September 25, 2017
The last week of September is upon us and it still feels like summer. We are looking at highs in the 80's until this weekend and then we will be in the 70's. The forecast calls for very low percentages of rain this week.
The leaves are turning with some reds and golds dancing in the gentle breeze. The streams are still fishable since they have not gotten littered with falling leaves. This is a very nice time to be in the water with great water flows and temperatures. The setting is very relaxing until we miss the big fish of the day! Water temperatures are good and they will only get better with cooler weather coming in as fall will eventually takes over.
The Delayed Harvest Stocking is scheduled to take place October 3rd and 4th in Jackson County. October 1st is the official first day of Delayed Harvest season but unofficially the 3rd is the true day. We should all be thankful for what NC does for us, we have a wonderful catch and release fishery for 8 months of the year. That is an impressive amount of time for people of all skillsets to take advantage of.
Single hook artificial lure is defined as a lure that does not attract fish by taste or smell. You can use spinners as long has they have a single hook. Be kind to those who are not fly fishing as they have equal access as long as they are not violating. If you see a violator call NC Wildlife at 1-800-662-7137. Also lets monitor streams and rivers and report anything that looks out of place. Also leave the water cleaner than you found it!
Wild waters are doing pretty good with dries! Eryk had a good day with yellow dries sizes 12 - 16 and he was doing good with purple until he lost his fly. Cody did well on the Upper Nantahala nyphing. Girdle bugs and frenchies worked pretty good.
Tight Lines!
Monday, September 25, 2017
Monday, September 18, 2017
September 18, 2017
Fall officially arrives this Friday but it feels more like summer with temperatures in the 80's but we are having lows in the 50's. Leaves are turning colors and some have already started painting the creek banks and boulders with dots of red and gold signaling that fall is on its way. Water temperatures are cooling off and the trout are active.
I tried Tenkara yesterday in the Oconaluftee River inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and I landed several trout and I also lost many more. It was an adjustment process but I wanted to try Tenkara so I had a better understanding of what Tenkara Anglers experience. I was using a 12' fixed model and I enjoyed something's about it and disliked others. All in all it was a good experience.
The trout were eager to take my October Caddis and an orange soft hackle. BWO also took some trout but orange was the color. We do have some tree damage so be aware of some obstacles that now be in places once clear.
Get out on the water and you should have a good time. This is also a good time to do some hiking and photography. The animals are busy reading for winter and the Elk are putting on shows for everyone.
Tight Lines!
Fall officially arrives this Friday but it feels more like summer with temperatures in the 80's but we are having lows in the 50's. Leaves are turning colors and some have already started painting the creek banks and boulders with dots of red and gold signaling that fall is on its way. Water temperatures are cooling off and the trout are active.
I tried Tenkara yesterday in the Oconaluftee River inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and I landed several trout and I also lost many more. It was an adjustment process but I wanted to try Tenkara so I had a better understanding of what Tenkara Anglers experience. I was using a 12' fixed model and I enjoyed something's about it and disliked others. All in all it was a good experience.
The trout were eager to take my October Caddis and an orange soft hackle. BWO also took some trout but orange was the color. We do have some tree damage so be aware of some obstacles that now be in places once clear.
Get out on the water and you should have a good time. This is also a good time to do some hiking and photography. The animals are busy reading for winter and the Elk are putting on shows for everyone.
Tight Lines!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
September 16, 2017
We are looking at some warmer weather over the next week starting with today but you should still expect lows in the 50's. This is affecting the water temperatures as the Occonaluftee is reading around 59 degrees at the Birdtown gage. You should expect cooler temperatures at higher elevations and you should adjust your tactics accordingly.
I have seen some large October Caddis or Orange Sedge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is always a signal that fall is just around the corner and usually the leaves are starting to turn at this time. This is a good time to try some orange body flies such as a Stimulator, Orange Palmer, October Caddis, Orange Parachute, or an Orange Snipe. The Forked Tail will also produce trout but many are not aware of this old mountain pattern.
