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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Above is a picture of the famed Madison Range in Montana. Right in the center of the picture, you can see a distinct treeline bordering the Madison River. I took this one right after a storm blew through.
1.) September is coming to a close, as today is the last day of September, and tomorrow is the beginning of October. Colder temperatures are giving it away. Right now the temperature is 79 as of 3:30, but Friday morning breaks the warm spell, with a forecasted low of 46 here in the Charlotte area. The mountains will be exceptionally cooler. Mt. Mitchell will make it down to only 37 early Friday morning. Folks, it is cold enough to snow at 37. It won't stick to the ground, but the atmosphere is cold enough for snow to fall. If I'm not mistaken the atmosphere must be at the maximum, 41 degrees to support the formation of ice crystals. To bad it will be clear and dry that morning.
2.) Like I said yesterday, I will give a detailed fishing report today. Fishing has still been on the good side. Other than lower than normal flows in many streams, the fish still go after a well presented dry or small nymph. Trying small #16-18 BH PT nymphs will produce fish, as well as a Green Weenie in sizes of 12-16. BWO nymphs will also work, especially in sizes of 16-22. Really any general nymph in sizes 14-18 will get you a few fish.
With the temps sitting in the mid to upper 70's up in the high country, go ahead and try a #12-14 hopper. Most grasshoppers will be out of the grass and gone in about 2-3 weeks due to frost. Also, for some reason, beetles are working. I am going to update the fly chart to the right for the month of October, either today or tomorrow.
Here are a few selected river flows for the USGS water survey.
- Davidson River (the "D") @ Brevard.....30 cfs
- Watauga River at Sugar Grove.....52 cfs
- Oconoluftee River (the 'Luftee) @ Birdtown.....94 cfs
- Nantahala River @ Rainbow Springs.....45 cfs
- Cataloochee Creek @ Cataloochee.....17 cfs
- Tuckassegee River @ Bryson City.....248 cfs
- South Toe River @ Celo.....111 cfs
Here are a few out of state, but not to far from, river flows.
- South Fork Holston River @ Damascus, VA.....108 cfs
- Clinch River @ Tazewell, TN.....132 cfs
- Tellico River @ Tellico Plains, TN......22 cfs...way below average of 129 cfs.
If you are thinking about taking a trip out to Montana, then here are some water flows.
- Madison River below Ennis Lake....1,310 cfs
- Gallatin River @ Gallatin Gateway.....440 cfs
- Bighorn River @ St. Xavier.....2,740 cfs
- Big Hole River @ Melrose.....357 cfs
- Flathead River @ Polson.....7,560 cfs
- Ruby River @ Alder......157 cfs
3.) From what I've heard the Madison River from the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers in Yellowstone, all the way to Three Forks, Montana, are on fire. The Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson are all fishing very well right now. 1,310 cfs on the Madison vs. 17 cfs on Cataloochee, I think I would rather be out west this time of year. The folks at Madison River Fly Fishing Co. said that the leaves are red and orange, and the nights are starting to get chilly. Montana has had a superb fly fishing season, due to all of the snow melt. They had a record year for stream flows this year, which means it is not very good fishing early, say in May-July, but come October, the fishing is absolutely wonderful. I also would recommend fishing the alpine lakes high up in the mountains. We fished these extensively, and I loved going up to Axolotl Lake every evening and watching the cutthroats rise (more like fly out of the water and land with a big splash) to chironimid adults. Man, was that a fun trip out there.
4.) I have been tying some BWO patterns for the next couple of months. I usually tie them on a #14-18 TMC2457 (scud hook). I use fibers from a pheasant tail as the tail, and then a peacock quill stripped of all the "fuzz". The fly doesn't have a wingcase, but instead a wet fly profile, with Indian Partridge hackle for the legs.
5.) Might post later today...if not then manana.
