UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY May 18, 2012

WATER CONDITIONS:  

The French Broad River is still high with low visibility.  Stackhouse near Marshal, NC was at 6,000+ cfs on Wednesday.  Nolichucky is slightly off color at Erwin.  No report on Pigeon.

Water watch:

FLY SUGGESTIONS:  

Crawfish Patterns, Wiggle Minnows, Green and Black Streamers, poppers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:  

You can expect to see some “rubber hatches” coming off around Long Shoals down to the River Arts District with the new tubing outfitter grand opening.  The new business is located on HWY 191 where the river is parallel to 191.  All we can do is practice good stream etiquette and hope the tubers will too.

Once the mud clears, fish activity is expected to pick back up as we are still within prime Smallmouth season.  As the water clears, try hitting the banks with poppers.

 

PROJECTED CONDITIONS:  

The French Broad River is on its way to clearing up.  With no significant rain in the forecast, it should be fishable in the next couple days.

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.