Report for 2/10/21 Welcome 2021~ The Hooch continues to fish well dispite the flows. THe morning generation lends to early fishing down low from Jones Bridge down until the water begins to rise which is generally anywhere from 10:00 AM to 1:00PM depending on the generation schedule. As the water begins to come up, then the dam gets cut off, you can then head up stream. The fishing below the dam in the afternoons has been great. Winter stones in 14-16 are around. You might even see some fish key in on them on the surface if the bugs get thick enough. Small streamer gets the job done too. The Chattahoochee River is fishing fantastic right now. Lake Lanier turnover has completed and anglers are reporting good, clear water flowing from Bufurd Dam and great reports of fish for the entire tail-water from dam to Morgan Falls. Delayed Harvest south of Morgan Falls has been also fishing well too. Classic patterns for DH fish would be all of your junk fly selections. Eggs, conehead wooly buggers, mops, and worms will usually produce. Look to tight-line-euro fishing as a great way to present these flies. Look to smaller flies when fishing the upper section of the tail-water. Have a great selection of zebra midges from size 18-24 in red, black, and olive and 6X tippet for that gin clear water. For prospecting, a Pat's Rubber-leggs Stone Fly imitation with a size 16 tungsten bead Rainbow Warrior as a dropper is hard to beat, Fish them under an indicator and it is sure to fool the timid of trout. Streamer fishing has also been extremely good during high water events. Safety is of the upmost importance when fishing high water. NEVER FISH ALONE!! Find experienced streamer anglers to tackle the streamer bite as a team, as high water can pose potential risks Stay posted or call the shop for updates. For the Chattahoochee, state regulations require a certified personal flotation devise be worn by all anglers from Buford dam south to highway 20. Pay special attention to water release info online, or call the number below for release schedules. Make sure to call the Corp of Engineers release hotline at 770-945-1466 before making your trip

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby:
River Through Atlanta
Orvis Atlanta

Water flow: 590

Visibility: 16 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 50 Degrees F

Water condition: Clear

Best time of day to fish: Low flows

Best stretch: Buford Dam to Island Ford

Best access point: Lower pool park, Island Ford (ranger station) Jones Bridge Park (federal and state access), Settle's Bridge

Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:

Midges, Blue Wing Olives, Caddis, stoneflies

Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader

Recommended fly fishing tippet: 5X Tippet

Best fly fishing rod: 9' 5 Weight Fly Rod

Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line

Best sinking fly line: Class V Sink Tip Fly Line