Short answer? No.

Longer answer? Our drift boat rental business is focused on providing experienced fishermen with a self-guided/DIY options on the Toccoa tailwater. We will provide your party with one of our boats and will pick you up at the end of your trip.

This means you are on your own when it comes to navigating, tying on your own flies (or lures) and keeping the boat on-track.

No certifications is required to rent one of our drift boats, fishing rafts or other watercraft for the Toccoa River. We do ask that you have some basic maneuvering and river running experience, and always ask that each renter demonstrates their ability to ferry across river current before setting off.

A Georgia fishing license and trout stamp are required for all people who are fishing on the Toccoa River. Licenses can be purchased through the Georgia Department of Resources’s online portal, or at a variety of retailers.

The Toccoa River is a forgiving class I-II river, meaning that you’ll encounter some currents, wide lines and a few rocks to avoid. All renters should be able to navigate and maneuver in moving water, and will need to demonstrate the most basic skills (ferry shore to shore) before sending off.

When Blue Ridge Dam is generating, the Toccoa becomes a fast-moving but obstacle-free float. Given the speed and volume of water, we do not allow anchors in our boats on generation days.

The Toccoa River below Blue Ridge Dam is a gentle, class I-II river run that can be enjoyed by paddles of many different abilities. While we can accommodate multiple situations, it’s best to call ahead to discuss any concerns you have regarding health conditions or physical limitations. We want your trip to be an enjoyable experience.

At this time, we do not allow anyone under the age of 18 on our self-guided rental experiences. If you have children or persons under 18, we’re happy to refer you to some of the amazing guided services in the community.

We understand that things happen, and want to ensure that our guests have an awesome experience with Trout Town Outfitters both on and off the water. Cancellations made more than 30 days before your trip are entitled to a 100% refund of all deposits and fees.

Should you need to cancel within 30 days of your trip, we will withhold 25% of your deposit, or will be happy to use 100% of your deposit on an alternate date. Any cancellations within 14 days of your trip will be charged 50% of your deposit (or move your deposit to a new date free of charge), same-day cancellations will forfeit the deposit.

Depending on the season, the Toccoa River’s weather could vary greatly—even within the same day! It’s best to bring the following essentials to ensure that you’ll be ready for anything:

1. Sunglasses (polarized are best!)

2. A light rain jacket or rain coat

3. A fleece or other jacket (no cotton!)

4. Fast-draining water shoes or waders

5. Sunscreen (please no spray sunscreens on our boats)

6. Bug spray

7. Snacks, water, drinks (no alcohol is allowed on the Toccoa River in McCaysville)

8. Waterproof case/bags for your phone, wallet, etc. (or leave your belongings in a safe place on shore)

Renters will meet their boats at their assigned access point. From there, we’ll get you on the water and will be waiting for you at the end of the run. Shuttle services will be provided.

We have a wide variety of add-ons and impulse buys for your rental experience, including rods & reels, flies & lures, sunscreen, spin and fly rods and a whole boatload (pardon the pun) of other items to make your trip enjoyable. Visit our add-ons page or simply add items to your rental at the time of purchase.

If you find yourself in need of an item day-of, our shuttles carry an assortment of river sundries and will gladly provide/add to your account.

Unfortunately, the Toccoa River tailwater flows through private land for much of your trip. There are no public businesses or takeouts on the water, so please be sure to follow all local laws and prepare for a day in the outdoors.

The Toccoa tailwater has some level of cellphone service (all major providers) throughout the run. While some stretches of this run do not have service, there are abundant homes lining the river for a majority of the run. Should you have a TRUE emergency, dial 911 and discuss a plan of action with first responders. If you can’t dial 911, knock on the nearest door or signal to another boater (emergency whistles provided with your rental).

If you are simply stuck on a rock, it’s expected that you can self-rescue without damaging our boats. This is why we encourage beginners to take a guided trip (or several) with one of the many awesome outfitters in the area before deciding to rent a craft for a DIY fly fishing adventure. It is also why each boat rental will not be released without a demonstration of basic river skills by the renter.

If you ARE stuck and need rescue, someone from our staff will paddle to you and will release your boat. Note that we will charge a $300 rescue fee for this (to recoup our operational costs), and depending on your location, it could take quite some time to reach you.

We’d be upset if you didn’t! Our boats are pet-friendly (even the raft) and make for a fun time out on the water.