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Archive for Feeder Streams

Tennessee Tailwater 7/24/2012

Updated Every Tuesday:    July 24th , 2012

mail.google.com 2 Tennessee Tailwater 7/24/2012

What a view! photo by Richard Witt

Water Conditions:  South Holston Release Schedule

Watauga Release Schedule

Hatches: Sulphurs,  midges, and an occasional BWO will be the main fare on the Holston. The Watauga will add in caddis and crane flies, but the importance of terrestrials is not to be ignored.

Fly Suggestions: C0mparaduns in Sulphur and BWO, Crane Flies in Tan, Elk Hair Caddis (Tan, Yellow), Headlight Caddis (Tan, Green), Foam Hoppers, Glitter Ants (cinnamon, black), Cow Killer Ant, Thing-a-ma-bugs, Stomper Beetles (red, green), Copper Blondie’s, Black Fly Larva, CW Midge Purple

General Information: Good wading flows are still happening on the Holston so get out early and hit the midge hatch in the fog and be ready for the sulphurs around noon. Don’t feel you have to chase the risers during the hatch. Many of the bigger fish are hangging below the surface and feeding on another phase or even another bug. Remember longer leaders are a must on the Holston, whether dry fly fishing or nymphing. Long casts are not mandatory though. Pick a section of river and cover every inch of the run. You might be surprised at what was sitting beneath those risers. The Watauga has been fishing great with good numbers and some good size thrown in as well. When fishing the Watauga be prepared for dirty water as some of the feeder streams can really dump in the dirt sometimes.

Projected Conditions: We are going to have temperatures around the mid 80′s to 90′s this week so the tailwaters can be some of the best options this time of year. With the good cold water and the super healthy populations of fish, you are guaranteed some chances at some super quality fish! Want to see what it is all about?Let one of our professional guides show you the ropes either from a boat or wading. Don’t miss out on the action!

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Great color! photo by Richard Witt

mail.google.com  Tennessee Tailwater 7/24/2012

Beautiful Brown! Photo by Richard Witt

Tennessee Tailwaters Stream Report – May 1, 2012

Fly Fishing Report

Updated Every Tuesday:    May 1st2012

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Watauga River Rainbow taken on a Sparkle Braid Pupae

Water Conditions:

Hatches: Still seeing good numbers of Black and Tan Caddis on the Watauga with fish focusing more on the pupae as opposed to the adults. Sulphurs and Craneflies are also starting to make their appearances. The South Holston is still a Sulphur factory pumping them out although it has been for shorter spans and much more sporadic here as of late.

Fly Suggestions: For the Watauga; Headlight Caddis (12-18), Peacock Caddis (14-18), Grizzly Wulff’s (14-18), Olive Girdle Bugs, Black/Tan Braid Caddis Pupae (14-16), Green Dynamite Pupae (14-16) For The South Holston; PMD Silhouette Dun (14-18), Various Soft Hackles (14-18), CDC Comparadun Sulphur/BWO (16-20), Orange/Gray/Olive Scuds (14-18), Black Fly Larva (20-22), Red/Black Zebra Midges (18-26)

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Sunny Day on the South Holston

General Information: Full flows on the Watauga have been happening more often than of late and with dirty feeder streams pumping in silt, nymphing has been the bread and butter. With adult Caddis skittering around it’s easy to daydream about casting dries, but instead focus on getting your drifts down and slow and you will be rewarded. A good weapon to have in those heavy generation or high water days is the St Croix Bank Robber. When slinging heavy streamers or larger nymph rigs, this rod can make your day a LOT easier.  The Holston has been a bit more like usually with great flows for the wade fisherman. Very nice fish have been coming to those who have the patience to stalk wary fish and to make their cast count. In the Sulphur and midge down time, throw scuds. Especially when fishing in the grass, you might be surprised what pulls back.

Projected Conditions: Conditions for the up-coming week are very summer like. With temperatures on the warmer side which means spookier fish so approach all situations with delicacy.

Tennessee Tailwaters Stream Report – April 24, 2012

Fly Fishing Report

Updated Every Tuesday:    4/24/12

Water Conditions:  South Holston Release Schedule

Watauga Release Schedule

Hatches: Midges throughout the day with Sulphurs and BWO’s coming off from mid-day on via the South Holston. Throw a bunch of caddis in there as well and then you have the Watauga!

Fly Suggestions: For the Holston I would definitely have some BWO (sz 18-22) and Sulphur (sz 14-18) Comparadun for the mayfly surface activity, but I would also make sure to stock up on Midge Clusters(sz18-22) and Hoola Midges (sz 20-24) for the periods of slow mayfly activity. On the Watauga I would have some heavier Golden Stones(sz 12-16) and Eggs/San Juan (sz 10-18) for the faster/deeper runs, and plenty of Peacock Caddis (sz 14-20) for the surface.

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South Holston Brown

General Information: Always know the generation schedule and how it will affect where you are fishing.  With the TVA relaxing on their generation schedule, the South Holston has mostly been a wade fishery and a great one at that Target specific fish and try to get drag free drifts.. The Watauga is easiest accessed from a boat and it’s a great opportunity to get to see a bunch of water and to take it easy on your legs to boot. Attractor pattern nymphs work great on this river followed by a caddis pupae. Look for medium paced riffles and target the seams and try to get slow drifts. The slower the better and get ready for some explosive strikes. Longer leaders (13′), although more cumbersome, can make a huge difference in your day.

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Target Specific Fish

Projected Conditions: Conditions should stay fairly consistent over the next week with temps hanging in the upper 60’s to 70’s. One exception could be if certain afternoon thunderstorms could murk up feeder streams which can mean a lot of fun with a streamer rod. Try Double Bunnies, and Articulated Leeches on a Sink Tip Line.