If you’re coming to Blue Ridge to do some trout fishing, know that your options are going to be limited through September! The Toccoa Tailwater and Small Streams higher in elevation are some of the only refuges we have with good water conditions right now. The good news: river and creek bass fishing is fantastic! Georgia is full of bass creeks and streams that are closer to home than many realize. Break out the 4-6 weights, a box of boogle bugs or your favorite terrestrial trout patterns, and give these fish a shot. We’re also booking fall trips right now. October through December are some of our favorite months to chase trout here in the mountains, especially with the coming fall colors!
The Etowah River is still off-color due to the rain from the past week. Water conditions will hopefully stabilize by the weekend as long as the rain holds off. Be sure to check generation! The corps of engineers has completed the work at the dam, so they’re generating again. If the water remains stained, I would still throw boogle bugs and other topwater flies, but I would try and throw some flashy patterns like sparkle minnows and kreelex’s, or flies that will push water like Galloup’s Dungeons, Popvics bulkheads, etc. The spotted bass fishing should be fair to excellent for the next two months, so call us if you want to take advantage of the best fishing we’re going to have for a little while!
The Toccoa River is clear and fish-able. Take a 9 foot 5 weight rod for all around use, rigged with a 4-5x leader and have some tippet down to 6x just in case the fish get finicky. A four weight rigged with a dry fly wouldn’t hurt to have on you if you can carry it with you! For subrsurface, I would try to throw some smaller patterns imitating Blue Winged Olive and Sulphur Nymphs, Midges, and Caddis. Split Case nymphs, Holy Grails, Peeping Caddis, RS2’s, WD-40’s, etc. Pat’s Rubber Legs, TungStones, and San juan Worms should all work as well. Be mindful of the generation schedule!
Small Streams should clear by the weekend if they haven’t already! I would recommend dry-dropper rigs, so Yellow Sallies, Beetles, Hoppers, and golden stone dries trailed by small pheasant tail and hare’s ear soft hackles, small stonefly nymphs, and holy grails. A 3 or 4 weight rod rigged with 5x and 6x leaders with matching tippet should work. Stay back off of pools, fish methodically, and wear drab colors!
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