The Etowah River is fishing well. We’re targeting bass with topwater poppers and frog patterns in the mornings and evenings with success: boogle bugs, swim frogs/baitfish, crease flies, and pole dancers are all excellent choices. Streamers imitating baitfish also will work well throughout the day. We like basic shad imitators like Clouser minnows, Lunch Moneys, Flashtail Whistlers, and Major Sardines. Bring Sunscreen and water!
The Toccoa Tailwater has been producing well when conditions allow. We’re seeing the effects of turnover from the lake at the upper reaches of the river – Tammen Park is currently tea colored, but further downstream the color seems to be fading. Rainbow and Brown trout have been heavily stocked all summer and you have a pretty good shot at catching fish. Very flashy flies like Silver or Pearl Lightning Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, and Glint Nymphs in front of soft hackled naturals like pheasant tails and hare’s ears. Midges should also produce. We like size 16 and 18 black Higa’s SOS or size 16 red or black Zebra Midges. For stonefly patterns, we like Pat’s Rubber Legs in natural colors or TungStones. For dries, have some tan and olive X-caddis in 14-16. I’m also using big bushy dries as my indicator right now.
Small Streams are fishing great right now. Go up higher in elevation on heavily canopied streams and fish hopper dropper rigs. Dries can be any general mayfly or caddis imitation like Parachute Adams or Parachute Madam X’s; I really like flies that have a hot spot parachute for heavy glare. For droppers, pheasant tail nymph variations, stonefly patterns, and caddis patterns like Holy Grails. Presentation is the key on these streams, so walk softly and fish methodically.
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
Cartersville Shop: (770) 606-1100
Blue Ridge Shop: (706) 946-3044
