Fishing Forecast - Toccoa River

Flowing from beneath Blue Ridge Dam in Fannin County lies the cold, clear water of the lower Toccoa River. This 15-mile river stretch has earned a reputation among anglers as one of the best trout rivers in north Georgia. Due to its relatively large size, it is a favored water for fly-fishing enthusiasts. Fish the Toccoa with caution, as water levels can rise quickly during the times water is released from Blue Ridge Dam. 

Contact Information: DNR Office: 770-535-5498

 State records  and  fishing reports 

Best Bets: Rainbow and Brown Trout

•  Trout 
•  Other Species 

 Fish identification 

Prospect: The Toccoa River below Blue Ridge Dam is an excellent destination for both new and seasoned trout anglers due to its catch rates, averaging around 2.3 fish per hour. The 2024 field sampling was postponed but will pick up again in 2025. Rainbow and Brown Trout are stocked annually in the Toccoa. Creel Survey results from 2022-2024 indicate that most trout caught will be in the 8 to 12-inch range. Still, anglers should be ready for a memorable trout of 13 to 20 inches.

Technique: Trout anglers have the choice of using artificial lures, live bait, or flys throughout the river and any of these can be successful. Bait fishing can be productive with nightcrawlers or Powerbait being the most popular choices. Fishing with live minnows is prohibited on any trout stream such as the Toccoa, but artificial imitations like Rapalas, Mepps or Roostertail spinners, or spoons often produce fish. Substantial caddis, mayfly, and midge hatches can occur throughout the year, so fly anglers should be sure to pay close attention and "match the hatch" when fish are rising. In the early part of the year, Little Black Stoneflies, Blue Winged Olives and Black Caddis can be observed. Keep small black stimulators, purple pheasant tails, Pat’s Rubber Legs (black or brown), worm patterns, zebra midges, Griffith’s gnat, or rainbow warriors on hand. If the water remains stained and high after a spring or fall rain, try throwing large streamers and use the cloud cover to your advantage; especially when targeting trophy-size fish. From mid to late summer, fishing in the early morning will be advantageous, as trout aren’t feeding as aggressively in the afternoon heat.

Target: Good trout habitat stretches from  Blue Ridge Dam  downstream to  Horseshoe Bend Park . Look to cast to seams and bubble lines; places immediately adjacent to the main current. Target deep holes, tails of pools, undercut banks, behind and alongside rocks, and woody debris. Wading anglers and those fishing from the bank can access the river at one of the four public access points along the river: TVA access point at  Blue Ridge Dam ,  Tammen Park  (boat ramp available),  Curtis Switch  (boat ramp available), and  Horseshoe Bend Park . From Horseshoe Bend Park downstream to the Tennessee state line, the current slows and the habitat becomes less ideal for trout. River access in this section is located at  McCaysville City Park  (boat ramp available). Given the popularity of the Toccoa, access points can be crowded on weekends or holidays. Those looking for a more solitary fishing experience may choose to float the river between access points. Use caution when wading or floating, as water can rise rapidly and without warning. Check the latest operating information for water releases from Blue Ridge dam  here .

 Back to the top of page 

 Fish identification 

Prospect: The Toccoa is home to a few smallmouth, largemouth, spotted bass, and walleye, as well as rock bass, yellow perch, and bream. Catch rates for these species are generally low, and most catches are incidental, although yellow perch have become more common over the last few years. 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 and walleye, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and nightcrawlers are hard to beat. Crayfish imitations are sure to entice a strike from a hungry smallmouth. Fly anglers may also hook a bass or two when targeting trout with large streamers, such as clouser minnows. Try using small in-line spinners, worms, or crickets for bream and yellow perch.

Target: Look to the lower river reaches  near McCaysville , where the water is a bit warmer and currents are slower. Anglers might also try fishing just below the dam, as WRD personnel have noticed more bass and other warmwater species here at times.

 Back to the top of page 

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 the private property rights of local landowners.

 Increased flows at Blue Ridge Dam can rapidly create treacherous water conditions in the Toccoa tailwater. Anglers should check the Tennessee Valley Authority's generation schedule before heading to the water and keep an eye on river flows throughout their fishing trip. If fishing near Blue Ridge Dam, pay attention to the warning siren that was installed in 2012. To hear the latest  generation schedule  call 1-800-238-2264.

 Back to the top of page