Southeastern Fly

Tennessee Tornadoes, Hail, Wind, Bass and Panfish Report

2012-03-04T08:32:00.000-06:00

Congrats to Greg - His First Fish on the Fly!

Wednesday in Middle Tennessee was a day of tornadoes and high winds, with heavy rains in the southern part of the state. All plans were put on hold and then delayed as waters cleared.. Friday in Middle and East Tennessee was much worse. Multiple thunderstorms throughout the day and reports of epic storms in Middle Tennessee, in the evening. East TN dealt with early storms and tornadoes and before the day was over there were reports massive hailstorms, tornadoes in the double digits and heavy rains. So Tennessee and most of the southern states saw our share of bad weather, we are all due some sunshine and calm days. Hopper season can't get here fast enough for me!

Panfish

The tailwaters were not really cooperative so Greg and Brent joined me for a day on an area lake. Greg was one of the anglers who I had the opportunity to fish with on the Calvary Outfitters trip in November. Greg's mission that weekend was to learn how to cast and learn the basics of fly fishing. As was the case with all of us there were other reasons to be there. Greg learned to cast that weekend and turns out, he is a pretty darn good caster. So when we unloaded the drifter at the lake he fell back in the groove pretty quick.

Water Clarity Was......Lacking?

It is real tough to go fishing this time of year and not take the streamer rod. Soon Greg was banging the banks with a Galloup pattern and the sinking line was helping Greg feel the rod load. Brent was in the back of the boat putting the fly within inches of the bank. It was all good. The fishing was a bit slow, so we took a break and made some big changes. We made a move to more shallow water and soon we were back to work. Greg was first to hook up with a nice bass. Then before we knew it he was hooked up with another bass and then a panfish. He was in a groove. We spent the rest of the afternoon bringing bass and panfish and introducing them to the boat net. The sun went down behind the treeline and soon it was a bit on the cool side. We headed back to the ramp, spooked a couple geese that were too noisy anyway and loaded up the drifter. Not a bad day of warmwater fishing for March.

Spooked!

Brent Fishing as the Sun Went Down

Fishtails

Wintertime Tailwater Report

2012-02-26T08:15:00.001-06:00

The Drifter at Rest

The Caney Fork- There were some windows of no generation this week, but the sluice was open. Now the US Army Corps is running two on for several hours and then one on for several hours. The lake level is falling and then leveling out. The river doesn't fall completely to a one generator level, which leaves some different pockets and back eddy opportunities. Streamers are working pretty good with all three species of trout coming to the meaty stuff.

Healthy Tailwater Holdovers

This week Anthony and Dan joined me for a float. The fishing was good when the wind was low and we found a fish here and there as the wind howled. We found low water and fished the shoals, drifted through the pools as we discussed the happenings of the Winter. Sometimes the trip to the river is almost as adventurous as the day of fishing. This morning started out like many other mornings. It was cold with frost as I pulled the drifter out of the garage. I stopped by Anthony's and we hooked the boat to his truck then took off to meet Dan. We picked up Dan and sped off to the river. Sped to the river, those seem like a harmless words. Dan was telling of his 10 Day Southern Most Amish Furniture Tarpon Islamorada Trip to the Keys, when the words Sped to the River were added to passing an officer who was driving too darn slow in the fast lane. The words Sped to the River then took on a new life jut a few minutes later. Those words would also delay our trip to the river. Soon we were discussing the finer points of small town traffic court with the officer, while all I could think about was being late to the river. I didn't mention that to the officer as he explained how much Anthony's ticket "would have cost, $290 something" if he decided to write a ticket vs. just a warning. Thank you's from all of us and we were gone, leaving the officer in the rear view mirror, probably wondering 'what the hell kind of boat is that?'.

Low, Clear Water

The Obey- This river had some nice windows of zero generation this week and continues as I type this report. If you make the trip to Celina, the flow on no generation will be low and slow after the water falls out. Use the small stuff as the fish get a good look at whatever food they are deciding to eat and matching the food they eat daily is no secret to catching nice fish. Dark colors, although color on nymphs seems to be secondary to size and shape, which really seems to make color third in line, anyway dark colors this time of year seem to turn a fish's a bit quicker than a light color. Slow painful, eat a sandwich while it floats, are the type of drifts you will find on this tailwater. ***
The Elk River- this river is fishing very good right now and if someone is thinking about booking a wintertime trip to dust off those early season cobwebs, this would be the float I would recommend. The action is good and there are many different types of water to help re-engage those angling skills. There are shots at nice fish and the hatchery brats keep anglers entertained as well. Presentation is a key to this river right now. The water is that early-year clear so the fish get some inspection time before making their decision. The wintertime float is discounted so give me a call if you want to get out.

Fish Tails

Musky in Tennessee?

2012-02-21T16:44:00.000-06:00

..the answer- Yep

Tennessee Musky from Bend Pool Media on Vimeo.

Tennessee Musky Fishing

2012-02-19T12:13:00.001-06:00

These Fish Can Be Anywhere

Brent and Mark joined me for a day on the river. This was supposed to be my last day before getting back on the tailwaters for a while, or at least until the next big rain event comes. This trip started with almost immediate action. Mark was first up and still within site of the ramp when a large toothy musky took his fly. The fish came from structure, took the fly, turned hard and bit right through Mark's bite tippet. It was over before it stated but left Mark shaking and saying the same thing over and over... "that was the biggest fresh water fish I have ever had on the line". That is a pretty common response.

Fly Fishing is Like a Balancing Act Sometimes

The stick balancing on the end of this blow-down has been there for several weeks. The water, rain and wind have not knocked it off. No one has come along in a boat and taken it off and it has not dried out unevenly, then fallen off. Apparently, the stick was in the right place at the right time, with the right current and seems to be somewhat lucky. Fly fishing can be like that stick on the end of that log just looking for the right current while hoping luck will be there in the end.
**
We all know about currents, especially on the tailwaters. Center Hill was pushing over 10,000 CFS for over a month (seems like a million months). This week the US Army Corps dialed the generator back to one, with a release of 3600 CFS. Relief is finally here for most floating anglers and the wading folks see the water levels heading down, down ,down as their day also draws near. While I am typing this report it is snowing and it rained some last night as well. The weather forecast calls for rain 3 out of the next 7 days, but it does not appear to include any significant rain events for the Center Hill Lake area. We need to some more cold weather to get a good shad kill and wake those trout up!

Fish Tails

Tims Ford is releasing water during the week, which makes for some interesting floats on falling water. The fish have been taking the usual stuff with little surface activity. Soft hackles swung in the low current on the weekend are still producing and don't be afraid to tie a soft hackle on as a dropper below a nymph. This technique can produce fish from the end of the drift just as the line begins to tighten, which puts the soft hackle into action.

This Fish Bloodied Some Knuckles

So, back to the musky action. Mark followed up his first fish on the day with a follow from a smaller fish. Brent was next up with action. He hooked up on a section of river that looked good, but has never produced. We saw the fish sitting in the middle of the river, in the current on a shoal and the next thing we knew Brent was saying fish-on. This fish was on long enough to get the net and position the boat, then we stood there as the fish moved upstream and toward the bank. I just knew Brent was going to boat his second musky, but the fish made a turn and then came unbuttoned. The fire tiger color was working. Next it was my turn and luck was on my side this time. The musky hit and the 10 weight BVK did the rest. The musky came to the boat and even bent the rod in butt section, where all good fish bend a rod. After some bloody knuckles and cut fingers the fish was released back into the hole from which it came.

***

The day continued with additional sight fishing and some big follows. We found some fish that would follow and then sulk and refuse to follow again. Everyone saw some action and at least had a fish on the line. Musky are not easy to catch, the days are long and action can come at anytime. It's a good way to pass the time when the tailwaters are not at their best. And it is cool to hear someone say "that was the biggest fresh water fish I have ever had on the line"...

A Day on the River

2012-02-11T15:38:00.001-06:00

The Weapons of Choice

"If I can just get a follow". That quote was from fellow angler Steve H. who went to chase some musky with me. Before the day was over he would have his follow and then some with one nipping musky. We would also have the"one that got away story". Here are some of the photos from the day...

Steve Delivering the Groceries

Some Musky Munchies

Musky Tricks

40" of Musky vs. several inches of Musky Munchies

The Kick of the Tail

Throwing the Fly Right Back at Us - But a Good Action Shot

Is There Relief Around the Corner?

2012-02-05T17:03:00.001-06:00

Quite Calming

A check on future generation and future weather is showing a possibility of getting on the water under some semi-regular wintertime conditions. The future generation on the Caney Fork is predicting a shut down of a couple generators, which gets us back to a one generator release and maybe a sluice to go with it. That will be a welcomed change for anglers. Hopefully the fish will realize what is going on and get into the main river channel before the water falls out. The trout may have an IQ of 6 but their instincts make up for other shortcomings. We are hopeful on all counts...

They Never Stop Hunting

The Obey is keeping with the usual release and the predictions are unchanged. Expect the same release this coming week as last week.and possibly in the next few weeks. The initial Obey stocking is not far away and the shad that come through (during regular years) brings those big trout up the dam. Two events that are worth the trip up there. We will see hat happens in this unusual year.

Fish Tails...

The Elk River- is slowing down the release and this weekend saw a window of no generation. The trout are hitting the usual nymphs and smaller streamers. For the coming weekdays the forecast predicts several hours of zero generation during the middle of the day this week. Beware of the unexpected releases though.

The release guidelines that were put into place a few years back are helping the trout, in my opinion. Several years ago it was tough to catch a trout near the dam during the first few months of the year. Sure there were some fish in the river, but now the fish appear to be holding over with a more healthy look.

