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Name:	lakelover324 -	Reply
Subject:	Tailrace Fishing in the Summer
Date:	7/21/2011 1:03:04 AM

It's been 4 long years since I have been able to pursue my passion of stripe fishing. My favorite is fishing the tailraces with my hand tied bucktail jigs. Harris damn barely generates in the summer and most of the stuff on Coosa river is only good for catch and release and is a bit of a drive.

I love fishing below the damns because it really adds to the fight!! Topwater is my favorite by far but I am limited in the hot weather. My question is can anyone help me out with a bit of knowledge for fishing the tailrace below Martin damn. I know the water being released in July is cold enough to make a chrome lure fog over when you take it out of the water. The damn is generating a decent amount of water but I don't know if any fish are pulling up to the damn.

Any help getting my line stretched again would be greatly appreciated.

Name:	stripernut -	Reply
Subject:	Tailrace Fishing in the Summer
Date:	7/21/2011 1:36:30 PM

It has been a while since I fished it, but there are plenty of stripes below Martin dam when they are generating. The only problem is that it's treacherous fishing either by land or sea. Be careful if you go. Good luck.

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Tailrace Fishing in the Summer
Date:	7/21/2011 7:42:51 PM

The best bank access is on the "wrong" side, i.e. the side opposite the generators. The kudzu will eat you before you can reach the water on the powerhouse side.

Name:	Lugan -	Reply
Subject:	Tailrace Fishing in the Summer
Date:	7/21/2011 11:34:29 PM

There used to be a gravel road and ramp below the "DAM." Boating up to the dam is a bit difficult but do-able, especially with a jon boat. Wear a life jacket always below the dam and listen for the release warning...then leave quickly.

Name:	lakelover324 -	Reply
Subject:	Tailrace Fishing in the Summer
Date:	7/22/2011 12:17:55 AM

Yeah when I fish below the dams it is always a roll of the dice if they are gonna start up the turbine that would be beneficial for fishing. Ninety percent of the time it is the worst one, I think they do this to minimize people fishing below the dams! Just for such occasions that wonderful Excel line and Reel Magic paired with nice long rods and some C3 Ambassadeurs really help get the extra footage needed.

I never have made the journey to the bottom side of Martin Dam but I hear it is a bit rough from more than a few people. Here's to hoping all my previous rock hopping will come in handy.

On a side note they have been cancelling generation for both Harris and Martin dams.

Name:	lakelover324 -	Reply
Subject:	Tailrace Fishing in the Summer
Date:	7/22/2011 11:12:03 PM

Went below Martin today and man was it hot! I did manage to catch one at 5lbs and believe it or not that made my day! One wonderful boater came up and ran over my line and went to the dam. I noticed he was tossing a 4inch or so live bait with no cork or weight. He boated 4 that were 5lbs or less and the nice fella even maged to release them after bouncing them off the side of the boat and putting them in the bottom of the boat to unhook them in 100 degree weather. They turned off for him as fast as they started and believe it or not I caught mine on topwater from the bank!

Happy Fishing

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	Tailrace Fishing in the Summer
Date:	7/27/2011 9:44:16 AM

On a side note, it is possible to walk out on the base of the dam and fish from the east side, but I don't think APCo would want that practice encouraged.

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