We’ve had a relatively mild winter and it looks like spring will be a few weeks early. Clingmans Dome Road in the Smokies, one of the highest roads in the eastern US from 5000′ to over 6000′ elevation, will be opening this weekend. It’s usually covered in snow and ice until April. Sign of spring: […]
Cold in the Smokies and High Flows on the Tailwaters
We’re looking forward to some mild weather that’s been forecast for East Tennessee this week. It’s been pretty cold up in the Smokies even though the weather has been relatively mild for January. Water temperatures in the Smokies haven’t topped 40 degrees in some time. That means that while fishing isn’t an exercise in futility, […]
Back on the River
The combination of holiday get togethers and foul weather kept us off the water far more than is usual, but we still managed to get out a little bit over the past couple of weeks. It’s winter which means cold and wet in the Smokies. Water levels have been anywhere from average to high, which […]
Good Fishing Continues Well Into December
Right now it feels like the Mayan Apocalypse. Here in Townsend we’re seeing sustained winds over 20 mph with gusts over 40. If you’re reading this in Kansas you might be chuckling at out concern, but when you live in a heavy forest it disconcerting to see some many trees bent half way over! Yes, […]
Pleasant Conditions Look to Extend Into December
Now that our schedule has freed up we’re pretty grateful for the nice weather we’re seeing plus more in the extended forecast. Overnight temperatures are frosty, but we’re still seeing afternoon temperatures in the 50’s with a few days even pushing on past 60. Dry fly fishing isn’t a given anymore, but there are still […]
It’s Not Just About Brown Trout in the Fall
It seems like everyone’s thoughts turn to brown trout in the fall, but there are more things to do than just chase the browns. Rainbows are rising well and brookies are even more colorful than usual. Even better, you can be sure they’ll rise to a dry fly. It’s a good thing too. Looks like […]
Rainy Monday in the Smokies
It’s a rainy Monday in the Smokies and I’ll be honest. We could use a little extra water in the streams about now. The creeks aren’t at crisis levels, but considering October is typically the dryest month of the year there are probably limited opportunities for more water. Here’s a firsthand look at water at […]
Another Day at the Office
Things will usually start to slack off a bit for us as the calendar progresses into August. The kids are starting to head back to school, it’s hotter than whiz bang, and water levels aren’t at their best. That’s a normal year, but this year our schedule hasn’t let up much at all and we’re […]
Keeping An Eye on the Water
Water levels in the Smokies have receded to quite fishable levels after they spike up pretty high late last week, but we have some more rain on the way today. So far it looks like the system is breaking up and should only bring us light and scattered rain showers. As fly fishing guides […]
Latest Information from Trout Waters Around Tennessee
I went to the latest Tennessee Coldwater meeting in Knoxville. This is essentially a summit where biologists from TVA, TWRA, the US Forest Service, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park come together to share information with each other and member of the Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited. This isn’t a public meeting where regulation changes […]