Monday, September 29, 2008
1.) Sorry this post was late, I really have not had much time today to even sit down. With that being said, fishing has been great. Some places here in Charlotte made it up to 83 degrees today. This will change, and if you have ever heard the phrase "warm weather always reflects to cool weather", then you may witness it this week. If the weatherman is correct, we may only be in the mid 40's early Friday morning. The cold air of last week was here, and then it was gone.....for now.
2.) I will have a detailed fishing report posted tomorrow afternoon, but until then here is the makeshift report. I have not been up on the trout stream for about 3 weeks, but I have heard great things when it comes to fishing in the high country. Water levels aren't terrible, water temps are excellent, and the cold, turbulent water is aiding in the development of dissolved oxygen, which trout need to survive. As for flies, check Sunday's report for a list of go-to flies for the state right now. Again, I will post a detailed report tomorrow afternoon.
2.) I will have a detailed fishing report posted tomorrow afternoon, but until then here is the makeshift report. I have not been up on the trout stream for about 3 weeks, but I have heard great things when it comes to fishing in the high country. Water levels aren't terrible, water temps are excellent, and the cold, turbulent water is aiding in the development of dissolved oxygen, which trout need to survive. As for flies, check Sunday's report for a list of go-to flies for the state right now. Again, I will post a detailed report tomorrow afternoon.
- Fly Fishing in the Winter -In this article, fly fishing in the winter is discussed. Tips, techniques, and info are included, all of which aid in an angler's success during the cold, winter months.
- Fly Fishing in the Spring -In this article, fly fishing in the spring is discussed. Tips, techniques, and info are included about fishing in the warmer, more pleasant days of spring.
- Bluelining for Brookies -Bluelining for native southern Appalachian brook trout is a fun, but sometimes daunting task to accomplish. In this article, topics include where to find brookies, where they live, and how they can be caught.
- Terrestrial Season in the Smokies -Summer brings with it heat, low water, and terrestrials. They're effective!
- Fishing in Cold Weather -Whether it be during a cold spell in October, or a bone chilling period in mid January, cold weather requires a switch to some different tactics. In this article, you will discover these tactics.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
1.) The Panthers continue to stay strong as they won against the Falcons 24-9. Great game, Muhsin Muhammad and Steve Smith played very well, and Jake Delhomme was ready to get another win. Carolina moves to 3-1, and hopefully they will move to 4-1 next week, when they play the Kansas City Chiefs.
2.) The weather has been fantastic today. A few showers have developed, but spotty in nature. Try your best to get out on the water and wet a line.
Sunny skies combined with 75 degree temperatures, it just doesn't get any better.
Nymphs have been the winner lately, but, since the temperatures are warm, BWO's may hatch, as well as cream midges, so have some of those ready. 6x and 7x tippets are good, as well as 9-12 foot leaders due to the clear water.
Here are a few good nymph patterns to try.
#16 BH Pheasant Tail Nymph
#14-18 Hares Ear Nymph
#16 Lightning Bug
#12-16 Prince Nymphs
#8-10 Black Stonefly Nymphs
#16 Green Weenie
#16-20 Copper John
#16-22 Green Caddis Larvae
#20-28 Midges (red, black cream, blue)
Here are a few dries to try.
#14-16 Royal Wulff
#16 Tan Elk Hair Caddis
#16 Adams
#16-18 beetles
#20-26 cream midges
Saturday, September 27, 2008
1.) Well the mountains (especially the southern half of the NC mountains) didn't get enough rain to really make the water go up substantially. I guess that goes to show you that fly fisherman aren't exactly always truthful. Anywho, here in Kannapolis we received about an inch of rain according to the CoCoRaHS website. The Davidson River area over near Brevard received only approximately 0.03 inches. Still, streams aren't stagnant by any means, but they will be if rain doesn't regularly come. Boone on the other hand received plenty of rain. According to CoCoRaHS, they accumulated up to 3.12 inches. This is more than enough to bring the Watauga back up. Currently 'tauga is at 200 cfs. This is 95 cfs above average. Hit the Watauga if you can instead of the Davidson. I think the trout on the"D" need to get a break from us fisherman, until the water reaches 40 cfs or more.
