April 4, 2016

Hatchery supported waters opened Saturday as well as youth turkey season!  I seen several photos of some successful individuals in both environments.  It is nice to see our youth engaged in outdoor activities.  We all should strive to take a child hunting or fishing. 

Look for a cool off this week as daytime highs get progressively less each day as the week progresses.  Friday looks like a mix bag of precipitation but Monday looks like the best day of the week with Thursday showing a 50% chance of rain.

The Tuckasegee River on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail has been fishing great.  Some anglers are even landing some Smallmouth Bass while trout fishing.  Dry fly hatches are taking place mid to late afternoon.  Still most trout are being taken on nymphs and streamer patterns.

Tuckasegee DH Section  Box:  Woolly Buggers, Stonefly Nymphs, Streamers, San Juan Worms, Mop Flies, Rainbow Warriors, Girdle Bugs, Zebra Midge, BWO's Caddis Flies, Quill Gordons, and Parachute Adams.   

Quill Gordons are hatching in the Smoky Mountains.  My tip is that a good presentation and good drift is actually better than an exact fly match.  These trout will spook easily so tread lightly and dress accordingly. 

Shannon's Fly Box:  Hares Ear Nymph, BH Pheasant Tail Nymph, Prince Nymph, Tellico Nymph, Ollie Edwards Black Stone, and Girdle Bug to round out the nymphs.

Parachute Adams, March Browns, Quill Gordon, Blue Quill, Caddis, Gallops Goober Midge, BWO and stimulators in various colors. 

I am always a fan of braided leaders and tippet rings and I prefer 5x tippet and 6x tippet in the GSMNP.  Fish with your eyes first then cast.  Read the water and find the feeding and holding lies and this will increase your chances of catching more fish when a good drift happens. 

The Tuckasegee Chapter TU will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday April 5, 6:30 PM at the United Community Bank.  The guest speaker is Jake Rash NCWRC Coldwater Coordinator. 

Tight Lines!