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:
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.
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.
