April 29, 2017
Duke Energy continues to release water from the East and West Forks at a 24 hour clip and it is scheduled that way for the next three days. I am guessing that the "primary angling season" does not mean much. The flows in Jackson County range from 529 to 898 cfs depending on location.
If you are looking to fish the Nantahala Duke is doing a bypass release which will lead to high waters for anglers. They have an alert on the Duke web page under lake levels. I strongly encourage looking at the level before hitting this fishery.
I seen my first Yellow Sally yesterday morning on Deep Creek; however I never got any top water takes nor did I see the first trout break the surface. The water was high and we took some trout on girdle bugs and midges. The water temperature was 54 degrees and high. I still think we are a few weeks away from this fishery turning on.
I will be fishing the Davidson tomorrow and I am looking forward to spending some time on a different fishery. It is hard to get personal time on the water this time of year. I have our clients and two boys playing baseball, one varsity baseball and the other Little League. I would not trade it for anything though.
Tight Lines!
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
April 27, 2017
We have a cold front moving across the mountains of Western North Carolina today bringing some showers and some potential thunderstorms to the area this afternoon. Friday should be a better weather day but as of now I would be good fishing in rain that we are currently receiving.
The Tuckasegee River is still flowing at a high rate and it is best to fish via boat. We are hoping that Duke Energy will give us a break on the flow rate but other mountain streams are coming down to good flow rates and they are fishing pretty good.
Eli had good success with #16 Black Hares Ear on the Nantahala and Alex did well with mop flies on the Cherokee Trophy Section. I have done really well with a stone imitation so the point is that various things will take trout. I am looking forward to some excellent dry fly fishing in the Smokies over the next six to eight weeks.
Tight Lines!
We have a cold front moving across the mountains of Western North Carolina today bringing some showers and some potential thunderstorms to the area this afternoon. Friday should be a better weather day but as of now I would be good fishing in rain that we are currently receiving.
The Tuckasegee River is still flowing at a high rate and it is best to fish via boat. We are hoping that Duke Energy will give us a break on the flow rate but other mountain streams are coming down to good flow rates and they are fishing pretty good.
Eli had good success with #16 Black Hares Ear on the Nantahala and Alex did well with mop flies on the Cherokee Trophy Section. I have done really well with a stone imitation so the point is that various things will take trout. I am looking forward to some excellent dry fly fishing in the Smokies over the next six to eight weeks.
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
April 26, 2017
Water levels on the Tuckasegee and the Nantahala remain high this morning with Duke Energy continuing a constant release of 24 hrs a day. This seems to be the schedule for the next three days but one could hope that we could get some relief by the weekend.
I have to suggest fishing smaller waters such as streams listed on the small stream section of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail. These waters will be clear and should be in good wading conditions. We are not to covered up with leaves yet so it is a good time to get a lay of the land before we are totally covered in foliage.
The forecast is looking good for the rest of the week and it looks like we will hit the 80's before the weekend. Stocking will take place May 2nd on the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County and this will be last stocking of this fishery until October. Other hatchery supported waters will continue to receive scheduled stockings.
Tight Lines!
Water levels on the Tuckasegee and the Nantahala remain high this morning with Duke Energy continuing a constant release of 24 hrs a day. This seems to be the schedule for the next three days but one could hope that we could get some relief by the weekend.
I have to suggest fishing smaller waters such as streams listed on the small stream section of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail. These waters will be clear and should be in good wading conditions. We are not to covered up with leaves yet so it is a good time to get a lay of the land before we are totally covered in foliage.
The forecast is looking good for the rest of the week and it looks like we will hit the 80's before the weekend. Stocking will take place May 2nd on the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County and this will be last stocking of this fishery until October. Other hatchery supported waters will continue to receive scheduled stockings.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
April 25, 2017
Water levels are starting to come down but many are still safe to wade. Duke Energy has posted a release schedule for the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee and it is going 24hrs for the next three days. I looked at lake levels and they are high so they may be using this opportunity to send some water to Fontana Lake.
