The Toccoa River flows south-to-north and the dam at Lake Blue Ridge is controlled by the TVA. Lake Blue Ridge dam is a bottom-release dam which results in more stable temperatures throughout the year, and the tailwater is one the best summer fisheries in North Georgia. In the summers of  2006 & 2007, when Many of the rivers in North Georgia hit 80+ degrees, the Toccoa tailwater was averaging in the mid 50”s in the early mornings to the mid 60s during the heat of the day.

This makes the Toccoa one of the healthiest trout fisheries in North Georgia. The area in front of Toccoa Preserve is perfect for wading and there is a canoe launch for those wishing to float the river.  You need to be aware of the TVA’s water release schedule when fishing or floating on the lower Toccoa River.  The TVA publishes a release schedule, however, it is not guaranteed accurate. Due to electricity demands or high lake levels the TVA may need to change their releases form the published schedule. Due to increased flows, the Lower Toccoa River is not wadable when the TVA is generating power. If you are wading, and the river begins to rise, it’s time to get out immediately not after one more cast.What to do! First be familiar with the scheduled release times, it takes about 2 hours for the water to begin rising at the Toccoa Preserve from the published scheduled. So if the scheduled release is for 1:00 PM then you can expect the water to rise around 3:00 PM. Watch for signs that river is coming up since the TVA does not always follow the published schedule watch for the following signs; Sudden appearance of more leaves and light debris in water, color changes in water, disappearing rocks in the river, change in sound of shoals.For Release Information, Call TVA, 1-800-238-2264, then dial 4, 23, # to reach the Blue Ridge Dam Information or visit www.tva.com