March 1, 2018
March Madness time and I think we are mad over the insane amounts of rain that we have been getting lately. I may be eating crow at a later date but a dry spell would certainly help us. Rivers and streams are once again flowing at high volumes this morning making for a great day to ready the gear for another day.
If we could look at one positive we have plenty of water to float and the lakes are pretty high in Jackson County. Lake fishermen should be pretty happy with the warm weather as the Crappie should be biting.
Tight Lines!
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
February 27, 2018
We woke up to t frost this morning and it has been a bit since that last happened. It is going to be a yo yo week of temperatures this week. The water levels are still high at this time on the Tuckasegee and Lower Nantahala Rivers due mostly to the high lake levels. Other waters are in pretty good shape and you should be fishing them.
Hatchery Supported Waters close this week, March 1 and will reopen April 7th at 7am. All other stream designations are open!
We woke up to t frost this morning and it has been a bit since that last happened. It is going to be a yo yo week of temperatures this week. The water levels are still high at this time on the Tuckasegee and Lower Nantahala Rivers due mostly to the high lake levels. Other waters are in pretty good shape and you should be fishing them.
Hatchery Supported Waters close this week, March 1 and will reopen April 7th at 7am. All other stream designations are open!
Monday, February 26, 2018
February 26, 2018
We just had a wonderful week of weather and we are off to a bit off of a soggy start to this one. I had measured .5" of water in the rain gauge starting yesterday morning. We are overcast this morning and to be honest it feels humid to me. We are looking at a high of 56 today but even warmer Tuesday with a high of 63. by the weekend we could be looking at some cooler temps with lows in the 20's which gets us back on track for March.
Lake levels are still above target for a few of the lakes which has Duke flowing a lot of water form the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee River and the Nantahala Rivers. Other smaller streams are doing well with good fishing flows.
Nymphs are still the best choice right now even though we are seeing little Black Stones. Key in on subsurface patterns to increase your chances.
Tight Lines!
We just had a wonderful week of weather and we are off to a bit off of a soggy start to this one. I had measured .5" of water in the rain gauge starting yesterday morning. We are overcast this morning and to be honest it feels humid to me. We are looking at a high of 56 today but even warmer Tuesday with a high of 63. by the weekend we could be looking at some cooler temps with lows in the 20's which gets us back on track for March.
Lake levels are still above target for a few of the lakes which has Duke flowing a lot of water form the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee River and the Nantahala Rivers. Other smaller streams are doing well with good fishing flows.
Nymphs are still the best choice right now even though we are seeing little Black Stones. Key in on subsurface patterns to increase your chances.
Tight Lines!
Friday, February 23, 2018
February 23, 2018
The bite on the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County is on fire right now! The high water conditions are good for floating and throwing some big flies to these hungry trout. If you have a boat now is a good time to be on the water. Wading is still slim to none based on current flows but floating will get you to the trout.
Scotts Creek is looking good today and I expect it to be fishing well. The conditions just seem right and if I was going with a gut feeling, I would fish it. We are expecting some more rain this weekend but not crazy amounts like we have had recently. Streams like Scotts Creek and Caney Fork could be great options for wade fishermen.
Tight Lines!
The bite on the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County is on fire right now! The high water conditions are good for floating and throwing some big flies to these hungry trout. If you have a boat now is a good time to be on the water. Wading is still slim to none based on current flows but floating will get you to the trout.
Scotts Creek is looking good today and I expect it to be fishing well. The conditions just seem right and if I was going with a gut feeling, I would fish it. We are expecting some more rain this weekend but not crazy amounts like we have had recently. Streams like Scotts Creek and Caney Fork could be great options for wade fishermen.
Tight Lines!
Thursday, February 22, 2018
February 22, 2018
Where has winter gone? It will feel like an early summer day instead of February today making it real tough being inside. I have been talking with people who have been out playing or fishing and they are having a great time.