Scotts Creek is starting to come down and it may be fishable by Wednesday. Other fisheries such as Moses Creek
Water levels are starting to come down but many are still safe to wade. Duke Energy has posted a release schedule for the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee and it is going 24hrs for the next three days. I looked at lake levels and they are high so they may be using this opportunity to send some water to Fontana Lake.
Scotts Creek is starting to come down and it may be fishable by Wednesday. Other fisheries such as Moses Creek
Monday, April 24, 2017
April 24, 2017
April showers brought a flood watch to the area this weekend! What a turn of events as the latest weather system passed over Western North Carolina bringing several inches of rain to the area. Streams and rivers are flowing at max capacity and most are stained. It will take a few days for some waters to get to a safe wading flow. Duke Energy is currently releasing water form the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee River and also the Nantahala River.
I would have to chalk this one up as a zero fish day. It is just not worth the risk of injury or even something worse. I would recommend hanging tight for a day or two and tie some flies or just chill.
Tight Lines!
April showers brought a flood watch to the area this weekend! What a turn of events as the latest weather system passed over Western North Carolina bringing several inches of rain to the area. Streams and rivers are flowing at max capacity and most are stained. It will take a few days for some waters to get to a safe wading flow. Duke Energy is currently releasing water form the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee River and also the Nantahala River.
I would have to chalk this one up as a zero fish day. It is just not worth the risk of injury or even something worse. I would recommend hanging tight for a day or two and tie some flies or just chill.
Tight Lines!
Saturday, April 22, 2017
April 22, 2017
We got a good bit of rain starting yesterday evening lasting thru much of the early hours of the morning. The Tuckasegee River is off colored and up. Duke is generating East Fork until 8 AM and they are turning back on at 4 PM.
The river did fish well yesterday and I fished for a good bit in the rain. The Orvis rain gear did very well and the fish cooperated. I doubled up and even seen a good size hellbender. Stone flies and split case pheasant tails did good.
Today may be a bit difficult with the higher water and stained water. Now you could use a 6 weight and try to catch a hungry brown on a steamer. I would head up into the mountains but the water will still be up but clear.
Tight Lines!
We got a good bit of rain starting yesterday evening lasting thru much of the early hours of the morning. The Tuckasegee River is off colored and up. Duke is generating East Fork until 8 AM and they are turning back on at 4 PM.
The river did fish well yesterday and I fished for a good bit in the rain. The Orvis rain gear did very well and the fish cooperated. I doubled up and even seen a good size hellbender. Stone flies and split case pheasant tails did good.
Today may be a bit difficult with the higher water and stained water. Now you could use a 6 weight and try to catch a hungry brown on a steamer. I would head up into the mountains but the water will still be up but clear.
Tight Lines!
Thursday, April 20, 2017
April 20, 2017
Duke Energy has been doing an unscheduled flow release from the East Fork which currently has the Tuckasegee River DH section in Webster flowing around 594 CFS. We also have some pretty good chances of rain over the next there days but temperatures will be mild. A good rain jacket and you should be good to fish.
Saturday April 22 is Greening up the Mountains in Downtown Sylva. Main street will be closed off with vendors lined along main street. We will be open and we will have an outside booth. Later that evening our local TU Chapter #373 will be showing Finding Fontinalis at Mad Batter in Sylva. Showing starts at 7:30. and ticket proceeds go towards our Trout in the Classroom project. Finding Fontinalis is 70 minute film sponsored by Patagonia and Costa as well as other industry leaders. We would love to see you!
Tight Lines!
Duke Energy has been doing an unscheduled flow release from the East Fork which currently has the Tuckasegee River DH section in Webster flowing around 594 CFS. We also have some pretty good chances of rain over the next there days but temperatures will be mild. A good rain jacket and you should be good to fish.
Saturday April 22 is Greening up the Mountains in Downtown Sylva. Main street will be closed off with vendors lined along main street. We will be open and we will have an outside booth. Later that evening our local TU Chapter #373 will be showing Finding Fontinalis at Mad Batter in Sylva. Showing starts at 7:30. and ticket proceeds go towards our Trout in the Classroom project. Finding Fontinalis is 70 minute film sponsored by Patagonia and Costa as well as other industry leaders. We would love to see you!
