note a{color:#94371C}@media (max-width:760px){.sf-ga .sf-hero{border-bottom-right-radius:90px 48px}}
For the striped bass herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 $119.99
White Bass
Photo: Nick Loveland, CC0 
Spotted Bass
Photo: Nick Tobler (Cowturtle), CC BY 4.0 
Flathead Catfish
Photo: USFWSmidwest, Public domain 
Blue Catfish
Photo: United States Fish and Wildlife Services, Public domain
Georgia rivers
Pick for striped bassPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 $79.99
Coosa River Fishing
Floyd County.
Pick for striped bassPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Rome: National Trails Office ( US National Park Service ), Public domain
Georgia rivers
Quick look at the Coosa River
NHD mapping traces the Coosa River, a river, through Floyd County. Its Georgia mileage on the NHD comes to roughly 31 miles. Cave Spring is the nearest Census town, about 8 miles from the mapped midpoint.
Live readings arrive from 1 live gauge. There are 3 public ramp or put-ins on its banks.
31miles in Georgia
1counties
1USGS gauges
3ramps
Forecast
The state forecast for the Coosa River
WRD biologists publish a forecast covering the Coosa River; it is quoted below.
“The Coosa River begins in the City of Rome and flows 30 miles to the west, entering Lake Weiss at the Alabama state line. The Coosa is home to a robust, naturally reproducing land-locked striped bass population; one of only a handful of such populations found in the nation.”
On the Coosa River, WRD favors White Bass, Striped Bass, Catfish, Crappie.
| Species | WRD prospect (quoted) |
|---|---|
| Black Bass | Largemouth are the dominant black bass species in the river's backwaters. The average largemouth will weigh 1-2 pounds, with larger catches in the 7 to 8-pound range being possible. Alabama bass are more abundant than largemouth along the main river channel. |
| White Bass | The Coosa River is home to one of the most prolific white bass spawning runs in the state. These mini-linesides migrate from Lake Weiss into the Coosa each spring and they are favored by local anglers for the non-stop fishing action and hard fight they often provide. |
| Striped Bass | The striped bass population in the upper Coosa River Basin is one of only a handful of naturally reproducing, land-locked freshwater populations in the nation. However, DNR sampling has shown that recruitment of those naturally spawned fish is highly variable from one year to the next. |
| Catfish | This river offers excellent catfishing opportunities for anglers. Blues, channels, and flatheads are all native to the Coosa, and cats of all sizes are abundant. The typical blue cat runs 2-3 pounds in weight. |
| Crappie | Both black and white crappie inhabit these waters, but black crappie dominate. Crappie populations are "boom and bust" with numbers varying widely from one year to the next. |
| Other Species | Freshwater drum, smallmouth buffalo, and gar abound in the Coosa River. Drum average 12 inches, but some greater than 20 inches in length are available. The smallmouth buffalo looks like a grey "carp", but they are actually suckers. |
Georgia WRD fishing forecast (Fishing Forecast – Coosa River), updated February 9, 2026. Full forecast.
For the striped bass herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 Fish
What anglers catch in the Coosa River
Georgia sources link these species to the Coosa River.
Largemouth bass White bass Striped bass Channel catfish Black crappie Spotted bass Yellow bass Flathead catfish Blue catfish White crappie Bluegill Freshwater drum Common carp Smallmouth buffalo Longnose gar
WRD Water Access Points species flags, WRD trout layer and forecasts.
Flow
What the Coosa River gauges read right now
Current discharge and height for the Coosa River, from USGS.
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Coosa River Mayos Bar Near Rome, Ga | 3,950 cfs, 11.96 ft gage height | Nov 12 3:45 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 4:32 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Access
Ramps and put-ins on the Coosa River
- Heritage Park2 lanes, dock, restroom, Floyd County
- Old River Road Boat Ramp1 lane, dock, Floyd County
- Mayo Lock and Dam Boat Ramp1 lane, dock, restroom, fee, Floyd County
- Mayo Lock and Damfishing pier
WRD Water Access Points, Georgia water trails layer, USGS gauges.
