We’re well into December and the guide season is getting further in the rearview mirror now. November was colder than average. Along with low water conditions that made for some tough fishing as we rounded out our season. It typically draws to a close after Thanksgiving weekend every year. December has been exceptionally mild, though, so we’ve been able to take advantage of that for some great personal fishing days.
We’ve had a long string of rainy weather for almost two weeks now. Fortunately there have been very few downpours, but a continual steady rain or drizzle. This was needed as we had officially come into drought conditions, but we have left that behind with stream levels now a bit above the seasonal norm. Colder conditions and the possibility of snow are in the forecast for the Smokies so we’re glad we got out while we did.
Someone could probably catch a fish here and there on a dry fly, but we’ve been sticking with the reliable nymph rig. Any number of fly patterns will work but we’ve stuck with our old favorites, the Pheasant Tail and Pat’s Nymphs. Fish these in #14 – #16 and you won’t be wrong. The main issue will be whether you’re fishing deep enough or too deep. Some folks doubt us on this, but when the fish are really active a suspended nymph will outfish those ticking the bottom.
Here’s a recent photo of some turkeys in Cades Cove and we wanted to point out the light phase bird. There were several of them in this flock. They’re not overly abundant, but not all that uncommon in the Smokies. They aren’t albino as they have color, just not the dark brown that is standard. We’ve never seen toms in this color phase, only hens. It’s likely a gender linked trait the same way all calico cats are female.
Ian is now at his art station almost daily. We are pleased the art website has really taken off. This time of year he tries to make entries into his art journal daily. Sometimes this will be pencil sketches and other days watercolor paintings or even charcoal drawings.