Toccoa Bend Fishing Community - Good Fishing Guidelines

Fishing by all legal methods certainly applies to the waters of the Toccoa River inside Toccoa Bend. However, the TBFC encourages its neighbors and their guests to fish under the widely accepted catch-and-release ethic, using fly-fishing methods or fishing only with single-hook artificial lures. Fishing under these responsible restrictions reduces the physical damage to a hooked fish and reduces the possibility that the fish will die when released. A trout that eats natural or processed baits is likely to swallow the bait into its throat or stomach before getting hooked. Careful handling of a hooked trout is also critical to its survival upon release.

A trout released can be enjoyed again!


Here are a few guidelines you can use to help the next trout you catch survive, grow and provide for other anglers the same thrill you enjoyed when you caught it:

Trout Fishing Techniques

  • Barbless hooks on both fly-fishing tackle and lures are recommended as they are easier to remove and therefore reduce handling time.
  • The use of live/organic bait should be discouraged as it increases the likelihood of deep hooking.
  • The use of artificial lures should be encouraged.
  • Fishing line used should be appropriate to the size of trout being sought. This will prevent line breaking and reduce playing time.
  • Avoid angling during extreme water temperatures, both hot and cold, if you plan on releasing your catch.

Landing a Trout

  • Trout should be retrieved as quickly as possible to prevent fish exhaustion.
  • Trout should be landed by hand where possible.
  • Where a landing net is required, it should be knotless and preferably made of soft rubber.
  • When landing extremely large trout (3 pounds or larger), the use of landing net should be considered.

Handling and Photographing a Trout

  • Keep trout in the water as much as possible to minimize air exposure.
  • Never place your fingers through gills or in the eyes.
  • Don't hold heavy trout by the jaw as this may damage the jaw and vertebrae.
  • Hold large trout horizontally and support its body to avoid damage to the internal organs.
  • Use wet hands or wet cloth gloves to handle the trout.
  • Have camera ready prior to landing the trout to minimize air exposure.
  • If possible, photograph the trout while in water.

Unhooking a Trout

  • Have long-nose pliers or forceps available to back the hook out.
  • Remove the hook quickly, keeping the trout underwater.
  • If the trout is deeply hooked, cut the line and release the trout as quickly as possible.
  • Avoid using stainless-steel hooks, as they take longer to corrode if left in the trout.

Reviving a Trout

  • If there is current, hold the trout upright, facing into the current.
  • If there isn't any current, gently move trout back and forth in the water until gill movements return to normal and it is able to maintain its balance.
  • When the trout begins to struggle, let it swim away.