The Tuckasegee and Natahala Rivers are flowing pretty well today as Duke is still flowing water 24 hours a day. The good is that this makes for some good float fishing but wade fishing is usually out of the question here. The smaller streams are starting to become wade safe and depending if you hike a bit, the water gets real nice. These conditions make me want to take a handful of dries and hit a small stream of the beaten path to test my skills at winter dry fly fishing.
Tight Lines!
Where has winter gone? It will feel like an early summer day instead of February today making it real tough being inside. I have been talking with people who have been out playing or fishing and they are having a great time.
The Tuckasegee and Natahala Rivers are flowing pretty well today as Duke is still flowing water 24 hours a day. The good is that this makes for some good float fishing but wade fishing is usually out of the question here. The smaller streams are starting to become wade safe and depending if you hike a bit, the water gets real nice. These conditions make me want to take a handful of dries and hit a small stream of the beaten path to test my skills at winter dry fly fishing.
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
February 21, 2018
Rain rain go away which seems to be out motto lately. We have had good rainfall all morning and we are hoping that it lets up soon. The local streams are dingy but I am not sure about streams in the park but even if so they will clear up the quickest.
Expect high flows on the Tuckasegee River as Duke continues dumping water 24 hours a day but it looks like the Nantahala may get a break in water flows Thursday. I have had friends fishing in the GSMNP the past few days with some success so wade fishing is possible. I strongly suggest floating the Tuck as these conditions are good for some big browns.
Tight Lines!
Rain rain go away which seems to be out motto lately. We have had good rainfall all morning and we are hoping that it lets up soon. The local streams are dingy but I am not sure about streams in the park but even if so they will clear up the quickest.
Expect high flows on the Tuckasegee River as Duke continues dumping water 24 hours a day but it looks like the Nantahala may get a break in water flows Thursday. I have had friends fishing in the GSMNP the past few days with some success so wade fishing is possible. I strongly suggest floating the Tuck as these conditions are good for some big browns.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
February 20, 2018
Sorry for not updating report but our family got the illness bug, yuk. We are doing much better now which is good for us. The Tuckasegee, Nantahala, and Oconaluftee Rivers are still flowing at high rates but the other streams are starting to look good. This is actually a good time to float and search for some good browns since the conditions for them are almost perfect.
It is time for some black stones to start appearing which should lead to some good fishing. We are warm for this time of the year and we can expect a chance of rain almost everyday so be prepared.
Tight Lines!
Sorry for not updating report but our family got the illness bug, yuk. We are doing much better now which is good for us. The Tuckasegee, Nantahala, and Oconaluftee Rivers are still flowing at high rates but the other streams are starting to look good. This is actually a good time to float and search for some good browns since the conditions for them are almost perfect.
It is time for some black stones to start appearing which should lead to some good fishing. We are warm for this time of the year and we can expect a chance of rain almost everyday so be prepared.
Tight Lines!
Thursday, February 15, 2018
February 15, 2018
I wished I had wonderful news but the water levels are still very high and they are not safe to fish at this time. We continue to receive rain off and on and it will be that way for a bit according to the weather experts. All the damn controlled waters are rolling as lake levels are very high and Duke Energy is currently managing those levels with non-stop flow releases.
I would expect the wild waters to start to subside in the near future and the turbidity rate should be better. Safety is the best bet even though we have 70 degree temps.
Be Safe!
I wished I had wonderful news but the water levels are still very high and they are not safe to fish at this time. We continue to receive rain off and on and it will be that way for a bit according to the weather experts. All the damn controlled waters are rolling as lake levels are very high and Duke Energy is currently managing those levels with non-stop flow releases.
I would expect the wild waters to start to subside in the near future and the turbidity rate should be better. Safety is the best bet even though we have 70 degree temps.
Be Safe!
Monday, February 12, 2018
February 12, 2018
The region received large amounts of rainfall this weekend with many of the rivers demonstrating how strong they can be whenlarge amounts of water are present. I wnet and photographed and recorded video of many of the fisherieres I enjoy fishing and they were growling with anger.
