November Fly Fishing Report — Fall Is A Great Time To Fish The Toccoa River

Fall has officially settled into the Blue Ridge mountains, and November is shaping up to be a great month for fly fishing on the Toccoa River. Water temperatures have dropped into their ideal trout-friendly range and the brown trout spawn is underway. The Upper Toccoa Delayed Harvest section opened November 1st and has been fishing great!

Why Fall Is One of the Best Times of Year to Fly Fish the Toccoa River

The Toccoa shines in the fall for a few major reasons:

1. Cooler Water = More Active Trout

After a warm summer, November brings consistent 50–56°F water temps — the sweet spot for trout feeding. With cold nights and mild days, the fish stay active most of the day.

2. Lower Fishing Pressure

Summer crowds are gone. Anglers get more room to fish, especially around major access points.

3. Brown Trout Are Spawning

This is huge for fall fishing. Brown trout are aggressive, territorial, and visible this time of year. Even non-spawning fish feed more heavily during the season.

Brown Trout Spawn

Nice brown trout to the net on a recent trip on the tailwater.

TVA Generation Update — Sluicing 350 CFS at Blue Ridge Dam

The TVA is currently sluicing 350 CFS from Blue Ridge Dam, and this flow has been fishing great:

Why 350 CFS Is Fishing Well

• Safe to wade in many popular areas

• Ideal for floating

• Keeps water oxygenated

• Produces consistent, even flows

• Spreads fish out instead of stacking them in deep holes

With the cooler water, fish are feeding confidently in softer seams, shelves, riffles, and tailouts.

How to Fish 350 CFS — Mini Guide

At 350 CFS, here’s what works best:

Waders:

• Focus on edges, inside bends, and soft pockets

• Target seams just off the main current

• Fish the deeper tailouts

Float anglers:

• Cover long drifts

• Nymph deep in tailouts

• Swing soft hackles or small streamers along bank transitions

Safety Note:
Even though the TVA is currently sluicing 350 cfs always check the dam release schedule as the schedule can change at anytime.

Upper Toccoa Delayed Harvest Update (Opened November 1st)

The Upper Toccoa DH opened November 1st and has been fishing very well.

What We're Seeing

✔ Strong numbers of freshly stocked rainbows
✔ Aggressive fall feeding behavior
✔ Great nymph bite

The DH fishes best:

• Mid-morning (9:30–11:30 AM)

• Evening (3:00–5:00 PM) on warmer days

Best Flies for November on the Toccoa River

Fall is a nymph-heavy season on the Toccoa, but here are the flies that have been working best:

Nymphs (Most Productive)

• Frenchies (#14–18)

• Rainbow Warriors (#16–20)

• Hare’s Ear (#14–16)

• Holy Grails (#14–16)

• Rubber Legs (#8–12)

• Egg patterns (#14–16) — big in fall because brown trout are spawning

Toccoa River Access Points

Here are the best spots to fish the Toccoa Tailwater:

Tammen Park (Tailwater)

Great for beginners and waders at 350 CFS.

• Gravel bars

• Soft shelves

• A few nice tailouts

Curtis Switch

One of the most popular spots on the tailwater.

• Wide, flat runs

• Deeper holding pools

• Good streamer water in fall

Horseshoe Bend Park

Excellent for wading when flows allow.
The softer water here warms slightly faster and produces consistent morning bites.

How Fall Trout Behave on the Toccoa River

Understanding fall behavior helps you catch more fish:

Aggressive Brown Trout

During the spawn, browns slide into gravel bars, riffles, and tailouts. They become protective and aggressive.

Mid-day Bite Improves

Unlike summer, fall fishing stays productive from early in the morning through late afternoon.

Tips From the Water — How to Catch More Fish Right Now

Here’s what’s working best recently:

1. Fish 5–6x Fluorocarbon

Clear fall water means you need stealth.

2. Go Smaller on Nymphs

#16–20 is the sweet spot.

3. Watch for Browns on Redds

If you see spawning fish, do not fish directly to them.
Target the aggressive fish downstream picking off eggs.

4. Work the Edges

Especially in the tailwater — trout feed on the soft side seams all month.

Toccoa River Fall Fishing FAQ

1. When is the best time of year to fish the Toccoa River?

Fall (November–December) and spring (March–May) are the two best seasons for both numbers and size.

2. What CFS is ideal for wading the Toccoa River?

Generally below 450 CFS depending on the section.
Current flow of 350 CFS is excellent.

3. What flies work best in November?

Frenchies, Rainbow Warriors, Hare’s Ears, Holy Grails, eggs, and rubber legs.

4. Is the Upper Toccoa Delayed Harvest open?

Yes — the DH section opens November 1st and fishes extremely well in early fall.

5. Are the brown trout spawning in November?

Yes — November is peak brown trout spawn season on the Toccoa.

6. Is fall a good time for beginners?

Absolutely. Cooler water and consistent flows make fall one of the easiest seasons to learn.

Final Thoughts – Fall Fly Fishing on the Toccoa River

Fall on the Toccoa River is truly special. Cooler water, fewer crowds, and active brown trout make November one of the best times of the year to experience fly fishing in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Whether you’re floating the tailwater below Blue Ridge Dam or wading the Upper Toccoa DH section, the river is holding strong trout and providing consistent action.

Remember, fall is also brown trout spawning season, so practicing ethical fishing—avoiding redds and targeting aggressive fish downstream—is key to keeping the river healthy for future seasons.

Take advantage of this time of year to explore the Toccoa’s best access points, try the flies that are producing right now, and enjoy the stunning fall colors along the river. With the right approach, November fishing on the Toccoa River can be some of the most rewarding and memorable days of your fly fishing season.

Come join us on the river and let us show you what fall fishing is all about in Blue Ridge!