***

Below is the operating guide and the red line reflects the rain we received over the past 48 hours. We really dodged a bullet on this latest rain event, thankfully, and that appears to be opening up some windows of angling opportunity!

The Elk River Operating Guide

There's High Water Everywhere

2012-01-29T12:32:00.001-06:00

Suspicious Activity? We Didn't See Any...

Looks Like 3 Generators and a Sluice or Big Water

Want the water pretty much to yourself? Want a challenge? Well fish when no one else fishes or just go for a boat ride. Last week I started thinking it would be cool just to get on the water and see what fishing on 10,000 + CFS is like. Talk about new water? The side channels, islands and main channels are all different on this flow. I wouldn't really suggest getting out on these flows, but it's fun to try just once....and maybe a few more times.

***

Brent and I took off for a morning and early afternoon float. My shuttle wasn't answering so I gave Brent a choice, drive his vehicle or run from Happy Hollow to Center Hill Dam after dropping the truck. Brent is a triathlon competitor and he showed up that morning with running shoes. His time for the shuttle was 24 minutes...

The Heron Was Just Hanging Around

While Brent was running the shuttle, I rigged the rods and surveyed the water. The herons seem to be growing in numbers and are becoming more colorful every trip. While I was rigging rods I kept one eye on a heron that decided he wanted to get closer than usual. The streamer rod was rigged and the gulls were flying. Before anyone gets worked up over a shad kill, we didn't see any gulls diving and no shad floating. It's tough not to wonder if the gulls aren't preparing for something.

The Shoals at Lancaster

A Balloon Indicator Almost Ready to Use

Balloon indicators are good for fishing high water and they hold up heavy nymphs with extra weight. Also, they are inexpensive and easily adjusted. The wind was strong for most of the day and they cast pretty good, so we may use more of these this year. We used these in the side channels and parts of the main channel were we float the heavy stuff when we wanted a break from the streamers.

Fish Tails

The Caney Fork River

Waiting for a Passing Meal

So on the Caney fish are being caught on this flow. It isn't easy, but it's a change of pace. There are literally only a few spots to wade and those are at the ramps. Wading anglers should keep on tying flies until the water drops to a more normal flow. For the boaters out there, the water is moving real fast and getting in the trees and across the islands is dangerous. Drifters have an upper hand navigating the trees but it can get serious in a hurry. The ramp at Happy is clear and there were a couple boats there drifting down and running up a few hundred yards. No one was trying anything too out of the norm, except for us and that was only after thinking things through first.

The River Gauge

A Midge Among Streamers

The Elk River- The Elk is pushing water throughout the week and we are getting a window here and there on the weekends. The hatchery brats are doing pretty well surviving on midges and scavenging for other meals below the surface. The windows of opportunity are small but TVA is giving us small windows for our fix, in spite of the lake levels and continuous weekly rains. So thank you TVA.

If you are going to fish the Elk, keep an eye on the water level and get out if you think it might be rising. You can always get back in if things check out OK. Also be on the side of the river your vehicle is on when the water turns on. This river is not a river that anyone can cross when the generator begins to push.

Elk River Operating Guide (the blue line)

TVA works the releases based on this guide. This is today's snapshot. The red line is the line that matters to us right now. The red line clearly shows the weather events so far this year. The blue line is the operating guide and when the red line and the blue line meet, we get to fish. That may be an over simplification of the operating guide, but why muddy the waters with extra theory...

***

Musky Waters- The musky waters have been up,up and up. The visibility has been low and we don't even get out when the water is pushing like it has been this week. Hopefully we will have a musky report in the coming days. There it is the report from Middle Tennessee. With all this water anglers are preparing for the upcoming Spring. Trips are already getting booked for the Spring and if the water gets to a more manageable level the streamer trips are just around the corner. For anyone thinking about booking just give me a call, text or send an email. This is a good time to start planning.

Fishing Report...

2012-01-23T17:04:00.000-06:00

A Colorful Elk River Hatchery Brat

Here we go with the same old song and dance...Mother Nature just isn't seeing things our way and continues to fill the lakes while the folks in charge of the water release try their best to keep our lakes at winter pool.
+
The Caney Fork- water releases have been 24-7 at 10,000+ CFS. It becomes more and more tempting to get out there and just see what, if anything, is happening. So I still suggest not getting on the river while continuing to fight the urge.
+
The Obey had some windows of 1600+ CFS, which is a decent flow for floating. It isn't the best but it is doable. Wading has been non-existent so far on the Obey this Winter. Hopefully the weather and generation will cooperate in the very near future.

Fish Tails

The Elk River- continues to see some windows for wading on the weekends. On weekdays, well check generation schedules but don't expect great things. We made a trip to the Elk to wade after a huge storm came through a couple days back. Surprisingly the water was somewhat clear and the fish were hungry. There was minimal surface activity and we went with nymphs above midge droppers. The nymphs produced several hatchery brats in a short window. The tug was good to feel and we even had a visit from a muskrat. If there is a window and the opportunity is there, I would suggest your favorite nymph. Adjust the indicator as needed and don 't get lazy with the adjustments, because the fish seem to hunker down in off-color water.

Elk River Report

2012-01-15T18:54:00.000-06:00

2012 Fish Tails

The Elk-is finally showing some good windows of opportunity. The water level in the lake is falling, in-spite of all the rain we've had this Winter. The fish of the Elk River have responded well to the generation and are hungry when the generators shut down. When the generators are off there is zero release. The only water entering the river is from the feeder creeks. The feeder creeks have been clearing up pretty quick after rain and the generation is flushing the muddy water, unlike the Summer months when it takes a while for the river to settle after a rain event.

Several anglers have been commenting on the healthy rainbows in the river right now. The stocking trucks have been gone since November and the fish are holding their own. Fish nymphs! Nymphs under indicators are working well, so are buggers swinging in the current. Remember the water is lower and adjusting the indicator is a must. The next time I go down and the water is this low a soft hackle under a dry fly will be on the tippet, at least for a while.

On the Caney Fork we have water, water and water. The lake level at Center Hill is still well above winter pool. Great Falls continues to release water as fast as Center Hill, the Caney Fork and the Cumberland can take it. We are still not floating on these high flows, but if the air temps get low enough.....who knows we might go for a quick float.

The flows on the Musky streams have been a bit high this week as well and more rain is in the forecast. Look for some more reports from those waters, but for now we are going to chase trout in the coming weeks.

This week I have spent some time reading a book by local angler and author Bob Shanks. Around the Next Bend is a book about fishing from Tennessee to Montana. The chapter "Remembering the Little T" is a first hand account of a great river, the Little T, that by many angler's memories, including Bob's, had prolific hatches and the bugs of those famed hatches produced some fat trout and fine angling. If you want an autographed copy of the book for only $16.00 (shipping included) contact Bob at bshanks29@gmail.com. The book would an excellent addition to any anglers bookshelf.

Fly Pattern Report

2012-01-08T19:11:00.000-06:00

Rubber Skirt Fire Tiger

The water around Middle Tennessee is receding. There have been some windows of opportunity on the Elk and it looks like we may be getting on the river in the coming week. The Musky waters are lower and the fish are easier to see when they follow. Center Hill Dam is still releasing large amounts of water but there is relief in sight. The release forecast shows the US Army Corps dialing back some flow and that may be the opening of streamer season on the Caney Fork.

I haven't gotten out this week because of some things that came up. But, in the downtime I have been working on some Winter patterns and dug through some files for some river photos of things we have seen over the past few trips.

Someone Bought This Boat New at One Time

Some Patterns Simply Need a Name

Articulated Fire Tiger

Albert Einstien

Tennessee Fly Fishing Report

2012-01-01T16:35:00.000-06:00

Feathers, Fur and One Eyeball

The Holiday Season is over. Time to get back to work and back to play. Center Hill Dam continues to run three generators around the clock. We find other alternatives when the Army Corp turns loose of that much water. Dale Hollow Dam is releasing two generators and it is OK to float, but that float is quick. Tims Ford Dam is starting to show some windows of wading opportunity. Floating the Elk River hopefully isn't far behind.

We have been out chasin some toothy critters while the tailwaters get back to some sense of normal. We have floated a local freestone for musky three different times. On those three floats we've had 4 anglers, 3 follows, 3 fish on then lost and one fish in the boat. There is a lot to learn about this species and time is short. It is fun to pass the time on the water when a lot of folks are just sitting at home watching others on TV. Stay tuned for updates...

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2011-12-23T17:10:00.001-06:00

I wasn't going to post until after Christmas because we are taking a couple weeks off from all things fishing... The other night I got tired of tying musky flies (that whole time off thing didn't last) anyway I got tired of tying flies and was watching some fishing videos when this came up. Hands down the best fly fishing Christmas video I have found yet. Check out the creator of the video- Yukon Goes Fishing here.

Silver and Gold from Yukon Goes Fishing on Vimeo.

Musky on the Fly

2011-12-11T20:09:00.000-06:00

Brent with the Days Catch

The latest Middle Tennessee Fishing Report:

The Caney Fork River- 10,000 + CFS (blown out)

The Obey River- 5000 +CFS (a fast ride and deep water- blown out)

The Elk River\- 3000 + CFS (fast ride, deep water, hard to row and harder to fish)

***

With all that water David and Brent met me, we loaded up the big rods and went on a musky hunt. The mornings have been cold lately with frost, ice in the guides and in the bottom of the drifter. The full moon and clear nights turn into cold mornings, which make us appreciate those Summer days of shorts and sandals. The rivers however are vacant of other anglers and that is some consolation.