I have to tell you that it will take sometime before fishing is a good option. Right now it is all about safety especially since it looks like we are in a wet pattern for the next few weeks. Please stay away from the water and live for another day. We have gotten reports of vehicles in the river in the Cherokee area so please don't underestimate the power of water.
Tight Lines!
The region received large amounts of rainfall this weekend with many of the rivers demonstrating how strong they can be whenlarge amounts of water are present. I wnet and photographed and recorded video of many of the fisherieres I enjoy fishing and they were growling with anger.
I have to tell you that it will take sometime before fishing is a good option. Right now it is all about safety especially since it looks like we are in a wet pattern for the next few weeks. Please stay away from the water and live for another day. We have gotten reports of vehicles in the river in the Cherokee area so please don't underestimate the power of water.
Tight Lines!
Friday, February 9, 2018
February 9, 2018
We are off to a wonderful start today but looks can be deceiving. Duke Energy is releasing water from both the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee River for the next 72 hours and on the lower Nantahala until 11:59 pm. I would guess this is in preparation for the upcoming rain event that we are forecast to get.
The National Weather Service has us under a flood watch starting at 7 Saturday morning.
We are off to a wonderful start today but looks can be deceiving. Duke Energy is releasing water from both the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee River for the next 72 hours and on the lower Nantahala until 11:59 pm. I would guess this is in preparation for the upcoming rain event that we are forecast to get.
The National Weather Service has us under a flood watch starting at 7 Saturday morning.
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG HAS ISSUED A * FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA AND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS, IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA, HABERSHAM AND RABUN COUNTIES. IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, GRAHAM, HAYWOOD, MACON, JACKSON, SWAIN, AND TRANSYLVANIA COUNTIES. * FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING * ABUNDANT MOISTURE ARRIVING FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO WILL PRODUCE SEVERAL ROUNDS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL OVER THE WEEKEND. RAINFALL TOTALS WILL LIKELY REACH 2 TO 3 INCHES ACROSS MUCH OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS, WITH LOCALIZED 3 TO 5 INCH AMOUNTS POSSIBLE IN SOUTHWESTERLY UPSLOPE PREFERRED LOCATIONS SOUTH OF THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS. * THE MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN WILL FALL ON GROUND STILL MOIST FROM RAINFALL EARLIER IN THE WEEK. MANY RIVERS AND STREAMS ARE STILL RUNNING AT ELEVATED LEVELS FROM THE RECENT RAINFALL, AND FLOODING WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY LIKELY SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP. &&
More Information
...ROUNDS OF HEAVY RAINFALL TO INCREASE THE FLOODING THREAT OVER THE WEEKEND... .A DEEP FETCH OF MOISTURE WILL DEVELOP FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO TO THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS OVER THE WEEKEND. SEVERAL ROUNDS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN SHOWERS WILL DEVELOP, AFFECTING SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS STILL MOIST FROM HEAVY RAINFALL EARLIER THIS WEEK. FLOODING MAY DEVELOP ALONG STREAMS AND MAIN STEM RIVERS
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
February 7, 2018
I wanted to give it a bit before I posted anything. Our rain has stopped for now and it looks like we are in the clear for a couple of days. I had over an inch of rain at the house before coming in today so I am not sure what the overall total is. The point is that the streams and rivers are running very high right now. A few factors like a saturated ground and a fair amount of rainfall over a short period of time has raised the flows quickly.
Keep in mind that Duke Energy is releasing water from the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee River making a reading of 1160 cfs in Cullowhee. The Oconaluftee is flow at 2090 cfs and the lower Nantahala is flowing at 503 cfs. Any wading in most p[laces is out of the question but the wild card could be lower Nantahala. If Duke Energy sticks to its schedule and does not flow water, the lower Nantahala could be the best place to fish. Keep in mind these are all what if scenarios.
Tight Lines!
