Last updated November 5, 2026
Full transparency: this post is part of my paid partnership with the Clayton Merchants and Business Association (CMBA) to help promote Clayton businesses.
The antler chandelier over the fly tins and the rod wall.
Shady Creek Expeditions is a guide and outfitter fly shop at 56 N Main Street in downtown Clayton, GA, selling fly rods, waders and flies and booking guided fly fishing trips on mountain streams and the Chattooga River, plus guided hikes.
Shady Creek is my regular stop in Clayton. Every time I'm in town, I swing by to say what's up to Trey, the owner, and Cody, one of the guides. It's right on Main Street, so it fits easily into my perfect Saturday in Clayton.
At a Glance
- Where: 56 N Main Street, Clayton, GA 30525, in downtown Clayton
- Phone: 678-986-5167
- Email: fish@shadycreekexpeditions.com
- Website: shadycreekexpeditions.com
- What it is: A guide and outfitter fly shop
- Guided trips: Fly fishing, trail and waterfall hikes, backpacking and camping
- Booking: Call, email or stop by the shop
- Prices and hours: Not posted online, so call ahead
- Permits: Permitted by the U.S. Forest Service
- Fishing license: Required for anglers 16 and up
- Parking: Free downtown
- Next door: Shady Creek Boutique, a women's boutique
- From Atlanta: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Fly Shop in Clayton, GA at Shady Creek Expeditions
Walk in and it's a fly angler's general store. There's a wall of R.L. Winston fly rods, a big wooden table of fly tins, Lamson outfits, Cortland rod tubes and a wall of tippet, leaders and fly boxes from brands like Umpqua and Cortland, and a pile of wooden landing nets.
Hats, a hand-painted trout and the R.L. Winston rod wall.
Rows of fly tins, with the guided trips sign behind them.
Tippet, leaders and fly boxes under a row of old license plates.
The wader corner has Grundéns waders and wading boots, next to racks of fishing shirts.
The wader corner, with Grundéns waders and wading boots.
Past the fishing gear, there are shelves of hats from Seager, Howler Bros, Duck Camp, Mossy Oak, Poncho and Shady Creek's own line, along with Buck Knives, Lost Dutchman leather goods, local wildlife prints and Waterfalls of Georgia guidebooks. Look up, too: the shop has an antler chandelier, a teal tin ceiling, vintage Coleman lanterns and old license plates from Montana to Georgia.
Hats from Seager, Howler Bros and Shady Creek's own line.
Buck Knives, Lost Dutchman leather and Shady Creek coasters.
Fly reels, tees and Waterfalls of Georgia guidebooks by the fireplace.
Guided Fly Fishing, Hikes and Backpacking Trips
Shady Creek runs guided trips out of the shop and is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service. Its trips fall into four types: fly fishing, hiking, backpacking and camping.
Fly Fishing
Shady Creek runs fully outfitted fly fishing trips on mountain streams, including the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. The trips sign in the shop lists the Chattooga, mountain streams, introduction sessions and wild fly fishing, with all equipment provided. On Explore Origin, they list a half-day Mountain Stream Fly Fishing trip.
Hiking
Guided trail hikes and waterfall hikes for individuals, families and groups.
Backpacking and Camping
Weekend backpacking trips on the Bartram Trail, with gear available to rent, and customized camping trips for individuals, families and groups.
Trip prices aren't posted online. To book, call 678-986-5167, email fish@shadycreekexpeditions.com or stop by the shop.
Wildlife prints and the book-a-trip board.
Do You Need a Fishing License?
Yes, if you're 16 or older. Under Georgia's fishing regulations, you need a Georgia fishing license and a trout license to fish for trout in Georgia, and visitors from out of state need the nonresident versions of both. On the Chattooga River, which forms the Georgia and South Carolina line, a license that meets either state's rules covers you, but that doesn't extend to its tributaries. Ask Shady Creek which water your trip covers when you book.
