The Etowah River is hit or miss. We’re seeing water temperatures in the low 80’s coming out of the dam, so get out there early or late and throw some topwater for bass. I like boogle bugs, swim frogs, and pole dancers, but it’s a dealer’s choice out there. Watch the USGS page for the next couple of weeks for temperature change out of the dam. If it cools off a little, the fishing should really turn back on.
The Toccoa Tailwater is in turnover, and the water temperatures have limited your fishing options. Get out there early or late if generation allows. We’re catching fish still, but the fishing could be better. As soon as the air temperature starts to drop and stay lower, the fall bite will start to pick up. We’re primarily fishing pheasant tails, hare’s ears, and stoneflies in addition to junkie flies like squirmy worms and eggs. Caddis flies have been producing well for us in particular; try out some holy grails in hare’s ear or olive, thrift shop caddis, and bird of prey’s in 14’s and 16’s.
Small Streams are probably your best option, and produce well this time of year as they have the appropriate water conditions in the higher elevations. These streams are very low and clear, so fish are very spooky. I would start out fishing 5x leaders and tippet and downsize if needed. Fish dry dropper rigs with general mayfly and stonefly imitations; Yellow Stimulators, Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, and small Chubby Cherynobyls in tan and gold followed by small soft hackled pheasant tail and hare’s ear nymphs.
The streamer fishing on the Toccoa and Chattahoochee should pick up this fall, so give us a call if you want to learn about this style of fishing – we’re going to host a comprehensive Streamer Clinic in Blue Ridge this fall, so watch for us to post that date soon. If you’re looking to learn or know someone that is, we have an On the Water school at Tails Creek September 28th, spots are limited so call either shop to book. We also will be opening our private water soon, so if you’re looking to book a guide trip, now is the time to be thinking of dates.
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