I wanted to give it a bit before I posted anything. Our rain has stopped for now and it looks like we are in the clear for a couple of days. I had over an inch of rain at the house before coming in today so I am not sure what the overall total is. The point is that the streams and rivers are running very high right now. A few factors like a saturated ground and a fair amount of rainfall over a short period of time has raised the flows quickly.
Keep in mind that Duke Energy is releasing water from the East and West Forks of the Tuckasegee River making a reading of 1160 cfs in Cullowhee. The Oconaluftee is flow at 2090 cfs and the lower Nantahala is flowing at 503 cfs. Any wading in most p[laces is out of the question but the wild card could be lower Nantahala. If Duke Energy sticks to its schedule and does not flow water, the lower Nantahala could be the best place to fish. Keep in mind these are all what if scenarios.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
February 6, 2018
Well we are in for some wet weather as we have rain coming into the area. The ground is already pretty wet after the winter weather we received early Sunday morning so it will be interesting to see how the rivers and streams are impacted by the upcoming rain. The temps are pretty good with highs most days in the 50's.
Duke Energy is flowing water form the East and West Forks on the Tuckasegee River but now flow on the Lower Nantahala. In fact, the schedule is showing no flow for the lower Nantahala for the next 72 hours but this could change at any time.
Tight Lines!
Well we are in for some wet weather as we have rain coming into the area. The ground is already pretty wet after the winter weather we received early Sunday morning so it will be interesting to see how the rivers and streams are impacted by the upcoming rain. The temps are pretty good with highs most days in the 50's.
Duke Energy is flowing water form the East and West Forks on the Tuckasegee River but now flow on the Lower Nantahala. In fact, the schedule is showing no flow for the lower Nantahala for the next 72 hours but this could change at any time.
Tight Lines!
Friday, February 2, 2018
February 2, 2018
Wow it is cold outside! Windy chill will certainly slap you in the face today and we could get down to around 11 degrees here early Saturday morning before warming into the 40's. Super Sunday looks like a mix bag and our local weather folks can't agree on what it is going to do. My theory is we get what we get and we know what we get when it gets here.
It does look like Duke is set on flowing water pretty much around the clock on the Tuckasegee River so be sure to watch those flow rates. The Lower Nantahala is scheduled to flow Saturday morning from 7 - 10 making for a good weekend of fishing.
Stick with you basis winter nymph patterns and you should get on some fish in hatchery supported and delayed harvest waters. Wild fisheries have been a bit more stingy when it comes to taking fish. It can be done but with more patience and persistence and a bit of luck. Certainly fish these areas at the warmest part of the day to increase your odds.
Tight Lines!
Wow it is cold outside! Windy chill will certainly slap you in the face today and we could get down to around 11 degrees here early Saturday morning before warming into the 40's. Super Sunday looks like a mix bag and our local weather folks can't agree on what it is going to do. My theory is we get what we get and we know what we get when it gets here.
It does look like Duke is set on flowing water pretty much around the clock on the Tuckasegee River so be sure to watch those flow rates. The Lower Nantahala is scheduled to flow Saturday morning from 7 - 10 making for a good weekend of fishing.
Stick with you basis winter nymph patterns and you should get on some fish in hatchery supported and delayed harvest waters. Wild fisheries have been a bit more stingy when it comes to taking fish. It can be done but with more patience and persistence and a bit of luck. Certainly fish these areas at the warmest part of the day to increase your odds.
Tight Lines!
Thursday, February 1, 2018
February 1, 2018
The month of love is officially here but if you ask anglers in the surrounding area we love fishing all year regardless of the month. If you have not been out lately you should make time and hit the water. We are watching two weather systems that will affect us Friday and Sunday with some potential snow. We may see snow here after we nightfall but it all dependent upon temperatures and moisture timing. We are forecast to hit the 50's but I am not sold on the fact that we will see that mark. Sunday is a bit more interesting with models all over the place. I would still consider fishing this weekend because this time of the year can produce some good fish.
