Archive for May 2012

Delayed Harvest Stream Report 5-28-12

by Charlie Downs

31 May

Updated Every Monday: 5-28-12

Water Conditions: Temp 58⁰ CFS 128 North Mills

Late Spring on the Pigeon

Hatches: Tan Caddis, Yellow Sallies

Fly Suggestions: Tan Elk Hair Caddis, Little Yellow Stone, Clown Shoe Sally, White or Olive Wooly Bugger, Brown Girdle Bug

General Information: Well, we’ve had a good run on the Delayed Harvest waters, beginning last October and barely slowing down through the exceptionally mild winter. But all good things must come to an end [at least for a few months], and so it is with the DH streams. This Saturday, 6-2 is “opening day” for catch and keep on the streams that have been catch and release only for the past 8 months. If you choose to fish on Saturday remember it’s kids under the age of 16 years until noon, no exceptions! You’ll probably still find a few fish for the next couple of weeks, but figure on the pickings being slim. Oh, and if you do go on “opening day” you’re still welcome to practice your catch and release philosophy.

Projected Conditions: I suppose this will be my last Delayed Harvest report for a few months at least, let’s see what the boss can find for me to do in the meantime.

Categories : Delayed Harvest Waters, North Mills, Stream Reports, Streams & Creeks

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

31 May

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: June 1, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

Clear water, good visibility. Higher than normal water level. Water temperature varying in the 60′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Crawfish Patterns, Wiggle Minnows, Green and Black Streamers, poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Smallmouth bass will typically stay near their spawning grounds after the spawn. That is if there is plenty of food and the conditions are still good in that location.

Being able to see the fish or underwater structure will help you catch more fish. Invest in a pair of good polarized sunglasses comparable to Smith or Costa. The more expensive, quality glasses are just as easy to lose as cheaper versions, so try using the floating sun-glass savers.

If you are fishing with a buddy, try fishing different rigs to start out. This will help you figure out what the fish are looking for faster. If you are by yourself and can carry more than one rod, then pre-rig multiple rods so you spend less time tying and more time fishing. The more your rig is in the water, the more chances you have of hooking up. It’s a simple concept, but an effective one. If you know you have fish in front of you but can’t get them to eat, don’t give up and move to another hole yet. Try changing your presentation first. That could mean changing the depth of your rig, the color of your fly or lure, the direction from which you fish the hole and the speed at which you fish. Fishing “slow” translates to working a crawfish on the bottom. Fishing “fast” translates fishing top water, stripping a popper etc. quickly across the surface. Have confidence in your fly or lure selection. As conditions change, so does presentation.

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to reach the high 80′s this week with scattered thunderstorms.

Keep an eye and an ear out for Cicadas this summer. If they are present, you can be sure fish will be feeding on them. Cicadas have been present in Tennessee already but none have been spotted on French Broad River yet.

Click here for current weather.

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

Rod: Fast Action comparable to Scott “S” Series rods 8’6”–9’ 6wt.

Leader: 9-12’ 3x-5x Florocarbon. Option: Blue Sky furled leader.

Vest: A vest with a work station and plenty of room for big flies. Fishpond Waterdance or comparable.

Planning a fly fishing trip for trout or Smallmouth bass? Let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

Categories : Flies, Leader & Tippet, Rods, Smallmouth Bass Waters, Stream Reports, Vests & Packs

Tennessee Tailwaters Stream Report – May 30, 2012

by Josh Garris

30 May

Fly Fishing Report

Updated Every Tuesday: May 29^th, 2012

P6104571 300x225 Tennessee Tailwaters Stream Report May 30, 2012

Brown Trout Release

Water Conditions:

South Holston Release Schedule

Watauga Release Schedule

Hatches: Midges, Sulphurs, BWO’s, Caddis,

Fly Suggestions: Midge Clusters, Sparrow Midge, Zebra Midge (Red and Black), Black Fly Larva, CDC Comparaduns (BWO and Sulphur), PMD Silloutte Dun, Split Cases (PMD and BWO), Klinkhammer Emerger (Sulphur and BWO), Elk Hair Caddis (Tan, Peacock, Yellow), Stimulators (Yellow, Olive Peacock), Peacock Caddis, Braid Pupae (Black and Tan), Flashback Caddis (Hare’s Ear), Tungsten Z-Caddis

P6094548 225x300 Tennessee Tailwaters Stream Report May 30, 2012

Tight Lines

General Information: Flows will more than likely remain similar with generation relaxing as the heavier rainfalls subside. Hatch’s will continue to pick up pace and fish will become re-acquainted with the bugs they will also come more selective on the realism of you fly and they are already accustomed to wanting the perfect drift. Longer leaders are a must on the South Holston as the water levels lower and the hatch’s turn on.

