The Wet Gray Cycle of Winter in the Smokies

A mild winter afternoon on Anthony Creek. Water was generally high, but it was a good day to take a hike.

This is among the toughest times of year for us. While we’ve had an admittedly mild winter, the fishing opportunities have just as intermittent as you’d expect from January in the Smokies.

There has been a rolling cycle of mild and wet weather broken by clear and cold weather. As result the mildest weather is also typically wet and often has high flows. When the flows moderate we get cold weather that brings the water temperatures down. Furthermore, flows have been marginal or high for the several weeks. Fortunately, spring isn’t far away!

Fishing has been hit and miss, but nymphing can turn up some nice trout

Spring hatches should get started by March. However, mild weather may accelerate that to some time in February. We’ve tried to predict this in the past and seen hatches start as late as mid-March and as early as early February. It’s pointless to try to plan a trip very far out with high expectations, but we’re certain good fishing is on the way!

Our spring calendar is beginning to fill so don’t wait too long to book your guide dates!