It’s been a while since we’ve posted a fishing report, primarily because we’ve been so busy guiding. As always, summer fly fishing can be more difficult than spring or fall but that’s largely a function of where you go. Most of the easiest access waters will be crowded with picnickers and might have marginal water temperatures. There are still plenty of places to find good fishing but they often require a bit of a hike or exploring less accessible areas of the park.
Dry fly fishing is the primary method of catching trout this time of year and most fly patterns in #14-16 will work quite well. Stimulators and Parachute Adams are two of our favorites, but don’t feel like those are the only ones that will work. Nymph or wet fly fishing works well too and we fish dropper rigs with #16-#18 beadhead patterns regularly.
Our biggest challenge has been dodging thunderstorms. They can pop up on any day in the Smokies as the region is a rain forest, but we do follow some guidelines. Most thunderstorms pop up in the afternoon so mornings are generally the best time to fish to avoid the thunder and lightning. We tend not to hike as far on days when the forecast has the strongest chances of storms. We fish as much as we can before the weather takes a turn and avoid a long hike back in a storm.
It is important to realize, however, that these storms are beneficial. They keep daytime temperatures from getting very high and give a fresh shot of cool water for the streams. In fact, fishing right after a heavy rain can be very productive. The cool rising water will energize the trout while stirring up nymphs on the bottom. Reduced visibility also works to an angler’s advantage because trout will be less skittish.
We’re already looking forward to fall fishing and our calendar has started to fill. Cooler weather always brings a flurry of hatch activity on the stream with happy trout. Fall is our favorite time of year with colorful foliage and rising trout, but we’ll take advantage of the good dry fly fishing in the backcountry for the rest of the summer.
Darrell K says
Fantastic, I have to get to your area someday (live in Calif and have fished all around the West but never in TN). Love that small stream fishing and wild trout…but check your brown photo caption. Thanks for the report and pics.