The terrestrial action will continue to pick up, so make sure to keep an eye out for fish feeding under limbs or grassy banks. Polarized sunglasses make sight fishing possible and actually enjoyable so stop in one of our shops to fitted for the right pair. Remember the most expensive pair might not always be the best for you. Big fish, like all others, enjoy terrestrial so be prepared for some explosive strikes and some even more fearsome battles. With fish having more water to move in and usually more current to use to their advantage it is very important that we have the right equipment for the job. One of the

461877 10100126126752784 1306291 40166523 870481311 o 300x225 Tennessee Tailwaters Stream Report May 30, 2012

Get out and Fish!

most important pieces of this puzzle is a good reel with a solid drag system. One great option is the Lamson Velocity. With a superb drag system that is super smooth, and to top it all off it is all in a waterproof housing. This reel will control your line no matter if the fish is coming or going.

Projected Conditions: As summer temps start to move their way in expect flows to be more to a minimum on both rivers. As this happens expect drift and presentation to become more and more important. Mend, Mend, Mend! Whether from a boat or standing waist deep, setting up your drift can tip the scales in your favor.

Coming off the Holiday weekend expect numbers of anglers to be less but by no means gone. Choose your approaches wisely and get out there and fish. They aren’t going to catch themselves!!

Categories : Reels, Stream Reports, Tailwaters

Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of May 29, 2012

by Nick Roberts

30 May

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Updated Every Wednesday

This healthy brown ate a red midge larva

Water Conditions: Lower water, clear. 77 cfs. Davidson River Flow

Hatches:Sulphurs, Green Drakes, Yellow sallies, midges, tan caddis, light cahills

Fly suggestions: Midge emergers in gray, cream, brown. Sulphur comparaduns, klink emergers, split cases, light cahills, Green Drakes, Lowe’s midge larva, Little lucy, red disco midge, elk hair caddis, rock worm caddis, . Inch Worm, ants. Most any fly from our Davidson River Fly Selection Box would also do…

General Information: Water is lower than last week by about 25 cfs, so long leaders and flourocarbon tippet is a must. The fish have been all over midge emergers and various dries in the evening. To weight for nymphs and emergers (if needed), I suggest Anchor micro shot. With Anchor shot, you can adjust your depth using a variety of split shot sizes. I use Seaguar Flourocarbon tippet at the end of a flouro leader of a long nylon leader.

Projected Conditions:The river should fish well all week, but lower water can be challenging. Don’t smack the water with your cast; plan each one carefully, so you don’t spook the fish. With the humid weather, look for some afternoon and evening hatches to come off. If it rains heavy, re-rig with something big and dark and add weight.

Planning a fly fishing trip to the Davidson River? Let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

Categories : Davidson River, Flies, Stream Reports

Wild Waters Stream Report for May 24th, 2012

by Richard Witt

27 May

Fly Fishing Report for the Waters of the Pisgah National Forest, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and waters along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Green Drake Dun

Updated Every Thursday

Water Conditions:

Temp – 58-60

CFS – just above normal water levels

http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/?m=real&w=map&r=nc

Hatches:

Mayflies:

March Browns, Sulphurs/PMD’s, Yellow Drakes, Light Cahills, some Green Drakes in the evenings on certain streams.

Caddis:

Tan , Black, Olive

Stoneflies:

Little Yellow Sallies, Little Green Sallies, Golden Stones

Midges:

Assorted

Terrestrials:

Ants, Beetles, Crickets, Hoppers, Inchworms, Cicadas

Japanese Beetle

Green Drake Spinner - Coffin Fly

Fly Suggestions:

Dry Flies:

Parachute March Brown, Flick’s March Brown, CDC Compardun Sulphur, Yellow Palmer, Yellow Mayfly Drake, Light Cahill, Green Drake Dun, Coffin Fly (Green Drake Spinner) Tan Headlight Caddis, Black Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sally, Tennessee Wulff, Yellow Para Madam X, Yellow Stimulator, Ants, Beetles, Crickets, Hoppers, Inchworms.

