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| The Toccoa River in North Georgia and the Elk and Hiawassee Rivers in Tennessee |
The Elk River
The Elk River Tailwater begins at Tims Ford Dam below Tims Ford Lake West
of Winchester, Tennessee. This portion of the Elk River is unusually cold and
fertile which gives it the ability to produce large trout in abundant numbers.
however, as the river is notorious for sudden, unscheduled discharges. Due to
the canyon-like high walls and steep banks, wade fishermen must be aware of
any increase in flow and should have an escape route planned.
The river flows South for a short distance and then continues East towards
Fayetteville, Tennessee.
Midges are predominant in the Elk and a fly angler should be prepared to offer a
selection in sizes 18 thru 22. In the summer, small beetle and hopper imitations
can be productive but still require delicate presentation and a long (10' to 15')
leaders. Streamers from size 4 to 8 will produce when the river is discolored
from rain.
of Winchester, Tennessee. This portion of the Elk River is unusually cold and
fertile which gives it the ability to produce large trout in abundant numbers.
however, as the river is notorious for sudden, unscheduled discharges. Due to
the canyon-like high walls and steep banks, wade fishermen must be aware of
any increase in flow and should have an escape route planned.
The river flows South for a short distance and then continues East towards
Fayetteville, Tennessee.
Midges are predominant in the Elk and a fly angler should be prepared to offer a
selection in sizes 18 thru 22. In the summer, small beetle and hopper imitations
can be productive but still require delicate presentation and a long (10' to 15')
leaders. Streamers from size 4 to 8 will produce when the river is discolored
from rain.
The Upper Toccoa River starts in Union County, Georgia, flows north and west
through Fannin County, meandering through some of the most breathtaking
mountains in the country. It is fed by smaller yet productive trout streams such as
Cooper's Creek, Rock Creek, Stanley Creek, Noontootla Creek, Hemptown Creek,
and Hot House Creek just to name a few.
The Toccoa River Delayed Harvest Area is located in the Upper Section down
stream approximately between Old Dial Road and Shallowford Bridge. The section
is clearly marked and the regulations are posted.
The Upper Toccoa is wadeable for most of its length and Feather & Fly offers both
Wade Trips and NuCanoe floats on this section.
The Toccoa offers excellent fishing here and knowledgeable anglers do well with
caddis and small mayfly imitations. Later in the summer, terrestrials and yellow
jacket imitations are favorites, particularly on some of the tributaries where larger
trout go to escape the intense sun.
through Fannin County, meandering through some of the most breathtaking
mountains in the country. It is fed by smaller yet productive trout streams such as
Cooper's Creek, Rock Creek, Stanley Creek, Noontootla Creek, Hemptown Creek,
and Hot House Creek just to name a few.
The Toccoa River Delayed Harvest Area is located in the Upper Section down
stream approximately between Old Dial Road and Shallowford Bridge. The section
is clearly marked and the regulations are posted.
The Upper Toccoa is wadeable for most of its length and Feather & Fly offers both
Wade Trips and NuCanoe floats on this section.
The Toccoa offers excellent fishing here and knowledgeable anglers do well with
caddis and small mayfly imitations. Later in the summer, terrestrials and yellow
jacket imitations are favorites, particularly on some of the tributaries where larger
trout go to escape the intense sun.
The Upper Toccoa River
The Lower Toccoa River
below Blue Ridge Dam
below Blue Ridge Dam
The lower Toccoa River Tailwater begins at Blue Ridge Dam and flows North to
McCaysville, Georgia and the Tennessee Border where it becomes the Ocoee
River.
Cold, highly oxygenated water from Blue Ridge Lake feeds the lower river
creating an ideal habitat for naturally reproducing trout. Abundant food and
regulated flows allow rainbows and particularly brown trout to achieve
significant size. In addition, the rich environment makes 100+ fish days a
realistic goal for a fly fisherman.
The river is easily wadeable when the dam is not generating and becomes ideal
float water when generation is occurring.
While much of the property along the river is private, there are a number of
access points on the river and there is a railroad right of way that parallels's
much of the river.
Fly anglers should plan to carry an assortment of caddis - dark and tan - in #16
and 18, Blue wing olives in #16 thru 24, Adams in #12, 14, 16, black stonefly
nymphs in #10, Golden stone nymphs and adults in #6 and 8, Yellow Sallies in
#16, Hare's ear nymphs in assorted sizes and plenty of terrestrials and midges. If
its an aquatic insect, its probably in the Toccoa!
McCaysville, Georgia and the Tennessee Border where it becomes the Ocoee
River.
Cold, highly oxygenated water from Blue Ridge Lake feeds the lower river
creating an ideal habitat for naturally reproducing trout. Abundant food and
regulated flows allow rainbows and particularly brown trout to achieve
significant size. In addition, the rich environment makes 100+ fish days a
realistic goal for a fly fisherman.