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
April 19th, 2017
We have been experiencing light showers over the past 24 hours and it certainly is a welcome site. The temperatures are holding pretty comfortably which actually makes for a pretty good day on the water when properly outfitted. A good rain jacket and hat and you will be set with a pretty empty stretch of water since the rain usually keeps most people away.
Yesterday the number one producer was a green mop fly and an olive emerger pattern. We also got some takes on an olive and black streamer as well as a BWO. I recommend sticking with natural colors based on our current weather conditions.
Tight Lines!
We have been experiencing light showers over the past 24 hours and it certainly is a welcome site. The temperatures are holding pretty comfortably which actually makes for a pretty good day on the water when properly outfitted. A good rain jacket and hat and you will be set with a pretty empty stretch of water since the rain usually keeps most people away.
Yesterday the number one producer was a green mop fly and an olive emerger pattern. We also got some takes on an olive and black streamer as well as a BWO. I recommend sticking with natural colors based on our current weather conditions.
Tight Lines!
Monday, April 17, 2017
04/17/2017
Looks like we survived Spring Break week and we had wonderful weather for Easter Sunday! We are a bit cloudy today with a chance of rain moving into the area and a bit cooler temperatures in the forecast for Tuesday.
We were very busy on the river last week and it was a week of ups and downs. Some days produced better than others but that is fishing. I am not going to say that every day is the best because I think that most people can read between the lines and understand that things happen beyond our control such as fish cooperation. Personal example from Saturday evening is that I lost three large browns on a dry fly. The fun part was the fact that I was skittering a #16 Olive Caddis and I got a reaction strike from these guys. Other than that things were a bit slow.
We sold a ton of flies last week and to be more specific we sold a lot of mop flies in green, tan, and brown. Black stones were good choices with imitations such as Copper John's selling well. Dries like Purple Parachutes and Yellow Stimulators lead the way in the dry department.
All of these are good choices but we are seeing some Olive Caddis Hatches as well as some Tan Caddis Hatches. Some Dark Hendrickson's and Quill Gordon's are hatching in the park. Pheasant Tail nymph trailed behind a caddis could be great option in the park. I like using a Prince Harry nymph which is a cross between a Hares Ear and Prince nymph tied on a scud hook.
Tight Lines!
Looks like we survived Spring Break week and we had wonderful weather for Easter Sunday! We are a bit cloudy today with a chance of rain moving into the area and a bit cooler temperatures in the forecast for Tuesday.
We were very busy on the river last week and it was a week of ups and downs. Some days produced better than others but that is fishing. I am not going to say that every day is the best because I think that most people can read between the lines and understand that things happen beyond our control such as fish cooperation. Personal example from Saturday evening is that I lost three large browns on a dry fly. The fun part was the fact that I was skittering a #16 Olive Caddis and I got a reaction strike from these guys. Other than that things were a bit slow.
We sold a ton of flies last week and to be more specific we sold a lot of mop flies in green, tan, and brown. Black stones were good choices with imitations such as Copper John's selling well. Dries like Purple Parachutes and Yellow Stimulators lead the way in the dry department.
All of these are good choices but we are seeing some Olive Caddis Hatches as well as some Tan Caddis Hatches. Some Dark Hendrickson's and Quill Gordon's are hatching in the park. Pheasant Tail nymph trailed behind a caddis could be great option in the park. I like using a Prince Harry nymph which is a cross between a Hares Ear and Prince nymph tied on a scud hook.
Tight Lines!
Thursday, April 13, 2017
April 13, 2017
Chris had a great day guiding for us yesterday! They had success on green mop flies and green mop stones. Bunny leaches and buggers also produced several fish. In the words of the client, "It was epic".
The weather is looking more like late May versus early April.. It is certainly a good week for spring break. We do have some showers in the forecast but it is a slight chance. With the warmer weather I expect the small streams to start heating up. If you are looking to escape the crowds some small streams could be the place for you.
