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Saturday, January 28, 2012
Early November was the last time I fished. The long "trout drought" finally ended today on a wild stream in WNC. I continuously asked myself if I still knew how to fish. It's been awhile! The tippet is the end of the leader, right?
My initial plan was to fish for wild brookies. The Park Service closed the gates (and likely won't open them until spring), so I marked brook trout off of my list and resorted to fishing a nearby wild rainbow stream. Wild streams can be hard to fish in the winter, as wild fish tend to be much more lethargic and secretive than stockers. The stream I fished—a small, 10ft wide tributary—looked fishy, but only gave up 1 vibrantly colorful wild rainbow and several misses. In my book, 1 wild trout in the winter, equals about 10 in the summer. Great day to be out on the water! 
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A lot of folks have been asking if the fishing will be worthwhile this weekend, given the rain we're seeing. The short answer, is yes, as long as you play it safe. Rivers and streams will rise, as a general .75-1" is expected across many portions of WNC on top of the rainfall we've already picked up. I highly doubt the Davidson will spike to 3,000 cfs, or Wilson Creek will be completely blown out, but there will be plenty of water to contend with. Periodically check the water levels here.
More water means streamers, large nymphs, and heavier tippet will serve you well (in most places). Try a San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormie, Ooey Gooey Grub, Vinyl Rib Stone, or an egg pattern on 4x. If you're failing to hook up, don't immediately change your pattern, but tie on a smaller size. Anglers tend to initially reach for the larger sizes, because they're more visible (I'm guilty!). Usually it's a fly that's too big that strays fish away, not necessarily the pattern itself. Try a dropper. Tie on a larger, heavier nymph, such as a stonefly. This will act as your lead fly and will get both flies down to the bottom. Tie on a smaller fly behind your lead fly. A lot of times, the larger stone will attract a trout's attention only for the fish to settle for the smaller pattern trailing behind.
If you head out, enjoy! Watch the water levels carefully!
-Tyler
Friday, January 13, 2012
"I think I fish, in part, because it's an anti-social, bohemian business that, when gone about properly, puts you forever outside the mainstream culture without actually landing you in an institution." John Gierach
For some, it's solitude. Others agree it's an incurable addiction. Some folks will tell you it's not about catching fish, but rather it's spending time with family and friends that makes fishing worthwhile. If you put these reasons—along with many more—into a blender and mix it all up, the proverbial smoothie would be my reason. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to fish in numerous states, from Florida to Montana. I've found that catching fish isn't the only variable in the equation, although it is at the top of almost every angler's to-do lists. Fish aside, I find myself captivated by the scenery, the people, the experiences, the culture of the different regions you visit, the memories, the laughs, the time spent with loved ones... The list goes on and on. Everyone has their reasons, some unique, some shared by many others. Because you're reading this, I'm inclined to believe fly fishing keeps you sane. That roaring river, that tranquil lake, or that crystal clear bonefish flat, is likely your home away from home. It is for me. So, as an angler, why do you fish?
Friday, January 6, 2012
North Carolina has its fair share of unusual winters. If you've lived here long enough, you're probably nodding in agreement. This winter has been nothing short of unusual. Snow, while the higher elevations have received some, has eluded most of us thus far and the bitter cold just won't settle in like it relentlessly did last winter. When you combine warmer-than-average temps and virtually no accumulating snow in most areas, you get some better-than-average fishing conditions... Usually. Sitting in an office, or sitting in class on days like today have you constantly dreaming about wading in a river somewhere. With a SW wind and full sun, much of WNC hit the 60s. Tomorrow looks even better, despite the chance for a few showers. Savor it while it lasts, because it looks like the cold is coming back. I'd get a trout fix while it's relatively warm.
If you hit the DH waters, make sure you have an assortment of patterns. Princes, Copper Johns, Micro Mays, Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears, Hise's Hetero-Genius, Squirmy Wormies, San Juan Worms, Para Adams, Para BWOs, Woolly Buggers, Slumpbusters, and so on, should bring plenty of fish to your net.
Don't know where to go? Here's some destinations to consider:
1) Stone Mountain State Park DH
2) Wilson Creek DH
3) Davidson River
4) North Mills DH
5) Nantahala River
6) The Smokies. Can't go wrong with fishing the Park. Whether it be the Oconaluftee, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Little River, Cosby Creek, or Abrams Creek, you should discover some decent fishing opportunities. If you get skunked, the scenery should make up for it, as always.
Send in any fish pics you'd like to share on the THFF Fish Wall! Shoot me an email, or send them to me via Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
Enjoy the weekend!
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