youreally should get into fly fishing. Sounds like you have a different take on it than I do. Rock creek is nice but agreed- it's in BFE.I'm just trying to have some fun catching a few once in a while. If by up north, you mean north of Lanier, I wouldn't mind giving that a shot. I'm only fishing below the dam cause I dont know anywhere else to go this time of year to catch any. Its almost a 40 minute ride to the dam from my house, but it beats the 2.5 hour drive to up to Rock Creek where I usually go. I don't keep fish from the river to eat, so I prefer baits they are less likely to swallow the hook with. If I want trout to eat, I will make the drive to the mountains. Even then, I release most of what I catch.
There is a really good stretch on the soquee that is public land you should check out. It's about 15 min north of North Georgia tech. I've caught many over 5 lbs there and have seen some monsters come out of there.
Keep you're eye out if you do make the trip. Ted Turner has a bison farm on the left halfway down the road that will make your day if them buffalo are out.