It has been tough to find fishable water in the Blue Ridge Area lately; the tailwater is high but clearing. The delayed harvest has been too high to wade or float. Until the water levels fall, the best bet right now in the Blue Ridge area is going to be smaller mountain streams. The weather forecast for this coming week shows a low chance of rain, so hopefully we will see stabilizing conditions and falling water on the Toccoa.
Split shot and fishing deep is the name of the game right now. Have the usual suspects in your fly box – Squirmy worms, Egg patterns, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Hot Spot Hare’s Ear nymphs, etc. Other flies that have been working well lately include Holy Grails, stoneflies such as the TungStone, and Cream and Blood Midges. High Water also provides opportunities to streamer fish. Sex Dungeons in Yellow and Tan, Butt Monkeys, and Sparkle Minnows are a good bet. Come by our Blue Ridge Location if you have any questions.
The Etowah is currently unfishable- high flows, muddy water, and cold temps have the fish hunkered down. If the warming spell continues, we could see some activity in the next few weeks as the water drops and clears. Fly fishing is going to be tough until we get some water temps in the mid 50s or above. Once things warm up try some streamers like Sparkle Minnows or large Wooly Buggers and Clousers on sinking line.
Good Luck!
Check the Generation schedule before you plan your trip! We do not recommend that you float the Etowah if Allatoona dam is releasing water. We do not recommend wading the Toccoa if the TVA is releasing water. Check the Release Schedules and be safe!
Toccoa River Delayed Harvest flows
Allatoona Dam Release Schedule- (706) 334-7213