The Tuckasegee in Jackson County is flowing at 667 cfs and it may continue to rise based on flow schedule published by Duke Energy. The Lower Nantahala is perfect for wade fishing. You can enjoy the low flow of 109 cfs with no generation scheduled at this time. Keep in mind that flow rates can change without warning.
Tight Lines!
The month of love is officially here but if you ask anglers in the surrounding area we love fishing all year regardless of the month. If you have not been out lately you should make time and hit the water. We are watching two weather systems that will affect us Friday and Sunday with some potential snow. We may see snow here after we nightfall but it all dependent upon temperatures and moisture timing. We are forecast to hit the 50's but I am not sold on the fact that we will see that mark. Sunday is a bit more interesting with models all over the place. I would still consider fishing this weekend because this time of the year can produce some good fish.
The Tuckasegee in Jackson County is flowing at 667 cfs and it may continue to rise based on flow schedule published by Duke Energy. The Lower Nantahala is perfect for wade fishing. You can enjoy the low flow of 109 cfs with no generation scheduled at this time. Keep in mind that flow rates can change without warning.
Tight Lines!
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
January 31, 2018
A cold start to the day will eventually give way to warmer weather this afternoon. The Tuckasegee in Jackson County is currently flowing at 735 cfs and the east and west forks are scheduled to flow till 11:59 pm. The Nantahala is flowing at 719 cfs but I look for this flow rate to decrease if Duke shuts down the flow at 9 am as published.
Still the same fare will produce trout: Woolly Buggers, Eggs, Prince Nymph, Frenchies/Pheasant Tails Nymphs, and some Blue Winged Olives. Be cautious of the flow rates on tail waters.
Tight Lines
A cold start to the day will eventually give way to warmer weather this afternoon. The Tuckasegee in Jackson County is currently flowing at 735 cfs and the east and west forks are scheduled to flow till 11:59 pm. The Nantahala is flowing at 719 cfs but I look for this flow rate to decrease if Duke shuts down the flow at 9 am as published.
Still the same fare will produce trout: Woolly Buggers, Eggs, Prince Nymph, Frenchies/Pheasant Tails Nymphs, and some Blue Winged Olives. Be cautious of the flow rates on tail waters.
Tight Lines
Monday, January 29, 2018
January 29, 2018
Winter is coming again this evening with a chance of snow at higher elevations and wind will increase as we go deeper into today. You can expect an East Fork flow starting at 9 am running until 11:59 pm and a West Fork Flow starting at 3 pm until 11 pm. The Nanatahla is not scheduled to flow today.
I was able to get out Sunday and fish the Tuckasegee and to be honest I was hoping for a big Brown based on the conditions we had. I caught everything but a Brown but the bonus was a good Sickle Fin Red Horse that was an important fish to the native Cherokee people. These guys fight hard and they are fun to catch.
Most of my fish came on a heavy Y2K. All the other nymphs I tried were not productive even at varied depths. The water was a bit off color so I tried my trusty black first and only got one trout. I then started with drastic changes until I got it right.
Also I want to thank all the volunteers that came out and helped our local TU Chapter 373 Saturday at the roadside cleanup along Scotts Creek. We removed over 3.4 tons on material! I will do a blog post about this with photos but many of you know that Scotts Creek is an important part of our WNC Fly Fishing Trail and we have an obligation to educate so this does not happen again in the future.
Winter is coming again this evening with a chance of snow at higher elevations and wind will increase as we go deeper into today. You can expect an East Fork flow starting at 9 am running until 11:59 pm and a West Fork Flow starting at 3 pm until 11 pm. The Nanatahla is not scheduled to flow today.
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| Red Horse |
Most of my fish came on a heavy Y2K. All the other nymphs I tried were not productive even at varied depths. The water was a bit off color so I tried my trusty black first and only got one trout. I then started with drastic changes until I got it right.
