LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING

son points out. “We don’t expect high survivorship, less than 5 percent, but we do expect them to contribute to the fishery as forage.”

Those small trout that do survive and grow into larger trout will be sought by Toccoa River anglers, but they’re likely to be more difficult to catch than fresh-stocked trout placed in the river at varied intervals (depending on location)) during the stocking season -- March through October. Hatchery personnel stock at many sites (learn more at georgiawildlife.com). Some are deposited at roadside accesses; some are dropped from riverway bridges; and some are stocked at specific sites where public access is great and the fishing pressure can be heavy:

• Tammen Park – Blue Ridge

• TVA-Curtis Switch – Mineral Bluff

• Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park –McCaysville

• Sandy Bottom NRA – Fannin County

• Deep Hole NRA – Fannin County

• Highway 60 pool – Union County

Fishing tactics can differ between anglers fishing where trout are stocked and where they grow wild. At the most popular, heavily stocked fishing sites, anglers are likely using a variety of baits – kernel corn, soft dough-baits, salmon eggs, crickets, and red worms –fished tumbling in the current and on the bottom of slow pools, impaled on single or treble hooks in sizes 1016, unless those baits (and hooks) are restricted by local laws (learn more at georgiawildlife.com). Others may find more efficiency in casting small crankbaits, in-line spinners, spoons, and jigs in 1/32- to 1/8-ounce sizes with ultralight fishing outfits.

Similar tactics are used where wild trout are among the local fish population, but wild rainbows and, more so, browns are less likely to feed on prepared baits. Worms and crickets are hard for any fish to turn away from, but spinners, spoons and jigs represent fleeing or injured vertebrates attractive to wild trout. Those kinds of lures also invite “reaction” strikes induced by the lures’ flash, color and/ or vibration. Stocked fish will add to the action wherever they’re placed in waters with wild trout populations, but wild trout are bred in the stream/ river where they live, and are without doubt a more cunning, careful fish. Let’s not say, “They’re smart!” Rather, wild trout are “suspicious” and live to survive. Take care in presenting lures carefully and accurately, while limiting your exposure above the waterline. Long casts and casts into broken water help you get “close” without revealing your menacing outline overhead.

Trout fishing in Fannin County is popularized annually in spring by the Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival (BlueRidgeTroutFest. com). The 6th annual “Trout Fest” takes place 10 am to 6 pm, April 29, in downtown city park in the historic district of Blue Ridge, the county seat of the Trout Capital of Georgia. Trout Fest gathers fishermen, river sports enthusiasts, and outdoor recreation fans and their families for fun, food, activities, entertainment, shopping, and recreational services, while increasing the public’s knowledge of trout and the cold-water conservation associated with Trout Unlimited, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the US Forest Service the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Net proceeds of the all-volunteer, fundraising event support cold-water conservation, education, recreation, and community outreach programs funded (in part) by Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited #696 (go to: BlueRidgeTU. com) in Blue Ridge.

More than 4,000 visitors are expected to pass through the gates of Trout Fest ‘23. The event combines trout fishing and fly-fishing with services that engage local, outdoor-recreation resources in fishing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, paddling, and boating. Local outfitters provide insights on fishing Fannin County trout waters, while guide services offer direction and instruction on selected destinations. Retail vendors present fishing tackle/gear/ accessories, wildlife art, outfitter gear and clothing, personal services/ product sales, and more. Local lodging operators present cabins for rent at waterside or with a mountain view. The return of the TROUT FEST ACTIVITY ZONE includes family fun on climbing walls, axe throwing, a trout-fishing pond and gem mining, while the event programs present fly-fishing/fly-casting instruction and insights for men and women, tips for the best trout fishing in the county, mountain bike demos, hiking/camping reveals, and paddling/ kayaking routes and risks. And staged concerts come to life from 3 to 6 pm at the TROUT FEST SOUND STAGE (bands to be announced) located adjacent to the TROUT FEST FOOD COURT where visitors will find food trucks, local craft beer and more. Learn more about the 2023 Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival at BlueRidgeTroutFest.com.

Forecast By:Will Harkins- Getfishingguide.com Williamharkins11@gmail.com

Lake Nottely: Lake Level _12 ft_ below full pool. , Temp: 49-52 degrees, Clarity: Clear

Who is ready for some incredible days on the water? March kicks off one of the best few weeks of fishing all year on Nottely. When the warm fronts come, so will the giant bass. March is all about the big females starting their trek out of the winter haunts and into the prespawn stages. Their primary focus is bulking up before the spawn, which bodes well for anglers. You have heard all winter to slow down and fish thoroughly. March is the time of year you want to lock a moving bait in your hand and get to work. Baits like a Spro RK Crawler and Bill Norman Middle N are two fantastic choices. Bass are primary baitfish oriented. However, in he early spring their diet shifts to the abundant crawfish meals. This makes