Archive for Blue Sky

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

29 Mar

Updated Every Friday:

03/29/13

This fish was caught and released on March 22th, 2013. Temperature was 55 degrees.

Release Schedule:

Nolichucky

French Broad River (near Asheville)

Pigeon River (TN side)

bellydancer Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

Fly Suggestions:

White, Black and Chartreuse Streamers, Wiggle Minnow, Black and Blue poppers.

General Information:

The blooming of the bradford pear trees marks the Smallmouth Bass spawn and the beginning of the season. Right now, the fish are making every effort to fatten up for the spawn. While the water levels and clarity are ideal, the temperatures are currently a little cold. Until this roller coaster of a seasonal transition flattens out, the fishing will be amazing during warm spells and slow during cold spells. Now is a good time to dust of your gear and see what needs replacing. Feel free to give us a call or come see us at one of the CWO shops if you need help or advice.

One of the best times of the year to catch big smallmouth is here. Don’t miss out on the fun.

Let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

Gear recommendations:

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

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!

Projected Conditions:

The upcoming weekend forecast is predicting lows in the upper 30′s and highs around 65. In the coming weeks the fishing will be great during warm spells and slow during cold spells.

Hot Fly:

Wiggle Minnow

Categories : Smallmouth Bass Waters

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report September 7, 2012

by Galen Kipar

07 Sep

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY

WATER CONDITIONS:

Water level is normal across WNC, with varying visibility. Water temperature varying in the 70′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Crawfish, Poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Hunter Huffman 300x223 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report September 7, 2012

With the below average, cooler temperatures moving in early this year, the Smallmouth are looking up and top water action is amazing right now. We have a nice assortment of bass flies and lures in the shop or you can check out the online store.

The fall is a beautiful time of the year to spend a couple days on the water catching trout or smallmouth bass. CWO offers several packages that include lodging and a guided fishing trip. Whether you are interested in a float trip or wade trip for trout or smallmouth bass, let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 80′s with scattered thunderstorms, lows in the mid 50′s.

Click here for current weather.

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS:

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

Leader: 9-12’ 2x-4x 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 : Smallmouth Bass Waters, Stream Reports

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

03 Aug

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: August 3, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

Water level is above normal across WNC with off color water from the recent rain. Water temperature varying in the 70′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Wiggle Minnows, Crawfish, Poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

We had about four days of clear conditions on the French Broad River before the rain moved in. You have to get it while the getting is good. It will be at least a few days before the French Broad clears up depending on additional rain. The same goes for the Nolichucky. The Pigeon should clear up a little faster and hopefully water visibility will be good for the weekend.

Interested in getting out on the water for a day of fishing? Let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

ACCESS ALERT:

“This past week the US Forest Service installed three metal posts which blocks access to the Poplar Boat Launch on the Nolichucky River in North Carolina. You can no longer back a trailer to the river to load/unload a fishing raft. This eliminates the ability to float the river from Huntdale Road/Sams Branch Road to Poplar as well as Poplar to Erwin, TN. This eliminates about 12 miles of river access to fishing rafts. While they blocked the access they also improved it by putting down gravel all the way to the river. Why improve it, then block it????

Please contact the US Forest Service in Burnsville, NC and ask them to remove the posts.

Appalachian Ranger District

District Ranger, Tina Tilley

P.O. Box 128

Burnsville, NC 28714

(828) 682-6146

appalachianrd@fs.fed.us

This decision is detrimental to some people’s businesses and livelihood and to some people’s ability to simply enjoy a great section of river.

Thanks for your help.

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 90′s with scattered thunderstorms, lows in the mid 70′s.

Click here for current weather.

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

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

Leader: 9-12’ 2x-4x Florocarbon. Option: Blue Sky furled leader.