Nymphs and Pupa: Wiggle Nymph, Slate Drake Nymph, Olive Hare’s Ear, Tellico Nymph, Yallarhammer, Crow Fly, Tan Braid Pupa, Olive Grand Poopah, Boss Hog Light, Yellow Tungsten Copper Stone.

Streamers:

Spruce Fly, Hornberg, Muddler Minnow, various wooly buggers in medium size range.

General Information:

We are getting some warmer than normal air temps in the coming week which will help along the already present Terrestrial fly selection. Right now we can add these patterns to what has already been mentioned for the aquatic insects.

Keep your fly box up to date with a few different Ant patterns, Beetle patterns, Inchworm patterns, Hopper and Cricket patterns all in assorted sizes. Some Red/Rust colored and Black Ants ( Glitter Ants, Cow Killer ants etc…) , Black Beetles, Flying Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Tan, Olive and Yellow Hoppers, Black or Tan Crickets and don’t forget the incredibly large Cicada patterns.

One of my favorite tricks with terrestrials is to “set up” the trout that are laying under the Rhododendrons by throwing a beat-up pattern into the Rhodos and before I break it off, shake the Rhodos furiously, knocking off any ants/beetles etc.. into the creek to get the trout to look for the terrestrial patterns. Then I tie on my favorite terrestrial and go to work!

cicadas

Projected Conditions:

Look for more of the same conditions next week with the help of a bit of rain early in the week to keep the streams cool and full. The Green Drake hatch will be on for another two weeks or so. Even if the hatch ends the trout are still looking for the Green Drakes for about a week after the hatch comes to an end.

Categories : Stream Reports

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

24 May

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: May 25, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

Low visibility. Higher than normal water levels. Water temperature varying in the 60′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Crawfish Patterns, Wiggle Minnows, Green and Black Streamers, poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Once the mud clears, fish activity is expected to pick back up as we are still within prime Smallmouth season.

When fishing fast deep water, try using extra split shot and / or heavy flies. This will help get your flies down fast. When you spot a fishy looking location, try casting upstream of the location so your flies have a chance to sink before they hit the spot. Sometimes 3-5 feet upstream makes all the difference. This tactic will spook less fish as well.

When casting heavy flies long distances, try using a hand tied leader. The longer the better. The hand tied leader will turn over bigger flies better than a machine tapered leader. I like to take a 3X-5X – 9′ hand tied leader and add 3′-4′ of mono to the butt side of the leader. This particular setup is a happy medium if you don’t have a sink tip line. That way your line still floats but you can get your rig down 12′ or “swing it” in shallow water.

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

With the frequent thunderstorms, expect off color water and higher levels. Temperatures are expected to reach the high 80′s this week with scattered thunderstorms.

Click here for current weather.

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

Rod: Fast Action comparable to Scott “S” Series rods 8’6”–9’ 6wt.

Leader: 9-12’ 3x-5x Florocarbon. Option: Blue Sky furled leader.

Vest: A vest with a work station and plenty of room for big flies. Fishpond Waterdance or comparable.

Categories : Fly Fishing Products, Smallmouth Bass Waters

Scott A48044 8′ 4wt 4pc

by Charlie Downs

23 May

Updated Every Monday: 5-21-12

Water Conditions: Temp: aprox. 61˚ CFS: 110, slighty below normal, but the forecasted rain should bring that level up some. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?site_no=03446000

Hatches: still seeing some yellow sallies, tan caddis, also small green caddis

Fly Suggestions: below the surface an olive soft hackle, small pink egg pattern, or a Super Duper are a good bet, a bushy attractor, such as a yellow stimulator, or a Tennessee Wulff should draw a strike. General Information: the Madison Co. Delayed Harvest water continues to fish well for me with some of the early stockers coloring up nicely. I’m getting good reports from other Delayed Harvest streams as well, such as the N. Mills, West Fork, and Little River.

Projected Conditions:rain ending the middle of the week with temps. Rising into the mid to upper 80s, it’s sure been a nice spring for fishing the DH waters, a couple of weeks left, get ‘em while you can!

A really nice Watauga County ‘bow, congrats Booger!

