North Georgia Fly Fishing Report – October 2006

Chattahoochee Tailwater
Water temps: Mid-50s

Kyle Burrell of River Through Atlanta Guide Service said that Lanier is starting to turn over so the water coming out of Buford Dam is a little off-color. But, he reported that the fishing has been good and that there has been a lot of surface activity, including terrestrials which are still present up and down the river. When I spoke with Kyle, he was actually tying some ant patterns in preparation for a trip later in the day.

“Princes, bead-head nymphs, Zug-bugs and lightning bugs always work well. But if you want to have fun, tie on an ant or a beetle,” Kyle said.
Call (770) 945-1466 for current dam generation schedules.

Dukes Creek
Water temps: Lower- to mid-60s

“Rockey” Roy Lowe fished Dukes on its first day after being reopened to fishing and reported catching several fish in the eight- to 24-inch range. What makes this even more spectacular is that he caught them all on dry flies!

“The water is low and clear, so dries are working well,” Roy said.
He found success on a few patterns. But tan- and mahogany-bodied Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 14 to 20 had numerous rainbows rising for a take.

Toccoa Tailwater
Water temps: 50s & 60s

The Unicoi Outfitters shop in Blue Ridge reported that some blue-winged olives have been hatching in recent weeks, so be sure to have some different sizes of immitations for when that occurs.

Dry-dropper rigs of caddis dries with caddis emerger patterns dropped off of the dry should also work well. And, they have also had reports of some large browns being landed on streamers.

Other patterns to have on you on the Toccoa are soft-hackle pheasant tails and prince nymphs.
Call (800) 238-2264, then press 4, 23, and # for generation times.

Waters Creek
Water temps: Lower 60s

The NGTO workday led by Michael Pinion on September 16 was a huge success. Thirty workers showed up to move timber and swing hammers in order to create more habitat for the big’uns that call Waters home.

Four brand new stream structures are now in place which should decrease the runoff and increase the fishable area in this small stream.

“We put in a structure in an area that was only about four inches deep, and by the end of the day it was a foot and a half deep,” Michael said. This means one more run through which we can drift a fly!