The river is easily wadeable when the dam is not generating and becomes ideal
float water when generation is occurring.
While much of the property along the river is private, there are a number of
access points on the river and there is a railroad right of way that parallels's
much of the river.
Fly anglers should plan to carry an assortment of caddis - dark and tan - in #16
and 18, Blue wing olives in #16 thru 24, Adams in #12, 14, 16, black stonefly
nymphs in #10, Golden stone nymphs and adults in #6 and 8, Yellow Sallies in
#16, Hare's ear nymphs in assorted sizes and plenty of terrestrials and midges. If
its an aquatic insect, its probably in the Toccoa!
Lower Toccoa Topo Map
Elk River Topo Map
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Upper Toccoa Delayed Harvest Topo Map
$375 per day / 1 rod - half day $275
$475 per day / 2 rods - half day $350
$475 per day / 2 rods - half day $350
Trophy Water
Wade Trip
on a private section of Georgia's
Mountaintown Creek.
Click here for Photos
Food & Beverage provided,
Waders / Boots available for
rent for $35 day
Wade Trip
on a private section of Georgia's
Mountaintown Creek.
Click here for Photos
Food & Beverage provided,
Waders / Boots available for
rent for $35 day
Driftboat
Day Trip
Food & Beverage
provided, does not
include guide gratuity.
Fly Rod/Reel provided if
needed, flies / leaders /
tippets are included.
Waders / Boots available
for rent for $35 day
Day Trip
Food & Beverage
provided, does not
include guide gratuity.
Fly Rod/Reel provided if
needed, flies / leaders /
tippets are included.
Waders / Boots available
for rent for $35 day
$375 per day / 2 rods
$275 half day
$275 half day
Wading
Day Trip
Food & Beverage
provided, does not
include guide gratuity.
Fly Rod/Reel provided if
needed, flies / leaders /
tippets are included.
Waders / Boots available
for rent for $35 day
Day Trip
Food & Beverage
provided, does not
include guide gratuity.
Fly Rod/Reel provided if
needed, flies / leaders /
tippets are included.
Waders / Boots available
for rent for $35 day
$275 per day / 2 rods
$225 per day / 1 rod
$225 per day / 1 rod
Treat yourself or a
friend to a guided
float trip this year!
Gift Certificates available
friend to a guided
float trip this year!
Gift Certificates available
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Private Trophy Water on Mountaintown Creek
Private Trophy Water on Mountaintown Creek
Feather & Fly Guided Fishing
Feather & Fly Guided Fishing
In Georgia and Tennessee
In Georgia and Tennessee
| The Toccoa River in North Georgia and the Elk and Hiawassee Rivers in Tennessee |
The Hiwassee River
The Tennessee portion of the Hiwassee River begins at the Tennessee - North
Carolina state line below Hiwassee Lake in North Carolina and flows west to its
confluence with the Tennessee River. The portion from the border down to
Reliance, Tennessee is considered the prime trout water.
The Hiwassee is a tailwater fishery that has been a notable trout fishery in the
past. Recent years, however, have seen a series of problems such as warm water
discharges, generation breakdowns and pollution from mine tailings. This
resulted in the loss of many large holdover fish. The State of Tennessee keeps
the river stocked with trout and it is slowly beginning to recover its old reputation
as a decent trout fishery.
Many anglers are surprised to find that the Hiwassee is a first rate Striper fishery
and they will come readily to large streamers on sink-tip lines.
The Hiwassee is also noted for being a difficult river to wade. In fact, attempting
to wade during generation periods is asking for disaster. Even experienced
anglers get out of the water at the first sign of generation.
Float trips on the Hiwassee can be productive, and again, this often depends on
the level of generation.
Carolina state line below Hiwassee Lake in North Carolina and flows west to its
confluence with the Tennessee River. The portion from the border down to
Reliance, Tennessee is considered the prime trout water.
The Hiwassee is a tailwater fishery that has been a notable trout fishery in the
past. Recent years, however, have seen a series of problems such as warm water
discharges, generation breakdowns and pollution from mine tailings. This
resulted in the loss of many large holdover fish. The State of Tennessee keeps
the river stocked with trout and it is slowly beginning to recover its old reputation
as a decent trout fishery.
Many anglers are surprised to find that the Hiwassee is a first rate Striper fishery
and they will come readily to large streamers on sink-tip lines.
The Hiwassee is also noted for being a difficult river to wade. In fact, attempting
to wade during generation periods is asking for disaster. Even experienced
anglers get out of the water at the first sign of generation.
Float trips on the Hiwassee can be productive, and again, this often depends on
the level of generation.
Hiwassee River topo map above Reliance, Tennessee
Hiwassee River topo map below Reliance, Tennessee
| Drift Boat and Wade Trips |