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Archive for Brown Trout

Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of July 25, 2012

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Updated Every Wednesday

P7180856 300x224 Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of July 25, 2012

Nice brown trout at dusk….

Water Conditions: Somewhat low, clear. 86 cfs.  Davidson River Flow

A reminder: Summer is the crowded season at the Davidson, so please respect other anglers and their space. Trust ME! There are plenty of fish in the river for everyone to have a good time.

Hatches: yellow sallies, midges (cream, gray, brownish), tan caddis, light cahills. Also keep an eye out for terrestrials!!!

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

General Information: Water is clear and somewhat low, so use long leaders and fine flourocarbon tippet, such as Seguar. I’ve ditched my waders for the summer and am using my Simms wading socks. Another good option is the Simms Wading Sandal. Make sure you make every cast count and sneak up to the big fish. 6x flourocarbon is a must, 7x may even be called for with dry fly fishing. We’re also well into terrestrial season, so consider using an ant, inch worm, or even something bigger, with a dropper underneath. We have a great selection of terrestrial patterns, such as the flyin’ beetle , at both shops!

P7180853 300x224 Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of July 25, 2012

Fish on!!

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.

Be careful if there is a lightning storm. You don’t want to be standing in water with a rod in your hand.

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

Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of July 18, 2012

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Updated Every Wednesday

P7180844 300x224 Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of July 18, 2012

One LARGE brown trout…

Water Conditions: High, dirty. 184 cfs.  Davidson River Flow

A reminder: Summer is the crowded season at the Davidson, so please respect other anglers and their space. Trust ME! There are plenty of fish in the river for everyone to have a good time.

Hatches: yellow sallies, midges (cream, gray, brownish), tan caddis, light cahills. Also keep an eye out for terrestrials!!!

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

General Information: Water is above normal flow and off color, but should clear up fast if it doesn’t rain again tomorrow. Try stoneflies, streamers, midge larva, and midge emergers. A large caddis may get a rise too. I’ve ditched my waders for the summer and am using my Simms wading socks. Another good option is the Simms Wading Sandal. Make sure you make every cast count and sneak up to the big fish. 6x flourocarbon is a must, 7x may even be called for with dry fly fishing. We’re also getting into terrestrial season, so consider using an ant, inch worm, or even something bigger, with a dropper underneath. We have a great selection of terrestrial patterns, such as the flyin’ beetle , at both shops!

P7180847 300x224 Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of July 18, 2012

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.

Be careful if there is a lightning storm. You don’t want to be standing in water with a rod in your hand.

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

Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of June 20, 2012

Davidson River Fly-fishing Report

Updated Every Wednesday

P6140708 300x224 Davidson River Fishing Report – Week of June 20, 2012

This Beautiful Brown Trout fell for a Zonker

Water Conditions: LOW, clear. 66 cfs.  Davidson River Flow

A reminder: Summer is the crowded season at the Davidson, so please respect other anglers and their space. Trust ME! There are plenty of fish in the river for everyone to have a good time.

Hatches:Sulphurs, BWOs, midges, tan caddis, light cahills. Also keep an eye out for terrestrials!!!

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

General Information: 66 cfs is a LOW water level for the Davidson and the fish will be extra wary of poor casting and short leaders. Make sure you make every cast count and sneak up to the big fish. 6x flourocarbon is a must, 7x may even be called for with dry fly fishing. We’re also getting into terrestrial season, so consider using an ant or even something bigger, with a dropper underneath. We have a great selection of terrestrial patterns, such as the Cow Killer ant, at both shops!

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!

Tennessee Tailwaters Stream Report – May 30, 2012

Fly Fishing Report

Updated Every Tuesday:    May 29th, 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!!

Wild Waters Stream Report for May 10th, 2012

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

Updated Every Thursday

IMG 4806 300x225 Wild Waters Stream Report for May 10th, 2012

Wild Brown Trout

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

Stoneflies:

IMG 2105 224x300 Wild Waters Stream Report for May 10th, 2012

Big Ole' Brookie

Little Yellow Sallies, Little Green Sallies, Golden Stones

Midges:

Assorted

Terrestrials:

Ants, Beetles, Crickets, Hoppers, Inchworms

 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

IMG 2380 300x217 Wild Waters Stream Report for May 10th, 2012

Sulphur Dun

Nymphs and Pupa: March Brown 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:

The rain we had early this week has filled up the streams again and cooled them down a bit as well. The fish are quite active and a short walk from the road can be very productive on certain days. Brook trout, Browns and Rainbows are all very active. The dry fly fishing has been spectacular. Some newer products to our stores are Dry Magic Floatant and the C&F Ruby cell Fly Dryer. Dry Magic is a great Dry Fly Floatant/Sealant that doesn’t leave a slick around the fly once the fly hits the water. Great for very smart trout that critique a fly before sipping it in.

IMG 1549 300x224 Wild Waters Stream Report for May 10th, 2012

Wild Rainbow Trout

The C&F Ruby Cell Fly Dryer is a wonderful alternative to a dry shake desiccant as it doesn’t leave any dust on the fly that could discolor the fly. Dry the fly off with the Ruby Cell Dryer and re-apply some Dry Magic and your flies will float high, dry and stealthy enough to fool those big ole’ wily trout. Also, we have been wet wading lately as the stream and air temperatures have become warm enough to do so comfortably. Try the new Simms Wading Sandals with StreamTread with added aluminum cleats for comfortable, cool wet wading over the summer months.

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!

 

Tennessee Tailwaters – May 9, 2012

Updated Every Tuesday:    5-8-12

Water Conditions:

South Holston Release Schedule

Watauga Release Schedule

Hatches: Look for early morning midge hatches while the morning fog hangs on the river. The mayfly hatches on the South Holston have been softer of late but be prepared for Sulphurs and BWO’s because we know the big numbers will be showing them selves again soon. Caddis are doing their thing on the Watauga, with Sulphurs and Terrestrials starting to have their time and place.