Categories : Delayed Harvest Waters, Stream Reports

Tags : Aprox, Attractor, Bet, Booger, Caddis Fly, Cfs, Congrats, Fish, Fly, Harvest Water, Madison Co, Nwis, Pink Egg, Rain, Stream Report, Streams, Tennessee, Upper 80s, Usgs, Usgs Gov, Water Conditions, Wulff, Yellow Sallies, Yellow Stimulator

Tennessee Tailwaters May 22, 2012

by Josh Garris

23 May

Fly Fishing Stream Report for Western North Carolina

Updated Every Tuesday: May 22^nd, 2012

P42207192 300x225 Tennessee Tailwaters May 22, 2012

Sulphur

Water Conditions:

South Holston Release Schedule

Watauga Release Schedule

Hatches: Midges and Sulpurs on the South Holston, and Midges, Caddis, and Sulphurs on the Watauga

Fly Suggestions: During the early morning hours on the South Holston a good bet is a Midge Cluster Dry with a Zebra Midge in Black or Red hanging underneath it. Black Fly Larva or a Sparrow Midge would make good droppers as well. CDC Comparadun Sulphurs when the hatch starts up and hang a PMD Split case behind it and get ready. On the Watauga Soft hackles in yellow and orange have been handing out sore lips in good numbers. Caddis Dries and mainly Pupae have had their times as well as Sulphurs. In dirty water Girdle Bugs in Olive/Tan and Black have been producing. San Juans and heavy rubber leg Stones will create enough camotion to get the fish’s attention.

283580 2238813776765 1440638671 32567135 986743 n 225x300 Tennessee Tailwaters May 22, 2012

Foggy South Holston Morning

General Information: The TVA has relaxed the flows slightly on the South Holston allowing for some wade fishing. And for the angler willing to hop around on the river, more or less a full day of South Holston Fun can be had. With the Didymo being flushed, better drifts can be had and so can easier wading. In the morning time Midges should be your main focus while the fog still hangs on the river. Don’t be afraid to throw a dry/dropper combo. Target specific rising fish and keep your casting distance to a minimum while keeping your leaders long (13′ at least). As the day warms, keep the same technique but change to match the hatch. As generation comes up, throwing a streamer as you make your way back to the back can bring some surprising results. The Watauga has been having a more generous release as of late which can almost eliminate any wade fishing but there is still some fishy water to be found. Look for bends in the river and fish the inside seam with streamers and even some heavier nymphs. Slow drifts are the key in the nymphing. Be creative in order to get that perfect drift. Racing ahead of the water has been the story of late, with good numbers of fish falling to soft hackles in various colors and fish also chasing a skittered Caddis. When the water catches up to you slam the banks with big streamers or look for areas of clearer water to nymph. Slower eddies and foam lines will hold bugs and opportunistic fish feeding on their misfortune.

P1040108 300x225 Tennessee Tailwaters May 22, 2012

Midge Assortment

Projected Conditions: Fishing conditions will stay pretty constant for the upcoming week with warmer temps moving their way in over the weekend. The hatches will continue to heat up especially with the Sulphurs. terrestrial will continue to make their importance more and more known as the summer creeps closer, Midges are a staple on these rivers and finding multiple patterns you have confidence in can really save you from pulling your hair out on the days that the hatch never comes through. Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms, some being fierce. Get off the water when they make their presence known. However, don’t be run off by the occasional afternoon shower. It can really get the bugs moving and the fish feeding.

Be prepared for fly fishing in the rain in Western North Carolina 760px Tennessee Tailwaters May 22, 2012

Afternoon rainstorms can get the fish moving!

Categories : Flies, Leader & Tippet, Stream Reports, Tailwaters

Davidson River Fishing Report–Week of 5/22/2012

by Nick Roberts

22 May

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Updated Every Wednesday

Water Conditions: Normal water. 101 cfs. Davidson River Flow

Hatches:Sulphurs, Green Drakes, Yellow sallies, midges, tan caddis, light cahills

Davidson River Stream Report for May 21 2012 Professional Fishing Guide Nick Roberts 300x224 Davidson River Fishing Report Week of 5/22/2012

Fly Fishing on the Davidson River in May

Fly suggestions: Sulphur comparaduns, klink emergers, split cases, light cahills, Green Drakes, Lowe’s midge larva, Little lucy, disco midge, micro stone (yellow and black), elk hair caddis, rock worm caddis, midge emergers in gray, black, brown. Inch Worm, ants. Most any fly from our Davidson River Fly Selection Box would also do…

General Information: Water is at normal flows, so long leaders and flourocarbon tippet is a must. With a dry fly, try concentration on the riffles. To dress your fly, use Dry Magic and to dry it off once you’ve caught a fish, use Dry Shake. With all the bugs hatching, try fishing some emergers on the swing.

Projected Conditions:The river should fish well all week. With the humid weather, look for some afternoon and evening hatches to come off. If it rains heavy, re-rig with something big and dark and add weight.

