October 31, 2017
Expect big temperature swings from morning to afternoon as we are in a fall weather pattern. Some places got a small dusting of snow but it is gone now after reaching the 60's yesterday. Water levels in the Tuckasegee are still high and Duke is showing no plans as far as not releasing water anytime soon. I guided the Smokies yesterday and the water was clear but leaves were a constant battle. I have to say it the worst of the year but the fishing was good.
We tight lines nyphed using indicator line with a Black Stone and a Frenchie. Both of those were trout magnets with most of the trout being caught at the end of drifts. Floating the Tuck is a good option right now. Wading is still questionable but float trips are producing fish.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Friday, October 27, 2017
October 27, 2017
Today, Friday, looks like a wonderful day and in fact looks like it will be the best day of the weekend. Today is the day to be on the water. If you are not floating a recommend small streams on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail or GSMNP.
They stocked in Cherokee this week so plenty of fish should be available to catch. This s wonderful time of the year to fish in the Trophy Section of Cherokee plus the Elk are putting on a show. Do be careful and give wildlife at least 50 yards of room.
We currently have trips in Caney Fork and Moses Creek this morning. I am expecting to hear some good things from them by days end. As the temps warm I would be using dries, but nymphs will also work. The #14 and #16 Frenchie has been working well. Soft Hackles in orange have produced some good trout. These are good to use in a double nymph setup or as a dropper behind a dry.
The Tuckasegee is still flowing at over 700 CFS and I do not see it coming down anytime soon based on Duke flow schedule coupled with the rain we are forecast to receive Saturday. Floating is the best option on the Tuck right now.
Tight Lines!
Today, Friday, looks like a wonderful day and in fact looks like it will be the best day of the weekend. Today is the day to be on the water. If you are not floating a recommend small streams on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail or GSMNP.
They stocked in Cherokee this week so plenty of fish should be available to catch. This s wonderful time of the year to fish in the Trophy Section of Cherokee plus the Elk are putting on a show. Do be careful and give wildlife at least 50 yards of room.
We currently have trips in Caney Fork and Moses Creek this morning. I am expecting to hear some good things from them by days end. As the temps warm I would be using dries, but nymphs will also work. The #14 and #16 Frenchie has been working well. Soft Hackles in orange have produced some good trout. These are good to use in a double nymph setup or as a dropper behind a dry.
The Tuckasegee is still flowing at over 700 CFS and I do not see it coming down anytime soon based on Duke flow schedule coupled with the rain we are forecast to receive Saturday. Floating is the best option on the Tuck right now.
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
October 25, 2017
Water levels are still high in many of our tail waters but some streams are close to being able to fish and I expect them to be good to go by days end or sooner. Hit smaller streams in the National Park or even the Raven Fork in Cherokee. The Tuckasegee is still flowing over 1000 CFS in Jackson County and it is even higher in Swain County.
It does feel more like fall with some frost in the area this morning. We are expecting an even colder night this evening so another frost is in store. Expect sunny conditions with a pretty good temperature swing in the day.
I still would be throwing some dries in the smaller streams. The trout seem eager to eat a well placed and well drifted fly regardless of fly size. Nymphing may be the ticket in higher water. Try a double rig with a small fluorocarbon tippet in the 6x range to cut thru the water column. I like using a Prince Nymph with a Frenchie right now.
Tight Lines!
Water levels are still high in many of our tail waters but some streams are close to being able to fish and I expect them to be good to go by days end or sooner. Hit smaller streams in the National Park or even the Raven Fork in Cherokee. The Tuckasegee is still flowing over 1000 CFS in Jackson County and it is even higher in Swain County.
It does feel more like fall with some frost in the area this morning. We are expecting an even colder night this evening so another frost is in store. Expect sunny conditions with a pretty good temperature swing in the day.
I still would be throwing some dries in the smaller streams. The trout seem eager to eat a well placed and well drifted fly regardless of fly size. Nymphing may be the ticket in higher water. Try a double rig with a small fluorocarbon tippet in the 6x range to cut thru the water column. I like using a Prince Nymph with a Frenchie right now.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
October 24, 2017
The rain stopped yesterday afternoon but the damage had been done. Lots of rain and high water are making fishing impossible and unsafe. The Tuckasegee River in Jackson County is running at 1710 CFS in Cullowhee and 4050 CFS in Bryson City. Many other streams such as the Oconaluftee are running at 993 CFS this morning. The good news is that this flow will go along ways in cleaning out the leaves in our wild streams.
