Recent rains have kept water levels relatively high and cool. We’re experiencing air temperatures in the low 80’s on the stream while surrounding areas are in the 90’s.
Quick Pic: Timber Rattlesnake
This big boy crossed our path way back in the Smoky Mountain backcountry several miles above Elkmont. It was an exceptional afternoon. We saw a black bear only 15 minutes or so before this. Two icons of Southern Appalachian wilderness in the same afternoon – and that’s on top of experiencing a great day of […]
Superb Water Levels in Smoky Mountain Trout Streams
We’ve seen a good deal of rain lately in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. This has led to unusually good conditions for fly fishing during a heat wave in late July heading into August. Water temperatures in many streams have been in the low 60’s on down into the high […]
Momentous Occasion at R&R Fly Fishing
It’s no exaggeration to say fly fishing is a big deal in our household. Both Mom & Dad are full time fly fishing guides and the kids are growing up on the front door step of the Smoky Mountains and its 800 miles of trout water. A rite of passage in the R&R family… Our […]
Quick Pic: Tremont Copperhead
We saw this copperhead along the trail in the Tremont vicinity of the Great Smoky Mountains. As is usually the case, it remained motionless and non-threatening. Our basic rule for all wildlife we see in the backcountry is that nothing will mess with you unless you mess with it first.
Mixed Fishing Conditions Across the Smokies and East Tennessee
Fly fishers around East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountain region are experiencing different conditions depending on where they happen to be. Sporadic thunderstorms have caused a variety of water levels across the Smokies and generation schedules on TVA tailwaters differ from one river to another. Right now we’re seeing water levels in the Little River […]
Perfect Fishing Conditions for the Upcoming 4th of July Weekend
Expect almost perfect conditions for fishing almost anywhere you go this holiday weekend. Water levels in the Smokies are excellent right now and TVA will be cutting generation back on the tailwaters. If you’re heading into the Smoky Mountains for some fly fishing you’d be well served to avoid the most popular rivers and streams […]
Quick Pic: Backcountry Speck
A colorful brook trout from the Smoky Mountain backcountry
Fishing update for late June
Water conditions in the Smokies continue to be pretty good as we see a number of sporadic rain showers and thunderstorms pass through. Water temperatures are excellent, particularly in the higher elevations around 3000′ and higher where waters have staying in the high 50’s to low 60’s. The steep nature of our streams ensures this […]
Return of the Fishing Report
It’s been a crazy month of guiding fly fishermen here in East Tennessee on the edge of the Smoky Mountains. If you’re someone who follows our blog it’s needless to say that we’ve been pretty slack about posting fishing reports. Everyday (and I mean EVERYDAY) we’re up early prepping the kids for their day while […]