10 Things You Need to Know About Floating the Toccoa River
Introduction:
The Toccoa River’s tailwater below Blue Ridge Dam is one of the southeast’s best trout fishing destinations, and for good reason. The Toccoa boasts a biomass of trout and aquatic insects coupled with a climate that keeps the fishing season open for a huge part of the year. It’s important that anglers know how to make the most of their Toccoa floats, here are some tips to make your drift boat rental (or fishing raft rental) a success.
1. You Will Probably Need to Get Out of the Boat
The Toccoa River has a gentle, steady gradient from Blue Ridge, Georgia to McCaysville, Georgia. This means that you don’t have to contend with larger drops or rapids, BUT, it also means that there are going to be some VERY shallow sections during your float. On average, the Toccoa is going to be right around 12” deep, meaning that for every deep pool and run you will also see shallow shoals and riffles. We recommend that all renters be prepared to help their drift boat or fishing raft navigate some of the bonier sections of this river, especially some of the “boney” water near the beginning of section one (Tammen Park to Horseshoe Bend). When in doubt, get out (…and push/pull your trusty craft) through the tiny portions.
2. You May Get Sunburned
Sunscreen is a must on the Toccoa tailwater, as this river does not flow through a deep gorge like some other tail races in the southeast. Prepare for a pretty decent amount of direct sunlight, and be sure to pack a high SPF (and reef-friendly) sunscreen for your trip. We do ask that renters do not use spray sunscreen on our boats, and to make sure your hands are free of sunscreen before handling the oars. Please help us keep our drift boat rentals and fishing raft rentals clean by not applying spray screen while in the boats.
3. You Will See Wildlife
First off, you’re going to see trout. A lot of trout. You will lose count of trout. In addition to rainbow and brown trout, you may see some other wildlife while floating the Toccoa tailwater. The most common wildlife sightings are whitetail deer, great blue herons, red tail hawks, a variety of turtles and the occasional otter. Keep your camera handy!
4. You May See the GA DNR
The Toccoa River’s excellent trout fishing brings in anglers from all over the world. In order to keep this fishery in ship shape (pardon the pun), we rely on revenues from Georgia fishing licenses and occasional patrols by the Department of Natural Resources. If you do encounter the DNR while on the water, know that they may stop you to check your fishing licenses and will likely want to take a peek inside your cooler. Please be sure to purchase a fishing license (and trout stamp) for your trip and obey all local laws. Alcohol is permitted on the Toccoa River outside of McCaysville city limits (which begins at the last mile of section two), but please drink responsibly.
5. You Will Encounter Other Anglers/Fishermen/Fisherwomen - Be Respectful!
With its status as one of the southeast’s top fly fishing destinations, the Toccoa attracts a lot of anglers. The cities of Blue Ridge and McCaysville, Georgia also attract a lot of tourists. This means that you will see other folks kayaking, canoeing, tubing, wading and operating drift boats/other fishing craft on the water. A mutual respect between folks enjoying the river is necessary, as everyone deserves to enjoy the Toccoa tailwater.
Here are some quick guidelines to help you as you navigate the river and the people enjoying it:
Do not disturb waders: Wading anglers don’t have the luxury of finding more water, they’re more or less stuck in the same spot. Don’t anchor or fish the same water as wading anglers, and respect the fact that they got there first. When possible, pass behind wading anglers as to not spook their fish.
Do not “low hole” other drift boats: If you see a drift boat fishing a run, do not anchor or stop directly below them and fish the same run. Those anglers are working that water and “first come, first serve” is the general rule. There will plenty of good runs in either 7+ mile section of the Toccoa
Watch for recreational boaters (kayaks, tubes, etc.): Know that someone who has just rented a kayak or tube on the Toccoa likely does not have the experience needed to get our of your way. This river works because we take care of each other, please don’t run a poor accountant from Des Moines down in one of our boats.
Do not anchor on private property: If you see that a riverside cabin or home has posted signs asking that you respect property/catch and release/etc., move on. While the laws governing private property and water vs. land ownership are still being debated, it's best to stay out of conflicts and to enjoy your day elsewhere.
Don’t be drunk, loud, or rude: Lastly, if you plan on floating the river in one of our boats, we ask that you conduct yourself with a baseline level of respect for the environment. You’re in the great outdoors, and the sounds and sights of nature should be enjoyed. Try to keep volume to a minimum and respect others’ “quiet enjoyment” of the water.
6. You Will Encounter Property Owners - Be Respectful Times Two!
This one bears repeating. Riverside cabins are a tranquil paradise, try to float by private property respectfully. We all have a shared love for the Toccoa!
7. You Will Not Encounter Bathrooms - Plan Ahead!
Section One (Tammen Park to Curtis Switch) flows through private property for a vast majority of its 7.1 miles. There are few places to “go” along the way, and we encourage the upmost respect for landowners and other boaters. There are facilities at Horseshoe Bend Park (near the end of section two), but those will be within one mile of the end of your trip.
8. You May Not See Rising Trout
Aside from the Toccoa’s famous black caddis hatch in the spring, the rainbow and brown trout on the Toccoa River may not be eating on the surface. Nymphs, streamers and all manner of subsurface tackle are your go-to on the river, as these fish primarily subsist on subsurface insects most of the year.
9. “Leave No Trace” is the Rule
The Toccoa River tailwater is known as one of the cleanest rivers in Georgia. From the pristine springs and high mountain creeks to the ice-cold waters of Lake Blue Ridge, the Toccoa is a jewel compared to other watersheds in the US. Help us keep it clean by not littering, not disturbing rocks or the riverbed and by packing out your refuse. Garbage bags will be provided on every trip.
10. You Will Get Hungry - Pack Some Food
Each section of the river is just over seven miles, which equates to at least six hours on the water (if you aren’t stopping and fishing a lot). Bring enough food and water to comfortably enjoy your float. There are several grocery stores in Blue Ridge and McCaysville to help you stock up on supplies ahead of your trip, and tons of great restaurants in both towns once you’re off the water.
Conclusion:
Be respectful to other folks on the river.
Plan for a full day on the water.
Obey the law.
Have an awesome time.
Please feel free to contact us with specific questions about your float, we love this river and are here to help you make the most of your time on the water.