I don't expect anyone to be on the Tuck anytime soon. I am thinking that Wednesday or Thursday some of the other wild streams may be safe to fish in certain locations. Expect cooler morning temperatures going forward the rest of October.
Tight Lines!
The rain stopped yesterday afternoon but the damage had been done. Lots of rain and high water are making fishing impossible and unsafe. The Tuckasegee River in Jackson County is running at 1710 CFS in Cullowhee and 4050 CFS in Bryson City. Many other streams such as the Oconaluftee are running at 993 CFS this morning. The good news is that this flow will go along ways in cleaning out the leaves in our wild streams.
I don't expect anyone to be on the Tuck anytime soon. I am thinking that Wednesday or Thursday some of the other wild streams may be safe to fish in certain locations. Expect cooler morning temperatures going forward the rest of October.
Tight Lines!
Monday, October 23, 2017
October 23, 2017
The weather roller coaster ride continues! Heavy rain has covered most of the local areas this morning and it should continue all day. Weather experts predict 2"-4" of rain by the end of the day. Following this is cold air with the Tennessee bordering mountains seeing some snow. You can expect highs in the 50's and 60's and lows in the 30's and 40's for the most of the week.
I am expecting water levels to rise rapidly which will make most if not all fishing nonexistent the next couple of days. Duke is flowing the East Fork starting at 10 AM today in addition to the current West Fork Flow. Lake levels are at desired levels or higher than desired according to the Duke website so the additional rain will make the Tuckasegee River in Jackson and Swain Counties virtually impossible to fish. Couple the rain with the high wind warning and we have ourselves a fantastic weather day for Ducks!
Tight Lines!
The weather roller coaster ride continues! Heavy rain has covered most of the local areas this morning and it should continue all day. Weather experts predict 2"-4" of rain by the end of the day. Following this is cold air with the Tennessee bordering mountains seeing some snow. You can expect highs in the 50's and 60's and lows in the 30's and 40's for the most of the week.
I am expecting water levels to rise rapidly which will make most if not all fishing nonexistent the next couple of days. Duke is flowing the East Fork starting at 10 AM today in addition to the current West Fork Flow. Lake levels are at desired levels or higher than desired according to the Duke website so the additional rain will make the Tuckasegee River in Jackson and Swain Counties virtually impossible to fish. Couple the rain with the high wind warning and we have ourselves a fantastic weather day for Ducks!
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
October 18, 2017
It feels more like fall with this being our coldest morning to date. That means that the water temps will start to drop to normal levels for this time of the year. I was in the Tuck guiding Sunday and Monday at that water felt like bathwater. The water in the smaller mountain streams are at good levels and the fish are active. Good October Caddis hatches are exciting a good top water bite.
The bite on the Tuckasegee DH in Jackson County has been mostly subsurface. Woolly Buggers and girdle bugs have been working good the past few days. Frenchies with various collar colors work and black stones have been doing well. We have noticed that most of the action has been starting after the sun hits the water for a bit. This Brook Trout was taken and released at 11:03 Sunday. I like using nymphs with a flash after the sun hits and if the water is clear. Dark bugs will work best on dark days.
I have been able to fish some, believe it or not, in Bradley Fork. Yes I said the location at his has not disappointed. Orange is king! Orange Palmers, Orange Simulators, and October Caddis are doing well. I was able to catch and release over 20 trout in 2 hours yesterday. Friday I landed and released 27 trout in about the same time frame. I was wearing camo and watching sun angles working pockets and tail outs from a distance. Excellent drifts are a must to have this kind of success but you can do it.
Tight Lines!
It feels more like fall with this being our coldest morning to date. That means that the water temps will start to drop to normal levels for this time of the year. I was in the Tuck guiding Sunday and Monday at that water felt like bathwater. The water in the smaller mountain streams are at good levels and the fish are active. Good October Caddis hatches are exciting a good top water bite.
The bite on the Tuckasegee DH in Jackson County has been mostly subsurface. Woolly Buggers and girdle bugs have been working good the past few days. Frenchies with various collar colors work and black stones have been doing well. We have noticed that most of the action has been starting after the sun hits the water for a bit. This Brook Trout was taken and released at 11:03 Sunday. I like using nymphs with a flash after the sun hits and if the water is clear. Dark bugs will work best on dark days.I have been able to fish some, believe it or not, in Bradley Fork. Yes I said the location at his has not disappointed. Orange is king! Orange Palmers, Orange Simulators, and October Caddis are doing well. I was able to catch and release over 20 trout in 2 hours yesterday. Friday I landed and released 27 trout in about the same time frame. I was wearing camo and watching sun angles working pockets and tail outs from a distance. Excellent drifts are a must to have this kind of success but you can do it.
