It’s the middle of August and we’ve received our first merciful break from the heat. Overnight temperatures have been in the 50’s in the Smokies and we’ve been fortunate to see daytime temps stay in the low 80’s.
This has brought water temperatures down a little bit. Last week in the heat the water was 66 at Elkmont and not it’s 63 there. Streams in the high country were around 60 but should easily be down in the 50’s now. The fish like it!
This brown trout surprised us last week by coming out of nowhere and eating a #14 Royal Stimulator we were using as a strike indicator over a #18 Zelon Nymph. The fish was a solid 16″.
Things have slowed down here in Townsend. We’re seeing some tubers and swimmers, but their numbers are way down compared to just a week ago. Most schools are back in session here in East Tennessee and it looks as if tourists from surrounding states are getting back to the grind as well.
Our guide calendar has eased off substantially and we’re looking forward to getting some personal time on the water and getting our flies tied for our trip to the Henry’s Fork and Yellowstone Park next month. Only a few weeks later we’ll be over on Hazel Creek. Time flies and frankly we like where it’s headed.