Also I want to thank all the volunteers that came out and helped our local TU Chapter 373 Saturday at the roadside cleanup along Scotts Creek. We removed over 3.4 tons on material! I will do a blog post about this with photos but many of you know that Scotts Creek is an important part of our WNC Fly Fishing Trail and we have an obligation to educate so this does not happen again in the future.
Friday, January 26, 2018
January 26, 2018
AS we head into the last weekend of January the weather has defiantly been wintry and frigid but I am hoping for warmer days ahead as we hit February next week. We do have some rain coming in this weekend but today, Friday, looks good so far other than I am working.
The Tuckasegee in Jackson County is currently running at 658 CFS at the Cullowhee metering station and it is scheduled to shut off at 2 PM. We did observe some trout sipping some little black stones last evening while looking at a new raft. I talked with a couple of fishermen yesterday and they had the most success on Woolly Buggers.
The Lower Nantahala is flowing at 92.4 CFS and Duke is showing no flow release for the next three days here. If it remains this way wade fishing in an otherwise tough wading location will be great. This could be the time to take advantage of this flow rate and target some really nice browns.
Tight Line!
AS we head into the last weekend of January the weather has defiantly been wintry and frigid but I am hoping for warmer days ahead as we hit February next week. We do have some rain coming in this weekend but today, Friday, looks good so far other than I am working.
The Tuckasegee in Jackson County is currently running at 658 CFS at the Cullowhee metering station and it is scheduled to shut off at 2 PM. We did observe some trout sipping some little black stones last evening while looking at a new raft. I talked with a couple of fishermen yesterday and they had the most success on Woolly Buggers.
The Lower Nantahala is flowing at 92.4 CFS and Duke is showing no flow release for the next three days here. If it remains this way wade fishing in an otherwise tough wading location will be great. This could be the time to take advantage of this flow rate and target some really nice browns.
Tight Line!
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
January 23, 2018
The rain has moved out and we have sunny skies along with some pretty comfortable temperatures. The Tuckasegee River should be rising as they were scheduled to release water at 9 am and 2 pm today. AS of right now the gage is showing a flow rate 99.2 cfs.
Duke is also flowing water on the Lower Nantahala the next couple of days. We also are looking at decent weather most of the week. You can expect temps 40 degrees to 60 degrees in most cases.
I recommend the typical DH flies: Woolly Buggers, Mop Flies, Pheasant Tails Nymphs, Eggs, Zebra Midges, and some soft Hackles. I like fishing the warmest part of the day however fish can be taken first thing in the morning.
Tight Lines!
The rain has moved out and we have sunny skies along with some pretty comfortable temperatures. The Tuckasegee River should be rising as they were scheduled to release water at 9 am and 2 pm today. AS of right now the gage is showing a flow rate 99.2 cfs.
Duke is also flowing water on the Lower Nantahala the next couple of days. We also are looking at decent weather most of the week. You can expect temps 40 degrees to 60 degrees in most cases.
I recommend the typical DH flies: Woolly Buggers, Mop Flies, Pheasant Tails Nymphs, Eggs, Zebra Midges, and some soft Hackles. I like fishing the warmest part of the day however fish can be taken first thing in the morning.
Tight Lines!
Monday, January 22, 2018
January 22, 2018
Currently in Sylva the temperature is 41 degrees and rising with a forecast high of 56 degrees with a chance of light rain later this evening. Skies are cloudy with low winds at the present time. It certainly looks like we are getting a bit of above average temperatures for January which should go along ways in thawing out some frozen streams. The three ponds up Big Cove Road were still frozen Saturday as well as some stream edges in the GSMNP and the Nantahala River areas.
We fished the last two days with varied success. The park was a bit slow but it did produce some trout. Nymphs such as the Killer Bug produced trout. Rainbows and Brook trout were sitting in the lunchroom waiting for a perfectly drifted snack as they were the one caught Saturday.