Tight Lines!
Saturday, October 14, 2017
October 14, 2017
Water levels have leveled out across the region making wading much safer and the fishing much better. You can expect a West Fork Flow on the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County producing around 300 cfs. You can expect this flow much of the weekend.
Water inside the GSMNP Boundary has leveled off to a good flow but many leaves are hitting the forest floor. Some have color while others just are finished with their life cycle. Yesterday leaves was not that bad of an issue but I look for it to be soon. Trout really liked orange body dry flies often rising from the depths of the stream bed to attack a well drifted fly. I caught several Brown Trout but I missed a large majestically colored Brown Trout. It is fishing!
I look for a busy weekend on the Tuckasegee River. The water should have allowed the trout to spread out a bit making for some better fishing. It is hard to beat Woolly Buggers. Soft Hackles are often overlooked but they can be effective on the swing. Many anglers will use egg patterns and worm patterns but after you land a few trout you usually have to mix things up to give them a different look.
Tight Lines!
Water levels have leveled out across the region making wading much safer and the fishing much better. You can expect a West Fork Flow on the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County producing around 300 cfs. You can expect this flow much of the weekend.
Water inside the GSMNP Boundary has leveled off to a good flow but many leaves are hitting the forest floor. Some have color while others just are finished with their life cycle. Yesterday leaves was not that bad of an issue but I look for it to be soon. Trout really liked orange body dry flies often rising from the depths of the stream bed to attack a well drifted fly. I caught several Brown Trout but I missed a large majestically colored Brown Trout. It is fishing!
I look for a busy weekend on the Tuckasegee River. The water should have allowed the trout to spread out a bit making for some better fishing. It is hard to beat Woolly Buggers. Soft Hackles are often overlooked but they can be effective on the swing. Many anglers will use egg patterns and worm patterns but after you land a few trout you usually have to mix things up to give them a different look.
Tight Lines!
Monday, October 9, 2017
October 9, 2017
We received several inches of rain this weekend forcing many of the streams to rise to the highest levels of the year. Right now in Jackson County, the Tuckasegee is flowing at 1,110 CFS and Duke is scheduled to release water from both East and West Forks on a non-stop schedule. If we get a break in the rain for a day or so, we will be able to fish some water but that is all dependent on rainfall. the good thing is that we need the water and it will also give us an early fall leaf cleansing that we were in need of.
I recommend staying in a tying flies due to safety concerns. I know that some people travel a long ways to get here, but it better not to fish and make it back home than to fish and turn belly up downstream.
If you are tying, Woolly Buggers and Rubber Leg nymphs are good for the delayed harvest streams. Tie up some Orange Dries for the park and you should be in good shape.
Tight Lines!
We received several inches of rain this weekend forcing many of the streams to rise to the highest levels of the year. Right now in Jackson County, the Tuckasegee is flowing at 1,110 CFS and Duke is scheduled to release water from both East and West Forks on a non-stop schedule. If we get a break in the rain for a day or so, we will be able to fish some water but that is all dependent on rainfall. the good thing is that we need the water and it will also give us an early fall leaf cleansing that we were in need of.
I recommend staying in a tying flies due to safety concerns. I know that some people travel a long ways to get here, but it better not to fish and make it back home than to fish and turn belly up downstream.
If you are tying, Woolly Buggers and Rubber Leg nymphs are good for the delayed harvest streams. Tie up some Orange Dries for the park and you should be in good shape.
Tight Lines!
Saturday, October 7, 2017
October 7, 2017
The Delayed Harvest season is well underway and we have been able to catch up with some old friends as they visit and fish our great waters. I will however have to say we are seeing record numbers of anglers and they are finding out how our waters fish.
We are need of rain and it looks like we are in position to get some Sunday and Monday. The rain will certainly help the fishing. Water levels are low in most cases and partnered with all the fallen leaves fishing has been difficult in our mountain streams. We are still in a very mild pattern for October so we will see how long that last.
