About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (March 6, 2024)
thesy lvaniatimes. com The Sylvania Times Wednesday, March 6, 2024 - Page 17 Toccoa River Trout Fishing Well, hello everyone! Spring is about here and it is time to spring into action and get to fishin'! Of course, I know alot of you have already been fishing like me, all year long. This week, I want to talk about trout fishing and the Toccoa River. You see, the Toccoa River can be split into two distinct fisheries as the tailwater below Lake Blue Ridge and the headwaters above the lake are managed and fish somewhat differently . Both are a great place to run into some of the best fly fishing in Blue Ridge for trophy sized trout. First, you have the upper Toccoa River. It is stocked regularly all throughout the year. Public access is found on several areas of land on highway 60 which goes along the Toccoa. It is well known that wading can be quite difficult during periods of heavy rain. It also makes fishing more favorable for shore bound anglers. Now, I find that late summer and early fall is the best time for wading here. But, spring is usually good too. The lower Toccoa River tailwater fishing runs from the Lake Blue Ridge dam to the Ocoee river where it meets with fightintown creek. This part of the river is extremely popular with trout anglers, but, is also a place where kayakers, tubers and swimmers love to go. During the summer, this area can get quite crowded. The best way to get away from the crowd, is to drift down river somewhat. The state only stocks at three different access points along the river. These locations are, Tammen Park, Curtis Switch Park, and Horseshoe Bend Park. Wading in these areas are allowed, however, there are some days, even in the winter, where some space can be limited. I can say, the heavy stocking keeps anglers returning more as success is not difficult to come by. The best way to find out when is the best time for fly fishing to Blue Ridge and the Lower Toccoa River it to visit the Blue Ridge Dam Release Schedule online. However, I will say, a trip to the Toccoa River is well worth the effort. The scenery is perfect, the breeze is usually terrific and the fishing is excellent! Happy fishing guys! See ya next week! Jack Window Cleaning Allstate Building Services, llC Window Cleaning * Pressure Cleaning * Caulking Specialist QUALITY WORK AT ITS BEST 25+ years of experience Narvel Pettis, Owner P.O. Box 1129 813-809-7188 Millen, GA 30442 Npettisll@yahoo.com C+riSbari Aca Annual Wildcat For More Information: Call 770-256-0794 Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 5:30 pm Location: Freeman Family Farms Individual Tickets $50 ■ Buffet provided by Fish Eye Grill sponsorship rickets ■ Silent and live Auction items (Table for s) $500 Entertainment by Maggie’s Academy of Dance 706-526-8686 CALL FDR AN ESTIMATE! -Tr«-s-siur**js Removal • Storm Clean Up *£tpert rrimming - Lar-rl Clcarin ^ *Bru-£Ji Cut1=ng * BusU Hoggm <3 *Skidire*r Work Embrace the Blooms: A Guide to Prepping Your Garden for Spring Splendor By Debbie Hearn, Reporter As winter's chill begins to loosen its grip, garden enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring. The promise of vibrant flowers and lush vegetables beckons us outdoors, spade in hand, ready to transform our gardens into a symphony of colors and flavors. As we usher in this season of renewal, it's time to roll up our sleeves and prepare our gardens for the vibrant months ahead. Soil Preparation: Lay the Groundwork for Success One of the first steps to a successful garden is ensuring your soil is primed and ready for planting. Begin by clearing away debris and enriching the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This not only provides essential nutrients but also improves the soil structure, promoting healthy root development. Early Bloomers: Flowers to Plant Now While some flowers prefer the warmth of late spring, several hardy varieties can be planted as early as March to bring an early burst of color to your garden. Pansies, daffodils, and crocuses are excellent choices, adding cheerful hues and a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Vegetable Gardens: Sow the Seeds of Success For those with a penchant for homegrown produce, now is the time to start planting certain vegetables. Cold-hardy crops such as lettuce, spinach, carrots, and peas can be sown directly into the ground. Meanwhile, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can be started indoors for later transplantation once the threat of frost has passed. Spring Cleaning: Pruning and Tidying Up Before the full bloom arrives, take the opportunity to prune your existing plants and shrubs. Remove dead or damaged branches, allowing for new growth and maintaining a tidy appearance. This is also the perfect time to divide and transplant perennials that may have outgrown their space. Protect Against Pests: Adopt Natural Solutions As your garden awakens, so do various pests. Consider incorporating natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory beetles. These measures help maintain a healthy ecosystem in your garden without resorting to harsh chemicals. Plan for Pollinators: Attracting Bees and Butterflies Enhance the biodiversity of your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Lavender, salvia, and coneflowers are excellent choices, not only for their beauty but also for their ability to support these essential pollinators. Stay Mindful of Frost Dates: Timing is Everything While the temptation to jump-start the gardening season is strong, it's crucial to be mindful of your region's average last frost date. Planting too early can put tender seedlings at risk. Check local gardening resources or consult with seasoned gardeners to determine the optimal time for planting in your area. As we eagerly embrace the warmer days ahead, let the preparation for your garden be as joyful as the blossoms it will soon bear. With a little planning and effort, you'll set the stage for a season of beauty and bounty that will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood. Happy gardening! 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