The warm weather has continued for quite a while here in East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains and we’ve taken as much advantage as we’ve been able. A front moved through the area yesterday with some rain and cooler temperatures, but nothing has changed much.
Water conditions are just about perfect in the Smokies. I few people are still hanging in there with a dry fly, but there isn’t much in the way of consistency. We’ve had great success nymphing about 2-3′ under a strike indicator with Prince Nymphs, Pat’s Nymphs, Zelon Nymphs, and Bead Head Pheasant Tails. We’ll pinch on a small split shot in some spots, but they aren’t necessary most of the time.
The tailwater situation has remained the same as well. The Clinch has been running one generator around the clock so it’s been perfect for floating. On Monday I guided Tim Wilson of Cullman, AL and he landed a rainbow trout that we taped at 17 1/2″ on a streamer. We managed a little bit of everything that day. Tim landed rainbows, browns, and brook trout. Most of his trout came on the streamer, but he had plenty of strikes on a nymph and even landed a fish or two on a dry fly.
We’re expecting the weather to make up for lost time. Long range forecasts are predicting early December to be colder than normal so make the most of the good weather while it lasts.
Tim Wilson says
Ian,
Thanks for a great trip. The 15mph upstream wind created some challenging situations, which you handeled brilliantly. I thought we agreed that the rainbow would actually be a 21 incher if we told anyone. 🙂 Also, I apologize to your guide Tim for my poor casting performance on Tuesday. I think my arm was wore out from Monday’s trip. I may need that surgery you talked about to correct it!
Ian says
Ha! The agreement was it would have been over 20″ if we didn’t tape it!
Pastor Ray says
Sitting here reading your reports and wishing the days would pass a little faster so as to be able to come down and fish with you all again. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Pastor Ray