If you are fishing the Tuckasegee I recommend being ready at first light so you can ensure a good location to work. Most fish are being taken on subsurface flies. I have yet to get a rise or even a look at an emerger or dry fly. So far all our takes have been very close to the stream bottom. Black stones as well as Woolly Buggers have been the best option for me. Woolly Buggers have been a mixed bag of colors based on light conditions.
The GSMNP is producing some good trout if you are willing to fish places that are an inconvenience to most anglers. That early hour or so hike can be the difference between a so so day and a really good day. You will have to fight the leaves but it is October. Here dry flies are working but you will have to good drifts and be stealthy. Clear water coupled with low water increases difficulty.
Don't forget about the other streams in the area. Scotts Creek and Caney Fork have been fishing fairly good. If you want to avoid the crowds Blue Lining might be an option. Grab a map and head out.
Tight Lines!
The Delayed Harvest season is well underway and we have been able to catch up with some old friends as they visit and fish our great waters. I will however have to say we are seeing record numbers of anglers and they are finding out how our waters fish.
We are need of rain and it looks like we are in position to get some Sunday and Monday. The rain will certainly help the fishing. Water levels are low in most cases and partnered with all the fallen leaves fishing has been difficult in our mountain streams. We are still in a very mild pattern for October so we will see how long that last.
If you are fishing the Tuckasegee I recommend being ready at first light so you can ensure a good location to work. Most fish are being taken on subsurface flies. I have yet to get a rise or even a look at an emerger or dry fly. So far all our takes have been very close to the stream bottom. Black stones as well as Woolly Buggers have been the best option for me. Woolly Buggers have been a mixed bag of colors based on light conditions.
The GSMNP is producing some good trout if you are willing to fish places that are an inconvenience to most anglers. That early hour or so hike can be the difference between a so so day and a really good day. You will have to fight the leaves but it is October. Here dry flies are working but you will have to good drifts and be stealthy. Clear water coupled with low water increases difficulty.
Don't forget about the other streams in the area. Scotts Creek and Caney Fork have been fishing fairly good. If you want to avoid the crowds Blue Lining might be an option. Grab a map and head out.
Tight Lines!
Sunday, October 1, 2017
October 2, 2017
We are just a few short days away from the Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest section in Jackson County becoming the hotbed of all trout fishing in the Southeastern United States. Stocking is scheduled for the 3rd and 4th meaning that many anglers will be eagerly drifting nymphs and dries hoping a nice trout will select them out of all the anglers to make an acquaintance with.
In the meantime we have been guiding and fishing ourselves before many of our wonderful clients make it in for the fall season. Sunday we fished some pocket water in the Smokies landing well over 40 trout on dry flies. The water was 54 degrees when we started and it ended up at a balmy 58 which felt pretty good. We had low 40's and the high had to only hit the 60's at best.
Caddis flies are everywhere right now and you will see some October Caddis and of course trout like them! I liked using a few different variations that I tie on Klinkhammer Hooks but most importantly they were eager to eat. We was camouflaged but we managed to spook some trout by leaves crinkling under our feet.
You will find many trees turning colors yet may leaves had shed their leaves making some streams more difficult to fish than others. Rain would help our streamflows but we will have to wait on that. Looks like we will warm up a bit by Wednesday with highs around 80. Dress in layers so you can adapt to changing conditions.
Tight Lines!
We are just a few short days away from the Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest section in Jackson County becoming the hotbed of all trout fishing in the Southeastern United States. Stocking is scheduled for the 3rd and 4th meaning that many anglers will be eagerly drifting nymphs and dries hoping a nice trout will select them out of all the anglers to make an acquaintance with.
In the meantime we have been guiding and fishing ourselves before many of our wonderful clients make it in for the fall season. Sunday we fished some pocket water in the Smokies landing well over 40 trout on dry flies. The water was 54 degrees when we started and it ended up at a balmy 58 which felt pretty good. We had low 40's and the high had to only hit the 60's at best.
Caddis flies are everywhere right now and you will see some October Caddis and of course trout like them! I liked using a few different variations that I tie on Klinkhammer Hooks but most importantly they were eager to eat. We was camouflaged but we managed to spook some trout by leaves crinkling under our feet.
You will find many trees turning colors yet may leaves had shed their leaves making some streams more difficult to fish than others. Rain would help our streamflows but we will have to wait on that. Looks like we will warm up a bit by Wednesday with highs around 80. Dress in layers so you can adapt to changing conditions.
Tight Lines!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)