2.) Not much has changed from yesterday's report. The exception would be the Watauga, South/North Toe, Linville, and New River, which all received hefty amounts of rain from this low pressure, so using big streamers, and large black stonefly nymphs will catch the most fish.
3.) We are currently thinking about possibly taking a fly fishing trip up in the Smokies later in November or early December. We may camp in one of the many campgrounds in the park. Most likely it will be Elkmont on the Tennessee side of the park; hopefully it won't snow up there, because the Smokies almost regularly get snow by December, even though it is mostly limited to night and higher elevations. I am preparing for a trip back to the Smokies, in Townsend Tennessee in May, where I am teaching and demonstrating the techniques used to tie my flies, at Troutfest. I think Troutfest will be a very productive event.
4.) The Panthers play tomorrow, against Atlanta, and I don't have any clue as to who will take the win. We'll see.
Friday, September 26, 2008
1.) Man, am I glad to see the weekend. This week has gone by way to slow. Fridays are always good days for me, while Mondays are the worst.
2.) It has been raining ever since about 9 PM last night. Forecasters are saying the rain will be out of here by at the latest noon of tomorrow. Here in Kannapolis, the temperature is sitting at 65 as of 4:00. The wind has died down, and the rain isn't heavy, but a steady rain nonetheless. This low pressure that is bringing all of this rain, looks more like a tropical storm, or a weak hurricane, due to it's spin and defined "eye". Things shape up and look much better by late Saturday and the rest of the weekend.
3.) Water levels are rising; although some mountain rivers and streams aren't high and have not increased their water flow, it will change over the next couple of hours or so. Here are some current water levels from the USGS.
2.) It has been raining ever since about 9 PM last night. Forecasters are saying the rain will be out of here by at the latest noon of tomorrow. Here in Kannapolis, the temperature is sitting at 65 as of 4:00. The wind has died down, and the rain isn't heavy, but a steady rain nonetheless. This low pressure that is bringing all of this rain, looks more like a tropical storm, or a weak hurricane, due to it's spin and defined "eye". Things shape up and look much better by late Saturday and the rest of the weekend.
3.) Water levels are rising; although some mountain rivers and streams aren't high and have not increased their water flow, it will change over the next couple of hours or so. Here are some current water levels from the USGS.
- Davidson River at Brevard, 27 cfs...average is 97 cfs (33 cfs below normal)
- Watauga River near Sugar Grove, 33 cfs...average is 77 cfs (44 cfs below normal)
- Nantahala River near Rainbow Springs, 47 cfs...average is 107 cfs (60 cfs below normal)
- South Toe River near Celo, 111 cfs...average is 100 cfs (11 cfs above normal)
- Oconaluftee River at Birdtown, 96 cfs...average is 259 cfs (163 cfs below normal)
- Cataloochee Creek near Cataloochee, 17 cfs...average is 52 (35 below normal)
4.) If you decide to wet a line today or the first half of tomorrow, expect BWO's to be hatching, due to the cooler weather, and cloudy dreary conditions. As you can see above, the trout streams are on their way back up, and when they get full, fish will tackle a big Zonker or streamer. Dredging the bottom with a #8 black stonefly nymph may also get some fish on the board. With all of this rain, some streams may be muddy, and if so, use this opportunity to fish with 3x and 4x tippet. If your stream is still low and flowing clear, stick with small nymphs and dries, as well as light tippets(6x-8x). BWO nymphs in sizes 16-20 would be perfect. Also carry some Copper Johns, Hare's Ears, and PT Nymphs in sizes of 14-20). Try a Green Weenie, they seem to work this time of year. If you plan on heading out to the river, bringing your waders and wading boots, are equally as important as bringing your fly rod, because of the cold water temps.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
1.) Rain is on it's way here in the Carolinas. It's about time, the streams were dropping quick. Tomorrow the official high is 63. This is unusual for NC because the average for Kannapolis is about 79. It is WINDY out there, so hold on, and try not to blow away. Wind gusts here in the Piedmont may reach 30 MPH. This is a text book example of a nor'easter. This kind of setup with cold air mixed, give us the most reliable chances for snow in the Winter and early Spring. If I'm not mistaken, the same setup occured back in February of 2004, when get this, 2 feet of the white stuff fell upon us here in the Charlotte area. It seems as if we only get big snows every 4-6 years. I think we are due for a big one this Winter.2.) Regarding the report, I would say that the same old, same old, small nymphs and midges are just fine. When the rain starts falling, and the rivers start going up, try big #4 Zonkers, and streamers. Also, big, black stonefly nymphs will work. If the water gets stained or muddy, don't waste your casting for the result of breaking off one of the large browns, go with 4x and even 2x and 3x if the water is muddy enough.
