Toccoa Tailwater Report

[Jimmy Harris]

Fished the Toccoa on Saturday afternoon from 2:00 until about 6:00 with Dredger. When we got in, we saw a few fish rising so tried to entice them to the top with dry flies. In less than five minutes we both had a fish, mine a rainbow, his a brown. As Dredger worked his way downstream, I could hear hoots of joy as he continued to fool fish. I, on the other hand, experienced a prolonged drought as I moved upstream. The predominant fly coming off was a tan caddis with yellowish green body, size 16. Nothing I threw was a good match; I didn't get to hoot. It was cold and windy all afternoon and throwing a 4 wt. was challenging. After talking to myself for over an hour, I gave up on the dry and tied on a double hares ear rig with multiple spit shot. BAM! Fish on! In the next three hours I landed over 20 fish, including three big browns over 13" and one rainbow of 15". Almost every fish was in the riffles, not in the runs I had been working with the dry. Curiously, the area downstream where Dredger was fishing was deeper and slower with no riffles and he continued to catch fish on a small size 18 tan caddis dry. At the end of the afternoon, we both had about the same number of fish with totally different tactics. Also, on Friday, one of our guides, Brad Wayne, had a float trip with a couple of clients. They had a tough time until they switched to stripping woolly buggers through the riffles. After switching flies, they landed 30 or 35 fish with many of them quality trout in the 13"-14" range. As we mentioned in our last newsletter, the Toccoa fishery appears to be changing and our tactics need to change with it. Big browns don't act like 10" rainbows.

[SteepCreek]

Jimmy,

I too noticed a trend on the Toccoa. Around the Fall of 2005, I had a day where the fish would not touch a 14 Caddis but would take a 16 or even an 18 caddis regularly regardless of color. After this one time last fall, I applied this to all my visits to the Toccoa. For the most part it holds true.

On a trip this Winter, just when I think I've got it figured out, I walk back to the truck after a slow day of fishing the Toccoa only to find that Buck had been slaying them on a 14 Adams....... (whatever).

Change is constant. This is what makes fly fishing for trout so enjoyable. If it were easy we would get bored really quickly.

[smarkwalker]

I'm looking to drift Toccoa from Dam to CS on this coming monday and introduce a friend into the world of fly fishing. To date, I've fished the Toccoa several times, but have not drifted. I've been drifting the HI for years and am wondering what a realistic float time for this section is giving some time for fishing and instructional moments. Any potential problems I should look for regarding flows or particular lines I need to keep in mind while drifting? How are the access sites for a drift boat? Thanks for the help and info.

Mark

[Jimmy Harris]

SW,

You'll need to pay attention to your time if floating from the dam to Curtis. We float half that distance and make a full day of it, getting out to work the shoals good. If you're in a canoe, it will go better. Water is really low right now (100 cfs) when they're not generating and you don't want to be on the river when they are generating. Don't get me wrong, you can make the float you're talking about in a day but it will take all day and you can't spend too much time in one spot. No rough water on the Toccoa at all so that's not a problem. If you pick the wrong track, you'll just end up pulling your boat over the rocks. Have fun.

[smarkwalker]

Jimmy,

Thanks for the input. Guess I better redesign this trip. I plan on spending some time helping with his cast and etc. Don't need to be worrying about time management among the other concerns of a new river. Maybe I can get a float a little later in the month when the days are a bit longer and I can fish with someone whom I can share oars/rod time. Don't suppose there are any private pay launches that are available? Thanks for your help.
Mark

[Jimmy Harris]

SW,

As far as I know, there are no private fee launch areas. There is a guy who will provide shuttle service. Call the shop in Blue Ridge for his number.

[Peterson]

smarkwalker

If you need another person to fish/row, let me know and I will be there.

[Grizzz]

Well Peterson, I need to get you out with me. I know you have asked but now I am ready. I have a new/used Clacka that is ready to be rowed. Lets get together and go. At least I know you know how to row. Or you should after going to guide school.

I hear you are going on an overnight in August. I am jealous. Sure wish I could be there.

[Peterson]

Grizz
hey, Long time no hear. Anytime that you want to float the Toccoa, just let me
know. I am game. Maybe we can get my old man to go with us. I am glad you got a clacka and not Hyde. You can get my number from my old man. I need to do some fishing before going out west in august.

Erik

[A.F.fly tyer]

Big hatch on the Toccoa yesterday were the Isonychia Bicolor or Lead wing coachmen or atleast I'm pretty sure thats what they were......Dk. Dun wings with a dark to light green body in sizes 10- 18. Sulphurs, tan caddis, white mayflies, yellow sallies and small brown olive spinners size 24 all hatching too! many nymphs present, all fish were caught on soft hackle p.t.s and blue winged olives sizes 16-18.