Fly Suggestions: Black and Red Zebra midges in sizes 18-22, Midge Cluster sizes 18-24, PMD Silouette Dun sizes 16-20, BWO Klink Emerger sizes 18-22, Mighty May PMD Size 16, Flashback Hare’s Ear sizes 14-18, Glitter Ant size 16 (cinnamon/black)

P6181353 300x225 Tennessee Tailwaters   May 9, 2012

Wild Brown Trout

General Information: Both Tennessee Tailwaters are primed and ready to go. Fish are looking up and waiting for hatches to start. If they don’t then they are quite content on feeding subsurface. Slow drifts will allow more fish to see your flies which will create more opportunities. Don’t be in such a hurry to see new water, you might be surprised what changing a fly or two and adding a split shot might coax out. If fishing from a boat don’t be afraid (maybe a little) to throw some ant patterns underneath the limbs on the river bank. DIDYMO is in full bloom on the South Holston now partial because of lack of generation so be prepared to have to deal with that. More importantly make sure you clean ALL you gear before fishing another water.

Projected Conditions: With milder temperatures forecast for this week its a great time to be on the water. Make sure you have the right sun protection even on the cloudy days. I expect the hatches to pick back up soon, With sunny days coming longer leaders will allow for better presentations. Always be ready for the afternoon rainstorms because the fishing can get HOT!

Davidson River Fishing Report – May 2, 2012

Updated Every Wednesday

P4270485 300x224 Davidson River Fishing Report   May 2, 2012

Nice Brown Trout

Water Conditions: Normal flows. Clear water. Davidson River Flow

Hatches: PMDs, Yellow sallies, midges, caddis (tan and black)

Fly suggestions: PMDS, 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.  Most any fly from our Davidson River Fly Selection Box would also do…

General Information: Water has returned to normal levels, so the fish are their picky selves again. If you’re serious about catching fish at the Davidson hatchery section, you need 6-7x flourocarbon tippet. I suggest Seaguar Grandmax. Also, don’t use large indicators; the fish see you coming a mile away. Try the smallest size of Thingamabobber instead.

Projected Conditions:The river should fish well all week. With the warmer weather, concentrate on the morning and evening fishing and you may catch a nice midge hatch. If it rains, re-rig with something big and dark and add weight.

Fall 2011

Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina

Fall is turning, the leaves are completing their transformation into a spectacular palate of color and mountain trout are peaking in

Brook Trout caught near Asheville North Carolina1 300x225 Fall 2011

WNC Brookie

their own spectacular colors as well. The Southern Appalachian Brook Trout are donning bright orange bellies, with their sides painted in red spots with blue halos, and fins lined in black and white. The Brown Trout are showing deep yellow bellies, with their sides also painted in vivid red spots, and red spots also showing on their top fins.

This year the fall spawning of these two wild species has been slightly delayed due to low water levels and higher water temperatures this summer and early fall.  However, the cool nights of the past few weeks have helped them along and their spawning cycle is in its early stages.

Fall Caddis fly near Asheville North Carolina1 300x225 Fall 2011

Fall Caddis in Western North Carolina

If you are fishing for wild trout Tan Caddis flies are in full swing and the Fall/October Caddis are coming on strong. Large tan or orange fly patterns like the Foam Caddis, Headlight Caddis, Goddard Caddis or Orange Stimulator (sizes 10 and 12) are very effective at emulating the naturals. Tan Dynamite caddis pupae, Grand Poopah caddis pupae in orange/tan and the sizeable October caddis pupae are also very effective. Local Southern Appalachian patterns to try are the Orange Mayfly Drake and the Orange Palmer fished wet or dry. Around the first hard frost try the Tellico Nymph fished dry to emulate bees that have fallen.  Don’t forget to use most any terrestrial patterns right up to the first hard frost as well.

Rainbow Trout caught near Asheville 300x225 Fall 2011

A Rainbow Pig

Come mid-November add the Red Humpy, Royal Wulff and Royal Stimulator which will be consistently effective flies along with assorted colors and sizes of nymphs.  For additional fly suggestions you may speak directly with a professional guide by contacting or visiting one of the Curtis Wright Outfitters stores.

The Delayed Harvest streams were stocked with good numbers of trout in October and November,allowing for the catch and release fishing for these friendly, cooperative fish to remain excellent. Each county in Western North Carolina has at least one designated Delayed Harvest stream, so whether you’re fly fishing in the Asheville area or any of the surrounding WNC areas you are not far from great trout fishing.  Some of the streams that have been stocked include Shelton

Fall Brown Trout caught near Asheville1 225x300 Fall 2011

Brown Trout caught in WNC

Laurel/Big Laurel, North Mills River, Tuckaseegee River, East Fork of the French Broad River, Little River, the Green River and Curtis Creek,. Good numbers of fish are being caught on a wide variety of flies such as San Juan Worms, Egg patterns and flashy Wooly Buggers.

Winter is waiting around the corner and that doesn’t mean that the trout won’t be biting. Winter fishing in Western North Carolina can be spectacular for many reasons, the best being solitude. The fall colors will be giving way to unencumbered views of the beautiful mountainous terrain.  Dry flies hatch throughout the winter at mid-day and nymph fishing the deep holes can also be very productive.  Make sure to get down deep with your nymphs and you should have great success. It’s not unusual to see some 60 degrees days in January so any fisherman visiting from up north hoping for a retreat from the cold can, tie up or buy up some winter flies, consider hiring a guide, anticipate the mild weather, and keep that fly rod ready!