In Georgia’s trout country, a spring festival is on the horizon

After taking its time, winter finally has arrived in the Southeast.

Members of the Blue Ridge Mountain TU chapter in Georgia are already looking forward to spring.

The chapter is busy planning the annual Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoors Adventures event, which hits the pretty mountain community of Blue Ridge on April 29 and 30.

With many coldwater streams, Fannin was declared the Trout Capital of Georgia by the state legislature in 2010.

The festival is not only an important fundraiser for the TU chapter, it also helps to bring attention to the outdoors resources of Fannin County, an outdoors mecca just 90 minutes north of bustling Atlanta.

The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and Southern Trout Magazine are partners in the festival.

The festival’s Breakout Marketplace will feature displays from outfitters, outdoors clubs, fishing guides, and other local experts, as well as gear vendors and well known fly fishing companies, including Orvis, Simms, Scott, Thomas & Thomas, Rio, Sage and Redington.

The Breakout Marketplace, also featuring special events for kids and food and beverage vendors, is April 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Non-profit exhibitors will also be on site. They will include Project Healing Waters, Casting for Recovery, Georgia Women Fly Fishing, the Georgia DNR and the Benton-MacKaye Trail Association.

blue ridge scenic railway.jpg

The event opens on April 29 with the Trout Train, a unique offering featuring the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The 90-minute fundraising ride will take passengers on a 90-minute ride along the gorgeous Toccoa River, and includes appetizers and beverages.

While planning is already well underway, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce executive director Jan Hackett notes that opportunities for sponsors and vendors are still available.

“The Chamber and Visitors Center look forward to welcoming trout enthusiasts from the Southeast to Blue Ridge to celebrate the beginning of trout fishing season in the Trout Capital of Georgia,” Hackett said.

For more information, visit the event’s website, Facebook page or contact event chair Lynn Brincks by email.