Trout Fishing Report courtesy of Matt Morrison, Guide at Cohutta Fishing Company
Small Streams: Fall fishing is here! Cooler nightly temperatures and during the day have cooled the smaller streams down. The fishing has been great from the stocked streams all the way to wild trout water. Some October caddis are already coming off along with smaller Tan Caddis and Blue Winged Olives (BWO’s). On stocked streams, like Coopers Creek or Rock Creek, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Pheasant Tail variations, and Rainbow Warriors have been the most productive flies. On the wild trout streams, dry flies like a size 12 Elk Hair Caddis or Stimulators in orange have been great. If the fish are a little reluctant to come to the surface, stick to a similar selection of nymphs and hackles. Water has been low and clear – we need rain badly! Light line and stealth are paramount to success right now.
Toccoa Tailwater: As of October 4th, the tailwater is still in turn over. Our guide Austin McDonald took a temperature at Tammen Park on October 3rd at 9 AM at 72 degrees, and Jacob temped today (October 4th) at 10:15 AM at 69 degrees. Go to Curtis Switch or Horseshoe Bend Park – Jacob took a temperature at the Curtis Switch Boat Ramp today, and it came out at 63 degrees. Fish were rising and the water was clear compared to Tammen Park.
Upper Toccoa: Delayed Harvest for the Upper Toccoa starts on Nov.1st. In the meantime, stock up on all the essential DH flies like Worms, Eggs, and Mop Flies.
North Carolina Delayed Harvest: on October 1st, North Carolina Delayed Harvest regulations apply to designated streams. Nantahala and Fires Creek are being stocked up so definitely check those out. Any junk flies like worms, eggs, and mops will do the trick. Pat’s rubber legs and any fly with a hot spot will work just as good. These places are great places for beginner anglers to hone their skills or experienced anglers
Hot Flies for the Month:
Pat’s Rubber Legs Black, Brown, or Coffee/Black (sz 12)
Hot Bead Pheasant Tail (sz14-16)
Flashback Pheasant Tail (sz16-18)
Soft-hackle Jigged Pheasant Tail (sz16-18)
Holy Grail (sz12-16)
Elk Hair Caddis Tan (sz16)
Elk Hair Caddis Orange (sz12-14)
Walt’s Worms (sz12-16)
North Georgia Reservoirs: Spotted Bass and Temperate Bass, courtesy of Jacob Milholland, Store Manager
It’s that time of year! Fish are schooling and chasing bait. It’s a good time to run around the lake looking for busting fish in the mornings especially as well as evenings. If you choose to go blind cast, look for long points (point markers are a great place to start) and steep rocky banks. Another great indicator to look for is bait, either on the surface or on electronics if you have a graph! I’m keeping a couple rods in the boat, one strung with an intermediate tip line or floating line, another with a full sink. Choose a rod weight based on the average size of fish in your lake, usually 6-8 weights.
Hot Flies:
Henry Cowen’s Somethin’ Else
Henry Cowen’s Coyote
Gurglers in all White/Pearl or Gray/Chartreuse size 2 or 4
Todd’s Wiggle Minnow, Shad or Red/White
Bisharat’s Pole Dancer size 2
Kraft’s Kreelex size 2, Tri-Color
Micro Gamechanger, Shad or White