Toothy Critters

I had some large musky flies and some big trout streamers that I wanted to try. Brent and David were up first and Brent hooked up in the first 45 minutes of the trip. We tried several patterns. Some patterns looked better in the water than others and white was the color of the day. I have been moving away from articulated patterns just a bit. The head of the fly is important and the correct size is critical. The head of the fly pushes the water and some say gets the attention of the fish. Wool, deer hair and buck tail have been just a few of the materials that work well. Pushing water has been the theme as of late and on this trip pushing water was also a priority.

***

With Christmas just around the corner, trips to the river will probably be few and far between. The high water actually makes not getting out there a little more tolerable. This week will be a week of tying flies and buying Christmas presents. This has been a very good year; cicadas, brown trout in Michigan, more fish over 20" than any other year, North Carolina, big rainbows - bigger browns, skip jack and lots of friends fishing while having a good time. Yep, lots of good times! Thanks for stopping by and hopefully your Holidays will be an enjoyable time with family and friends. Merry Christmas!

Cortland Big Sky Review

2011-12-04T14:11:00.000-06:00

When I used to play golf I had several putters. The reason, I said was because I liked to putt. In reality, I didn't have any money, so I spent many evenings at the golf course beside our house putting on the different greens while dodging the grounds keepers. With so many evenings spent on the greens I got pretty good at putting and ducking for cover. I bought, sold, traded, and borrowed putters while never really quite finding just the right putter. It is not easy to admit, but I am the same way with fly rods. Fortunately I have several friends who help me with my search in finding the right stick. (FYI- finding the right rod probably will not happen for me).

One of the people who "helps" with my search, to find the right rod, is Leo at Cumberland Transit. Leo is heavy into bamboo rods, but also keeps tabs on the graphite and fiberglass sticks. A couple months or so ago I was sitting in the fly shop at Cumberland Transit looking at the different rods, searching this time, for a work horse to use on guide trips. When Leo asked if I had looked at the Cortland Rods, I said no I really haven't paid them too much attention, although Leo has been telling me about these rods for about a year now. When I got ready to leave he looked through the cabinet, pulled out the Cortland rod, then told me to take it with me to try. And, when I left the shop that day I had the Cortland 9'-5wt 4 piece Big Sky tucked under my arm.

For a couple weeks I forgot about the rod and then one day the rod was laying next to the boat and I rigged it up. The rod was on the next trip where it performed nicely. We threw nymphs with extra weight and the rod dropped the nymphs where we wanted. The rod was soft enough in the tip to throw and swing soft hackles. Also it had enough backbone to deliver a size #18 dry fly about 50' and the finesse to drop it in a slot the size of a... let's just say it was a tight spot. Then it showed it's true performance in a long hook set, with a #18 dry fly, into a 20" rainbow. Anyone who has hooked a large rainbow knows they fight different than a large brown. The brown will go down to the bottom and dig. A larger rainbow is more of a street fighter, jumping, twisting, digging and making those blistering runs before coming to the net. The Big Sky kept the fly lodged and took everything the big rainbow threw at it. A large fish in the net can make an angler look favorable on a fly rod.

Fast forward. We had used the rod for several weeks, but this time the test would be conducted by an angler who hadn't gotten a chance to fish in several years. Just minutes into the float we were hooked up and the Big Sky was bent with a nice hatchery brat stuck on the end of the line. After a few more casting tips our angler was launching the fly, with the Big Sky, about 30' then 40'. The only problem with launching 40' is, I expect the angler to do it every time. After awhile his cast was smooth and the rod was not overly responsive to a slightly "out of time" cast. Our angler was consistently casting 40 plus feet, with accuracy. In other words the Big Sky was not like some of the stiffer rods on the market that expect a near perfect stroke to perform.
***
On another trip I gave the rod to an experienced angler. After a few casts and a hook-up this angler said the rod response is good. The tip of the rod feels soft, similar to the way some of the higher end rod makers rods feel (obviously not exactly the same and neither is the price) and has some backbone like the more stiff rods on the market. The rod weighs in at at 3.5 oz which seems light for a rod that retails for under $250.00. OK all that is wonderful and great, but what about those of us who are tough on equipment? I went in search of the Cortland Warranty.
***
TO PROCESS A WARRANTY CLAIM:
For repair or replacement, please return the entire rod or reel, including any broken pieces. Be sure to include a note with your name, address and phone number and $10.00 for Reels, $20.00 for Cortland Rods and $30.00 for Diamondback Rods for domestic S&H. If outside the U.S. please contact us for shipping and handling charges.
***
The Cortland Big Sky may not compete with the high end rods that we all like to talk about, wiggle in the fly shops and cast every time we walk in the door. (Yes rod envy is a problem). However for an everyday rod that gives good performance at a reasonable cost, the Big Sky is a great rod for the money. And, to quote Lefty Kreh "the rods now days cast a hell of a lot better than we do". This statement I find to be correct more often than not.

20 + Club

2011-12-01T20:18:00.001-06:00

What's the 20 + Club? Well it is a group of anglers who have fished with us at various times over the past few years, and who have caught a 20" or above fish. Check them out here. There are still more to add and we are getting to that. Hopefully there will be more anglers joining the group over the next year.***
***
With the water so high in Middle Tennessee the drifter is parked in the garage and unless something changes in the generation, it is doubtful the drifter will see the river over the next week or so. That being said, I am tying some streamers and getting ready for the winter streamer season which is already upon us.
***
Christmas is just around the corner and we have gift certificates available for those of you considering booking a trip next year. Just contact me via phone, email or text and we will make the arrangements.
***
And, check back next week for a fly rod review. We have been using a rod on the boat over the past couple months and it is time to review the rod's performance. Alright that is it for now and hope your week has been going well ! Screamin reels and all that stuff...

Fly Fishing High Water

2011-11-27T12:25:00.000-06:00

High Water on the Caney Fork

Center Hill Dam is releasing water from the recent rains and to achieve winter pool. Great Falls is pumping water into Center Hill Lake and with the "water in - water out" philosophy, the US Army Corps is running two generators 24-7. So with a two generator release what's an angler to do? Well we went fishing on two generators. All that extra water opens up a lot of options on the river. We hit some back eddy's and side channels in a search for soft water. Big streamers and deep running bait fish patterns are working as long as you can get them down. There are some stripers in the river and the walleye boats are in the dam pool fishing their bait under floats.

There are Some of These in the Dam Pool

The dam pool gets a little crowded and the water gets rough with all those waves from the boats running up to the generators and floating back down. There are some fish hitting the top right now too, but we haven't gotten a good eat, although we have had some chances.

The high water releases can be dangerous, so stay on your toes if floating the river. The water from the release is clear! The sluice has been turned off and the water temps are falling. Now the water release at the 2 mile point is a cooler 59 degrees. The good news is cool clear water - the bad news, there is a lot of cool clear water. Hang in there though the rains will let up and the lake level will fall, then we can resume our regularly scheduled fishing habits.

TVA is angler friendly on the Elk on the weekends. They have been running one generator during the week while drawing down Tims Ford Lake and turning off the water on the weekends. The fishing has been favorable with nymphs, soft hackles and with small streamers. The water temps are also favorable at 57 degrees which apparently is making for some happy fish. Even with the water still slightly stained the fish are responding well. The otters have been making their way up and down the river. Sometimes we see them a mile from the dam and at other times they show up at Farris Creek. Overall the Elk seems to be productive for man and creature.

Elk River Gift Certificate & Fishing Report

2011-11-21T18:02:00.000-06:00

The Stained Water of the Elk

The Elk River- The Elk is fishing good in the upper section. Although the water is stained and the bottom is getting the orange coating on the rocks and gravel, the fish seem to be happy. We didn't try swinging a Bust-a-Brown, but I would be someone else's favorite fly rod an angler could get some big numbers before the TVA turns the water loose again in a couple days. The water temperature is running about 57 degrees, according to my thermometer dropped down to 4 feet.

Another Elk River Hatchery Brat

Wyatt's birthday present from his bride was a trip to the river and a day of floating the Elk. Wyatt has fished some but not as much as he probably likes. We started at the dam and were into fish within seconds of the fly hitting the water. We started on a double nymph rig with a large nymph on the top and a much smaller Dano-Majic on the bottom. The fish responded to both flies, with the bottom fly seeing about 70% of the action. Wyatt picked up on the casting and mending real quick and then surprised me when he started asking questions about reading the water. He was reading the water and putting casts where the fish were supposed to be, well before lunchtime.

Fish On Again

Mother Nature came out to show off on this day. We saw the usual heron, otters, ground hog and squirrels. A hawk flew over a recently cut corn field and deer came to gravel bars on two separate occasions to get a drink. The wildlife was out and about as a storm was rolling into the area. We fished until we couldn't see the indicator anymore and then called it a day. The center section of the river was a little slower than I like, the lower section probably would fish better if we would have rolled in before the sun went down. Still it was a good day on the Elk with good water temps and low flow.

***

The generation looks like it will turn on in a day or so and 100 CFS is about as slow as we see on the river at anytime of the year. The grass that plagues the river is getting pushed out so that will free up some additional opportunities to seek out better water while drowning nymphs. Everyone we talked with was having a good day or coming back after recently having a good day. The next few days of heavy rain and storms will probably keep the river quiet,. After the generation ceases again I would expect the action to pick up where it left off. It was a pleasure spending the day with Wyatt watching him get more comfortable casting and mending while reading the water. I am looking forward to the next trip.