The Upper Nantahala was all Rainbows for us. Once again the Killer Bug and Walt's Worm were the most productive patterns. We did see some adult Grey Caddis on the rocks on the Upper Nantahala and a few Blue Winged Olives started hatching in the afternoon.
It looks like Duke is not generating on the Nantahala so the Lower Nantahala should be safe to wade the next few days unless they change the release schedule. Always check the flow before getting into the water as this water can rise rapidly.
Tight Lines!
Currently in Sylva the temperature is 41 degrees and rising with a forecast high of 56 degrees with a chance of light rain later this evening. Skies are cloudy with low winds at the present time. It certainly looks like we are getting a bit of above average temperatures for January which should go along ways in thawing out some frozen streams. The three ponds up Big Cove Road were still frozen Saturday as well as some stream edges in the GSMNP and the Nantahala River areas.
We fished the last two days with varied success. The park was a bit slow but it did produce some trout. Nymphs such as the Killer Bug produced trout. Rainbows and Brook trout were sitting in the lunchroom waiting for a perfectly drifted snack as they were the one caught Saturday.
The Upper Nantahala was all Rainbows for us. Once again the Killer Bug and Walt's Worm were the most productive patterns. We did see some adult Grey Caddis on the rocks on the Upper Nantahala and a few Blue Winged Olives started hatching in the afternoon.
It looks like Duke is not generating on the Nantahala so the Lower Nantahala should be safe to wade the next few days unless they change the release schedule. Always check the flow before getting into the water as this water can rise rapidly.
Tight Lines!
Friday, January 19, 2018
January 19, 2018
this weekend is looking like spring preview unlike the weather we have experienced this year. Sunny with highs in the 50's and lower 60's will certainly make many people happy. Looks like Duke will flow the East Fork and West Fork at staggered times on the Tuckasegee this weekend.
I would use my standard Delayed Harvest box with Woolly Buggers, Eggs, Girdle Bugs, and Streamers for the Tuck. Some smaller streams could be good this weekend but still keep in mind that the water is pretty cold and fishing at the warmest part of the day could make your day more productive.
Keep safe and keep a spare change of clothes. The water is cold and a polar plunge could leave you wishing you was better prepared.
Tight Lines!
this weekend is looking like spring preview unlike the weather we have experienced this year. Sunny with highs in the 50's and lower 60's will certainly make many people happy. Looks like Duke will flow the East Fork and West Fork at staggered times on the Tuckasegee this weekend.
I would use my standard Delayed Harvest box with Woolly Buggers, Eggs, Girdle Bugs, and Streamers for the Tuck. Some smaller streams could be good this weekend but still keep in mind that the water is pretty cold and fishing at the warmest part of the day could make your day more productive.
Keep safe and keep a spare change of clothes. The water is cold and a polar plunge could leave you wishing you was better prepared.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
January 16, 2018
Snow is apparently on its way with much colder temps for Wednesday. The weekend is looking promising with maybe a high of 60 on Sunday! They let school out early here today so maybe it will snow.
The Tuckasegee River East Fork is flowing most days non-stop the next three days making wading opportunities marginal but still manageable. We are looking forward to the milder temps and good fishing opportunities.
Fishing small streams should be done in the warmest part of the day. Nymphs are still the best but some midge patterns can take fish. Water clarity is like a class of gin and the fish can see you coming making for some difficult conditions. The fish are gorgeous though making the efforts well worth it.
Tight Lines!
Snow is apparently on its way with much colder temps for Wednesday. The weekend is looking promising with maybe a high of 60 on Sunday! They let school out early here today so maybe it will snow.
The Tuckasegee River East Fork is flowing most days non-stop the next three days making wading opportunities marginal but still manageable. We are looking forward to the milder temps and good fishing opportunities.
Fishing small streams should be done in the warmest part of the day. Nymphs are still the best but some midge patterns can take fish. Water clarity is like a class of gin and the fish can see you coming making for some difficult conditions. The fish are gorgeous though making the efforts well worth it.
Tight Lines!