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

waterdance e1338493563372 224x300 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

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

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

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

26 Jul

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: July 27, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

Water level is back to normal across WNC with clear water and 3′-4′ visibility. Water temperature varying in the 70′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Wiggle Minnows, Crawfish, Poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Smallmouth Bass fishing is great right now. With water level and clarity back to normal, fish are feeding aggressively on Crayfish and Poppers. We just expanded our Smallmouth Bass fly selectionat the shop or check out the CWO online store. With the temperatures moving into the 90′s, fishing has been most productive in the early morning, before the sun comes over the mountains.

Catching an early morning view of a sun-lit foggy river and fishing flying out of the water, is an experience of a lifetime.

Let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 90′s with scattered thunderstorms, lows in the mid 70′s.

Click here for current weather.

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

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

Leader: 9-12’ 2x-4x Florocarbon. Option: Blue Sky furled leader.

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

waterdance e1338493563372 224x300 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

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, Fly Fishing Products, Smallmouth Bass Waters, Stream Reports, Vests & Packs

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

22 Jul

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: July 20, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

French Broad and Nolichucky rivers are still murky with 1.5′ to 2′ visibility. Water temperature varying in the 70′s. Water level is slightly above normal.

Water watch:

nolichucky 224x300 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

Nolichucky River

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Wiggle Minnows, Crawfish, Clousers, Leach patterns.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

When water conditions are muddy and off color, try fishing the banks and shallow shoals where visibility is a little better. It’s also a good idea to check the water conditions on headwater streams to see where the water is coming from. For example, the Swannanoa river contributes a significant amount of silt into the French Broad. So, while it may be chocolate milk downstream of the Swannanoa, the water clarity may be better upstream of the confluence.

Let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

The French Broad and Nolichucky rivers are still clearing up. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 90′s with scattered thunderstorms, lows in the mid 70′s.

Click here for current weather.

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

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

Leader: 9-12’ 2x-4x 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 : Smallmouth Bass Waters, Stream Reports, Vests & Packs

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

13 Jul

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: July 13, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

chocolate milk Smallmouth Bass Stream Report Water conditions are going to be less than ideal for fishing this week. Water is currently 2-4 ft. above normal and muddy. Visibility is little to none. Water temperature varying in the 70′s.

Looking at the French Broad this fine Friday morning was like looking into a tall glass of chocolate milk.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Its a great week to tie some flies while the water clears up. If you are looking for pointers, check out our classes for fly tying here.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

smallmouth upclose 300x218 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

An interesting point I just learned… Smallmouth Bass actually excrete a chemical through their skin, which mimics the smell of a crayfish. This smell will make crayfish come out of their hiding spots to protect their territory thinking it’s another crayfish and the bass just waits there for the ambush.

One thing to keep in mind when heading out for a day of fishing is that fish can smell, so any chemicals you may have on your hands will transfer to whatever lure or fly you are using. If you have touched a gas tank, gas line or get gasoline on your hands, wash your hands with sugar. After you have put bug spray on, wash your hands with salt. Do this before you touch your lures to minimize transfer of undesirable scents. This will maximize fish strikes.

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

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

The French Broad and Nolichucky rivers will take about a week to clear up after the rain stops. The Pigeon river should clear up a little faster. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 80′s with scattered thunderstorms, lows in the mid 60′s.

Click here for current weather.

GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

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

Leader: 9-12’ 2x-4x 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 : Fly Fishing Products, Rods, Smallmouth Bass Waters, Stream Reports, Vests & Packs

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

10 Jul

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: July 6, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

Clear water, 2′-3′ visibility. Below average water level. Water temperature varying in the 70′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Rust colored Crawfish Patterns, Wiggle Minnows, White and Black Streamers, Poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

If you are planning on floating the French Broad River for Smallmouth Bass, be aware that the river has a very limited supply of maintained boat ramps. Most of the access involves dropping the boat off the trailer and dragging it down the bank. Many of the “Take-outs” require four wheel drive and a long winch strap.

The Smallmouth are turned on and feeding more consistently this week. With less rain in our forecast, the water level has been steady and clear. Crawfish patterns are working well. The fish in this photo had a three inch long live crawfish halfway down its throat when we caught it. Hungry fella!