I seem to have had better luck towards mid-morning after the sun has hit the water and this should be the trend heading forward. You will have to contend with some falling leaves but it is a small price to pay to fish such a wonderful time of year.
Delayed Harvest stockings are set for October 3rd and the 4th which really is the kickoff to our Delayed Harvest Fly Fishing season for many. We are expecting another great year and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Tight Lines!
We are looking at some warmer weather over the next week starting with today but you should still expect lows in the 50's. This is affecting the water temperatures as the Occonaluftee is reading around 59 degrees at the Birdtown gage. You should expect cooler temperatures at higher elevations and you should adjust your tactics accordingly.
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| October Caddis |
I have seen some large October Caddis or Orange Sedge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is always a signal that fall is just around the corner and usually the leaves are starting to turn at this time. This is a good time to try some orange body flies such as a Stimulator, Orange Palmer, October Caddis, Orange Parachute, or an Orange Snipe. The Forked Tail will also produce trout but many are not aware of this old mountain pattern.
I seem to have had better luck towards mid-morning after the sun has hit the water and this should be the trend heading forward. You will have to contend with some falling leaves but it is a small price to pay to fish such a wonderful time of year.
Delayed Harvest stockings are set for October 3rd and the 4th which really is the kickoff to our Delayed Harvest Fly Fishing season for many. We are expecting another great year and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Tight Lines!
Monday, September 11, 2017
September 11, 2017
As Hurricane Irma impacts the East Coast lets not forget the tragedy of 9/11/01. Most if not all major disasters bring our county together and the same can be said during our recent weather events. As of right now here in North Carolina we are good but the same cannot be said for others. Lets not forget them or the anniversary of 9/11.
Duke Energy has taken steps to help control flooding if it gets to that point here with controlled lake drawdowns this past weekend. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has taken steps to ensure safety of visitors by closing many places in the park including campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads so be sure to check status before heading out.
I recommend avoiding the water and just staying safe. Tie some flies or ready your gear for the next trip.
Tight Lines!
As Hurricane Irma impacts the East Coast lets not forget the tragedy of 9/11/01. Most if not all major disasters bring our county together and the same can be said during our recent weather events. As of right now here in North Carolina we are good but the same cannot be said for others. Lets not forget them or the anniversary of 9/11.
Duke Energy has taken steps to help control flooding if it gets to that point here with controlled lake drawdowns this past weekend. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has taken steps to ensure safety of visitors by closing many places in the park including campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads so be sure to check status before heading out.
I recommend avoiding the water and just staying safe. Tie some flies or ready your gear for the next trip.
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
September 6, 2017
We are experiencing rain across the Western North Carolina Mountains that will help our stream and river levels in advance f the fall fishing season. I have noticed leaves turning colors and even falling at higher elevations signaling that fall in just around the corner. The weekend looks like it will be nice in advance of Hurricane Irma's wrath on the the east coast. Expect some early morning temperatures in the 40's with high's in the 70's.
With the cooler weather last week we noticed some larger Yellow Stone Flies flying around the stream however the trout seemed disinterested in them. Most of our trout came on the Purple Parachute and Messer's Caddis. Monday I took most of my trout on a Peacock Caddis #16.
Tight Lines!
We are experiencing rain across the Western North Carolina Mountains that will help our stream and river levels in advance f the fall fishing season. I have noticed leaves turning colors and even falling at higher elevations signaling that fall in just around the corner. The weekend looks like it will be nice in advance of Hurricane Irma's wrath on the the east coast. Expect some early morning temperatures in the 40's with high's in the 70's.
With the cooler weather last week we noticed some larger Yellow Stone Flies flying around the stream however the trout seemed disinterested in them. Most of our trout came on the Purple Parachute and Messer's Caddis. Monday I took most of my trout on a Peacock Caddis #16.
Tight Lines!
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