The Etowah River has been clearing up and fishable, when generation allows. Now that the water temperatures are peaking out in the high 60’s, the bass topwater bite should be getting good. Try Boogle Bugs, Pole Dancers, and Gurglers. Don’t be afraid to tie on a dropper from the popper – Pat’s Rubber Legs, Kraft’s Clawdad, and other smaller crawfish and hellgrammite patterns work great for this system. If they aren’t on topwater bugs, streamers like Clousers, Sparkle Minnows, and Craw/Tan Colored Dungeons should get’ em. The Stripers are almost here, so stock up on some bigger baitfish patterns. Call us at the shop if you have any questions regarding flies and equipment.
The Blue Ridge Area Report courtesy of our outfitting partner, Fly Fishing North Georgia.
The Toccoa Tailwater has been releasing water from the dam consistently this week from 3:00pm-9:00pm. This release has given everyone the opportunity to fish the Tailwater at every access point (Tammen Park, Curtis Switch, and Horseshoe Bend Park). Looking ahead into the weekend, they are still predicted to release the same amount; however, we won’t know what the specific time frame will be until around 5:00pm every afternoon. If you do find yourself on the Tailwater, I’d recommend fishing mainly subsurface flies. We were catching fish last weekend on Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears. I would also throw Squirmy Worms, Egg Patterns, and Pat’s Rubber Legs. We were still seeing some Sulphurs hatching this week; however, we didn’t witness any fish keying in on the hatch. Most fish were caught on subsurface flies.
The Delayed Harvest season has ended. As of May 15, the special regulations are no longer enforced until next November. With the summer temperatures and the presence of more catch-and-keep fishermen around, we are likely to see a major decline in trout populations on the DH.Though trout might not be as abundant, Bass will. We will start seeing Smallmouth move up into the river from the lake around this time of year. As of Wednesday the DH was registering at 642cfs. This is a decent level for a float without having to fish super heavy rigs; however, the wading level is still slightly higher than recommended. If the water can come down to around 400cfs, the water will be ready to wade.
Smaller Mountain Streams would be a good place to go this weekend. Weekly reports say that the water is at a good wading level. Rock Creek and Coopers Creek would be adequate places to go this weekend for some small creek fishing. In these smaller streams you might see more dry fly action, so I would definitely carry your small stream box with nymphs, emergers, and some dry flies. Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, and Headlight Sally’s are some of my favorite dries in the smaller streams.
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