I had a friend fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this week and he had success on Quill Gordon's and Dark Hendricksons. Some tiny winter stones are still flying around so if you are trying to imitate them a small black midge should do just fine.
Tight Lines!
Chris had a great day guiding for us yesterday! They had success on green mop flies and green mop stones. Bunny leaches and buggers also produced several fish. In the words of the client, "It was epic".
The weather is looking more like late May versus early April.. It is certainly a good week for spring break. We do have some showers in the forecast but it is a slight chance. With the warmer weather I expect the small streams to start heating up. If you are looking to escape the crowds some small streams could be the place for you.
I had a friend fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this week and he had success on Quill Gordon's and Dark Hendricksons. Some tiny winter stones are still flying around so if you are trying to imitate them a small black midge should do just fine.
Tight Lines!
Sunday, April 9, 2017
April 10, 2017
Well spring is made its way back into the Western North Carolina mountains with high of 78 degrees in the forecast for Sylva today. It is looking like a pretty decent week to hit the water as we have a little less than two months of delayed harvest season left.
We have been selling a lot of flies in the shop and I thank you for that. We are selling a lot of bugger patterns in all different colors. Girdle bugs and stone fly nymphs still are ding well add in the latest craze the mop fly and you have most of the nymph sales covered.
I am getting excited about hitting the wild trout waters soon. It is hard with all the guide trips and 2 boys playing baseball to find a bit of free time to explore but it will happen. I enjoy nothing more than throwing dry flies to wild trout on a braided leader and a custom made fiberglass and bamboo rod.
I hope to see you in the shop soon and hear some stories.
Tight Lines!
Well spring is made its way back into the Western North Carolina mountains with high of 78 degrees in the forecast for Sylva today. It is looking like a pretty decent week to hit the water as we have a little less than two months of delayed harvest season left.
We have been selling a lot of flies in the shop and I thank you for that. We are selling a lot of bugger patterns in all different colors. Girdle bugs and stone fly nymphs still are ding well add in the latest craze the mop fly and you have most of the nymph sales covered.
I am getting excited about hitting the wild trout waters soon. It is hard with all the guide trips and 2 boys playing baseball to find a bit of free time to explore but it will happen. I enjoy nothing more than throwing dry flies to wild trout on a braided leader and a custom made fiberglass and bamboo rod.
I hope to see you in the shop soon and hear some stories.
Tight Lines!
Friday, April 7, 2017
April 7, 2017
Some of the mountains are frozen over this morning with some higher elevations receiving some measurable snowfall last night. Our county school system is on a two hour delay to start this fantastic Friday!
The river is still a bit stained this morning with flow rate of 99 CFS in Jackson County. We do have the Tuck River Cleanup starting at 9am Saturday so expect to see many people cleaning the river. Also a tree has fallen across the Tuck on the South River Road side above the island. The tree covers about 2/3 of the rivers width so keep that in mind if you are floating.
People were still reporting that the fishing is good even in these conditions. Dress in layers and you should be fine. It is windy today so some ear protection could make your day a bit more enjoyable. Nymphing should be the most productive and I would start with some buggers and stone flies. Lets face it we all probable have some mop flies and they are working too.
Tight Lines!
Some of the mountains are frozen over this morning with some higher elevations receiving some measurable snowfall last night. Our county school system is on a two hour delay to start this fantastic Friday!
The river is still a bit stained this morning with flow rate of 99 CFS in Jackson County. We do have the Tuck River Cleanup starting at 9am Saturday so expect to see many people cleaning the river. Also a tree has fallen across the Tuck on the South River Road side above the island. The tree covers about 2/3 of the rivers width so keep that in mind if you are floating.
People were still reporting that the fishing is good even in these conditions. Dress in layers and you should be fine. It is windy today so some ear protection could make your day a bit more enjoyable. Nymphing should be the most productive and I would start with some buggers and stone flies. Lets face it we all probable have some mop flies and they are working too.
Tight Lines!