Regulations
Daily creel and length rules for the Coosa River
Exceptions for the Coosa River printed in the 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations come first.
| Water as printed | Rule |
|---|---|
| Coosa River | The season for taking lake sturgeon from the Coosa River and its tributaries is CLOSED. |
| Species | Daily limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Black bass (all species combined) | 10 in total, only 5 of which may be Altamaha, Bartrams, Chattahoochee, Coosa, Shoal, Smallmouth, Suwannee, Tallapoosa | Open all year |
| Largemouth bass | Counts toward 10 black bass total; minimum length 12 inches statewide (exceptions on listed lakes and PFAs) | Open all year |
| Spotted bass | Counts toward 10 black bass total; no statewide minimum length (14 inches on Lake Lanier) | Open all year |
| Shoal bass | Counts toward 10 black bass total (only 5 may be shoal and other listed bass); minimum length 15 inches statewide (Flint River below Warwick Dam slot) | Open all year |
| Smallmouth bass | Counts toward 10 black bass total; only 5 of the 10 may be smallmouth and other listed bass; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Striped, white and hybrid bass | 15 in total, only two of which can be 22 inches or longer | Open all year |
| Crappie | 30 | Open all year |
| Bream (sunfish) | 50 in total | Open all year |
| Catfish | No limit | Open all year |
| Walleye | 8 | Open all year |
| Pickerel | 15 | Open all year |
| American and hickory shad | 8 | Open all year |
Limits from the 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations guide; every Georgia limit on one page.
Nearby
Spots by the Coosa River
Lakes that pair well with the Coosa River
- Paris Lake7 miles
- Heath Lake8 miles
- Antioch Lake West10 miles
- Antioch Lake East10 miles
Gear and bait a short hop from the Coosa River
- Tuggle Bait Farm Incbait and tackle shop, Rome, 5 miles
- Academy Sports + Outdoors, 232 Shorter Avenuesporting goods store, Rome, 8 miles
- The Big Texas Valley Trading Postbait and tackle shop, Rome, 10 miles
- Rocky Mountain Supply Co – CLOSEDbait and tackle shop, Rome, 12 miles
- Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Cedartown, 15 miles
Nearby towns for a the Coosa River trip
- Cave Spring8 miles
- Lindale8 miles
- Rome8 miles
- Berry College9 miles
Neighboring creeks and rivers of the Coosa River
- Mount Hope Creek6 miles
- Coon Creek6 miles
- Kings Creek8 miles
- Lavender Creek8 miles
the Coosa River, county by county
Piscifun
A Piscifun reel lineup for the Coosa River
.JPG){kind=link}
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Which fish
Know what you hooked at Coosa River
Photo: Nick Loveland, CC0
Photo: Nick Tobler (Cowturtle), CC BY 4.0
Photo: USFWSmidwest, Public domain
.jpg){kind=link}
Photo: United States Fish and Wildlife Services, Public domain
Answers
Before a float or wade on the Coosa River
What part of Georgia holds the Coosa River?
It flows across Floyd County.
Do I need a trout license on the Coosa River?
Not designated trout water.
Does USGS run a live gauge on the Coosa River?
USGS runs 1 USGS gauge; values are above.
Where do anglers launch on the Coosa River?
3 public ramps; Mayo Lock and Dam Boat Ramp is one.
Are striped bass rules different on the Coosa River?
Coosa River: The season for taking lake sturgeon from the Coosa River and its tributaries is CLOSED.
Can a nonresident fish the Coosa River?
Georgia asks anglers 16 and older for a fishing license: $15 for residents and $50 for nonresidents, each good for 365 days from purchase.
Where are crickets sold near the Coosa River?
Drive 5 miles to Tuggle Bait Farm Inc.
What might a Georgia angler hook in the Coosa River?
Listed: largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, channel catfish, black crappie and spotted bass.
Which Georgia town makes a handy base for the Coosa River?
Use Cave Spring, roughly 8 miles off.
A float on the Coosa River starts here
Read the posted rules and check the river level.