Thursday, January 11, 2018
January 11, 2018
Most of the ice has left many on the streams and rivers in our local area allowing for some fishing before the cold front moves In this weekend. Most of the area is experiencing showers now with many more on the way making most of Friday a washout. The rain is light at this point making this morning a pretty good day for fishing with the right gear.
I recommend darker nymphs with current conditions. These will cast a better silhouette and should ignite a strike. Play around with depths to locate the holding zones for the trout and they should be eager to eat.
Cherokee is hosting a pretty big Fly Fishing Tournament this weekend so expect some pretty large crowds in the Ravens Fork area.
Tight Lines!
Most of the ice has left many on the streams and rivers in our local area allowing for some fishing before the cold front moves In this weekend. Most of the area is experiencing showers now with many more on the way making most of Friday a washout. The rain is light at this point making this morning a pretty good day for fishing with the right gear.
I recommend darker nymphs with current conditions. These will cast a better silhouette and should ignite a strike. Play around with depths to locate the holding zones for the trout and they should be eager to eat.
Cherokee is hosting a pretty big Fly Fishing Tournament this weekend so expect some pretty large crowds in the Ravens Fork area.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
January 9, 2018
We are a balmy 40 degrees to start this wonderful day and it looks like a warming trend until Saturday and Sunday. Ice is dominating the streams and rivers making for some great photos but the fishing is dangerous. One of our TU Members seen an angler fall thru the ice while he was out doing some photography.
I recommend giving the ice time to melt before heading out to fish. Safety should be paramount regardless of the itch to fish.
Tight Lines!
We are a balmy 40 degrees to start this wonderful day and it looks like a warming trend until Saturday and Sunday. Ice is dominating the streams and rivers making for some great photos but the fishing is dangerous. One of our TU Members seen an angler fall thru the ice while he was out doing some photography.
I recommend giving the ice time to melt before heading out to fish. Safety should be paramount regardless of the itch to fish.
Tight Lines!
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
January 2, 2018
We are waking up to some very low temperatures this morning and to be frank it is going to be this way for the next 10 to 15 days. This morning I had a reading of 1.6 degrees and the thermometer in town showed 7 degrees. Nonetheless it is cold and we are going to stay this way for sometime. Scotts Creek here in town has ice on the surface this morning so it is cold.
You may ask how is the fishing and what should we use. Well I am not going today or the next couple of days even though I have the proper gear for these conditions. I am not risking hypothermia and neither should you. The flow schedule for the Tuckasegee River is all over the place so the flow rate will look like a roller coaster ride, up and down and we don't know whats around the next curve.
We did fish last week and we did good. Girdle Bugs worked well for me. I found that is was important to slowdown and work the water where trout are holding in these temperatures. I used tungsten putty to adjust the weight until I found the sweet spot and then it was game on. These trout aren't moving much so you will have to put the presentation in the dining room if you want them to eat.
Be safe if you get out. My advice is to stay in and tie some bugs.
Tight Lines!
We are waking up to some very low temperatures this morning and to be frank it is going to be this way for the next 10 to 15 days. This morning I had a reading of 1.6 degrees and the thermometer in town showed 7 degrees. Nonetheless it is cold and we are going to stay this way for sometime. Scotts Creek here in town has ice on the surface this morning so it is cold.
You may ask how is the fishing and what should we use. Well I am not going today or the next couple of days even though I have the proper gear for these conditions. I am not risking hypothermia and neither should you. The flow schedule for the Tuckasegee River is all over the place so the flow rate will look like a roller coaster ride, up and down and we don't know whats around the next curve.
We did fish last week and we did good. Girdle Bugs worked well for me. I found that is was important to slowdown and work the water where trout are holding in these temperatures. I used tungsten putty to adjust the weight until I found the sweet spot and then it was game on. These trout aren't moving much so you will have to put the presentation in the dining room if you want them to eat.
Be safe if you get out. My advice is to stay in and tie some bugs.
Tight Lines!
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