North Georgia Fishing

Date: July 22, 2019

Terrestrial Time in North Georgia

August is a great time of year to throw those big ole nasty dry flies.  About anywhere you go to, up here in North Georgia, big dries will work from the smallest streams to even the Toccoa Tailwater.  Look to be casting hopper patterns, beetles, Letort Crickets and the biggest dry flies in your box. 

Many of our sparse hatches of mayflies and caddis flies have dissipated.  And if you get lucky to see a hatch, these insects will be tiny morsels.  Since trout have become accustomed to looking up for their next meal, these larger flies can make it very enticing for trout to engulf them.  We have been catching some really nice browns and rainbows feasting on what we’ve been offering them!  Remember, fishing on a breezy early morning or late evening day will produce these larger terrestrials in our streams.  Many will be knocked off due to being careless, the wind or being on the wrong leaf that becomes detached.  And one of the best things about throwing larger flies is that most anglers see these flies, no matter their age.

Some tips on how to use that big ole dry fly.  We see many anglers attempt to softly land a large dry fly pattern.  They spend too much time worrying about that perfectly soft cast.  Big trout eat big patterns.  Just like the wary brown that might chase your big streamer, him and the rainbow will surface for large dries.  We have big trout come up from nowhere to eat these larger foam hopper patterns.  First, you must get their attention.  A real bug/hopper is heavy.  It isn’t some micro ounce tiny fly…it’s got some meat to it.  These things hit the water’s surface with what I would call a blop.  This is the attention getter!!!  So, there’s no need for a soft landing!  If you’re having no luck with that big dry, add on a dropper pattern.  A big number 6 or 8 on top with a smaller number 16 – 20 as the dropper.  Remember, hatches are smaller in the summertime.  Any takes on that subsurface dropper will jerk that big dry under the water.  It’s easy to see, just set the hook!

Where to fish these big flies depends on the angler.  Good casters can toss these things 30 feet into an eighteen-inch opening under the rhododendron where a likely trout will be hiding.  One of my favorite sayings is “Good Casters catch all the Fish”.  Grassy areas along the bank is a surefire place where grasshoppers or crickets may find their way into the stream.  Casting a beetle pattern along a bank laden log can be another dandy place to float a terrestrial by.  And yes, even out in the wide-open middle of the stream.  Use caution when casting these big hopper patterns, you may get the shock of a lifetime!

If you are a beginner wanting to learn how to fly fish, we have a great staff of instructors who have been schooled in the art of fly fishing.  One of the best ways to learn about fly fishing is to spend time with those of us who are professional full-time guides.  Don’t forget to ask us about our float trips.  Currently, we are doing floats on the Toccoa Tailwater.  She has been producing well on our early morning trips.

James Bradley is the only Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country region.  Reel Em In Guide Service has 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.


"Wow. What an awesome trip! I booked this trip as a Christmas present to myself and couldn't be happier. James was an excellent and patient guide. He made my experience as a first timer very fun and relaxing. I came away with a wealth of knowledge and can't wait to book another trip with these guys!"

-- Sarah E.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★


"Great guys, big fish!

Great Service! The guides give great tips for beginners and experienced fishermen alike and of course, expect fish in the net! Give them a call, and prepare for an epic day on the water. Surely was for me!"

-- caskew13

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“James was right there to help me get the fish out of the net for photos and was also taking plenty of pics for us along the way - which he promptly emailed to us right after so that we'd have them. My boyfriend caught the largest trout he's ever caught here in GA. He was so happy at the end of our trip and has been talking non-stop about it ever since. A+++++++++ all the way around!!"

-- Jessie H.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★



"Fantastic Time - Great Value! I will be returning. Very beautiful area. Peaceful. Small town and friendly people. The stream was beautiful. The fishing was relaxing and successful."

-- John G.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"My husband and our two teenage daughters booked a fly fishing trip with Reel’em In guide service during our summer vacation.  We met the guides, James and Carter, who were just amazing.  They demonstrated patience, expertise, and professionalism.  I would definitely recommend booking a trip with them.  We’re looking forward to doing this again with James an Carter as our guides."

-- The Hew Family

★ ★ ★ ★ ★


"Went on a fishing trip guided by Dave Hulsey.  It could not have been a better trip.  It was my son’s first day on a fly rod.  David had him catching fish in an hour.  David was knowledgeable, patient and quick.  I have used other guides in the area.  David was head and shoulders above the rest."

-- Sulli32952

★ ★ ★ ★ ★



"This was the best people that anyone could ask to be on the water with.  James Bradley REEL-ly knows his stuff around the fly streams.  Not to mention he is a nice guy."

-- Joey P.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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