With 90 degree days common this summer, you have to get creative here in the Smoky Mountains if you want to catch trout!
The first thing is to temp the water on your lower elevation watersheds. If it's near the upper 60's to 70 degrees let them rest.
That's when it's time to go higher in elevation, and yes this might mean a little hiking. These fish also have less pressure and are more likely to be friendly. If you are still having a hard time finding fish keep in mind how warm it is, the trout will be favoring the more oxygenated water types (Riffles, pocket water). They will also hunker down in the bottoms of deeper pools to relax. There are numerous streams like this in western North Carolina to play on! If you are still struggling give us a call and one of my guides will be more than happy to help you.
Tight lines!
Gordon Vanderpool