2013 Flows on the Chattahoochee

Spring fishing season is upon us with hints of honey suckle in the air and mountain laurel along with trout lillies in full bloom. As one of our clients exclaimed, “Chris, the fish are just the the gravy, it’s beautiful out here!” We are excited about the new spring season with a better prevelence of stone, may and caddis flies throughout the tailwater despite the recent high flows from Buford Dam for the May recharge of Lake Eufalia or better know as Walter F. George . As water tables normalize downstream in Alabama and Florida the Army Corps will appease peak power demand when every household airconditioner kicks on mid day with the advent of warmer weather. Lake Lanier elevation is 1.48feet above summer pool  and surface temps at Lake Lanier are at 50F with a uniform water temp of 49F gushing from the depths at  the Buford Dam penstocks making for copious amounts of  “winter-stored water” perfect for trout for nearly 40 miles of river. Since Lanier hit full pool by mid April we are optimistic that many trout will thrive even into the Delayed Harvest area near 285 at CRNRA mile marker 300 well into Atlanta City limits. June will be quite productive even during the week days once the lake reaches the normal summer “rule curve” of 1071 feet above sea level.  We have  had frequent sitings of birds of prey most notably the “fish hawk” or osprey.

Wild browns have been targeted matching the subsurface hatch imitating large stone and crane fly nymph patterns. We always keep one or even two dry fly rods loaded in case of a may or caddis fly hatch usually short lived but fleeting sparse hatches means less selective fish. Dead drifting nymphs is the rule but if anglers are willing to strip crawfish or baby trout streamer patterns can score big on trophy fish.  We are excited about our new web site with different fishing packages targeting larger and less pressured fish off the beaten path. For some folks who want to see lots of  scenic river mileage common on South American and Western US rivers these remote areas even in Gwinnett county or Dunwoody GA yeild bragging sized trout.

It is time to plan ahead now to schedule a trophy striper and shoal bass trip in June below Morgan Falls Dam when warmer water temps bring new migrant Linesides and local Shoallies to the “big net”. The violent strikes and breathtaking runs of these fish can get your heart pumping for sure! Even if your not equipped for salt water species we can provide quality rods and reels with ample backing.  Book a half day before or after work during low light conditions or drift a remote reach of the river for a full day from Morgan Falls to Standing Peachtree Creek.

Another true adventure is our guided carp angling trips on acres and acres mud  flats above Morgan Falls Dam where these skittish leviathans cruize all summer and early fall. We use boats equipped with poling platforms with clients alternating shifts on the casting deck. This trip resembles the intensity of a guided saltwater trip similar to redfish or even bonefish angling. This is a great way to get yourself prepared to site fish before you travel to the tidal salt water flats. Our guides are homesick salt water guys who get their “salt-fix” right here on the Chattahoochee.

On-stream monthly group classes or private classes? Yes we offer the ONLY on-stream classes for wade anglers on the CRNRA with veteran  guides as your instructors. Learn to target trout, shoal and striped bass. Also learn fly selection, presentation, line/fly manipulation, reading water, fish habitat,river safety. Check out our new web site for class schedules and pricing.

chris scalley
River Through Atlanta
770-650-8630
Please visit our new web site at www.riverthroughalanta.com

Chad DuBose – April 10th

Meeting at Manuel’s Tavern Topic: Savannah Redfish Fishing Chad Dubose, Manager of Rivers & Glen Fly Shop and owner of Tall Tides Charters – Savannah, GA Bio:  Chad grew

Read More »

February's Meeting

February 7th.
New meeting date, same time.

The date was changed for the guest speaker and to avoid Valentine’s Day.