1.) I arrived in Vols Country Saturday Afternoon after a 6 hour trip from Kannapolis (took the scenic route through the Nantahala River area). As we drove through Robbinsville I noticed the crowds were definately here. I also noticed the tuber hatch on the Lower Nantahala River. Most fisherman think that the tubers scare the fish out of a pool on the Nantahala. The fish have become accustomed to watching the big, yellow, tubes float by. Of course the fish are going to get a little skittish for a moment, but they most likely aren't going to take off 2 miles upstream. The Nantahala River is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest rivers in the state. It's also one of the best trout streams in the state. It's listed along with the Davidson River in Trout Unlimited's Top 100 Trout Streams in North America.

2.) I decided to establish a fishing report over in the left hand column. I included weather conditions and water levels for the Northern NC mountains and the Southern NC mountains. The water levels are very convienient as they automatically update after refreshing your browser. Tell me if it's a good idea or if there is anything else useful that can be added. I'm thinking about posting TN tailwater conditions such as the Caney Fork, SoHo, Clinch, Hiwassee, Cumberland, etc, due to the popularity of these rivers.

1.) All I have to say is "MAJOR skunking" for me on the Davidson. The fish were not cooperative at all. I did get numerous strikes, including a fight with a rainbow for 5 seconds before he popped the fly out. Sometimes the fish are overly eager to grab your fly, other times, not so much. Oh well, maybe next time...

2.) After biting my teeth on the "D". We decided to head up to the headwaters of Looking Glass Creek to fish for wild rainbows and specs. I did manage to catch a few wild rainbows on an inchworm. I tied on the old #12 Turk's Turantula, and got several hits from the resident brook trout, but upon further inspection, the fly was a tad to big for these fish to actually get the fly in their mouth. Overall, a great trip, albeit the fishing wasn't at it's best...

Working a pool on Looking Glass Creek (Quality is horrible for the rest of the pictures.)

2.) Heading out of town once again tomorrow. Tennessee bound this go around. I will be over in Vols country until mid-late August.

3.) I'm buying the $81 non resident all-fish w/ trout stamp license for TN. $81 for an annual non resident!! Sheesh.

4.) This is definately worth mentioning/recommending....Prior to heading out to the river, I swung by Davidson River Outfitters as I needed some strike indicators. I grabbed a pack of strike indicators called "Thingamabobbers"... I'm glad I found them. I've heard of them before, but I just never got around to using them. Even the small sizes of Thingamabobbers will float like a cork even though you have a huge fly that is weighted heavily. They're a little to big to use on the Davidson, as using a dry fly for an indicator is probably best. If you ever fish big water such as the Tuckasegee, French Broad, South Holston, Clinch, Watauga, etc, I highly recommend this strike indicators.

1.) Up and out early (we'll see how early) tomorrow morning. I just checked the water flows for the Davidson River at Brevard, NC. Believe it or not, the "D" is right at normal. No, really, RIGHT on the dot. As of the 8 o'clock hour, the Davidson is at 111 cfs. The average to date is 111 cfs. The water temps are in the mid 60's, and the amount of dissolved oxygen is ideal. The trout aren't as spooky as they are in low water conditions such as the middle of August. I'm shooting for a fish at or above the 25" mark. There are a few fish that exceed this mark in the river. They are fed trout pellets once a day, not to mention the eggs and other nutrients that are flushed out of the raceways into the river. If more storms and/or showers hit the Brevard/Davidson River area, I may be forced to try some small streamers. The trout around the hatchery are extremely intelligent. Almost to the point that it's scary. They have seen virtually ever fly known to man, and most of the larger fish (intelligent fish) won't buy into a #6 Zonker or even a #12 Royal Wulff. They are looking for tiny midge larvae that the hatchery is famous for due to the slow and deep pools. I have tied up a lot of #28-30 Blood Midges that works very well at the hatchery section. I'm looking forward to leaving the 7x and 8x in the truck and use 5x most of the time due to the higher water. So, with all of this being said, it's time to tie up some last minute flies, make sure my nail knot is fastened to my fly line, and dream of that 25"+ fish.

