Reading the water…
Reading the water…
01
Oncorhynchus mykiss
The tailwater's bread and butter, stocked by GA DNR through the season.
Best bait & lures
Inline spinners & small spoons
Also effective: Nymphs & egg patterns, Small jerkbaits, Earthworms (where bait is legal).
Artificial lures only from GA 20 down to Medlock Bridge — bait is legal only above GA 20. See Regulations. Regulations →
Technique
Drift the seams
Work current seams and riffle tails on the falling water after a release — the drop is the window.
Best time
Year-round
Best on the drop, 1–6 hours after generation ends.
Best spots
Lower Pool Park riffles
Lower Pool Park riffles, Settles Bridge shoals, and wherever the stocking report says fish went in this week.
Cold releases keep them feeding year-round.
Where to find them: Throughout the reach — thickest near recent stocking points and in riffle water on the upper river.
Advice specific to Buford Tailwater. Check conditions →