1.) Once again the temps were on the chilly side here in the Piedmont of NC. The mercury read 53 this morning at 7:00. It did not feel like 53. I think the high winds and gusts up to 30 mph made the wind chill drop. With a temperature of 53 degrees, the trout are living a dream. Brook trout are comfortable living in a stream that ranges from 40-68 degrees. 68 is a high, but tolerable temp for a brook trout, and the magical number us fly fisherman hate the most is the 70 degree mark. A temp of 70 brings trout from their normal feeding lanes, to the deep, dark recesses of the stream..... which in the Summer, these "recesses" turn to puddles leaving the trout with nowhere to go. I feel as if we are living on the Beaverhead in Montana, where irrigation demands bring the rivers down to a trickle. When I was out in Montana this past June, ALL of the rivers were flowing very high, due to runoff from the snow up in the mountains (man was I jealous.) We just had to resort to the alpine lakes like Axolotl and Sureshot. The scenery was extraordinary. Here you have a glacially formed lake, packed with cutthroat trout and arctic grayling, with Bald Eagles soaring above you. I didn't even think about fishing down in the valley.
2.) On with the report. Fishing is still great right now, due to cooler water temps and a little bit of a boost in stream levels. I should add that Blue Wing Olive mayflies may make their appearance on the cool, damp, and cloudy days. Terrestrials should be coming to a close in within about 2 weeks, with the upcoming first frost. With the cooler days and exceptionally cooler nights, they are slow, and not as active without the heat of the day. Really, BH BWO nymphs in sizes ranging from #18-22 will work great. The key this time of year is to use small nymphs and small tippet sizes. Midges may also be prevalent, especially on the Davidson River, so be ready. Experiment with your favorite nymph patterns, and have at it.
2.) On with the report. Fishing is still great right now, due to cooler water temps and a little bit of a boost in stream levels. I should add that Blue Wing Olive mayflies may make their appearance on the cool, damp, and cloudy days. Terrestrials should be coming to a close in within about 2 weeks, with the upcoming first frost. With the cooler days and exceptionally cooler nights, they are slow, and not as active without the heat of the day. Really, BH BWO nymphs in sizes ranging from #18-22 will work great. The key this time of year is to use small nymphs and small tippet sizes. Midges may also be prevalent, especially on the Davidson River, so be ready. Experiment with your favorite nymph patterns, and have at it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
1.) I stepped outside today with shorts and a long sleeve shirt on; it was chilly out there. The weather just keeps getting better and better. I noticed yesterday, that the leaves on the surrounding oak trees in our community our starting to develop yellow outlines. It won't be long.
2.) The trout streams are still around the levels they were holding at yesterday. Small nymphs, small terrestrials and #14-18 Adams have been the ticket lately. Better yet pick your favorite dry fly and your favorite small nymph and try that as a dry/dropper. The big, male brown trout are starting to get fatter and now you can see that classic, distinct, deep hooked jaw all spawning male brown trout get. If this tropical system (what could eventually become Kyle) comes up and into NC, streams may drastically go up, in return giving us fly fisherman the chance to try big, meaty Zonkers and # 6 wooly buggers.
