Noontoola suggestions

[Bckcst]

I'm a new member, returning to the sport of flyfishing after about a 20 year gap. I have been spending a lot of time in North Georgia and think the Noontoola is about the nicest looking trout stream I have seen in a while. The fact that it is a native stream makes it all that more interesting. I have fished there several times without much success recently and I was wondering if there are some favorite patterns/techniques you have that have worked for you.

Really enjoying fishing again. Thanks for any help

[WetPatella]

You have mail!

[John Gierach]

Ah, Noontootla creek.
I fished it for the first time on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. AK and I had it to ourselves, but we had a difficult time fishing the creek. The water was so clear that the fish in the still pools could see you coming from a mile away. There's almost no hope of catching fish in conditions like that when they are so smart. However, in the areas where the surface is a bit riffly, you stand a better chance at getting closer to the fish if you can spot where they might be sitting. Because I wasn't looking into the water with my sunglasses, I got right up on top of a really large fish sitting in the back of a pool. It turned and almost ran between my legs to get away down stream. I started to try to catch it with my net because the water was so shallow his back was sticking out of the water when he wiggled back to one of those long skinny runs that the "toot" is known to have. It's almost entirely a "sight and stalk" stream because the fish there are so wary. I did catch 4 small rainbows on a #18 PT dropper from a #14 BHPT. On one occasion, a larger fish chased the smaller fish that I had caught and turned to go back into the deeper water. I'd love to fish that lower section where the bridge is, but that is private property and heavily posted. There's some really large fish down there. I'll be back to Noontootla after a rain has stained it up a little bit. I'll probably use another dual nymph rig that gets down to where the fish are and try to find that spot again where I spooked the trophy fish. After the picture, he'll be going back into the water of course.

Good luck!

[finless brown]

The best advice I can give on the 'toot is to stay out of the water as much as you can. You can get within casting range on alot of the holes without getting in the stream. Make sure to practice up on your side-arm roll cast and your bow and arrow. I would suggest a hare's ear nymph, without the bead.

[flyg]

Yeah, low-water winter time conditions can make tough fishing on the Toot. Be sure to come back in April when better than average fish will take anything that floats if it's presented properly. Even in early Dec., though, you might try using something like a #16 stimulator with an #18 HE or PT dropped 2-3 feet behind. Prolly won't get much on the dry, but it makes for a great strike indicator in that kind of shallow water. I use that setup during the summer and get plenty of fish on the nymph.

Also, keep low. If you are standing upright when you make your first cast into the tail end of those runs, then the fish probably see you. I fish upstream and approach each pool at a low crouch and usually try to fish the entire bottom half of the pool without standing up. I start from where the tip of my rod just reaches the fast water at the tail of the run. Roll cast. Target faster water.
G

[VicK]

John,

Saw mention in your post about trying to catch that big Noontootla you spooked in shallow water with your net.

Don't want to sound too big brothery or nitpicky here, but I believe that it is illegal to "catch" a trout with just your net in Georgia (I believe you have to hook him first).

While you could probably talk your way out of this one, it is certainly something that I would not want a game warden to see me doing -- even if it is your plan to release it anyway.

You're right, though, there are some nice ones in there and it is tough to fish for them when the water is as low and clear as it has been.

Those beautiful wild fish, and the overall setting of the stream, is what makes it such a special place for all of us who love fishing there.

Tight lines.

[John Gierach]

Ha! I was only kidding about net fishing the toot. It was merely an after thought to try and "net" that nice fish. It was one of those situations like when you see somebody about to knock a glass of the table with their plate, and you just can't quite get there in time. It feels like you're in slow motion and you just have to sit there and watch it all unfold.

I just thought it was so interesting that the fish went for the shallow riffle coming out the back of the pool instead of darting forward into the deep pool like most fish do when they're spooked. I looked over at AK and he just shook his head.

Those pesky fish. Who knows what they do when no one's looking!

[Fish Gazer]

Wow Ak and J Gierach on the Toot, wish I had been there!! :) ;)

[flyg]

John,
I should have known that anyone who snagged Kokanee salmon in Colorado on a fly rod (legal) wouldn't hesitate to go after spawning browns with a landing net in Georgia (not legal):). Come back next spring and we can noodle for catfish! (legal) trot line for drum! (legal), bow-hunt for carp! (legal), and gig for flounder! (legal).
G

[hook]

Stonefly nymphs. Dark brown and black mottled top/wingcase with a creamy yellow bottom. Pick up and look at the underside of a few rocks to see what size is in the area of the stream your fishing.

[Bckcst]

Thanks for the great suggestions. When I was there last week it certainly was gin-clear and very shallow. Did see some fish (mostly after they saw me). I spooked one 'bow that was easily 15" when he saw my line. It is definitely tough fishing with the conditions like this. I am hoping for some rain before my next trip and some better skills!

[Richie]

I love fishing the toot, and if your lucky you can catch the cycle...I did once this past summer and it was awesome, but you have to catch it when the conditions are right...like after a rain or on an overcast day...and then you can do some damage, but if you think you have a good crawdaddy pattern then this is the place to try it cause that is my number one fly to fish up there...that and a dark stonefly. This creek has some awesome fish with a lot of color...especially the browns...well good luck