Guided Fishing with  Feather & Fly
 in Georgia and Tennessee
Drift Boat, NuCanoe
and
WadeTrips
Float, Wade or NuCanoe  the Toccoa River
in
North Georgia
and the
Elk River 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.  

Access is limited on the Elk and the most productive part of the river begins approximately a mile
below the dam and has to be approached by boat, canoe or flotation devices like pontoon or float
rings.  Caution must be observed, 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 or sediment.
Please Scroll Down
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.
The Upper Toccoa River
The Lower Toccoa 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.

Approximately 10 years ago, a minimum flow device was installed at Blue Ridge Dam.  The river quickly
achieved its real potential and has become the premier river for trout in the Southeastern United States.   

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
Upper Toccoa Delayed Harvest Topo Map
$275 per day / 1 rod
NuCanoe 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
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
$360 per day / 2 rods
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
$250 per day / 2 rods
$200 per day / 1 rod