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| Best Fishing Bets |
| Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout |
| Toccoa River Fishing Tips |
Trout - Generous numbers of catchable and fingerling-sized rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually. The river also supports some natural reproduction, and trout can survive year-round in the river and some of its’ cold tributaries. Trout account for nearly 75 percent of the game fish population in the lower Toccoa. Both species of trout average 10 inches, with plenty of 12 to 16-inch fish available. The occasional 20-plus inch fish also can be caught. In fact, trout greater than 26 inches and 8 ½ pounds were captured in recent electrofishing surveys.
Technique - Wade fishing or float trips are both preferred methods for fishing this river. Use spinners, live bait and flies throughout the river. Wet flies and streamers also have their place, especially in winter. Fly-fishermen often consider the lower Toccoa as a dry fly enthusiast's dream because of the prolific caddis, mayfly and midge hatches. Be prepared to 'match the hatch' when fish are rising.
Target - If rainbows are your desired quarry, concentrate your fishing efforts on open water in the faster riffles and runs. For browns, look to areas with good cover such as overhanging banks and woody debris. |
Other Species - The lower Toccoa also is home to a few smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass, as well as rock bass, yellow perch and bream. Catch rates for these species are generally low. Anglers are encouraged to harvest their limit of spotted bass, as they have the potential to threaten the river’s remnant smallmouth fishery.
Technique - For bass, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and soft plastics are hard to beat. Crayfish imitations are sure to entice a strike from a hungry smallmouth. Use small in-line spinners, worms or crickets for bream.
Target - Look to the lower river reaches near McCaysville, where the water is a bit warmer and currents are slower. |
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| Boat Ramps |
| The lower Toccoa’s only public boat ramp is located at Toccoa River Park in the city of McCaysville. It also is possible to launch small watercraft (canoes, kayaks, drift boats) at any of these four public access points (Blue Ridge Dam, Tammen Park, Curtis Switch, Horseshoe Bend Park). |
| Additional Info |
The vast majority of the lower Toccoa River flows through private property. There are only 5 public access points over the entire 15-mile tailwater. Always respect private property rights of local landowners.
Operations at Blue Ridge Dam can rapidly create treacherous water conditions in the tailwater. Anglers should check the Tennessee Valley Authority’s generation schedule before heading to the water. To get the generation schedule call 1-800-238-2264 or visit this website. |
| Contact Info |
Wildlife Resources Division, Calhoun Fisheries office - Phone: 706-624-1161
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dam release info: ph. 1-800-238-2264 |
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