1.) It's currently 84 degrees here in Kannapolis. It hasn't been too hot as of yet. If I'm not mistaken the highest temperature this year here in the Charlotte Metro was 94...That was back in late March. The mountains, from Boone to Murphy are experiencing some nice weather conditions. As of right now, Boone is sitting at 79 degrees with 47% humidity. Asheville is also at 79 degrees. I would say backcountry Brook Trout fishing "bluelining" is very productive right now, even up around the higher elevations of WNC. I'm taking advantage of the ideal weather by heading over to the Davidson River early Thursday morning. I'm fishing the hatchery section of "the D", where the trout grow big, but the flies are ever so small. #28 Blood Midges and #26 Cream Midge dries look about right....never fails on the "D". Water levels are on their way back down, so hopefully the Davidson won't be too high. It has been too long since my last trip to the Davidson. Fly Fishing has become more than just a hobby to me. I've been addicted to fly fishing for 8 years. I'll never forget what Joe Humpreys told me at Troutfest. He asked me how long I've been fishing...I told him 8 years. Immediately he replied, "the addiction will only get worse". I'm definitely a true trout bum. I wonder if there's a college course in Trout Psychology...If there was it would be out in Montana.

2.) Hatches are occurring out on all of the trout streams. Light Cahills, Yellow Sallies, Isonychias, and Mottled Brown Caddis are all imminent. The long awaited terrestrial season is finally here!! I spent the whole weekend tying tons of hoppers. Smaller hoppers are better for now, since we have just scratched the surface of Summer. Ants, beetles, inchworms, and sooner or later the cicadas (I can't wait). I would fish a Hopper Dropper right now. Try your favorite hopper pattern and use a #12 Green Weenie as the dropper. The trout are now hearing the ever increasing SPLAT from a grasshopper hitting the water. I've seen trout race clear across a pool to grab a grasshopper or cricket. Grasshoppers are a major food source for all fish species, from all three species of trout to Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and panfish.

3.) The next update should be late Thursday or Friday with fish pictures and a report from the "D". I'll be over in Vols country from early next week until the middle of August as well. Posts and reports will still be added regularly. The Hiwassee River is only 15 minutes away from my grandparents, so I'll have the chance to fish the 'Wassee a few times in the Summer.

1.) The weather here in the Old North State is definitely changing. Instead of hot, dry and sunny conditions, rain, relatively cool temps and storms are now the big headline in the weather department. Strong to severe storms are a possibility. With these storms, heavy rain, large hail and damaging winds are the main threats. Isolated tornadoes are possible but not likely. Tomorrow will yield more showers and a few embedded t'storms as well. Saturday will be sunny with a few AM showers to wrap the storm system up. Rivers will be rising...Some more rapidly than others. If you are out fishing, and you notice the water rising, make sure you get out and away from the river. Albeit rain isn't falling where you are standing, it could be pouring a few miles upstream. Once that rain starts falling upstream, the water downstream will start rising rapidly also. Trust me, you don't want to be out there in a stream when a wall of water starts racing down towards your position. I've been in several similar situations before and it can be scary. I was fishing the Hiwassee River a few years ago, and I knew TVA was releasing water, but to my surprise, "releasing water" in the Hiwassee means rising the river by a few feet. I was in one of those dazes where fishing was the only thing on my mind. Whenever I'm out on the river, I snap into trout hunting mode. I noticed that the water was getting a little higher, but I disregarded it and continued fishing. A few minutes later I realized the water was really starting to rise. It was previously at my knees...Now it was up to my hips and rapidly ascending. From then on out I'm always careful when fishing tailwaters such as the 'Wassee, or any other river for that matter.

2.) If you do plan on heading to a trout stream, bring some Zonkers, Woolly Buggers, and Sculpin patterns. The water will likely become high and stained in most locations. Until that water is high and stained, Green Weenies, San Juan Worms, Copper Johns, etc are working. Check the hatch chart on the left hand column for a more in-depth selection of flies to try.

1.) I just received an email from one of the coordinators of Project Healing Waters asking If I would mention and put a link up on my blog to the PHW website. Of course I replied saying yes. I've seen PHW on TV (I can't remember where though). It is a great organization and it is all for a great cause. Here is the link and all about what Project Healing Waters is and who they are...