Flyfishing abounds in the North Georgia Mountains. Check out the Toccoa, Fightingtown Creek and Noontoola Creek.

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Trout season begins on the last Saturday in March, and it traditionally starts the mountain tourist season. Turkey season usually comes in at approximately the same time. However, we now have year-round trout streams, including the Toccoa River. Be aware that you may not fish the mouths of streams that are closed.

Many people think that the Toccoa below the dam is the best trout stream in Georgia. Access is limited, although there is public access just below the dam and at Tammin Park (on the four-lane). The river can also be accessed from Hogback Road from either the east or the west (past the old depot in Mineral Bluff). There is also some access at the bridge over Curtis Switch, and again at Horseshoe Bend Park (off Hwy 60 north, just before McCaysville).

!WARNING! You must be aware of the release schedule for the dam before fishing the river below the dam. If you haven’t experienced it before, you will be astonished by how fast the water rises and how swift the current becomes. Save your loved ones the embarrassment of explaining how the great fly fisherman managed to drown in the Toccoa by checking the release schedule. Be aware that it can change without notice. Access the release schedule at www.tva.gov (click on “Lake Info”).

By the way, the river immediately below the dam is a good trip-saver in case the streams become stained with mud after a rain. No matter what happens, the tailrace is clean. There are some pan fish in the pool below the dam.

The river above the dam is considered fair. It can be accessed from Aska Road. You can also cross the Shallowford Bridge, turn right, and right at the first fork. Highway 60 south (toward Suches) also runs by the river at a number of points.

Fightingtown Creek is probably our most famous local trout stream. It winds through much of the county, emptying into the Ocoee across from the chemical plant. The most convenient points of access are from Old Hwy 2 (off Hwy 5).

Noontoola Creek, at the end of Aska Road, is a beautiful, gravel-bottomed trophy stream. You can fish the triangle between Aska Road and Newport Road, or follow it up into the Blue Ridge WMA off Doublehead Gap Road.

Trout Fishing in North Georgia, by Jimmy Jacobs is a useful guide (Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, 1993). Northern Georgia Canoeing, by Bob Sehlinger and Don Otey may also be helpful in identifying access points (Hillsborough, North Carolina: Menasha Ridge Press, 1980).