Wyatt Working on His Rig at Just About Dark

The Caney Fork River- The Caney has seen some increased generation from the heavy rains of last week and it looks more rain is in the forecast. The temps are running about the same as last week. The big difference is the big sluice is now turned off. The generation is just that, straight generation. After the runoff from the recent rain events is discharged and pushed downstream the water will hopefully clear. This is the time of year we begin turning to streamer action as the fish begin to listen to those internal clocks and seek out protein. Nymphs and small midge patterns will still get their attention and the optimist in me says all will be right on Middle TN's favorite tailwater.

There isn't much more to report as we all wait for the rain to come and go across the mid state. If you are looking ahead to streamer season we will have some open dates coming up for those 3/4 day streamer floats. Also, there is an event that I am working on that may help everyone become a better tailwater angler. Stay tuned for that information. For now hope to see you on the river!

David with a Recent Rainbow

Elk River and Caney Fork River Fishing Report

2011-11-15T17:37:00.000-06:00

The Caney Fork River- The water color on the Caney Fork continues to improve. When the release is stopped the water begins to clear and continues to clear until the next round of generation. The browns, rainbows and brook trout are beginning to take streamers during the release. This is good news for anglers who prefer to deliver the groceries. The window of really good streamer fishing is short. Start throwing the big stuff about 30 minutes after the water starts to rise and continue for about an hour after the release is begins to slow. Obviously the times are different for different sections of the river. The sluice water is now releasing at 60 degrees and on sunny days it warms to 62 a couple hours later. After the water levels out nymphs, both big and small, have been working pretty good as well.

The Progression of the Sluice Release

The Elk River below Tims Ford Dam- Generation has been one of the stories on the Elk. TVA continues to draw down the lake with use of the generator and the water levels are a bit too high, even for the drifter. Although fish are hitting on the bigger release we don't feel it is safe for trips. TVA has been giving us some relief on the weekends.

The next couple days of rain will muddy the water on the Elk, but hopefully it will be clearing before the weekend. If TVA can give relief this weekend fish will be caught on the usual patterns and they will still be holding in the usual spots.

This Little Brown Got Real Aggressive on a Good Sized Streamer

The Brookies are Still in Full Colors

Getting Ready for Winter

We are going to have a few open dates over the next few weeks. This time of year means the potential of large fish as they begin to fatten up for Winter. The rainbows are aggressive right now and the browns are trying get back into fighting shape as they come off the spawn. We are going to do the 3/4 day trips, due to shorter daylight. If you are an angler who is looking for a good early Winter trip, now may be the time to give s a call and try for a potential fish of a lifetime.

Calvary Outfitters Trip (part II)

2011-11-10T18:31:00.000-06:00

Here are some more photos from the Calvary Outfitters Faith and Fly Fishing Weekend

Calvary Outfitters Trip (part I)

2011-11-07T18:18:00.003-06:00

The Rainbows Were Colorful

The guys at Calvary Outfitters took a road trip to Ridgecrest North Carolina over the weekend. Most of us left sometime Thursday for a much needed retreat. Ridgecrest provided an excellent atmosphere for the group, some of who came all the way from Dallas Texas. 13 guys, 4 days, all chasing browns, rainbows and brookies.

The North Carolina Mountains

A NC Brookie

The first day we split up and fished several rivers. Each group took several anglers, each of different skill levels. North Carolina has well known rivers such as the Davidson, the Cherokee Trophy Waters, the Tuck and some not so well known waters that will remain unnamed. All rivers gave up fish to the fly and when we hit the water the weather was as good as it gets in the month of November.

Can You Name This Dam?

We didn't confine ourselves to just one river, just one section or even just one state. Some of us crossed back into Tennessee to catch some East Tennessee trout on the Watauga. The Watauga gave up it's fish to the CO guys. Nymphs, dry flies and soft hackles produced fish as anglers presented a variety of patterns. These are just a few of the pictures that were taken over the weekend and there will be more to follow. On the way home it was apparent the trip was a success, because the plans for the Spring trip began before we crossed the Tennessee state line. (more pictures to follow)

Clear Water

Holy Water on the Watauga River in Tennessee

Caney Fork River Fishing Report

2011-10-31T18:04:00.005-05:00

The Elk- The big story on the Elk is the water release. TVA is drawing down Tims Ford Lake, for winter pool, and the water release is tough to forecast. Over the weekend the water release was showing 800+ CFS and the next few days are up and down. Anglers should call TVA before going to the river and shouldn't be surprised if the info changes on the drive. If you find an opening in the water release keep a sharp eye on the water levels. I have been on the Elk when water is released unexpectantly and getting out wasn't the easiest thing to accomplish. In short be careful and stay on your toes.

Center Hill Dam Sluice Release

The Caney Fork- Expect the water to be somewhat more clear than the past month. Visability is getting better, although it still is not back to where we all like it. In a few weeks hopefully it will be running at normal clarity (whatever that is) and the fish will respond. The browns apppear to be finishing their normal Fall activities. The water tempratures are running 62 degrees at the 4' mark, taken about 2.5 miles from the dam. So, really the water temps are about the same as usual for this time of the year.

This Heron Kept a Close Eye as We Passed Under

It has been a lazy past couple weeks as we wait for the water to clear and the scheduled trips get back underway. Brent and I went to the Caney and started the float on one generator. We both threw streamers and were trying to move some bigger fish before the US Army Corps turned off the generation. The water was a bit more clear than a few weeks back, when I took the pictures of the sluice release. We found two things...1) the brookies are aggressive toward streamers. 2) there is a large brown lurking right down by the

Some Brookies are Very Colorful and Some Are Just Starting to Get Their Color

Brent was on the oars and we were working a shoreline. The water was slow on the edge with some faster current toward the middle of the river. I watched the streamer come out of the darker water and a large fish coming in behind. The fish was within striking distance, but wasn't making any moves to get in front of the offering to make an eat. At first the fish looked like a striper, but as it got closer it proved to be a brown. The big brown came to the boat following the streamer and then when it got to the tip of the rod, the fish turned and went under the oar blade. The big brown made two circles under the oar blade and then turned back toward the darker water. The fish hesitated for an instant and then swam away and down toward from where it came. Yes. I threw the streamer back in and no the brown never ate. The fish was one of those fish that sticks with an angler for a while.

An After Lunch Snack & A Couple Sticks

After that brown we waited for the water to begin to fall out and dug out the nymph rod. We went with a bead head nymph and an egg pattern. Last year we had luck on eggs and picked up some nice rainbows. This year the egg patterns haven't been as productive. Brent got back in the casting brace and we were working a bank on falling water. We worked some blowdowns and stayed mostly in current seams. As Brent worked the nymph I worked the oars. We fell into a steady pace and spotted some fish, then the indicator took a dive and Brent set the hook. At first we thought it was just a usual customer, but then the headshakes started and Brent was in a fight. The fish made a couple short runs and then started to come to the boat. When fish come to the boat they either do one of two things. 1) they run under the boat possibly seeking shelter, or 2) they make a reel screaming run. Personally I like to hear a reel sing so option 2 gets my vote. This brown turned it's tail and took off. Brent got the rod turned, then brown's head turned, and the fish came to the net. The nymphs were catching nice fish again. This brown looked to be fresh off a spawn. It has the big tail, long body and appears to be in need of some protein.

Brent's Largest Brown of the Year

This time of the year leaves and blowing wind create a hostile dry fly environment. When we arrived at my favorite dry fly stretch the wind and leaves made it pretty miserable to fish dries. So, we went back to nymphs and picked up more rainbows. Toward the end of the day, when the winds dies down, we went back to the dry fly and fished to rising fish. The story wasn't as exciting as Brent's brown trout but we had the dry ready, saw the fish rise, threw the dry upstream of the rise, the fly drifted a few feet and the rainbow ate the dry. Yep, it seemed easy and if nothing else it was a cool take. Streamers brought out the big ones, nymphs took the fish of the day and dries capped off a good day of just "Gettin Out There".

Elk River and Caney Fork Dry Fly Fishing

2011-10-23T11:32:00.000-05:00

Mirror Images

The Elk River- This week TVA dialed back the release from 800+ CFS to the normal release of 240 CFS. The future generation for the next few days shows the same 240 CFS release. It is Fall and time to start the lake draw-down Be sure to check the generation schedule close and keep your eyes on the "Hourly Discharge" on the TVA website. The release has been coming from the release gates and not necessarily through the generator. If you are wading down the river keep your eyes open for a possible unexpected release. Rumors of non-published releases are swirling.

The fishing has been OK on the Elk. Using nymphs and small streamers has been working pretty good. Most of the fish are eating below the surface so dries can be tough. Swinging soft hackles through faster moving water has been taking some fish as well. The temps remain around the 58 degree mark and when the water clears, anglers will have opportunities for more fish.

David Delivering "the Groceries"

The Caney Fork- There have been some discussions concerning the water clarity, dissolved oxygen levels and general overall poor water quality of the Caney lately. The sluice water is dingy green with lots of roughage and junk mixed in. The fishing has been off as of late, compared to earlier in the year. The water is clearing just a bit and visibility is about 4' now. The water temps are still running in the 62 - 63 degree mark, according to my thermometer which is tied to about 4' of 20 lb floro and dropped over the side of the drifter (hi-tech stuff- this trout fishing ).

