Scalley had us throwing our flies directly into deeper runs and dark holes in which a definite dropoff was visible. He also recommended throwing into any bulrush grass that we drifted past; trout like to hold in patches of those long, flat blades that explain the nickname “tape grass.” The guide also made sure that we didn’t overlook any plants, shrubs or downed trees in the water. Trout hold in the eddy just below those obstructions.

Scalley especially likes to target the big browns known to thrive (and to reproduce naturally) in the upper tailwater. Hansen was using a different method that’s a recommended technique for those looking for brown trout: throwing a large Wooly Bugger and stripping it back quickly towards the boat. Scalley uses large Buggers such as sizes No. 4, 6 and 8. White Buggers work well in the cooler months, imitating the shad that die in Lake Lanier, are sucked through Buford Dam, and float downstream. Olive- and black-colored Buggers mimicking sculpin minnows or crawdads do well in the warmer months. Sink-tip leaders can also be used to get the flies deeper when stripping the big streamer patterns.

I boated a couple of bright-hued browns by throwing nymphs close to the bank, under logs and overhanging branches. Scalley strongly encourages the release of any brown trout caught. While rainbow trout are heavily stocked in the upper tailwater, brown trout have not been planted since 2005. That’s due to a study that sought to determine the brown trout’s success in propagating and sustaining a healthy population along this river corridor. With data demonstrating brown trout reproduction in the Chattahoochee River, biologists can further convince land developers and politicians that the river is indeed a cold-water fishery that needs to be protected.

According to Bill Couch, WRD fisheries biologist and manager of the Buford Trout Hatchery, 150,000 rainbow trout are stocked into the upper tailwater annually. An additional 9,000 are released into the ‘Hooch for specially scheduled kids’ fishing days. He explained that the trout are grown in the hatchery into healthy, catchable 9- or 10-inch fish before being released into the Chattahoochee. Of the trout released, 5 percent are in the larger 11- to 14-inch lengths.

Most trout anglers on the river don’t cast with a fly rod, and Scalley’s just as content to take spin-fishermen onto the river. In fact, he often finds it’s a bit of a break to guide anglers using spinning gear rather than fly-fishing equipment.

Inline spinners such as Panther Martins, Rooster Tails and Mepps are apt choices for spin fishing. Black patterns with a gold blade are a favorite with Scalley, but he also suggested trying a silver blade in the cooler months. A 1/6-ounce Little Cleo spoon in silver or gold is another workable option.

Scalley recommended that those subscribing to the big-bait-big-fish theory might -- especially when targeting big brown trout -- want to consider throwing Rapala CountDowns in a size No. 5 or 9 in perch and baby rainbow patterns.

THE LOWER TAILWATER
Just over a dozen miles of the Chattahoochee River -- from Morgan Falls Dam southward to Peachtree Creek west of downtown Atlanta -- make up the lower tailwater section. This downstream section includes one of the state’s five special regulation Delayed Harvest areas. The 4 1/2 mile DH section runs from the mouth of Sope Creek to the U.S. Highway 41 bridge at the NPS Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River NRA.

Atlanta-area residents are fortunate to have such a gem as the DH section so convenient to the heart of the city. Given our relatively mild winters, anglers can enjoy fishing year ‘round.