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
Written by: Gordon Vanderpool
Gordon began fly fishing as a teenager in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he was raised. He has snagged great catches from as far away as Nevada, California, and Belize. However, he and his wife decided to settle in western North Carolina, where they started Turning Stones. Gordon is a Certified Casting Instructor for the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Southeastern Coach of the USA Youth Fly Fishing Team.
The fishing has been good here lately with some bugs moving! The Winter Stoneflies have been out in good numbers, and also starting to see some Caddis on certain rivers! For the dry fly guy, find a sunny patch of the river in the afternoon and you'll most likely see some rising fish. Dry flies: Size 14 Dark Caddis, Adams Parachutes 14-18. Nymphs in sizes 14-18 have been a good bet. Eggs, Hares Ears, Pheasant tails, Midges, San Juan Worms will all get it done if fished properly. For you hatch hunters, The major bugs are right around the corner so be ready! I know I am!
Tight Lines to you all!
Gordon
Written by: Gordon Vanderpool
Gordon began fly fishing as a teenager in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he was raised. He has snagged great catches from as far away as Nevada, California, and Belize. However, he and his wife decided to settle in western North Carolina, where they started Turning Stones. Gordon is a Certified Casting Instructor for the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Southeastern Coach of the USA Youth Fly Fishing Team.
Well, The summer weather is slowly slipping past us. As it happens the fishing is starting to improve with the cooler temperatures! We are about to have some of the best fly fishing of the year in our grasps. October 1st means the start of North Carolina's Delayed Harvest season! What does that mean??? Well, let's just say trout fishing is about to go through a big change for the better. Starting the first week of October, North Carolina will start stocking the Tuckasegee river, Nantahala River, West Fork Of The Pigeon River, Snowbird Creek, and Fires Creek!! All of which are in western North Carolina and on our radar for guide trips!! We will also have float trips on the Tuckasegee River for trout!! This time of year is an absolutely perfect time for a new fly angler to have a go at fly fishing!! The fish will be waiting, and are quite friendly to the new fly fisher! We here at Turning Stones Fly Fishing hope we can be a part of your first fly fishing adventure!
CALL NOW FOR GUIDE TRIPS!! 724-986-2652
Tight lines,
Gordon Vanderpool
Written by: Gordon Vanderpool
Gordon began fly fishing as a teenager in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he was raised. He has snagged great catches from as far away as Nevada, California, and Belize. However, he and his wife decided to settle in western North Carolina, where they started Turning Stones. Gordon is a Certified Casting Instructor for the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Southeastern Coach of the USA Youth Fly Fishing Team.
We're slipping more into that summer weather pattern every day with temperatures in the mid-'80s on most days, with afternoon thunderstorms a possibility! The fishing has been solid most days with good water flow! The backcountry locations have been really good lately with the fish really looking to the surface for a meal. Nothing special needed, small Stimulators, Adams Parachutes, and terrestrial patterns will get it done! Just make sure to go with different color variations depending on what you're seeing where you're fishing. For the subsurface angler, the normal stuff will work...Stoneflies, Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears, Copper Johns, and Zebra Midges (in different color and size variations) I preach proper drift and presentation over fly selection any day :) Get out there and get some fish!!
FOR GUIDING CALL 724-986-2652
Tight lines, Gordon
Written by: Gordon Vanderpool
Gordon began fly fishing as a teenager in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he was raised. He has snagged great catches from as far away as Nevada, California, and Belize. However, he and his wife decided to settle in western North Carolina, where they started Turning Stones. Gordon is a Certified Casting Instructor for the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Southeastern Coach of the USA Youth Fly Fishing Team.