The stream was beautiful after a hard rain just like this rainbow

Tiny wild rainbow had a big appetite

Two brothers learning freshwater fly fishing. They only salt water fly fished before this trip

Some beautiful scenery fly fishing in the North GA mountains

Wild rainbow caught in national forest

Moving into the month of December the top water bite declines and the bottom is where you need to have your nymph. Do not be afraid to continue with a dry dropper setup as the water is still low and clear but mindful that you need to consistently work the bottom by adding and removing tippet to change the depth of your nymph. Most of the surface risers will be from midges, so if you see fish rising, go to your smallest dry and see if you cant entice them. A good cast and presentation will catch more fish, as the fish will be slowing down with the cooling water temperatures closing in on that 40-degree mark. Fish stealthy and think small and buggy

Tips: layer up, light line, keep moving upstream

Flies: Walts Worm, Griffith Gnat, Hares Ear, Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymph, and BWO’s

A beautiful wild rainbow 

One of our favorite pictures, holding a nice Wild rainbow 

First wild rainbow from this young lady

A healthy Wild rainbow

Beating the heat in the mountains, catching wild rainbows. The mountains are always cooler and a good way to beat the heat. Nothing beats little wild rainbows on a dry fly.

Fall is right around the corner.  Yes, we’ve almost made it through the last of the humid days of summer.  The changing temperatures will for sure get the trout active and searching for their next big meal! 

October brings the opening of North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest (DH) streams.  Our friends to the north have about seven times more streams and ponds set up for DH fishing.  Their season basically opens October 1^st but, bear in mind, it will take the NCWRC about a week to get around to stock all these bodies of water.  They will be stocking browns, rainbows and gorgeous brook trout.  You can find these DH streams online at https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Fishing/documents/Delayed-Harvest-Trout-Waters-Stocking-Dates-Map.pdf  If fishing the early part of the DH season, use junk flies like eggs, Y2Ks, San Juan and Squirmy worms for fast hook ups.  As the DH season drags on, begin switching back to naturals!

Locally, floating the Toccoa will begin seeing some changes.  We’ve mainly been running morning trips for the last several months.  It will not be too much longer when we’ll be able to start getting some full days on the tailwater.  As we move into October, she should be fishing pretty good but once the lake starts its annual turnover the bite will fall off.  As soon as the turnover ends, all should be well on the Toccoa tailwater for the next several months.

Mid-October until the end of December brings the wary ole Mr. Brown in from places unknown.  This can be an outstanding time to hook up with an absolute monster.  Browns will start moving into the upper reaches of rivers and streams to stage for the spawn.  This can be an exciting time to be on the water here in North Georgia.  If you want to go after a brown trout of a lifetime – this is the perfect time!

If you want to try fly fishing for the first time or want the watchful eye of an instructor to help improve your casting, we have several guides that teach the “Art of Fly Fishing”, entomology, stream reading, etc.  We are a full-time fly-fishing guide service with professional guides from across North Georgia.  So, what are you waiting for, Give Us a Call, We’ll Hook You Up!

Reel Em In Guide Service is the only Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide Service in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country region.  They have been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001.  They have permits for guiding in North Georgia and North Carolina, offering over 6 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operate drift boat trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.

Contributed By:  James Bradley

Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide

www.ReelEmInGuideService.com

(706) 273-0764

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As I write this article in early December, old man winter has been playing peek-a-boo with us lately.  Just a short while back, we had temperatures in the teens.  The other day we were in the 60-degree range.  Hard to tell if he’s ever going to arrive.  I’m certain though, that he’ll be right around the corner sooner or later!

Many anglers simply stop fishing this time of year due to the cold.  They hang their gear up to stay inside.  This is a plus for those of us that are resilient enough to get out and brave the cold to fish.  Less anglers on the streams mean less pressured fish.  This is usually a bonus to those that venture out to wet a line!

Fishing for trout is normally good until the water temperature falls to around the 40-degree mark.  Once it stabilizes around this temperature, trout will become lethargic and no longer have the need to feed as much.  Lethargic fish can still be caught but you must have patience and be well dressed to match the conditions.  Prime hours to be on the water are from 10 am to 4 pm, or whenever the sun is up and warming the valley floor.

Fishing can be a fun way for families to enjoy the great outdoors.  Our guides have always prided themselves in sharing their knowledge about the fish we chase.  Some families have no idea about fly fishing but want to learn or try something outside of the box.  It’s not only a great way to build rapport with each other but can lead to numerous outings to share with one another.  We take many couples on their first outings.  Some will bring their children to learn this sport.  Others may bring their entire family.  No matter how they come, we are always willing to teach the art of fly fishing to those wanting to learn.

Here is a family that fished with us toward the end of November.  I want you to notice not so much the trout they are holding but the smiles they are wearing.

Steve Spell                            Wife – Stephanie                 Daughter – Jessica 

Reel Em In Guide Service is an Orvis Endorsed operation serving mainly in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country region.  They have been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001.  Permits have been granted for guiding in Georgia and North Carolina, offering over 6 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operating drift boat trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.

Contributed By:  James Bradley

Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide

www.ReelEmInGuideService.com

(706) 273-0764 mobile