Thursday, April 6, 2017
April 5, 2017
The area received more showers yesterday with some heavy at times making most of our streams dingy color and water levels higher. We are expecting rain showers throughout the day today tapering off around the afternoon time. Expect cooler temperatures today, Friday, and Saturday with a warm up starting Sunday.
The Tuckasegee in Jackson County is flowing at 152 CFS with no scheduled releases from either the East or West Fork Stations. The flow rate further north is 2040 CFS after it picks up the Oconaluftee River which is flowing at 941 CFS this morning. So what does all this mean, quit simply we are starting to put a dent into our water deficit. It is a welcome sight for many and I am ok with getting a little wet while fishing as long as it is not storming.
I seen some photos of some great fish taken and released yesterday on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. The state did a wonderful job stocking our river and it shows. That is why so many people come to experience such a wonderful resource that we have in Jackson County. It is our job to protect it because if we don't it will deteriorate over time.
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
April 5, 2017
I counted 41 anglers on the Tuckasegee DH section this morning and many of them had fish on the line! They did stock yesterday afternoon along South River Road and North River Road at various access points distributing thousands of trout for us to catch and release.
It is a bit cooler today with clouds and a good chance of rain this afternoon. We are going to trend downward over the next couple of days even hitting the low 30's or maybe the higher 20's at night but be will warm up soon. Definitely that time of year when we can expect 4 seasons in a week right now.
I am still on the black stone fly nymph or woolly bugger as my two go to choices right now. Natural colors such as olive, brown, or black would be choice but many different variations and materials lead to some pretty effective bugger patterns.
I did get a call yesterday from a property owner on Dillard Road asking me to pass word about respecting people's property and avoid sitting in swings, stepping on flowers, and parking in the private road area. If you feel comfortable please ask them to move. We are fortunate to have great access but I would hate to lose it.
Report wildlife violations! Call 1-800-662-7137 to report a violation. We have a moral duty to protect our resources.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
April 4, 2017
The North Carolina Tar Heels are your mens basketball National Champions! We are in North Carolina so I had to put that even though our owner is a Duke Alumni.
NC Wildlife is scheduled to stock the Tuckasegee River DH section today in Jackson County. I was over at the river around 7 AM and it is still very stained from runoff and sediment after the storms we had over the past 24 hours. A tree has fallen into the river on the South River Road side of the river creating a natural barrier or catchall just in time for the Tuck River Cleanup this coming Saturday.
Scott's Creek is also stained from runoff and sediment and we are expecting more rain Wednesday as a front comes in from the west. I feel like these rivers will produce fish but it will be difficult navigation without being able to see the stream bed as you navigate from hole to hole.
I recommend using streamers in these conditions until the river starts to clear a bit. This could be a good time to nab a good brown trout that is looking for a bigger meal. Also as we warm up today try using a double nymph rig with a stone fly and a soft hackle. Based on past notes that should be a good combination. and I would stick to natural colors such as black, brown, olive, or grey when it comes to selecting nymphs. Without light penetration I find flashier nymphs do not work as well as naturals, or at least that is my observation.
Tight Lines!
The North Carolina Tar Heels are your mens basketball National Champions! We are in North Carolina so I had to put that even though our owner is a Duke Alumni.
NC Wildlife is scheduled to stock the Tuckasegee River DH section today in Jackson County. I was over at the river around 7 AM and it is still very stained from runoff and sediment after the storms we had over the past 24 hours. A tree has fallen into the river on the South River Road side of the river creating a natural barrier or catchall just in time for the Tuck River Cleanup this coming Saturday.
Scott's Creek is also stained from runoff and sediment and we are expecting more rain Wednesday as a front comes in from the west. I feel like these rivers will produce fish but it will be difficult navigation without being able to see the stream bed as you navigate from hole to hole.
I recommend using streamers in these conditions until the river starts to clear a bit. This could be a good time to nab a good brown trout that is looking for a bigger meal. Also as we warm up today try using a double nymph rig with a stone fly and a soft hackle. Based on past notes that should be a good combination. and I would stick to natural colors such as black, brown, olive, or grey when it comes to selecting nymphs. Without light penetration I find flashier nymphs do not work as well as naturals, or at least that is my observation.
