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Archive for Chocolate Milk

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

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!

waterdance e1338493563372 224x300 Smallmouth Bass Stream ReportPROJECTED 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!

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY July 13, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:  

chocolate milk Smallmouth Bass Stream ReportWater 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.

Fly Tying Class Page Header 960px 300x69 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

GENERAL INFORMATION:  

smallmouth upclose 300x218 Smallmouth Bass Stream ReportAn 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:

waterdance e1338493563372 224x300 Smallmouth Bass Stream ReportRod: 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!

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report – May 11, 2012

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY May 11, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:  

With the recent rain, waters are above normal and cloudy.  It is amazing how quickly the French Broad River turns to chocolate milk after a rain. In less than 12 hours the FB went from excellent conditions to muddy and three feet up from the day before.  And that is the current condition of the French Broad River, mud and more mud.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:  

photo 11 e1336711250585 300x229 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report   May 11, 2012

Wiggle Minnow

Crawfish Patterns, Wiggle Minnows, Green and Black Streamers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:  

Before the rain came, fish were very active with lots of numbers in the 1.5 lb range and the occasional 3-5 lb.  Several sections were fishing well near Asheville.  Float trips are the best way to cover a lot of water.  Once the fish catch on, its time to pull up the anchor and hit the next spot.

photo 229x300 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report   May 11, 2012

Smallies LOVE Crawfish!

I wouldn’t recommend eating fish out of the FB with the high mercury levels and other pollution, but if you do… Regulations allow 5 in combination, including only 2 less than 12 inches, 12-inch minimum, except that, 2 may be less than 12 inches.

 PROJECTED CONDITIONS:  

Temperatures are cooler this week with more rain moving in on Monday.  The FB might be clear enough to fish by Mother’s day, if your lucky enough to have a mother that likes to fish!

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.

Smallmouth Bass on French Broad River – April 27, 2012

Stream Report for Asheville and WNC:

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY:  April 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:  French Broad River was clearing up, but since the recent heavy rain, expect chocolate milk for at least a couple days.

Waterwatch:

This muddy picture was taken Thursday evening 4/26/12 near Long Shoals.FBR 4.26.121 e1335479776547 224x300 Smallmouth Bass on French Broad River   April 27, 2012

FLY SUGGESTIONS:  Crawfish Patterns, Clousers, Poppers, Green and Black Streamers.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Smallmouth Bass can often be found in sections of river where plenty of underwater structure is present.   Rocks, trees, bridge pilings etc.  are fishy locations to focus on.  Depending on temperatures, fish will fluctuate between deep pools and shallow water.  Work the seams and deep pools with plenty of weight to get your flies down.  The faster the current, the more weight you’ll need to get your rig down fast.  In the warmer temperatures, try throwing poppers to the banks and under over-hanging tree branches.

IMG 1779 Smallmouth Bass on French Broad River   April 27, 2012

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:  Rising temperatures as the week progresses will turn fishing back on in the mornings.  Typical scattered showers are in the forecast.  As soon as the water clears to 2′ visibility, the green light is back on and fishing should be at it’s annual climax!
GEAR SUGGESTIONS:

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

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.