Temperatures on the Toccoa Tailwater are starting to rise, and turnover is very close. Temps near Curtis Switch are reaching 68 degrees by midday. There is a high mortality rate in trout when catching them in water over 66 degrees. Let’s give the river a rest for a few weeks until temperatures drop back into the mid-60s to protect the trout population.
Delayed Harvest season begins on the Upper Toccoa on November 1st. Cooler temperatures ahead should improve fishing conditions as the season approaches.
With cooler nightly temperatures, water temps have dropped in some creeks, which will have the trout feeding well. The water is low, so stealth is key, but a well-presented dry fly should get eaten. Yellow PMX or Bugmeister’s in sizes 12 or 14 are some of my favorite flies for creeks this time of year. With the cooler mornings, there have been a few BWO’s coming off as well, so bring some Parachute Adams and Purple Hazes with you. As temps cool, fishing will only get better. We have a bit of this hot weather left, but Fall seems like it’s on its way.
Topwater action for river bass has been on fire! With low, clear water, bass are looking up for anything falling into the water. If you’re an experienced trout fisherman, you can fish bass bugs very similarly to trout. Drifting poppers or big foam flies in seams and eddies near structure with an occasional pop or twitch can pull a lot of bass to the surface in warmer rivers. Midday bass might not be as willing to come up, so throwing a dropper like a wooly bugger or rubber legs can pick up more fish. We’re still finding bass on streamers early in the morning, but the popper bite has been hard to beat. Give us a call at the shop if you’d like to dial this in because this is prime time!
Best Flies Right Now on the Toccoa River We’re still seeing consistent success with egg patterns, flashback Hare’s Ears, and flashback Pheasant Tails in a range of sizes. These remain solid producers, particularly during colder stretches. At the same time, anglers are...
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...
