Description: The TV A operates this 3,290 acre reservoir on the Toccoa River near Blue Ridge in Fannin County. Being one of the cooler reservoirs in Georgia, Blue Ridge offers some unique opportunities for anglers. In addition to Georgia's more common reservoir fish such as bluegill, largemouth bass, and white bass, anglers have the opportunity to catch smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and even the occasional rainbow trout. Walleye numbers have remained steady for the last few years. Walleye fishing is best in the spring and fall. Because of the very clear water, successful walleye anglers usually fish at night. Topwater plugs and crankbaits along rocky banks, jigging spoons, and live nightcrawlers are all good techniques for catching walleye.
In the. springtime, anglers can usually find fast action as the white bass make their annual spawning run up the Toccoa River. Rocky points and shoals in the upper end of the lake are good places to find the white bass bunched up. Small hair jigs and plastic grubs in light colors along with small, shad-imitating crankbaits fished on light spinning gear should be all the angler needs to get in on the spring white bass action. Later in spring and summer, the white bass will return to the lower end of the lake where they can provide some fine topwater action at dawn and dusk.
Smallmouth bass numbers havvve remained steady over the last few years, and these acrobatic, hard fighting fish should provide for some exciting fishing. Smallmouth can usually be found on rockyshorelines and points, and like the walleye angler, many smallmouth angler favor night fishing, particularly during the warmer months. Dark colored hair and rubber jigs and crankbaits are standard offerings for smallmouth. Spotted bass have recently been found in Blue Ridge, probably as the result of illegal stockings. Though still not very numerous, it is likely that bass anglers will begin catching more and more spots as they become established in the lake.
Bluegill numbers have increased slightly over the past five years. Blue Ridge is known for large bluegill, which is unusual for a large reservoir. Anglers should concentrate on fishing worms and crickets in 15-20 feet of water around blown down tree tops or the fish attractors placed by TV A. Maps showing the locations of these fish attractors are available from the WRD Fisheries office in Calhoun. Also, catfishing is often over-looked, but good populations of channel catfish and the larger flathead catfish are available. Channel cats can be caught on any number of baits ranging from chicken livers to cut shad. Flathead anglers generally prefer using a live bream with a heavy sinker to probe deep holes and river ledges.
In winter (Nov-Feb), water level drawdowns of30 feet or mol e occur. While these drawdowns often lead to excellent fishing, boat access during these periods is limited to ramps at the USFS's Morgantown Point Recreation Area and the Blue Ridge Marina. During extreme drawdowns anglers can contact Blue Ridge Marina or the USFS office in Blue Ridge for information regarding boat ramp access.
Services:
Species: Smallmouth Bass
The fall draw down makes rockpiles easier to find, and they all hold smallmouth. Try a No. 5 Shad Rap in blue and gold against the shoreline and rock piles.
Walleye
Jigging spoons up the Toccoa River arm are the order of the day for these great eating fish.
