Large trout caught by hand on the upper Toccoa River
OK, it was legal. We were having breakfast outside at the Toccoa River Outpost yesterday (excellent breakfast) when the DNR Fish Hatcheries truck pulled onto Shallowford Bridge to dump a load.
I wanted to see what size they were introducing so I walked over to check it out. To my surprise, the guy was dumping monster Rainbows off of the bridge in about 6 inches of water; now I know the reason for all of the recent whale photos in the paper.
Well it knocked-out two of the largest ones so I waded into the water to try to revive them. Of course I went for the largest first and was able to tail-hold him until he got his bearings and off he went. It was the largest trout I've held in my hands, and I landed some pretty big Browns and Cutbows when I lived in Colorado. I then tried to assist the smaller Rainbow, but she died in my hands.
The DNR guy said to bring her in. He said he had been dumping trout off of that bridge for 26 years and had never seen the water that low. I asked if they normally stock the monsters and he said sometimes, but they are having a hard time at the hatchery so they are getting rid of all that they can.
He said I could have her to cook if I wanted and I took him up on it. I'm 100% catch-&-release w/ trout so it's going to be a treat for us. Unfortunately she was full of roe, but I'm giving her a long, respectable send off on the smoker!
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