Our guide season is well under way and so is the fly fishing here in the Smokies and East Tennessee. A lot of folks have been concerned about water levels after record rainfall through the fall and winter months, but things have finally come in line and not a day too soon if you ask us!
A beautiful spring day in the backcountry of the Smoky Mountains
We’re still seeing chilly mornings. In fact, there was snow on the crest of the Smokies yesterday, but afternoons have been quite comfortable. Depending on the day dry fly fishing has been anywhere from pretty good to excellent. We’ve been fishing either Haystacks or Parachute Adams in #12 – #14. Basic beadhead nymphs have been getting the job done when the dry fly isn’t working. Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, and Tellico Nymphs are always on the list along with some old timey local favorites like the Pat’s Nymph and George Nymph.
Our son Boone hooked up with a nice wild trout that took a dry fly
Spring the Smokies is always so pleasant because the humidity hasn’t kicked in yet and the fish are just getting active. Fishing isn’t the only attraction as wildflowers are just starting to pop. We seeing Hepaticas, Spring Beauties, Trout Lilies and Trillium with many other species to come.
A red trillium along the stream
The Clinch has recently seen fishable flows for the first time in a very long time and it looks like this trend should only continue. Other East Tennessee tailwaters look like they’re getting fishy as well, so don’t wait any longer to get out on the water! The season is upon us.
We’ve been enjoying hiking into several streams, but roadside fishing has been good as well. This should continue through May.
Spectacular color on a native Smoky Mountain brook trout. Most will require a hike to reach.
A chunky wild brown trout caught on a dry fly in Great Smoky Mountains National Park