Early morning fishing on the tailwater has been great. A lot of good dry fly action can be found early. Tan and Olive Caddis dries behind a small hopper or a beetle have been finding fish. Dry dropper rigs have been working just as well with a variety of nymphs. Jigged PT’s and Jigged HE’s have been finding a lot of those fish reluctant to come to the surface.
Fishing has been starting to slow down as the sun gets higher. Closer to the dam, where the water temp stays cooler, the bite window lasts a bit longer — until the high water comes in. Lower down the river you can expect fishing to start slowing down around 9 or 10am. After that, try targeting faster current, shady bubble lines, or spots that have both. This has been the most productive water when it starts getting hot.
TVA has been generating twice a day. The first generation comes in around 9–11am and shuts off at noon. The later generation has been turning on around 4pm. These late afternoon flows can make for some good streamer fishing when the sun gets lower. After the water cuts off around 7, expect to see an afternoon hatch or some good terrestrial fishing. This can be a great option for those who can’t fish in the mornings — just be aware of how long the water takes to fall out at each access point.
Water temps are too high for trout fishing. The Delayed Harvest section reopens November 1st, so until then, it’s best to give these fish a break.
Small, high-elevation streams can be great places to spend a summer day fishing. With loads of bug life, plenty of shade, and opportunistic wild fish, you can catch fish on a single dry all day. These fish are not going to be too picky on your fly pattern, but they will be picky on your presentation.
Flows are starting to get low again in these creeks. Even with afternoon showers, a day of no rain will drop the creek back down to low flows. So downsize your tippet and try to cast from further away. Stealth can be key this time of year.
Smaller terrestrials like ants and beetles are a great option. As far as hatches, expect Tan Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and Sulphurs. A yellow Stimulator is a killer fly all summer long. Dry droppers will definitely work, but with a single dry, you can fish shallower water and tighter spots. Think of these creeks like miniature rivers. Since these small wild fish will sit in inches of water, you can run a dry fly through each little pocket.
Striper season has been running strong! These fish have wrapped up their spawn and are now hanging out in the rivers for the cooler, more oxygenated water. Shoals are great places to stop and work thoroughly.
Since we’re getting into the peak of summer, early mornings and late afternoons are going to be your best bite. If you’re not out there at the crack of dawn, try to be on the water as the sun sets. You can still have some chances midday, but those windows are less reliable.
Bass bugging is also starting to ramp up. With plenty of annual cicadas, hoppers, and frogs around, these fish will look up in clear, low water. Besides stripers, this is one of our favorite bites through the summer. It can also result in some good quality fish — with the bonus of a visual eat.
Whether you’re chasing trout on the Toccoa or throwing bugs for bass, our expert guides at Cohutta Fishing Company are here to help you make the most of your time on the water.
Stop by the shop or book your next guided trip today!
Current Conditions for the Toccoa Tailwater, Upper Toccoa, and North Georgia Small Streams Toccoa Tailwater Fishing Report – Low Flows, Clear Water, and Excellent Winter Trout Fishing Maintenance on Blue Ridge Dam has wrapped up, and flows are finally getting back to...
Toccoa Tailwater: Blue Ridge Dam is currently under maintenance. They are sluicing 600cfs with water temps coming out of the dam at 64 degrees. Wading at the accesses is very limited at this flow with the water level 1-2ft higher than normal. Float fishing on the...
Cooling Creeks The creeks are cooling and fishing well. Terrestrial patterns like ants, beetles, and hoppers continue to be productive and worth having in your box. Toccoa River Update The Toccoa is entering its normal turnover period near the dam, which means the...