Planning a fly fishing trip to the Davidson River? Let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

Categories : Davidson River, Flies, Stream Reports

Wild Waters Stream Report for May 17th, 2012

by Richard Witt

22 May

Fly Fishing Report for the Waters of the Pisgah National Forest, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and waters along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Green Drake Dun

Updated Every Thursday

Water Conditions:

Temp – 55-60

CFS – just above normal water levels

http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/?m=real&w=map&r=nc

Hatches:

Mayflies:

March Browns, Sulphurs/PMD’s, Yellow Drakes, Light Cahills, some Green Drakes in the evenings on certain streams.

Caddis:

Tan , Black, Olive

IMG 1321 300x225 Wild Waters Stream Report for May 17th, 2012

Southern Appalachian Brook Trout

Stoneflies:

Little Yellow Sallies, Little Green Sallies, Golden Stones

Midges:

Assorted

Terrestrials:

Ants, Beetles, Crickets, Hoppers, Inchworms

Fly Suggestions:

Green Drake Spinner - Coffin Fly

Dry Flies:

Nymphs and Pupa: Wiggle Nymph, Slate Drake Nymph, Olive Hare’s Ear, Tellico Nymph, Yallarhammer, Crow Fly, Tan Braid Pupa, Olive Grand Poopah, Boss Hog Light, Yellow Tungsten Copper Stone.

Streamers:

Spruce Fly, Hornberg, Muddler Minnow, various wooly buggers in medium size range.

IMG 2300 300x225 Wild Waters Stream Report for May 17th, 2012

Carlton with Wild Brown Trout

General Information:

When the Mountain Laurels start blooming, Green Drakes begin hatching followed by other Drakes such as Brown Drakes, and Slate Drakes as well. Look for Duns and Spinners. Duns start hatching sporadically after mid day and spinners are most active from two hours before sundown until dusk. Some of us enjoy sticking with the Southern Appalachian patterns for these hatches such as the Coffin Fly, Crow Fly, Yallerhamer, Corey’s Calftail, the Yellow May, etc…

It is worth it to hike in for the opportunity to catch one of these hatches at it’s peak. Consider putting in on the South Mills river and hike up a few miles or so. Focus on silty areas of the river for the drakes as they are burrowing mayflies and consider using a wiggle nymph as a dropper if you like. A great pack for backcountry fishing is the Fishpond Tundra or Piney Creek Tech Packs as they

IMG 1315 225x300 Wild Waters Stream Report for May 17th, 2012

Jeff with Southern Appalachian Brook Trout

will hold all you need for a long day up a remote creek. Also, to make the hike in easier (and lighter), leave the waders and boots at home and wear some quick dry nylon hiking pants and pack in a pair of the Simms wading sandals with aluminum cleats. When you get to your destination just swap out your hiking boots for the sandals and jump right in!

Projected Conditions:

Look for more of the same conditions next week with the help of a bit of rain mid-week to keep the streams cool and full. The Green Drake hatch will be on for another four weeks or so. Great fun with size 8 and 10 dry flies!

Categories : Stream Reports, Wild Waters

Archive for May 2012

Delayed Harvest Stream Report 5-28-12

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

WATER CONDITIONS:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

Tennessee Tailwaters Stream Report – May 30, 2012

Fly Fishing Report

Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of May 29, 2012

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Wild Waters Stream Report for May 24th, 2012

Fly Fishing Report for the Waters of the Pisgah National Forest, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and waters along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Water Conditions:

Hatches:

Fly Suggestions:

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

WATER CONDITIONS:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

Scott A48044 8′ 4wt 4pc

Tennessee Tailwaters May 22, 2012

Fly Fishing Stream Report for Western North Carolina

Davidson River Fishing Report–Week of 5/22/2012

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Wild Waters Stream Report for May 17th, 2012

Fly Fishing Report for the Waters of the Pisgah National Forest, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and waters along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Water Conditions:

Hatches:

Fly Suggestions:

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Archive for May 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

Fly Fishing Report

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Fly Fishing Report for the Waters of the Pisgah National Forest, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and waters along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Water Conditions:

Hatches:

Fly Suggestions:

WATER CONDITIONS:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

Fly Fishing Stream Report for Western North Carolina

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Fly Fishing Report for the Waters of the Pisgah National Forest, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and waters along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Water Conditions:

Hatches:

Fly Suggestions:

Fishing Year Round!

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