3.) Well, the Chargers stomped the Jets last night, 48-29. Good game, both teams worked hard. Brett Favre wasn't half bad either. More later.
2.) The trout streams are still around the levels they were holding at yesterday. Small nymphs, small terrestrials and #14-18 Adams have been the ticket lately. Better yet pick your favorite dry fly and your favorite small nymph and try that as a dry/dropper. The big, male brown trout are starting to get fatter and now you can see that classic, distinct, deep hooked jaw all spawning male brown trout get. If this tropical system (what could eventually become Kyle) comes up and into NC, streams may drastically go up, in return giving us fly fisherman the chance to try big, meaty Zonkers and # 6 wooly buggers.
3.) Well, the Chargers stomped the Jets last night, 48-29. Good game, both teams worked hard. Brett Favre wasn't half bad either. More later.
Monday, September 22, 2008
I just looked at http://accuweather.com/ and believe it or not, we may be in line for some lower 40's, and keep your fingers crossed for maybe some upper 30's for lows next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday here in the Charlotte area. Boone may struggle to make it out of the 40's as a high, with low 30's at night next Wednesday!!! Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Black Hills made it down to a -34 degrees on Jan. 1st of 1985 (I don't think there is or has ever been a record of -34 here in the Piedmont since the last Ice Age, but, just throwing some facts out there.) This is a week away and it probably will change, but if you take the forecasts verbatim it may be a cold one on those few mornings. All I can say is it is about that time to start taking those long forgotten sweaters out of the attic. Even though we live in NC, there are no Ice Age blizzards or temperatures, but it does snow, and it can and does often get into the lower 20's at night in the Winter here in the western Carolinas. Make it a good night. More manana.
1.) I am going to start out this post with a fishing report. As of 3:00 PM Boone is sitting at a temperature of 74 with sunny skies. Water flows aren't horrible either. Currently, Davidson River is at 30 CFS, which is half of it's normal flow of 60 CFS. The Watauga River is at 35 CFS, with an average flow of 49 CFS, so not to bad to be on the trout stream. But, things can and do turn around and we begin asking that question, "what happened to the stream"? Like I said with the previous posts, cooler water means more active trout, less water, means stressed fish, thin water, and extremely clear water clarity. If you want to go fishing, use at the heaviest, 6x tippet, if not 7x..... 8x? You decide. Fish may be feeding on small Isonychia adults, if the wind is calm, as well as small #16-20 Light Cahills. It still isn't to late to use small hoppers, beetles, ants, and inchworms, and this will be the case until the first frost. Up in Boone, rain may be on the way, sporadic in nature, but nonetheless rain. This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and then again on Tuesday the 30th, yield a 30% chance each day. Which is good news for now. Hopefully moisture from soon to be Kyle will come up our way, before things get back to a persisting drought. At least the mercury is falling from an average temp of 95 to an average of about 75.
2.) First day of Fall, and here in my hometown of Kannapolis, NC it is 79 degrees at 3:30. If fly fishing had a specific season I think it would be Fall. Cool temps, beautiful scenery, and great fishing add up to make this a wonderful couple of months. More later enjoy the first afternoon of Fall.
2.) First day of Fall, and here in my hometown of Kannapolis, NC it is 79 degrees at 3:30. If fly fishing had a specific season I think it would be Fall. Cool temps, beautiful scenery, and great fishing add up to make this a wonderful couple of months. More later enjoy the first afternoon of Fall.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Fall Foliage time is almost here, and fly fishing up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or in the Smokies can really be absolutely spectacular. Smoky Mountain National Park will be bright red come early October. In fact, they should be starting to turn yellow and orange right now. There will be a lot of people in the park and up on the Parkway, but if you time it right, say on a weekday, there might not be as many tourists. To tell you the truth, I can't wait until it gets cold and snow starts falling. Fall and Winter have always been my two favorite seasons, especially for fly fishing, which isn't half bad even in the dead of Winter. Anywho, more bloggin' tomorrow.
