October 1, 2016

Today marks the start of the Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Season in many North Carolina streams and rivers.  Jackson County is home to the Tuckasegee River which has a section designated as Delayed Harvest.  These areas are marked with a white diamond-black stripe sign explain the rules of the stream.  In a nutshell, it is an artificial lure catch and release fishery only thru the first Friday in June 2017.  The state defines artificial lure as a lure that has not been treated with nor has the ability to attract fish by taste or smell.  All streamers, spinners, spoons, crank baits, etc. must be single hook only!  If you are in doubt if it is legal to use just leave it at home.

NC Wildlife has scheduled stocking for the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County October 4 and October 5.  Thousands of Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout will be released into the river at various locations on those two days.  The state has done a good job in the past stocking great numbers and also great size variations which means that the big one will be in the river waiting for you!

The overnight temperatures are cooling off which means that the water will begin to cool off.  Cooler water equals more oxygen which relates to healthier conditions for the trout.  You will be able to fish all day as we get more seasonal fall conditions. 

I was guiding in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the leaves were coming down like an early season snow storm.  It was still fishable but at the current rate of falling leaves the water will be covered with leaves making drifting flies and nymphs a bit difficult.  The water is gin clear and low so a very stealthy approach with a perfect drift will be required to land these wild trout.

Moses Creek fished well the other day.  The Southern Appalachian Brook Trout were eager to take a well placed Purple Dry Fly!  The colors were vibrant to say the least.   Once again a low profile and stealthy approaches will increase your chances of landing one of the gems on our Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.

If you are looking to fish the Tuckasegee River a box stocked with Woolly Bugger, Worm Patterns, Egg Patters, Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Mop Flies, Hares Ears, and Walt's Worms will get you some fish.  Streamers and Dry Flies can still be good choices but this is a small sample of what to carry.

Tight Lines!