Ocmulgee River:
Levels have been more consistent this week, ranging within a floatable level for multiple days, and public river access is open. However, paddlers should ALWAYS check river conditions (current and previous day) before embarking on the upper Ocmulgee. The river level is notorious for quick fluctuations due to power generation at the dam. Always wear your PFD!
Fishing has picked up with the warmer midday temperatures. The river is still stained but the visibility is fishable. Streamers and a varied retrieve will be your best bet for both bass and sunfish.
Ocmulgee River Gauge:
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=02210500
Hot Flies:
Bennett’s Lunch $, Tan #4
Clouser, Chartreuse/White #2
Creek Crawler, Olive #4
Flint River:
The Upper Flint is at a great level for floating, and all free public access is open. Check the weather and gauges before paddling, and always wear a PFD and make sure your gear is secured.
Fishing has been very good, with the bite picking back up as levels fall back from the most recent rain. Streamer fishing and other subsurface approaches have been the most effective. Insect production died down with the flooding, but is beginning to pick back up.
The native longnose gar are in full spawn mode, and very active and visible right now. These ancient predators are often considered “trash fish” by anglers but are an important part of the river ecosystem. Please release gar if you catch them.
Flint Gauge:
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?02347500
Hot Flies:
Hot Flash Minnow, Shiner #2
Crittermite, Black #2
Bryson’s Count of Monte Frisco, Brown/Gold
