Fishing Report 5/30/2019

The Etowah River is fishing well. The bass bite is fantastic right now – warmer water temperatures mean topwater fishing; boogle bugs with small crawfish (pat’s rubber legs, Joe’s crayfish jig) and baitfish droppers (small clousers) should work well. Gurglers, mouse, and frog patterns will also produce well. As far as streamers are concerned, bigger baitfish patterns like Blanton’s Flashtail Whistler and Cowen’s Coyote will work well. Bring lots of water and sunscreen! It’s hotter than hell out there right now, and sun gear is crucial. We’ve always got a selection of sun hoodies and sunscreen in stock; check the generation schedule before you go out. Call us at the shop if you would like to get an Etowah float booked – we’re creeping into some of the best fishing of the year.

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. They’ve been doing a split-generationg for about an hour in the morning (typically 11AM-12PM) and then again in the afternoon (typically 4PM-8PM). I think TVA has been doing this split generation to make sure the Tailwater stays consistently cool throughout the day, especially with the hot days we’ve been having this past week. The Tailwater was hit hard this past weekend with a lot of people trying to get on the water for Memorial Day. The Tailwater has been fishing great lately with the morning and late evenings being the best times to be on the water. Squirmy Worms, Mop Flies, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails were very good. This would be a good weekend to get out on the water. TVA is predicted to do about the same generation, so you should find some time to be on the water!

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 531cfs. 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. This water is also starting to become low and clear so be careful to not spook the trout as you try to fish for them. Leave the indicators at home, and use a Dry-Dropper Rig, fish smaller diameter tippet sizes, and approach the water with stealth.