Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
50
Orvis Atlanta's Tip of the Week
Fishing Report for 3/20/23 Chattahoochee Tailwater Stratification (lake turnover) has ended for the year, and water should be clear until fall except during heavy rain. The wild brown trout are in post spawn, and are feeding actively as the days become shorter and we approach fall spawning season. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has discontinued their weekly stocking program for the year and will only stock the tailwater once per month until spring. Delayed Harvest stocking is continuing south of Morgan Falls Dam and is fishing quite productively. If you have any questions at all, feel free to come in and we will be happy to get you set up! For the Chattahoochee, state regulations require a certified personal flotation devise be worn by all anglers from Buford dam south to highway 20. Pay special attention to water release info online or call the number below for release schedules. Make sure to call the Corp of Engineers release hotline at 770-945-1466 before making your trip.
Directions open in app
Water Flow Data
5-Day Outlook as of 3/20/23
Water release should subside as the week goes on. Please call the shop or the dam to get more timely info. You can call Buford Dam for last min updates.770-945-1466
Techniques & Tips as of 3/20/23
Streamer fishing is a great way to fish and possibly catch a huge brown. Nymphing is always going to be the go to for those bottom feeding fish, the old Pat's Rubber legs, Worm patterns, midge patterns, attractors such as rainbow warriors and lightning bugs to copper johns, and the classic pheasant tails and hare's ears in 12-18. If you are throwing streamers, anything from wooly buggers if you're throwing the smaller rods to large articulated patters like the bottoms up and dungeon patterns by Galloup. As the temperature starts to warm up, small dry flies on the North Georgia streams are going to be another option. Make sure to have a few midge dry flies, BWO's, and caddis to tie on when the fish start to rise more consistently.
Local Species Available All Year.
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Rainbow Trout
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Brown Trout
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Carp
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Orvis Atlanta's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Tungsten Cone Head Woolly Bugger | Olive, Black | 6-12 |
Shaky Worm | N/A | 14-18 |
Fly Formerly Known As Prince | N/A | 12-18 |
TH Duracell Jig | Black | 6-8 |
Kreelex Minnow | copper/gold/silver | 8 |
Rainbow Warrior | Purple | 18 |
Elk Wing Caddis | N/A | 16-18 |
Adam's Purple Parachute | N/A | 14-16 |
BWO's | N/A | 18-24 |
Zebra Midge | olv, rd, blk | 18-24 |
Orvis Atlanta's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Class V Sink Tip Fly Line