About this column:
Each week local fishing expert Tim Matthews will pass along where the fish are biting and tips for catching them. When he's not out fishing, you can catch him at the Orvis store at The Forum. Stop by to ask a question or give him a call.With the heat hitting record highs fishing has been still been very good in the Chattahoochee River and small ponds and lakes. You have to get out early and hit the rising fish to stay in the cool morning, but later in the day go deep to catch trout, bream and bass. In the North Georgia mountains with the heat several of the private waters are closed or only fishing in the morning so call ahead before you plan your next trip. Safety is very important, ensure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Be sure to wear a floation device while on the river and call ahead and get the release …
This weeks report is on getting your gear and equipment ready for your next fishing trip. This weekend is suppose to be raining so it's a great time to clean your fly lines, check your rods and reels and, of course, check that fly box to ensure it is full of your favorite flies. Our local fly shops do the best they can to stock all the flies you need, but there are times when we are out or don't carry a certain fly. Always check with your fly shop on the selection they have. I have on several occasions ordered special flies in for customers or contacted guides just to see what the fish are …
Last Friday a fishing buddy of mine, Bob Bagerski, and I fished the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge, Ga. and had some great fishing in the early morning with temperatures in the mid 70s. We caught almost 20 nice rainbow trout on a red soft hackle fly as well as a flashback pheasant tail. There were fish coming to the surface taking bugs, but they di not hit a fly. After around 10 o'clock in the morning the temperature shot up in in the 90s and we stopped fishing until late afternoon. We took the opportunity to visit Unicoi Fly Shop and Bill Oyster Bamboo Rods in Blue Ridge while waiting on the …
This weeks report covers fly fishing on local ponds and lakes where the bream and bass are hitting really good. On Monday, Memorial Day, I went to a local pond with my friend Max Birnhammer and we fished from daylight until 11:00 in the morning, and we caught and released 37 of the biggest bream or bluegill you will ever see. We caught them on custom hand tied flies that both Max and I tie. A green wolly bugger or little rascal fly would have worked also. We fished these flies really deep and slow so the fly would stay in the fishes eating zone longer. It was a great day. The "Hooch" has …
