The Toccoa Tailwater is fishing well outside of generation. We’ve been seeing midges hatching on the river in the evenings, and remnant black caddis might be seen. I would carry a few smaller Griffith’s Gnats and Sprout Midges in cream and black in addition to smaller zebra midges if I were headed out. Also keep a few Parachute Adams in 12-18 to cover the various dark-bodied mayflies that could hatch this month. My main focus would be a subsurface presentation, so Pat’s Rubber Legs/Stonefly imitations, Rainbow Warriors/Lightning Bugs, Pheasant Tail Variants 14-20, and Batman Nymphs. Don’t Forget your split shot, and don’t be afraid to throw a big chubby cherynobyl or foam pmx up top as a bobber fly. Rain this week is fairly light but constant in the forecast, so bring a wading jacket or a rain shell!
The Upper Toccoa Delayed Harvest is flowing at 860 cfs and falling. With the current forecast, I don’t foresee the DH section being wadeable this week, but this flow can make a float trip very productive. Bring a variety of heavy split shot and some streamers in addition to the same stuff I would throw on the tailwater. Keep an eye on the flow – I wouldn’t attempt to float this section if it rises.
Small Streams should produce very well right now. They’re still a little high but clear, so be prepared to change tactics as the water drops out. Carry all the stuff you need to change tactics to dry-dropper and suspension rigs. I’m throwing bigger stonefly patterns and wooly buggers in addition to egg and worm patterns, but don’t be afraid to downsize flies and tippet if needed. Patterns imitating little black stones, caddis, and blue winged olives in smaller sizes can be a trip saver when the other stuff doesn’t work. I like to use my standard 9 foot, 4 or 5 weight rod when the water is high – if you’re going to catch a trophy fish relative to the size of the creek you’re fishing, this is when it’s going to happen, so bring a net!
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
Cartersville Shop: (770) 606-1100
Blue Ridge Shop: (706) 946-3044