Green Weenie Fly
Popular sizes: 12, 14, 16
Hook Type: 2X long nymph
Thread: Chartreuse 6/0
Body: Chartreuse Vernille or Ultra Chenille looped at bend and then wound over shank.
Head: Tying thread built up and epoxied.
The Green Weenie fly has dual imitation purposes, meaning this fly can look like a caddis larvae or a drowned inch worm.
1.) Fishing is still going strong, as long as you are careful not to spook the fish, due to the clarity of the water. The usual dry/dropper combo still works almost anywhere you plan on fishing. Green Weenies have been one of the top flies, according to the trout. Use these flies as a dropper, with a beetle, or small hopper as your dry.
2.) As of right now, it doesn't look like much rain is on the way for at least the next week or so. The streams and rivers are dropping rapidly once more, but like I said in the last post, the temperatures are on their way down. So until we get a lot more rain, I would stick with flies on the smaller side. 7x tippet wouldn't hurt either.
3.) Panthers play today at 1:00 PM. I can't wait to see what Steve Smith has in store for us. I think it is going to be a great game, as long as the defense can stop the Viking's Adrian Peterson.
More on the game later.
2.) As of right now, it doesn't look like much rain is on the way for at least the next week or so. The streams and rivers are dropping rapidly once more, but like I said in the last post, the temperatures are on their way down. So until we get a lot more rain, I would stick with flies on the smaller side. 7x tippet wouldn't hurt either.
3.) Panthers play today at 1:00 PM. I can't wait to see what Steve Smith has in store for us. I think it is going to be a great game, as long as the defense can stop the Viking's Adrian Peterson.
More on the game later.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Fly Fishing Links:
Fly Shops:
Carolina (and a few great out-of-state) Guides:
Other links worth checking out:
- A Guide to Fly Fishing NC
- Alen Baker's Top 40 NC Trout Streams
- AM Fly Fishing
- Blue Ridge TU
- Casters Online Fly Shop
- Fishy Kid.org
- Fly Fishing Entomology.com
- Guide to Fishing WNC
- Land O' Sky TU
- The Examiner: Michael Darmes Fly Fishing Articles
- Fly Fish SC
- Pisgah TU
- Tar Heel Fly Fishing Forum
- The Fly Fishing Community
- Trashflies.com
- Troutfest 2010 site
- Tyler Befus.com
- TroutU.com | Trout University
- Zach Yak Fishing Adventures Blog
- http://www.mikeymanonthefly.com/
Fly Shops:
- Hunter Banks Co.- Asheville, NC
- Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters (Carolina Fly Fishing) - Cornelius, NC
- Casters Fly Shop- Hickory, NC
- Curtis Wright Outfitters- Weaverville, NC
- Davidson River Outfitters- Pisgah Forest, NC
- Appalachian Angler- Boone, NC
- One Fly Outfitters (Brand new shop)- Black Mountain, NC
- Table Rock Angler- Morganton, NC
- Rivers Edge Outfitters- Spruce Pine, NC
- Rivers Edge Outfitters Cherokee- Cherokee, NC
- Little River Outfitters- Townsend, TN
- Lowcountry Fly Shop- Mt. Pleasant, SC
Carolina (and a few great out-of-state) Guides:
- Jeff Wilkins
- Capt. Paul Rose
- Capt. Gordon Churchill
- The guys at Altamont Anglers
- Dave Hise
- Derek Young - Yakima River, Washington State
- Joe Demalderis- Delaware River
- Bo Cash
- Starr Nolan
- Sean McKay- East TN/Smokies
- Clay Aalders- East TN/Smokies
- Randy Ratliff
- Brown Hobson - Brown Trout Fly Fishing
- Ian and Charity Rutter (R & R Fly Fishing) - Townsend, TN
- FlyFishn Outfitters
Other links worth checking out:
- Simms
- R.L. Winston
- Patagonia
- Orvis
- Sage
- Scott
- Scientific Anglers
- Rapanui Clothing
- American Towns.com/Charlotte
- Stillwater Fishing Online
- Boater Exam.com
Have any questions about fly fishing in North Carolina or a question about the blog? Feel free to shoot me an email at wncflyfishing@gmail.com or, you can leave a comment below each post. I'll get back to you ASAP.
