Channel Catfish

If you're after channel catfish in the north Georgia mountains, McCaysville offers a unique opportunity where the Toccoa River flows. This area, right on the Georgia-Tennessee border, provides a cool, clear river environment distinct from the muddy bottomland rivers you might associate with catfish. Look for deeper pools and areas around submerged structure, especially after rainfall when the river rises slightly. Spring and early summer are prime times, as the catfish become more active with the warming water temperatures and begin spawning. A local tip is to access the river from one of the public access points along Highway 60, but be prepared for some wading as bank fishing can be limited in some areas. Because the Toccoa is a clear mountain river, catfish here often feed more actively during the day than in murkier waters, so don't be afraid to try fishing midday. The catfish in this region tend to be scrappy fighters due to the river's current, so be prepared for a good battle.