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

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to be a little cooler this week in the 80′s 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’ 2x-4x 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, Fly Fishing Products, Rods, Smallmouth Bass Waters, Vests & Packs

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

28 Jun

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: June 29, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

Clear water, 2′-3′ visibility. Below average water level. Water temperature varying in the 70′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Rust colored Crawfish Patterns, Wiggle Minnows, White and Black Streamers, poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

With temperatures in the upper 90′s, fishing will be most productive in the mornings and evenings. Fish will likely be holding in deep holes, shoals and whitewater areas.

raft 300x224 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

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

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90′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’ 2x-4x 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, Fly Fishing Products, Leader & Tippet, Rods, Smallmouth Bass Waters, Vests & Packs

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

22 Jun

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: June 22, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

Clear water, 2′-3′ visibility. Normal water level, but falling. Water temperature varying in the upper 60′s and lower 70′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

Rust colored Crawfish Patterns, Wiggle Minnows, White and Black Streamers, poppers.

pucker lips bass fly 300x224 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

Our newest bass fly, ” Puckerlip” has a soft foam head and is a great top water fly.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

As the temperatures rise, try fishing sections of water just down river of where a cold water stream enters the river. In addition, as the sun progresses throughout the day, fish the shady banks. For instance, in the morning the shady side will be river right and in the afternoon the shady side will be river left. On a recent Smallmouth trip with Richard Witt, most of the

rich smallmouth 300x225 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

CWO Guide, Richard Witt

fish were sitting in medium speed water in an average of 3′ depth. However, the fly being used didn’t have a lot of weight to it, so that would explain why this depth produced more fish. There again, if you are not catching fish, you more than likely are not getting your flies deep enough. Richard was using a Scott 9′ – 8WT rod with a very nice Galvin reel.

Fish were also found in their typical holding spots. Typically fish like three things… food, rest and oxygen. For instance, a big boulder or rock ledge is an ideal home for a Smallmouth bass. There, a fish can

galen smallmouth 300x225 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

Photo By: Richard Witt

rest in the slow water behind, or in front of the rock, or below the ledge. There it can quickly move a few feet into a bubble line or current where food is channeled and then immediately move back to its resting place. And the water tumbling over the rock provides the oxygen they need.

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

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to reach the 90′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.

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, Reels, Rods, Smallmouth Bass Waters, Stream Reports, Vests & Packs

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

by Galen Kipar

15 Jun

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: June 15, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:

Clear water, medium visibility. Normal water level. Water temperature varying in the upper 60′s and lower 70′s.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:

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

GENERAL INFORMATION:

With the cooler than average June temperatures and good water conditions, the Smallmouth fishing is great right now. Planning a fly fishing trip for trout or Smallmouth bass? Let the professional fly fishing guides from Curtis Wright Outfitters take you there!

Floating ~vs~ Wading…

While great success can be had by wade fishing, floating is preferred by many as the most effective way to fish for Smallmouth in WNC. Floating a river enables you to cover more water, at a faster rate, but requires more of a time commitment. Wade fishing limits you to a smaller area, but requires less of a time commitment. The most significant difference between wading and floating is, floating offers more opportunities to put your fly in front of fresh fish, in less time. For instance, if you are wade fishing and you have either caught or spooked a few fish out of an area, its time to move on. While some areas are easy to get around on foot, most are a little more time consuming and require a sure footing. Much of the French Broad riverbed is made up of large boulders and rock ledges. One minute you’ll be shin deep and the next you’ll be neck deep wishing you had left your phone in the car. If you wear waders, consider using multiple wading belts, one chest high, and one at the waist. The last thing you want is to go swimming and have your waders filling up with water. Whether you fish by foot,

kayak, raft or other vessel, be safe out there!

Smallmouth Bass Trips Header 960px 300x78 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to reach the 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.

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

Categories : Rod/Reel Combos, Smallmouth Bass Waters, Stream Reports

Archive for Blue Sky

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