Fall Along the River

I was going to take a couple weeks off, but....David and I got out for a day on the river. The sky is clear right now and Fall is in full swing. That begs the question....is fishing better on a cloudy day or is that just a myth? David brought a streamer rod and, as he said, he was going to throw "the groceries". He arrived with some really nice looking articulated goodies as well as some nice single hook creations. My plan was to throw streamers, dries and nymphs or just about everything. We were lucky and caught fish on all of them. We started out the day with me in the casting brace throwing a really nice shad type pattern that we used earlier in the year. We tried different retrieves, against the bank but the fish weren't interested. We switched colors, patterns and anglers. Then David hooked up while banging the banks with an articulated fly. He immediately got the chance to row again.

Leo at Cumberland Transit loaned me a Cortland Big Sky 9'-5wt and asked me to give it a try. I have seen these rods in the shop but haven't really given them a second glance. Before this day was over the rod would get a good test. We rigged double nymph set-up and picked up some fish. We spotted some fish here and there. The brook trout are pretty active right now. Some of the brookies are in full color and some are silvery with almost no color. All the fish looked relatively healthy.

We caught several Rainbows

The rainbows in the Middle Tennessee rivers are looking pretty healthy. We caught them on mostly nymphs and dries, but we also had some swings and misses on streamers. The bows are feeding more toward the top of the water column and their colors really pop when they come to the fly.

A Nice Brown on a Small Dry

Those of you who have been following this report for a while, know that I have been fishing more dry flies this year than ever before. For me dry fly fishing started in the Smokies. When we came to Middle Tennessee, nymphs and soft hackles seemed to be the way to go. Dry flies never have left my mind and regular trips to the Smokies seemed to give me "the fix" that an angler needs from time to time. As this year has gone along more clients want to fish dries. They understand numbers can be tough when fishing dries, but when an angler fishes to the fish, sees the fish comes to the fly and then eat, it is a great day.

A Nice Bow Under Blue-Bird Skies on a Small Dry

There are some times of the day that dries fish better. They don't necessarily fish better than other types of flies, it is just that at certain times, dries just fish better than they would at other times of the day. There have been some interesting hatches coming off lately. We've seen lots of midges as usual, caddis from size 20 to 14's bouncing around like caddis do, yellow stoneflies and some small-almost tiny crane flies as well. David and I fished to a pod of rainbows for a while. These fish were feeding and leaving that bubble on the surface in the middle of the rise almost every time they would eat. We began tying on dries. The fish were picky and we had several (OK we had a lot) of refusals, until we landed on the right pattern. When we did land on the right pattern, well, it was a great day!

Gettin Out There

Poll Results

2011-10-18T17:42:00.002-05:00

The polls are closed to v0ting and the dry flies are the winners. There is nothing like catching a big fish on a dry fly and apparently others agree. 84% of the anglers, who answered the poll question, would rather catch a 20" rainbow on a dry vs. 16% of the anglers who would rather catch a larger 22" rainbow on a nymph. ***

Dry fly fishing can be some of the most exciting fishing, in the world of angling, and when a big fish comes up to the top to eat, the excitement cannot be beat. This year we have gone after and caught more large fish on dries than ever before. It all started with the cicada hatch, which was epic. A quick trip to Michigan to fish the Hex Hatch at night on spinners! Then we moved into a short hopper season that produced some nice tailwater fish as well. As we do every year we spent some days in the Smokies fishing Thunderheads and other dries. Throw in some more tailwater trout on Parachute Adams (the planet's most recognized dry fly) and rounding the Summer out with Isonychia patterns and spinners. This year has a been a good year for dries. Are we giving up on dries? No way! We are going to continue to fish dries, even when others gave up on them months ago.

The down and dirty streamer season is just around the corner as the first cold front of the year is moving in as I write this report. The hail earlier in the day and the approaching front will remind the fish to start building protein for a long Winter. The thoughts of tailwater anglers everywhere are turning to the shad kill. There are some techniques that I tried late last winter that produced some good fish during the shad kill, and those techniques should work just as good as the shad move toward the dam in mid-winter.

Nashville Area Fly Fishing Report

2011-10-17T19:29:00.001-05:00

There is a Lot of Trash on the Bottom

The Elk River- TVA has begun the Winter draw-down of Tims Ford Lake. They are releasing 830 CFS through the spillway. Reading the water release on the website is not enough, anglers need to scroll down and see the release schedule. Wading is tough at best. The water level at the Highway 50 bridge is way up on the gravel bar and the current is extremely swift. There are fish to be caught and some nice ones at that, but it is going to be tough for several weeks. The good thing? There is a heavier flow which we hope will dislodge some of the excess weeds and trash on the bottom. Now is a good time to throw streamers and possibly egg patterns, if you can get eggs down to the bottom quick enough and in the right places. Again, be careful- if you fish the Elk at all.

We Don't Even Know What This Means?

The Obey River- Not much to report here. The release is the same release as the past several weeks, with a short window in the A.M. and a one generator release pretty much the rest of the day.

The Caney Fork River- The Caney is fishing but the catching is tough. The rainbows are coming out to play in the evening and the fish have been rising on falling water. The temperature in the lake is 65 degrees at 10' and the river temps are still right around 62 degrees depending on the depth the measurement is taken. Midges on falling water will work. Fishing to feeding fish is anglers best bet, although nymphs and dries need to be presented drag free and on target. Streamers are working as well. The water clarity is not good and usually doesn't show improvement until the big sluice release is reduced in November. The recreation releases continue with nice wading and low water floats on the weekends. Don't let the tough water conditions keep you at home, go, try to crack the code, the occasional big catch is still possible in these tough conditions.

We Like Fat Rainbows

Middle Tennessee Fly Fishing Report

2011-10-06T19:18:00.006-05:00

Gary Working a Pool on the Elk River

The Caney Fork- Center Hill Dam continues to release water during the week. If anglers get there early or late there is a chance to fish low or falling water, depending on which time and which access you prefer. The water in the lake temperature is 63 degrees at 10' and on the other side of the dam, in the river, the temps are 62ish. Speculation is the lake may be starting to turn over, but who really knows. The amateur biologists have a lot of theories and they could be right. The water in the Caney is still off color from the sluice, so the fishing is tough, but one or two great fish can make an angler's day.

The Only Bass of the Week....and Caught on a Trout Stream?

The Obey River- The river is full of water from one generator on the weekends. But anglers get a reprieve during the week, when the cool waters of the Caney Fork help cool the water for the steam plant downstream. Low water is the best time to fish the Obey, however fish can be caught from a boat on one generator. On low water the flow can produce the most painfully slow drifts known man. But the river will five up some good fish on small nymphs and midges. Check the generation schedule before you leave and keep an eye on the flow. This river fills up fast and rumors of unexpected releases have been heard. Make sure you have an exit strategy before getting in, especially if you are wading the first mile or so.

Time to Get on the Water

We Saw LuLu Guiding Her Owners on the Elk River

The Elk River- So the Caney has been getting some press lately about the off-color of the release. The Elk River is running just a little bit more clear, but not much. There is no sluice at the Elk River and the release has been mostly from a release from the top side of the dam. But the TVA has done a good job of conserving cold water (or at least cool) because the water temperatures are 58 degrees a couple miles downstream. Still the greenish dirt color of the water slows the fishing a bit. There is a lot of grass and weeds floating in the river right now, so fishing streamers is difficult. We had some follows and caught some on streamers this week, but it wasn't easy. And expect to clean those hooks most every cast. Also, the river still needs several hours of generation to give it a good flushing. Wading or dropping an anchor can produce clouds of debris that would make a feeding carp blush.

Hoping These Will Grow Up!

We have been fishing more nymphs as of late on the Elk. Choose the right size, color and shape and the indicator will dance like a Mexican jumping bean, choose wrong or get lazy and it's going to be a long day. The fish are reacting to the better drifts and there has been a recent stocking. The river sees a lot of traffic that thins downstream. Be careful wading because it is hard to see the snags, downfalls and unexpected rocks on the bottom. Some anglers are reporting better days than others.

A World Record Chub?

I fish with Brent several times a year and when he said he was going to the Smokies I was glad he was getting a chance to go. Brent took off on the Gatlinburg side of the the Park and got into some brookies on dry flies. ~~Man was I jealous~~ It was good to see the fish were responding even with the low clear water. Brent spent most of his day on dry flies and catching these little Jewels of the Park. The forecast for the mountains this week is for some much needed rain. So the next few weeks could be "epic" in the Park.

Brent Went to the Blue Lines This Week

There is a poll on the right side of this report. If you haven't already, take a minute and vote. It is good to see what anglers prefer. I keep telling myself I am going to take some time off and wait for the tailwaters to get into better shape but who knows. Hopefully I can get out onto a lake in the next couple weeks or up in the Smokies for a day or two....guess we will see what shakes out.

Fall on the Elk River

Dry Flies and Snickers Bars

2011-10-04T17:18:00.000-05:00

Part of the Arsenal

Howard and I have fished the Elk River several times this year. This time Howard wanted to fish the Caney. We exchanged texts about water clarity, water temperatures and slow fishing on the Caney. Eventually there we were, out on the river looking for that perfect circle from a rise. We have been a good team this year. We have caught fish, some trips more than others, but most times we boat at least one really nice fish by anyone's standards. Howard likes to fish dries, as do I, but also we understand that sometimes nymphs are simply just what's working. This day we would try dries and nymphs, both would produce...wait I am getting ahead of myself just a bit.

Fresh Off the Truck

We started the day with a dry/dropper. After a couple changes to the dropper Howard hooked up and after a quick fight the freshly stocked Hatchery Brat was caught, photographed and released to grow. I put Howard on another dropper pattern and then we moved on as the wind picked up. We went to nymphs under a dry for a while and picked up a few more fish, some were better than others but most were the usual suspects. The reports on this day were slow fishing, from just about everyone.