My Visits to Shady Creek
I always go alone, and I usually end up checking out whatever new gear they have in: rods, nets, waders, boots. My favorite part is just chopping it up with the guys in the shop.
I've also got a guided trip with Shady Creek booked for December.
A Little History
Shady Creek Expeditions is a division of Daniel's Discovery Tours, LLC, and it's locally owned and operated. The company is permitted by the U.S. Forest Service for fly fishing in the Sumter National Forest and for fly fishing and hiking in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
The Chattooga, the headline river in Shady Creek's trip lineup, was designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974. It runs about 50 miles from its headwaters in North Carolina to the Georgia and South Carolina line, through the Nantahala, Chattahoochee-Oconee and Sumter national forests.
When to Visit
- Any day you're in Clayton: The shop is downtown on Main Street, so it's an easy stop between lunch and an afternoon of shopping.
- Call first: Hours aren't posted online.
- Book trips ahead: Guided trips are booked by phone, email or at the shop.
- October: Clayton's busiest month for fall color, so plan your trip early.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Showing up without checking hours. Call 678-986-5167 first.
- Forgetting your fishing license. Anglers 16 and older need a Georgia fishing license and a trout license for trout.
- Assuming you need your own gear. Fly fishing trips are fully outfitted.
- Assuming the Chattooga license rule covers its tributaries. It doesn't, so check which water your trip is on.
How to Get There
Shady Creek Expeditions is at 56 N Main Street in downtown Clayton, with Shady Creek Boutique right next door. From Atlanta, take I-85 north to I-985, which turns into US 23, then stay on US 23/441 north into Clayton. Plan on about 1 hour 45 minutes. Parking downtown is free, so park once and walk Main Street.
The front window on Main Street.
Shady Creek Expeditions FAQ
Is there a fly shop in Clayton, GA?
Yes. Shady Creek Expeditions is a guide and outfitter fly shop at 56 N Main Street in downtown Clayton, GA.
Does Shady Creek Expeditions offer guided fly fishing trips?
Yes. Shady Creek runs fully outfitted fly fishing trips on mountain streams, including the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River.
How much does a guided trip with Shady Creek cost?
Prices aren't posted online. Call 678-986-5167 or email fish@shadycreekexpeditions.com for current rates.
Do I need my own gear for a guided fly fishing trip?
No. Shady Creek's fly fishing trips are fully outfitted.
Do I need a fishing license to fly fish near Clayton, GA?
Yes, if you're 16 or older. You need a Georgia fishing license and a trout license to fish for trout in Georgia.
Does Shady Creek Expeditions offer hikes?
Yes. Shady Creek offers guided trail and waterfall hikes, plus weekend backpacking trips on the Bartram Trail.
What brands does Shady Creek carry?
The shop carries R.L. Winston rods, Grundéns waders and boots, Umpqua and Cortland tackle, and apparel from Seager, Howler Bros and Duck Camp.
What are Shady Creek Expeditions' hours?
Hours aren't posted online, so call 678-986-5167 before you go.
Make It a Full Day
- Morning: Drive or hike up Black Rock Mountain State Park, about 10 minutes north of downtown Clayton.
- Lunch and downtown: My perfect Saturday in Clayton lays out lunch on Main Street and an afternoon of shops and galleries.
- Late afternoon: Moonrise Distillery is a few minutes south of downtown, with $20 tasting flights and a hidden speakeasy.
- Dinner: The rooftop at Friends Clayton Grill on North Main looks out over downtown and the mountains.
- A bigger hike: Tallulah Gorge State Park is about 15 minutes south of Clayton.
- Where to stay: The Cascades Inn in Tiger, just south of Clayton, is a small inn built around a waterfall.
Plan the Whole Weekend
Clayton is one of the trips in North Georgia Weekends ($79): a Saturday planned hour by hour, plus Friday night and Sunday, three places to stay and a rain plan for every stop. Just want one great day? Start with 5 Perfect North Georgia Saturdays ($9.99).
More in North Georgia, or find a trip by drive time. The Explore Georgia Hiking Club is free, and every pace is welcome.