Welcome to THFF.com! We're glad you stopped by. THFF was created in September 2008. You'll find fishing reports, tips, essays, articles, videos, pictures, fly tying, ramblings, and stuff mainly revolving around angling in the state of North Carolina. If you click on the "THFF Forum" tab above, you'll be redirected to the Tar Heel Fly Fishing Forum. New members on the forum are always welcome!
If you have any questions about THFF, whether it be a question about fly fishing or a question about the blog, feel free to email me. I'd love to hear from you.
Tight lines,
Tyler Legg
If you have any questions about THFF, whether it be a question about fly fishing or a question about the blog, feel free to email me. I'd love to hear from you.
Tight lines,
Tyler Legg
Troutfest 2009 is going to be a big hit in May of next year. There will be tons of fly tyers and famous fly casters demonstrating there. I will be there doing fly tying demonstrations, and exploring Troutfest. Come o
n out on the 16th and 17th of May 2009 and help make this a great event. The money made will go to Trout Unlimited to help with the native brook trout stream restoration here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit Troutfest.org or go to Little River Outfitters.com for more info.
n out on the 16th and 17th of May 2009 and help make this a great event. The money made will go to Trout Unlimited to help with the native brook trout stream restoration here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit Troutfest.org or go to Little River Outfitters.com for more info.
This is not a complete recommended flies chart. It's a basic outline of the types of flies that are working right now. Nonetheless, try some of these. Updated on a monthly basis.
August
Nymphs
- #12-16 Hot Wire Prince
- #12-16 Prince Nymph
- #12-16 San Juan Worms (A chartreuse San Juan will imitate an inchworm very well).
- #12-18 Hise's Hetero-Genius
- #14-18 Copper Johns
- #20-30 Thread midges (red, black, olive, tan)#14-20 Pheasant Tail Nymph (BH or no BH)
- BH Lightning Bug #14-18
Dries
- #12-16 Stimulator (Yellow Stimis are working the best)
- #12-14 Turk's Turantula
- #12-18 Royal Wulff
- #12-18 Adams/Para Adams
- #14-20 Elk Hair Caddis
- #18-22 BWO
- #18-26 Griffith's Gnat
- #20-30 Thread midges (red, black, olive, tan)
- #8-10 Woolly Buggers (black, olive, white, etc)
- #14 Hendrickson
- #14 Female Adams
- #12 Isonychias
Streamers (best during high, stained to muddy water)
- #4-6 Zonker
- #6 Zoo Cougar
- #8-10 Woolly Buggers
- #8-10 Slumpbuster
- #6-10 Foxee Red Minnow
Terrestrials are everywhere and the fish know it!
- #12-18 Beetle
- #14-22 Ant (dry or wet)
- #8-14 Hoppers
- #12-16 Inchworm (foam, deer, etc)
- #12-14 Green Weenie (In my opinion, the best fly an angler can fish right now. It's a fish magnet.)
1.) The Carolina Panthers play tomorrow against the Minnesota Vikings. We now have WR Steve Smith playing for the first time this season which means he is fired up and wants a win. The last 2 games were won by the Panthers, meaning we are leading in the NFC. The first game against the San Diego Chargers (W 26-24) and the second (W 20-17) against the Chicago Bears, really helped this team to rebound from last season.
