Fishing Report 10/25/19

The Toccoa Tailwater is going to be fishing very good very soon. Turnover water has passed, water has cleared at the dam, and water temperatures are dropping to conducive levels. We’ve received a good bit of rain this week, so the river may blow out this weekend, but we’re welcoming it this time. If you do go fish the tailwater, I would recommend throwing bigger nymphs imitating stoneflies and streamers in the dirtier water. Pat’s Rubber Legs, Double Bead Stones, and Rubber Legged Stones in addition to wooly buggers, purple and blue batman nymphs, and purple wire stones will all produce. For streamers, we just received a fresh shipment of both of Galloup’s Mini and Standard sized dungeons in 5 different colors, a few Strolis’ Ice Picks, and some smaller laser legals. Sparkle minnows and Kreelexs will always produce as well.

The Toccoa Delayed Harvest starts November 1st. Georgia’s Delayed Harvest system designates certain parts of a river/creek as catch and release, single hook (no treble hooks etc. – droppers/articulated flies are allowed), artificial bait from November 1st through May 14th.  These streams are stocked heavily during the DH season and provide fantastic trout fishing opportunities for both the novice and expert. Give us a shout at either shop if you have questions about DH fishing.

The Etowah River is fishing great right now, but this will only last so long as the water temperature is dropping on a daily basis. We are catching fish on poppers and big topwater patterns like swim frogs and pole dancers, but If the water temperatures are cool in the morning, start with streamers imitating crawfish and shad.

Small Streams have been rejuvenated from the cooler air temperatures and rain. These streams may be high and dirty, but will clear within days of the rain. I would try throwing some small streamers and bigger stoneflies in the high water and switch back to dry dropper rigs as the water levels stabilize.

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!