The scene about 10 days ago on the Middle Prong of Little River at Tremont
A beautiful fall afternoon of dropping dry flies in pocket water
The bulk of fall color in the Smokies has passed, but there are still some good days on the water left in the year. We had a stunning autumn season with colors popping up high in early October and quickly filtering into the lower elevations as the weeks and days passed. We’ve had great water levels, occasionally a bit low, but never too high and usually pretty this fall.
The first snow of the season fell on the Smokies this week with about 7-8″ on the highest ridgelines. Furthermore, Mount Leconte recorded the coldest temperature in the lower 48 states yesterday morning with a low of 3 degrees and a wind chill of -20! Yikes! Fortunately things are turning around quickly and above average temperatures are forecast for this week into next.
We suggest anyone with the time should get out and enjoy the last good days of the season
A beautiful wild rainbow recently caught on a nymph in the national park
We’re certainly in that time frame where nymphs should be part of any fly fisher’s plan in the Smokies. However, you should consider dry flies based on the warm weather forecast and the overall attitude of our fish. Midges and Blue Wing Olives seem to hatch most afternoons along with regular cameo appearances by October caddis. We should also begin to see more small dun caddis moving forward. This never means you need exact imitations, but the good old Parachute Adams, Stimulator and Elk Hair Caddis will continue to produce. Just be sure to keep the sizes on the smaller side. Some fish will eat a #14, but #16 is better. We might even recommend a Hi-Vis Parachute in #18 some days, but that’s rarely the difference between crushing it or getting skunked.
This colorful brook trout took a small nymph, but many will still rise to a dry fly
Brook and brown trout have been spawning lately and relatively absent from the action. We expect the brown trout to continue hanging around redds but also more willing to eat. This is the best time of year to spot a great big brown trout. They are just as skittish as ever and sometimes less willing to eat with their attention focused on spawning. However, there can be a window after they spawn where they will remain out in the open and feed somewhat aggressively. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
This modest but colorful brown trout smashed a dry fly
One last note about fishing the Smokies right now…. It’s easier to spot wildlife now that most of the leaves have dropped. Animals will really be moving with the nice weather, but somewhat spotty. There has been a good crop of acorns this year and the bear, deer, hogs, squirrels – really most animals – are taking advantage. That means you might not see many animals in the fields around Cades Cove, but maybe three bears under a single white oak on acorns.
The days are certainly shorter, but we love this time of year in the woods and on the water! Get out while you can!