A Decent Brown on a Nymph Pattern

The water is still a greenish dirt color from the sluice and the water temps are running in the 62 degree range. This is pretty much normal for this time of year, although no one likes it all that much. Nymphs under a big dry were working OK and Howard was able to boat several fish. We snacked on hot Cheetos and other "health food". The hunger was growing as we hunted bigger fish. Usually there are some Snickers on board the drifter and I told Howard if he would catch a nice fish we could go ahead and eat the two Snickers I stashed in the cooler when I left the house that morning. It wasn't like he wasn't trying, because he was putting the fly in the right spots and getting good drifts. I was changing flies every chance I could. Still it was a bit slow and I was growing more hungry by the minute.

We spotted different hatches throughout this day. We saw a nice caddis hatch, the usual midge hatches and some tricos that came late in the day, which is a bit unusual. The late evening bat-hatch also came out before we got off the water, but we didn't fish a bat pattern. We continued munching on the health food and trying to bring fish to the top. You can't force them to come up, well some people say you can't anyway. The nymphs got a bit boring after a while and we slid into a nice spot where fish seem to eat top water more often than not.

***

The fish haven't been responding to hoppers and beetles lately. So I guees they have faded a bit. We had an Isonychia dry on Howard's 4 weight Sage with a Trico trailing close behind. The fish were rising in slack water more than on the usual lines. We spotted a fish feeding on a small seam by some structure and Howard laid the cast right where it needed to be, then flipped a short mend. The feeding fish didn't waste any time and came up to the fly and sucked it down with a big splash.

When I first saw the fish feeding it was just eating with subtle takes on the bugs that were popping off the seam. The fish seemed to be smaller than we wanted, but heck how can you pass on fishing dries to feeding trout? So anyway, Howard made the cast, flipped a short mend, the fish ate and the battle was on. I was feeling pretty good about the whole thing and just watched the fight from the rowers bench while smoking a fine cigar. When the end of the rod began those tight shakes I knew it was a better fish and put down the cigar, then grabbed the net. The fight was well on its way to an epic battle Well maybe not epic, but lots of give, some take here and there...you get the picture. The fish made several short runs on the 4 weight, while Howard and I discussed the many snags just below the boat. A sense of urgency came about us both just as the fish turned its head and finally came to the net. We had our nice fish on a dry fly and the river gave up another prize.

Livin' Like a Health Nut

It was about time the fish gave up because I was really growing tired of carrots, Wheat Thins, cigars and Mt Dew. That Snickers was just around the corner... We took the usual shots and Howard snapped a photo to text to his fishing partner who opted to stay home. We continued fishing to rising fish but the sun was going down and the Fall moonlight was just starting to shine down on the river. After a bit more fishing we lost sight of the flies and called a day. The celebration of a slow day- turned decent, was discussed and the Snickers came out of the cooler.

We stowed the rods and started toward the ramp. Isonychias are not exactly a primary hatch on the Caney Fork, the Tricos add to the story late in the day on these warmer water temps. There have been a few more Caddis hatches as of late and the midges are pretty much a given. Soon the egg pattens will come into play for hungry rainbows....

Rewards

Caney Fork Sluice

2011-10-03T19:16:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer- This report is purely opinion and observation with some sarcasm. There is no scientific data or research attached to this and no I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. If you disagree, please don't send me complaining emails, they wouldn't be read anyway. Take the next few minutes of reading for what is worth and work on mending, cause the fish are pretty dang picky right now.

A Close-Up View of the Sluice

For a few years now I have been watching the sluice and the effects of the sluice as it relates to the trout fishing on the Caney Fork River. The river doesn't seem to fish as well during the periods the sluice + generation as it does with straight generation, after they have been turned off and the water is falling. However, it is my understanding the sluice is supposed to put dissolved oxygen (the kind of oxygen the fish breath) in the water at this time of the year. If the fish have plenty of oxygen, then why are the fish tight-lipped?

***

I was on the river this week (report to follow) and I decided to do some research on the subject. So I went to the other side of the dam (actually I drove the truck because it seemed like a long swim). Yep all the way to the other side of the river, just to take a look around. Really, I did and the view of the water was a bit surprising.

The Line Between Sluice Water and Generation Release Water

As can be seen in this photo there is a line between the sluice water and the generation release. The photo does not due justice to difference in water clarity. The water from the generation is clear, even with the release the clarity is several feet. The sluice release water is a milky-green, with a hint of dirt color. The water from the sluice is pulled from the bottom of the lake (or there about) and the generator is higher in the lake, thus making the generation release a completely different release from the sluice. We could talk about the possible reasons for the difference in water clarity all day long, but, we won't because this is just food for thought and all that stuff. Besides there are flies to be tied and fish to be caught. So what's the bottom line?

The Line is Clearly Visible

The bottom line is the fish have always liked water that is clear better than they like greenish-dirty water. But the fish still have to eat and they still will eat. Maybe we need to get the trout some fish goggles so they can see our flies. Another bit of info is the water temps an hour after generation is still 62 degrees. These temps are a bit on the warm side and reflect the late Summer/early Fall temperatures we usually witness.
121
Reports from up and down the river this week have been of slow fishing and tight lips. We have experienced the same. We have tried some different fly patterns, retrieves and twitches that have produced fish. We catch fish on every trip and have caught some nice fish on trips as well. The sluice will be over soon and life will return to normal (whatever that is). Some anglers have called it a year and packed their fishing stuff until Spring. And, some, will keep waving the stick and trying different approaches to the age old puzzle of fly fishing. I could say something cheesy right now and try to sound like some fly fishing writer or talk in a soft voice like those fly fishing shows on TV, but I won't. I'll just finish this report and go tie some more flies, because remember the fish are pretty pick right now.

Caney Fork River and Elk River Fishing Guide Report

2011-09-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

Some Brown Trout Goodness

Obey River- We did not get up to the Obey. so there is not a real time report for the Obey other than, one generator 24-7 and cold water coming out of Dale Hollow Lake. One generator on the Obey is good for deep water nymphing from a boat and it is easier to get away with larger bugs, that are heavy and sometimes even difficult to throw. A large-fluffy indicator or a Thingamabobber help to keep those weighted nymphs off the bottom. 8'-10' between the indicator and fly is not uncommon after passing the shoal at the drainage, on the right downstream, below the 2nd boat ramp. Fish around the logs and blowdowns and expect to lose some flies. If you are doing it right expect to lose a lot of flies.

A Lone Angler Working a Bend

The Elk- has been fishing pretty good on nymphs. There are some nice fish and some are making their way into the wading sections of the river. These sections get some heavy pressure at times, but also anglers can find some room to themselves at non-traditional hours of the day. Fish nymphs close to the bottom and often. A dropper, i.e. a soft hackle under a nymph and the old stand by of a Zebra Midge dangling below a nymph will produce a few more fish, when they come to inspect a nymph and change their mind for the smaller morsel. The terrestrials on top are not producing like they did earlier in the year, possibly because of the off-color water coming from the lake and the lazy release from the generator. On the plus side visibility is still about 2'-3' and the water temperature is a steady 57-58 degrees, measured at 4 feet deep.

A Caney Fork Brookie in Fall Colors

The Caney- The river is running 62 degrees about 2 miles from the dam and a 4' depth. It seems the lake is running low on cold water, but we should see the temps begin to cool and the fish get happier. Hopefully the sluice is providing the much needed oxygen the fish need. The big sluice is doing what the sluice does every year. The water is off-green color with about 3' visibility right now and after the big sluice is turned off for the year we are hoping the fish will be hungrier than a kid on the second day of Summer camp. We did find a 25" brown trout that was almost dead at Lancaster. The water was falling out at the time and the fish was swimming upside down in the weeds. The fish looked relatively healthy and there was no blood or hook marks in the mouth area. After 20 minutes of trying we still couldn't revive the massive brown. I would like to believe this fish died of old age...

Jane in the Front of the Drifter

After the high water events out West this year, we are getting reports of anglers who are ready to hit the local rivers. After spending her Summer in Jackson Hole, Jane called before she left the the Cowboy State. We agreed to hit the river when she returned and after a couple phone calls we were meeting at the ramp. Jane has been fishing with us for several years and usually multiple times each year. When Jane comes to the river I try hard to get her to fish nymphs when it is appropriate. But she is not too fond of that plan and we are on dries pretty quick. This trip was no different. We tried several patterns and ended up with a size #18 Adams early in the float. Jane is an excellent dry fly angler and soon was hooking up on top water. Nymphs would catch fish on this day, but dries are much more entertaining.
Jane and I continued on down the river seeing and talking with several anglers and friends of the river. The fish got lock jaw for a bit, then a nice brown rose to the top and snapped its jaws on a big hopper. The fight was not swift, but it was decisive. Jane wasn't going to let this prize come unbuttoned and the brown was in the net. The fish continued to rise and we had other fish and other shots at pretty nice fish. As is usual and customary we arrived at the ramp just after dark. We agreed to fish again in the coming months and hopefully we can get out for the shad kill dry fly float in the late Winter months.

Late Summer on the River

Jimmy, Bo and Jud and a Good Bet

2011-09-18T12:28:00.001-05:00

Bo and Jud decided a good birthday present, for their Dad Jimmy, would be a day on the river. Neither Bo nor Jud had fly fished before, but wanted to give their Dad a trip to do something Jimmy loves to do. Mark and I met them at the ramp for an early morning start. I have been in the middle of several different bets while in the drifter. Usually it is something tangible, sometimes it funny and at times it is purely for the money. The guys filled us in on their bet for the day. Their Bet, on this day? The losers have to pay for the fiberglass replica of the winning fish. It was a simple and straight forward. And, as with all good bets, I wouldn't have to pay into it at all. But, the pressure was on for the guides and I quickly clarified the rules, as best I could without showing my hand. Length would win, so pretty much anything goes as far as species was concerned. With that we were off to our respective boats.

