Warm weather has arrived in the Smoky Mountains and there isn’t any cold weather in the extended forecast. We’ve experienced the usual roller coaster of conditions that are so common in late winter and early spring; a few days of unseasonable warmth followed by a return to winter. Then some rain and high water with cold weather, then falling water with warm weather. Every year we always seem to fall for the head fake and drop everything to run to the streams for pretty days, but very few interested trout to meet us along the way.
A beautiful spring day in the backcountry of the Smoky Mountains
The past week has moved from poor fishing to at least decent, but it seems like things should bust wide open any time. Water levels are optimal and water temperatures have certainly risen into the ideal range. We’re seeing anywhere from low to mid 50’s and most importantly, they aren’t taking big drops overnight. This should get the hatches going which in turn will get the trout moving.
There have been a few bugs about, but apparently not enough. We’re seeing some Early Brown Stoneflies along with a few Quill Gordon and Blue Quill mayflies. All of these have been pretty random so far, but both the date on the calendar and the water conditions would indicate we should move into more organized hatches at any time.
Not quite there yet, but should happen any time
The biggest concern moving forward is stormy weather which a fixture of spring weather here in the Southeast. Rain is great for the trout streams and budding vegetation, but beware of high winds and thunderstorms if they appear in the forecast. There’s a big difference between wind in the Smokies and anywhere else. In most places the wind will mess with your cast, but here in the Smokies it can blow a tree down on you! Keep that in mind if the forecast calls for strong storms and stay safe out there!