2.) Regarding the trout streams in Western NC, the water levels are still on their way down, but in return the temperatures are cooling off and the trout are much happier. At this time the Davidson River at Brevard, NC is running at 31 cfs and the normal is about 62 cfs. The Nantahala River is at 52 cfs with a normal flow being at 77 cfs. Most fly fisherman are using a dry and dropper combination, for example a #12 hopper or #14 beetle with a #16 copper John or greenie weenie. The trout are currently stocking up for the Winter, and most fish will at least look at a properly presented fly. It won't be long before the big male browns start spawning and protecting their Redd's.
3.) Fall is almost here, and officially starts late Monday morning. Up in Boone the temperatures are already dropping down to the upper to mid 40's at night, and warming only to the 60's! This is absolutely classic fly fishing weather and the fish are a lot more comfortable feeding even in the middle of the day. All I can say is bring it on.
2.) Regarding the trout streams in Western NC, the water levels are still on their way down, but in return the temperatures are cooling off and the trout are much happier. At this time the Davidson River at Brevard, NC is running at 31 cfs and the normal is about 62 cfs. The Nantahala River is at 52 cfs with a normal flow being at 77 cfs. Most fly fisherman are using a dry and dropper combination, for example a #12 hopper or #14 beetle with a #16 copper John or greenie weenie. The trout are currently stocking up for the Winter, and most fish will at least look at a properly presented fly. It won't be long before the big male browns start spawning and protecting their Redd's.
3.) Fall is almost here, and officially starts late Monday morning. Up in Boone the temperatures are already dropping down to the upper to mid 40's at night, and warming only to the 60's! This is absolutely classic fly fishing weather and the fish are a lot more comfortable feeding even in the middle of the day. All I can say is bring it on.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Welcome to the THFF.com Fish Wall! If you have an NC related fishing photo and you'd like to share it, feel free to send it to me at wncflyfishing@gmail.com, via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or over on the forum. I'll post it to the wall. Please include where you caught the fish (only if it's a well known stream/lake, never want to give away those secret locations) and specify whether or not you would like your name under the photo (if not, anonymous will be used).
Large Bradley Fork rainbow caught by Josh Wells.
Young angler guided by Capt. Paul Rose with a very nice Lake Norman carp!
A Lake Norman carp in the shallows. Photo by Capt. Paul Rose
Another Lake Norman carp. Photo by Capt. Paul Rose.
Monster smallie caught on Wilson Creek by fellow blogger Kevin Frank. Check out Kevin's blog, here.
Can you say P.I.G? Behemoth of a largemouth caught in eastern NC by angler Clark Harris.
This is not a complete recommended flies chart. It's a basic outline of the types of flies that are working right now. Nonetheless, try some of these. Updated on a monthly basis.
May
Nymphs
- #12-16 Hot Wire Prince
- #12-16 Prince Nymph
- #12-16 San Juan Worms
- #12-18 Hise's Hetero-Genius
- #14-18 Copper Johns
- #20-30 Thread midges (red, black, olive, tan)
- #18-24 WD-40
- #14-20 Pheasant Tail Nymph (BH or no BH)
- BH Lightning Bug #14-18
- #18-24 BWO Nymph or emerger
- #14-20 Lightning Bug
- #16-22 Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Nymph
- #16-22 Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Giant Vinyl Rib Stone
- #16 Sly and the Family Stone
- Squirmy Wormie
- Green Weenie
Dries
- #1-18 Para Adams/Yellow Para Adams
- #18-22 BWO (standard, parachute, and Thorax dun)
- #18-24 Griffith's Gnat
- #12-14 Quill Gordon
- #18-20 Blue Quill
- #16-18 Black Elk Hair Caddis
- #16-18 black Stimulator
- #8-10 Green Drake
- #16-18 Light Cahill
- #14 Hendrickson
- #12 March Brown
- #16-18 Sulphur
Streamers
When the waters rise due to heavy rain/melting snow, tie on a streamer.- Zonker
- Zoo Cougar
- Woolly Buggers (black, olive, white, etc)
- Slumpbuster
- Foxee Red Minnow
- Sheila Sculpin
- Muddler Minnow
- Sculpzilla
- Matuka
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