A Different Look at the Sluice

We had a limited amount of time before the two hour pulse began, so we made the most of the low water. Jimmy and Bo went with Mark and Jud took his spot in the front casting brace of my drifter. Two rods in this case are better than one, but Jud and I weren't worried. We started Jud on the basics of casting and then mending. We worked on mending some more and then back to casting. When we felt like it was time to go, the anchor came off the bottom and we started the drift into Hatchery Bratville for some real life practice of catching. Jimmy and Bo already had fish on before we got into a rhythm. But, Jud was quick to learn and soon he was setting the hook on a diving indicator. Then the sluice came and Jimmy popped a nice rainbow to take the lead.

Jud and I stayed on course and probed the creeks and back eddy's, looking for feeding carp and gar. Nothing in the creeks, except bluegill, were interested in the offerings. We worked on close quarters casting, then the sluice shut down and the water settled. We backed out into the current and started hunting. The plan was to hit the likely spots for large fish and win the bet. Simple and straight- forward. We floated and spotted some large fish. We saw one extremely large brown feeding, but couldn't get the monster to eat.

Then it happened for Jud. We were hunting a likely spot when a fish came to the fly for a look. Jud was just pulling the fly for the next cast when he saw the fish come for the moving fly. His excitement level elevated and we moved back, into a better position. Jud used the skills he had worked on earlier and dropped the fly into a pocket. The fly didn't have time to settle and the fish came back, then it ate hard. Casting to a pocket can be like a good serve in tennis, but when the fish eats, the game changes to more like a fullback crashing the line. Jud worked hard not to come apart at the seams while he was fighting his first nice brown trout. The fish didn't come willingly, but eventually the fish made its way to the waiting net. Jud was on the board in a big way.

Looking Back At You

A Nice Brown on Falling Water

We continued on toward the designated lunch spot. The phone rang from the other boat and we announced the latest find, which confirmed the brown would take the lead by an inch. As usual I got to lunch about an hour late, but hey we were fishing. Mark prepared an excellent steak fajita lunch, while I re-rigged some rods. After lunch Jud and Bo switched boats and Jimmy continued his float at the head of the group. Bo was rested and ready to go. While the other guys shoved off and headed down river, we backed up and hit some more likely water.

Raccoons Have Been Numerous Along the River

Bo quickly proved he could launch a bug too and we went to the banks looking for moving water that might hold a large hungry trout. Bo picked up a few fish here and there, but the fish had settled in and apparently were waiting on the late evening hatch. The midges didn't come off like we sometimes see. However, there were several different spots of black caddis dancing on the way to the ramp. We went to some dries but the fish were mostly unresponsive to the caddis hatch. We had one more shot at a good hold. If the fish was there, if the fish was looking up, if the bug was the right selection and if all the other things lined up, Bo still had a chance to take the bet. We eased the drifter into the right spot, Bo made the right cast, the fish apparently liked the bug and came up for the take. The take was half-hearted and when Bo set the hook the fish was on for a few seconds and then did the sportsman's release. We went back to the spot, but the fish had been stuck and wasn't coming back for a second try.

The multi boat floats are a good way of Getting Out There. Larger groups fishing from drift boats, with a good lunch and lots of fun can be an excellent way of spending the day. Bo, Jimmy and Jud were a pleasure to fish with on this day and I look forward to seeing them again on the river.

Howard Fly Fishing the Elk River

2011-09-15T19:53:00.000-05:00

Elk River Rainbow

The road between Shelbyville and the Boro is a scenic drive. There are walking horse farms on both sides of the road, which are something worth seeing anytime of the day. The morning may be the best time to make the drive. The folks who work at the barns were just getting to work as the sun was coming up. There was a fog on the fields that the sun had not burned off. This was a good morning to be out. I was making the drive to Lynchburg to meet Howard.

Howard and I have been planning his return trip for a couple weeks. The Elk has been fishing pretty good, with mostly nymphs, we wanted to catch fish on top. Terrestrials were supposed punch our fun ticket but the river had other plans. We launched the boat and dug out the nymph rod to bring some fish to the boat. The hatchery brats were out and about in the upper section of the river. After boating a few fish we turned to terrestrials. They didn't produce so we were back on nymphs.

Browns on Nymphs

The Elk was still running a cool 58 degrees and the water was the usual off green color, which has pretty much become normal since the the change in water release a few years ago. The fish seem to be happy and healthy for the most part. Visibility is about two feet, so putting the bug in front of the fish is critical or just use small streamers and soft hackles if nymphs are not the fishes preferred method.

Howard and I didn't leave much in the box as we moved down the river. We tried several different terrestrials but the fish didn't seem to look up as the bugs passed over their head. So we would switch back to nymphs and pick up fish. The numbers were pretty much there, but we both realized "those pesky fish weren't eating the way we wanted" although we all know they should have eaten the way we wanted. We quickly agreed they should be eat our way and then as any angler would do we went back to nymphs because that was working.

We stopped for lunch and had good discussion. We talked about things that were interesting and insightful. Lunch is a good time to learn about things other than angling. As all good conversations should it ended at the right time. Soon Howard was laying out good casts with the proper mends, and we were watching the ~~bobber~~ indicator. The indicator dove several times throughout the afternoon and many more times than not I was netting a fish. The afternoon saw several good fish and a couple browns.

The day was winding down and the evening hatch began. First it was a #20 gray midge here and then there. Then the hatch became more steady. Fish finally started midging and this brought out the light dry fly rod with a small dropper. Th fish were still picky even with the dropper rig. Top water was not the way to go but a soft hackle did gain some attention. The sun went behind the hill as we entered the home stretch and a few larger sulphurs began popping. They weren't large in numbers but the size was worth a second look as they flew among the midges. The hatches weren't like those of western rivers, they were what is normally found down low on the river though and nice to see. If nothing else the bugs added to the good conversation that comes with gettin out there on a long float like the Elk.

Elk River, Caney Fork River Fishing

2011-09-12T19:45:00.000-05:00

This Rainbow Just Has Nice Color & It Ain't Small

First things first. We have been back out on the water and have several trips going in the next few days, so this report may be more basic and to the point, with pictures of course.... Here we go.

Dan in His Usual Pose, With Fish On

The Obey- The Army Corps is dialing back the generation and there should be some windows of opportunity in the near future, but be on your toes and ready to leave at a moments notice if you are traveling any distance to the river at all. Try nymphs, small midges and watch for generation. Also, stop by the hatchery and take a look at all those future catches! I will be ready to get up there in the next few weeks if everything goes according to plan.

Some of the Tools Needed for Trout Fishing

The Elk River- The area around the Elk River received some much needed rain, therefore so did the Elk. The water is just starting to clear and if there isn't too much rain in the next few days, the water should clear by the weekend. The river is running a cool 58 degrees, in the flow, for most of the upper section. The fish are taking nymphs and there are a good number of hatchery brats in the upper section. Better get there quick though because they don't seem to last long in that area. The river could use a few hours of generation to clean the gravel bottom and knock out some of the weeds. So if you TVA folks are reading this, well a nice 3 hours of flushing, preferably at night, would be of great benefit.

That's Dan Again, This Time With a Rainbow That Ate Topside

The Caney Fork River- The river is coming back to life after a Summer of canoe rentals and tourons seeking thrills and adventures. OK, seriously, the river is fishing pretty good. The hatchery brats are enjoying their lives just steps from the ramp where they were dumped. The holdovers that we all know and love are holding, well not right by the ramps but in the usual spots. We measured the water temperatures 30 minutes after the generation stopped, while we were at the dam, rigging rods the other day. The thermometer was 4 feet down and laying on the bottom and it measured 60 degrees.

Another Rainbow

I tried my best to remember to take the temps farther down river, but we were busy rowing the boat, catching fish and smoking cigars and I just plain forgot. Let's just say it was cool enough for trout to eat and I will try to remember to get a downstream reading in a couple days, when we are back on the Caney again.

Oh Deer

We had a lot of shots at nice fish and hooked up with a bunch on the Caney the last time out there. I get in trouble when I start getting bored, so I have really been into some new dry fly techniques that are just starting to work. The flies are small, hard to see, hard to keep a fish on, but when the fish eat it is a great thing. Don't forget to try beetles too. Yes, the cat is out of the bag and the beetles (not the Let It Be guys from across the pond) the terrestrial type, are getting some attention. Keep the nymphs close as well because most of the action takes place down low in the water column.

The Rainbows Are Hungry Right Now

The One That Got Away- this a true fish story, if there is such a thing. And let's face it, anyone who has read this report to right here deserves a good fish story. Dan and I were fishing the other day. We were fishing to feeding fish and daylight was limited. We were fishing water that another boat had just pounded for about 45 minutes or so and surprisingly we were getting some eats. The new dry fly technique worked so I was happy and it was Dan's turn to row, so I was happy again. Anyway, daylight was fading and sometimes it just didn't seem like a great idea to row 3 miles in the dark. So, we left the "spot of the feeding fish" and it was my turn to stand in the front casting brace and wave the stick.