Tight Lines!
Monday, April 3, 2017
April 3, 2017
April showers bring improved stream levels and some flowers! We are forecast to receive about an inch of rain today and we are experiencing light showers right now. Temperatures will trend downward as we head thru the week with lows forecast to be around 30 towards the end of the week. It is our typical weather rollercoaster ride that we get for free each year from mother nature.
The Tuckasegee DH section in Jackson County, The official "NC Trout Capital," will be stocked with thousands of trout Tuesday April 4th throughout the day at various locations along the delayed harvest section. This stocking will add to one of the most heavily stocked fisheries in the state making it the premier trout destination in North Carolina and the Southeastern United States. This section on the Tuckasegee River was used for the 2011 USA Fly Fishing Championships and it is in the heart of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.
All Hatchery Supported Waters opened this past Saturday getting many anglers of various ages fishing. The shop was busy with fly sales, wader sales, and of course stories Saturday as customers were reporting on their outing. It was great seeing the pictures of all the kids out on the water.
The National Park Service has begun opening some of the backcountry gates that are on unmaintained roads. Be sure to look on the National Park website for a list of gate openings before you head out.
Trip dates are booking fast but we still have some great dates open. Call or stop by the shop. We are soon adding a link on our website so you can book you trip right that location to save you time.
Tight Lines!
April showers bring improved stream levels and some flowers! We are forecast to receive about an inch of rain today and we are experiencing light showers right now. Temperatures will trend downward as we head thru the week with lows forecast to be around 30 towards the end of the week. It is our typical weather rollercoaster ride that we get for free each year from mother nature.
The Tuckasegee DH section in Jackson County, The official "NC Trout Capital," will be stocked with thousands of trout Tuesday April 4th throughout the day at various locations along the delayed harvest section. This stocking will add to one of the most heavily stocked fisheries in the state making it the premier trout destination in North Carolina and the Southeastern United States. This section on the Tuckasegee River was used for the 2011 USA Fly Fishing Championships and it is in the heart of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.
All Hatchery Supported Waters opened this past Saturday getting many anglers of various ages fishing. The shop was busy with fly sales, wader sales, and of course stories Saturday as customers were reporting on their outing. It was great seeing the pictures of all the kids out on the water.
The National Park Service has begun opening some of the backcountry gates that are on unmaintained roads. Be sure to look on the National Park website for a list of gate openings before you head out.
Trip dates are booking fast but we still have some great dates open. Call or stop by the shop. We are soon adding a link on our website so you can book you trip right that location to save you time.
Tight Lines!
Saturday, April 1, 2017
April 1, 2017
Hatchery Supported waters opened at 7 AM today which means that all North Carolina mountain trout streams in North Carolina are open. Remember that we have several different water designations so make certain that you or other anglers are abiding by the regulation that is appropriate for that stream. Report violations to NC Wildlife!
We are looking at a fantastic weekend with sunny skies and mid to upper 70's both days. Not a bad start to April but Monday and Tuesday brings showers or at least an 89% chance Monday and 78% chance Tuesday.
I still expect most of the trout to be caught subsurface but dry fly activity will continue to increase as we move thru the month of April. Be on the lookout for Quill Gordon's and some Dark Hendricksons. I have already taken wild trout on #12 Purple Parachute and it will only continue to get better.
Tight Lines!
Hatchery Supported waters opened at 7 AM today which means that all North Carolina mountain trout streams in North Carolina are open. Remember that we have several different water designations so make certain that you or other anglers are abiding by the regulation that is appropriate for that stream. Report violations to NC Wildlife!
We are looking at a fantastic weekend with sunny skies and mid to upper 70's both days. Not a bad start to April but Monday and Tuesday brings showers or at least an 89% chance Monday and 78% chance Tuesday.
I still expect most of the trout to be caught subsurface but dry fly activity will continue to increase as we move thru the month of April. Be on the lookout for Quill Gordon's and some Dark Hendricksons. I have already taken wild trout on #12 Purple Parachute and it will only continue to get better.
Tight Lines!
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