Typically Warm and Wet Summer Weather in the Smokies

We’re in the middle of a busy guide season here in the Smokies and the fly fishing is generally what we expect in summer. The trout aren’t necessarily easy to catch, but if you’re in the right place they are pretty cooperative. Temperatures have been just about spot on average for summer and we’ve had regular rain showers that you expect from our temperate rainforest.

Charity lands a trout in a remote stream in the higher elevations of the Smokies

There aren’t any real hatches of concern going on right now, but the observant angler will notice mating swarms of Tricos plus some golden stonefly shucks on the boulders. All the basic flies are attracting the trout as always. Parachute Adams and Stimulators along with your personal favorite in about #14-16 will fool the fish.

Tumbling water and a little bit of elevation are key to finding happy trout in the summer

We’re always a little surprised to hear people talk about stressed trout in the Smokies during the summer. There are definitely parts of the Smokies that don’t fish well in the summer, but there are far more locations with great water temperatures. Many, although not all, of the most accessible roadside sections of stream are not great in the summer. You can even find smallmouth bass here as proof that this isn’t the best habitat for trout.

Go a little higher in elevation during the summer and focus your efforts on tumbling water. These streams will have swift currents that require the trout to grab a fly quickly.

There are plenty of solid wild fish in the backcountry of the Smoky Mountains