Fishing Report 11/2/19

The Toccoa Tailwater is still a little off color downstream from the creeks running in, but not unfishable; Tammen park and the dam are clear. I would focus on subsurface presentations: stonefly nymphs (Pat’s RL, Double Bead Stone), Caddis larva/pupae (Holy Grails, Thrift Shop Caddis), and other general imitations (Hare’s Ear, Prince, Pheasant tails). Don’t forget standard tailwater junk like egg patterns, worm patterns, and flashy bugs like lighting bugs and rainbow warriors. Streamers will also produce a bigger bite, so bring along some mini dungeons, jawbreakers, and laser legals etc.

The Toccoa Delayed Harvest is currently high and muddy, but should be fishable by the beginning of next week if rain holds off. Keep in mind that special regulations for this portion of stream began November 1st, so you can only fish artificial, single hooks (droppers/articulated flies are permitted, but treble hooks, etc are not!), and catch and release only until May. If you plan on fishing the delayed harvest, junk flies like squirmy worms, mop flies, and egg patterns are a must, but don’t count out more natural imitations like big stonefly nymphs and caddis/BWO’s.

Small Streams should be fishing well – I would try fishing dry/dropper rigs with bigger parachute adams and purple haze for my lead followed by soft hackle pheasant tails, hare’s ears, and split case BWO’s. This time of year, I also like to fish standard sized Pat’s rubber legs behind buoyant dries like chubby cherynobyls to try and entice a bigger bite.

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!