The Watauga River is slowly tapering down on the dry flies, but man, the fishing is still excellent. We won't say where we're fishing but let's just say it's been a good few days on the water. Nymphing has produced excellent numbers of fish and some very nice 20+ inch rainbows. One of our clients, Jim Cannon, even landed a 28 1/2 inch brown less than two weeks ago. Streamer fishing is still excellent in high water conditions but the name of the game is the nymphing. Size 14 & 16 hendricksons have been popping sporadically in the evenings but fishing with a size 14 pheasant tail and a size 16 soft hackle as really been getting the job done.

The South Holston is starting to produce the beginnings of its famous sulpher hatch. Today the hatch is limited in both density and location but it's beginning and with the upcoming warm weather we're only going to see it improve. Morning nymphing can be very good to great by using a size 16 pheasant tail and a size 18 Master Sulpher Nymph below it. Don't forget the size 16 & 18 copper johns either. In the afternoon switch over to an emerger pattern or a soft hackle. By 2pm you should be able to fish dry flies consistently. Stick to dry fly patterns that have a narrow profile like a CDC Comparandum Sulpher. Size 16 is best, but the 18's will sometimes fool those larger and more wary trout. Have a great trip and don't forget to give us a call, even for a wade trip.

This past weekend was one for the books on the Watauga! The Caddis are starting to move upstream a little bit but there are tons of bugs in the trees and the water starts boiling right before dark. The Hendricksons are coming off in the heavier water down low and they are big and the fish are gorging on them! This past weekend we had two boats out and between the two boats we brought nine (9) 20"+ fish to hand and hooked a few more that broke off! We even landed a carp....too much fun!

The hatch will last for another two weeks. We're booked solid this week and through the weekend but we do have a few days open during the week next week (April 30-May 4th). Give us a call cause you don't wanna miss this opportunity. (423) 306-9552

The South Holston is fishing pretty well right now. Focus on pocket water, riffles and runs. An angler can have good success in low water subsurface with a copper john and a zebra midge. With the Caddis Hatch on the Watauga right now, this isn't the place to be per se, but it is still fishing very well.

[more...]

The smallmouth are starting to get active and it's officially the pre-spawn fishing season. We're still a week or two shy of "great" pre-spawn fishing but it should be great after May 1st. Remember the spawn occurs the 1st full moon of May and for about 10 days at or after that time....it's a no go. However, after that....get ready to have your 7wt ripped out of your hands.

We are currently booking Smallmouth trips for after May 20th or weekday trips before May 11th. Give us a call and we'll be happy to put together a great trip for you! Don't forget about our "Overnight Smallmouth" packages for 4 or more. It's a memorable experience!

Photo Courtesy of Richard Bernabe Photography

[more...]