Although the signs leading into Blue Ridge, Georgia and Fannin County prominently display the Rainbow Trout as the star of the show, anyone who fishes the Toccoa Tailwater below Lake Blue Ridge will tell you that Brown Trout are the river’s best-kept secret. The Toccoa River is a haven for anglers seeking fishing adventures for Brown and Rainbow Trout, though many will find that Browns aren’t as common. This is simply because both fish have similar, but different behaviors and feeding habits.

At Trout Town Outfitters, we love to set our drift boat and fishing raft renters up for success, making sure that you’re ready to make your drift boat or fishing raft rental day one for the camera roll. This guide dives into the secrets of targeting brown trout, ensuring your adventure with us is both memorable and (hopefully) rewarding.

What’s the Difference?

Brown trout, known for their wary nature and remarkable intelligence, present a unique challenge. These fish are often larger and more elusive than their rainbow counterparts, preferring the deeper, slower and more secluded stretches of the Toccoa River. Structure is a primary ingredient for Brown Trout habitat, as these fish start out foraging aquatic insects before becoming ambush predators as they get older.

Adapting your strategy to their behavior is key to a good day drifting the river. Browns are especially active during low light conditions, such as dawn and dusk, making these ideal times for fishing. While it’s rare to see any fish rising on the Toccoa, Brown Trout will sometimes be more eager to take surface flies in slow-moving water.

While nymphing and dry flies can (and do) produce great Brown Trout, the real excitement on the Toccoa is getting a big brown to leave cover after a baitfish imitation. Any time you see slow, deep water with structure, cast your baitfish imitation and see if you can coax a big Brown out of hiding. Remember, change your retrieve before you change your fly (or lure).

Gear Essentials for Brown Trout

The right equipment can make all the difference when targeting brown trout. We recommend that fly fishing boats huck bigger streamers with a 6 weight rod. We are big fans of some of Kelly Gallup’s flies, like the Circus Peanut or the Barely Legal. Smaller streamers like wooly buggers (dark bead heads) in olive, brown or black are also some of our go-tos on the water.

For those of you who prefer to spin fish, many baitfish imitations will move fish during most conditions. Try a Panther Martin in black or yellow, or some larger soft baits with a “faster than you think” retrieve to get that trophy brown out of hiding.

Optimal Fishing Seasons

While the Toccoa River offers year-round fishing opportunities, the behavior of brown trout varies with the seasons. Late fall through early spring is considered the prime season for brown trout, as they become more aggressive in preparation for spawning. This period increases your chances of landing a trophy-sized fish, making it a favored time late-season outings. Be sure to get your fishing in before the Browns start to spawn, as we encourage anglers to relieve pressure on the fish during spawn (late October through early December) so we can enjoy the next generation of beautiful fish.

Conservation is Key

At Trout Town Outfitters, we are committed to the conservation of the Toccoa River and its inhabitants. Practicing catch-and-release with brown trout not only helps preserve the population but also maintains the natural balance of the ecosystem. We want our browns healthy, hungry and on top of the smaller forage fish population.

This is why we encourage our renters to practice catch and release if possible, and to handle our Browns with wet hands to minimize stress and limit mortality. A fishery is only as good as those who fish it, and treading lightly (especially during spawning season) pays dividends toward future fishing trips on the Toccoa River.

Begin Your Brown Trout Adventure

Embarking on a fishing journey in pursuit of brown trout is an adventure that promises both challenge and excitement. With Trout Town Outfitters, you're equipped with the best boats, gear, and local knowledge to make your trip a success. Visit our FAQ for more info on our fishing raft or drift boat rental options, and feel free to contact us if you’d like to ask additional questions.

We’re proud to be a member of the trout fishing community in Fannin County, and will gladly help you find the right match (even if it’s with another outfitter in the area) for your fishing adventure.