Layout Image

Archive for Waterdance

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

Updated Every Friday:

03/29/13

c Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

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

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!

g3 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

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

wiggle minnow Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report for September 28, 2012

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY

WATER CONDITIONS:

Water level is normal and rising.  Water clarity is currently clear with 4′ visibility.

WATER WATCH:                         

FLY SUGGESTIONS:  

Crawfish, Poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

1 224x300 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report for September 28, 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.

 When fishing topwater, you’ll need that extra “Ummph” to get those big poppers through the air.  A 9′ 8wt. rod (comparable to Scott “S” Series rods ),with floating line and a 10-14′, 10-14 lb. test leader is the ideal setup for casting your fly 70′ with accuracy.  Popper sizes have been ranging between 1/0-4 in various colors.

Top water fishing can be finicky when going after Smallmouth Bass.  When fishing top water, try varying presentation.  For instance, change the speed at which you retrieve.  Try bigger pops / strips with 4-8 second pauses in-between.    On days when fish are lethargic or water conditions are cloudy, this will get their attention and allow the fish time to see the fly.  On days when fish are more active and often hit the fly as soon as it hits the water,  allow time for this to happen.  That may seem obvious, but it’s easier said than done.  Make one pop as soon as the fly hits the water and wait for it.  Then proceed to retrieve.

 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!

 

raft 300x224 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report for September 28, 2012

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to range from 75 to 50 degrees this week.  French Broad will likely be muddy for a few days depending on the amount of rain in the forecast.

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!

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report for September 21, 2012

UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY

WATER CONDITIONS:

Water level is slightly above normal and falling with visibility between 1′-3′ depending on river.  French Broad river is off color and falling.  Nolichucky is above normal water level with 2′ visibility.

Water watch:                         

FLY SUGGESTIONS:  

Crawfish, Poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Knox2 300x224 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report for September 21, 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!

raft 300x224 Smallmouth Bass Stream Report for September 21, 2012

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 70′s, 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!

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report September 7, 2012

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!

Raft Watauga Lunch Cave Smallmouth Bass Stream Report September 7, 2012

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!

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

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:

7 300x225 Smallmouth Bass Stream ReportWe 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!

Smallmouth Bass Stream Report

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:

2012 04 14 17.46.22 224x300 Smallmouth Bass Stream ReportSmallmouth 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!

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

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!
5 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 be a little cooler this week in the 80′s with scattered thunderstorms.

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

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:

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!