Monday, February 29, 2016

February 29, 2016

Well today is the last day of the Hatchery Supported Waters until the first Saturday in April.  Delayed Harvest Waters will be open to fishing.  The Tuckasegee River in Jackson County will be stocked March 2, Tuckasegee River in Swain County March 3, and the Nantahala March 4.  These are all Delayed Harvest Waters and fishing is permitted on a catch and release basis, single hook artificial lure. 

Also the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is available to fish 365 days a year.  It is a single hook artificial lure only and you can keep fish if you do so desire.  Just follow posted guidelines and have a great time.

As always we are here for you so call or stop in for any needs or information.

Tight Lines!

Friday, February 26, 2016

February 26, 2016

I had the privilege of attending the Orvis Guide Rendezvous the past few days and Orvis is continuing to be market leader in products and conservation efforts.  We had numerous breakout sessions and one was asking what needs changing so guides and store managers where able to communicate your concerns and ideas to Orvis Product Developers.

Now as far as the fishing goes we did get several inches of rain and of course some snow.  Expect the temps to rise over the weekend.  Stream levels are up and if you are looking to fish the DH section of the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County it would be best if you are in a boat.  I certainly suggest smaller streams due to wading conditions and safety. 

Keep an assortment of smaller nymphs and dries.  Pheasant Tails natural and olive, Prince Nymph, Tellico Nymph, Zebra Midge, Parachute Adams sizes 14-20, Tiny BWO, Griffiths Gnat, Elk Hair Caddis 16-20, and Gallops' Gobber Midge.  Of course many others will work but this is a good core group to start with.  Let mother nature be your guide.

Contact the shop if you have any more questions.  Remember to checkout our links on our website for stream flows and the Western North Carolina Fishing Trail Map.

Tight Lines!

Monday, February 22, 2016

February 22, 2016

Rain, rain, rain for the next few days with some storms.  Looks like we could get a couple of inches out of this system.  It will clear out and the weekend should be pretty good.  Duke Energy has a favorable release schedule over the next few days but that could change.

Be sure to check the stream flows and release schedule on our site or call the store. 

Tight Lines!

Saturday, February 20, 2016

February 20, 2016

We awaken to overcast skies and lows in the 40's with temps scheduled to rise into the upper 50's today with a chance of rain.  The Tuckasegee River DH Section in Jackson County will be great this weekend.  Flows are currently at 833cfs but the East Fork was turned off at 7am.  Flows will continue to drop which will make for some wonderful wading and fishing on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.

I would also recommend other streams such as Ravens Fork, Scotts Creek, Caney Fork and the Oconaluftee just to name a few.  All of these streams can be fished with nymphs, streamers, and dries this time of year.  Fishing pressure is low so get out and enjoy the weekend.

Tight Lines

Friday, February 19, 2016

February 19, 2016

The weekend is upon us and it looks like Duke Energy has a favorable release schedule for this weekend.  As of now Duke Energy will only be running the East Fork until 7am Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  They will turn it back on at 6pm but it will not impact wading.  The problem is that every time I post good news about a release schedule it seems to change.  Be sure to check the links on our site for updated information.

Look for highs in the 50's with a chance of rain everyday.  Conditions should be good overall so get out and enjoy your weekend.  We are fully stocked so stop by for information or anything else.

Tight Lines!

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

February 16, 2016

We dodged the winter storm bullet and I am happy about that.  We did however receive a little over .5" of rain last night.  The week is shaping up to be a good ne to get out and wet a line.  Expect some warmer temperatures as the week progresses.   Be sure to check our streamflow link if you are planning on hitting the Tuckasegee River on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.  Duke Energy has been doing some inconsistent releases so be safe.

Tight Lines!

Sunday, February 14, 2016

February 14, 2016

We are currently under a winter storm warning.  Precipitation is headed our way and it should hit later this evening lasting until Monday.  The later part of the week is looking good as far as temperatures are concerned and it maybe the best fishing weather of the week.  Some good fish are still being caught but it takes some time.  Slow and low and the phrase to remember.

Tight Lines! 

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

February 10, 2016

Winter has showed it head this week.  It was a cool 18 degrees this morning with a little wind.  We all got various amounts of snow depending on elevation and what side of the mountain you live on. 

Thursday and Friday may be the best days if you try to get out.  Both of these days the temps will hit the 40's and then another cool down hits.  By next Tuesday highs will start climbing into the upper 40's for the several days and even a few 60's mixed in.

Stream flows are high in tail waters but other streams are pretty good.  Expect very clear and cold water conditions.  Take is low and slow with your presentation.  I would suggest finding holding lies that are also good feeding lies or at least have a feeding lie real close to the holding lies.  Trout are not going to move much in this cold so getting close is paramount.

Tight Lines!

Friday, February 5, 2016

Feb 5, 2016

We are off to a cold start this morning with highs hitting the 40's.  Looks like the Tuckasegee River will be flowing at 1270cfs today.  I recorded another 2 inches of rain from the last system.  The good news is as of now Duke Energy has no plans to generate power from both East and West Forks Sunday.  This could be the best wading flow we have had in sometime.  We will need to keep an eye on the weather and see if it snows.

Be sure to clean all gear that comes into contact with water.  Use water heated to 140 degrees and pour over boots, waders, etc. to keep from spreading invasive species.  Anglers are conservationist and it is our responsibility to set an example and educate everyone.  Keep in mind that anyone or anything that comes into contact with the water is a potential carrier of any aquatic species.  This includes but not limited to boaters, canoes, kayaks, tubers, swimmers, and anglers.  Birds can also carry the invasive species.  More information is located on the NC Wildlife website.

Tight Lines!

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

February 3, 2016

We are currently under a flood advisory this morning as we are receiving heavy rain.  We have lots of standing water and to be honest road conditions are not the best.  With all that being said the Tuckasegee River is flowing high as well as the other streams in the area.

Expect a cool down over the next few days.  Water levels will recede with smaller streams becoming fishable sooner than tail waters.

Tight Lines!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

February 2, 2016

Hello to all!.  Duke Energy is scheduled to run the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River from 5AM until 10PM the next couple of days.  This means that favorable wading conditions will exist on one of the best tailwater streams around.  The Tuckasegee River as well as many of the other streams on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail have been fishing great. 

The trout have been taking nymphs, streamers, and even some dry flies.  We are seeing tiny BWO, Black Stones, and Midge hatching and trout rising to take them.  We are forecast for mild temps the next couple of days with a chance of rain.  Rain will really increase BWO activity.

Tight Lines!