Toccoa River, GA

The Toccoa River is little known outside the state of Georgia and as development encroaches perhaps that is a good thing.  However, I always think the more attention brought to a river's fly fishing attributes the better the river's future in the long run.  Fly fishers are conservationists at heart.

 

The Toccoa River we are discussing here begins below the reservoir called Blue Ridge Lake, and has two distinct personalities, a high water power generation personality, and a low water non-power generating personality.  While power generation schedules are posted and worth checking they are not always precise, so anytime you have the slightest inkling of rising water make your way to the shore quickly.

 

During low flow is when anglers flock to the river, with only four main public access points pressure can be heavy.  The river can be floated from the dam access during lowest water it leaves little time for fishing just to make it to take out point eight miles below.  The two other access points are roughly the same distance apart.  But each stretch gets easier to float and to fish.

 

Wading can be had at each access point as well, and although they can be well attended there is river to spread out.

 

The Toccoa is probably the regions best dry fly fishing with productive hatches of BWO and midges hatching year round.  Black caddis mark early spring, beginning in February.  Follwed by sporadic hatches of Quill Gordons then Caddis re-appear through June.  Isonychia then pick up with some nice terrestrial activity through September.

 

During power generation fly anglers stay home.  Which is a mistake for once the water clears from the rising flow, fish scatter towards the bank.  Big fish can be had using streamer techniques and it is probably your best chance to catch some monster browns!

 

If you decide to hit the Toccoa, consider giving Tad and his crew a call over at Georgia Wild Trout Guide Service.  469-678-9154