We went downstream a bit and somehow I hooked up, don't ask me how it just happens some times. The fish was big enough to put a major bend in the BVK and we both got a look at a nice fat trout! I should have horsed the fish when I had the chance but the reel screaming overtook me and the straight down dives of the fish really did not give me the right opportunities to get it in the net. So the fish fought on and took one of my best trained flies to the bottom and tried to drown it! After a few minutes of grouper like diving the fish got me in a snag and broke off 12 lb leader. After closer inspection the fish also bent two guides on the rod and broke one of the other guides at the base of the foot. In short, the fish won, but at least we were Gettin Out There.

Clear Skies, Good Light and a Talented Photographer

Life is Good Waiving the Stick

James and Matt

2011-09-05T15:12:00.002-05:00

A Great Father Son Trip

James has been booking me for a few years now. Everytime he calls and we get out there, the day is memorable. With Tropical Storm/Depression/Former Hurricane Lee approaching, James and I were in contact via email late into the night before we were to launch.

James, it looks like the rain could be in a little earlier than mid afternoon. If that is a problem we can reschedule if needed, if not I am ready to go for tomorrow. Thanks David

I'm ok with a little rain if you are. See you in the morning. - James

With that the trip was set and on this day the goal was to teach his son Matt to fly fish. So we loaded up rods, flies, rain gear and Doritos, then headed to the river. Father son trips are some cool trips and it is always fun to watch how families interact. James is an accomplished angler, who is calm and consistent. Matt is a polite young man who brought enthusiasm and an ability to listen. We launched the drifter among the canoes, kayaks, anglers and other assorted watercraft, then we hit the river.

The Only Sunlight of the Day

James hooked up real early in the trip and we began to work with Matt. Matt was quick to learn and soon he was launching the 3 weight a far enough distance to help calm even the spooky fish. We worked on mending and after a few tips Matt moved from beginner to experienced mender as quick as anyone I have seen on the drifter. We weaved in and out of traffic and when we found a clear stretch of river Matt hooked up.

We Like These....

Like I said "Matt Hooked Up"

Matt set the hook and before we knew it he was learning to fight a fresh stocker rainbow. He played the fish under the watchful eye of his Dad and me. Soon the fish was in the net and the high-fives followed, along with the usual hero shots. After that we were back to fishing and Matt hooked up again and then again and again. He was on his game and the trip was going pretty much as planned.

Matt's First Fish

A Nice Brown for James

We kept fishing nymphs and trying just a few patterns that we thought might work. The action was pretty good but everything had to be just right. The fish were not just jumping in the boat, however the right fly, with the right drift would produce a strike. We entered a pool that has been known to produce nice fish in years past. James sent a nymph right down a seam and the indicator went under. We both thought it was a snag, until the snag started swimming across the river. (just in case someone might be wondering or asks you in the future- snags don't usually swim across a river they usually swim upstream). As the fish crossed the river, James began gaining control of some line and we soon had the first brown of the day in the boat. The score? Drifter 1 - Browns 0.

That is Matt.....again

Settin on G - Waitin on O

Usually we have shore lunches such as fillet mignon, cedar plank grilled salmon or Asian chops. On this day lunch was burgers, yep grilled burgers, cooked just right with all the accoutrement's. We were racing the weather and we knew it,. So burgers fit right in with the Weather Channel predictions and the race against the storms. We were back in the drifter for the second leg of the trip.

Getting Comfortable

Scenes From Summertime

Earlier I said James is an accomplished angler. He is no stranger to our style of nymph fishing and has the patience it takes for those long, sometimes mind numbing drifts. We entered a good stretch of water and James was fishing long a shelf. We were ducking under the over hanging trees as we settled the drifter in behind the nymph. And that is when the indicator took a big dive. There was no question it was a fish, and as soon as it took the fly, the fish headed to the bottom. When James put the pressure on the fish it went for the snags. Then the fish came out to the boat for cover. We were trying to keep it from one snag when we floated over another. The fish went for that snag and that is where the 5x came in handy. The fish eventually decided the boat was a good place to be and came up to the top. It was a beautiful brown trout. James got the head up and the fish was in the net. He did a great job controlling the fish's head and moving the fish in and out of structure with a nudge here and pull there. The reward? The largest brown James has ever caught...

Now That is a Brown!

So as the afternoon wore on we started shoal hopping. The ramp was still miles away and the storm was pushing. Matt had several rainbows under his belt but hadn't caught a brown. We went through the usual after lunch doldrums when everyone is hoping for a nap, but knows there are still fish to be caught. Matt was still working on his cast and went to the Lefty Kreh

An Angler and his Ghillie

Matt began getting accurate casts and great mends. He also began to read the water. He was putting the fly in the right spot, making the right mends, then he would settle in and wait for the fly to do the rest. We missed a couple fish, had a fish or two on the line which escaped and then it happened. The brown took off with the fly and the indicator followed ~~and with subtle encouragement~~ and with shouts of set, set-set, Matt, who had already set the hook, was soon into a good fight. The fish ran through some vegetation and quickly doubled the bend in the rod. Using some skills he learned earlier in the day, Matt played the fish to the net. Matt had another "first" to add to his list. With that we finished our run to the takeout as the rain began to get heavier and the clouds darker. We made the right call and beat the storm. The decision was tough the night before, trip was touch and go a couple times ,but sometimes Getting Out There is more important than what might happen.

Angler Hooked, Fish Released...

A Hiwassee River Trip

2011-08-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

The Towee Take-out at the End of Day I

Jim and I headed East for a couple days to try our luck at the Hiwassee River. Jim's plan was to catch some fish and relax. My plan? Go catch some fish, but mostly take the drifter down the often talked about, sometimes overplayed and always exciting river. I checked-in with Rob and Garrett, and they met us there on the first full day of fishing and boating.

The Hiwassee has been designated a Tennessee State Scenic River and as it winds through the valley, the river offers Class I, II and III waters. The name Hiwassee is said to be taken from the Cherokee word "ayuwasi" and means place at the foot of the hills. The boating was a lot of fun and the fishing wasn't bad either.

Jim "The Stick"

Jim and I hit the water after lunch the first day and found the afternoon hatches light. The fishing was tough and we were on the clock against the generation schedule. When the water is turned off, boating can quickly come to a boat grinding, and boat stranding halt. We made the upper float of the Hiwassee without hitting a rock. It was a small victory, but a victory none-the-less.

We Caught Some of These

The second day we stopped by the fly shop for directions down the river. As the guys at the shop began telling us the lines and the places to avoid, it was apparent there were some nasty ledges to stay to either side of that. We headed to the ramp/zoo. The ramp was abuzz with soon to be kayak, canoe and rafting captains. We launched the boats and went for an opening in the crowds. Jim was into fish right away and boated several while I watched wave after wave of recreational boats take to the river.

I Did a Lot of This

We stopped along the way, fishing runs, chutes and pools. Rob and Garrett were having luck, but it was Jim's day. Jim was tuned into nymphs and as much as I tried he was reluctant to get into dries. But after some particularly nasty ledges I talked him into a Thunderhead on the TFO. We found a long pool and Jim began hitting the bank. He was rewarded with a brown trout that rose to the dry while the fly was passing under an overhanging tree limb.

Garrett Waiting on the Next Section

You Know It Is The Right Place When You See These

Although we did catch some fish, my focus was the boating and I had a blast most of the day. We got the drifter hung a few times, but we made some good runs too. The river can be a punishing ride, as it's known for and several times the bottom on the boat was all that saved me from having to rework some fiberglass this week. If you plan on going and boating, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a map of the river and get some pointers from the locals.

Just Another Day on the Hi

Next week we will be back on Middle Tennessee tailwaters chasing those holdover fish. The upcoming month of September has potential to be a very good month around here. The fish should be moving into their best feeding lanes to fatten up. So if you are ready to get out there let us know and if you are just going to wet a line let us know how you did when you get back. We like to hear those reports too.

Obey , Elk and Caney Fork Fishing Report

2011-08-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

What The?

The Obey- Water, water and more water. That is the story of fishing the Obey River right now and throughout the remainder of the hot days of Summer. The US Army Corps needs to cool down the Cumberland River and Dale Hollow is the coldest and largest resource to achieve the cool down. So for anyone wanting to wade the Obey is not a good choice right now. For floating this river can be tough because the daytime float-fishing will be done for the most part on two generators. Hang in there though because late Summer and Fall are great times to be on the shortest of tailwaters in Middle Tennessee.

The Elk River- This tailwater is fishing pretty good even through the hottest of hot Summer days. If the fish aren't rising- go deep. The fish are making instinctive decisions, including whether the value of protein in a bug will be worth the amount of energy it takes to go get the bug. Bigger is not necessarily better when going up top, but it sure is fun when they come up and kill a big furry dry fly. Shallow moving water will work for dry flies, although drifting a big nymph past their nose will bring more numbers of fish. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Those who aren't getting out there, aren't having to make those decisions. The best suggestion is get out there and try it all. The operating guide shows about a 1 & 1/2 months of good water, barring a rain event, before TVA begins the lake draw-down and Winter pool begins. This river can be a pretty good choice when booking a trip.

The Sights of the Lower Caney Fork

The Caney Fork River- We spent some time on the lower Caney Fork. We were a little bit ahead of the generation and the two hour pulse caught up with us pretty quick. We were looking at tossing streamers and hopper dropper rigs on one generator and almost 5000 CFS for most of this trip. The lower part of the river was not the best place to be, so we explored some and fished some backwaters to pass the time. There are no crowds to speak of down low on the river. The bugs however are better. We saw some awesome midge hatches, a few caddis and a nice mayfly hatch or two or three. The fish weren't too interested in the bug life down there and it would help if TWRA would drop a truckload or two of browns down that direction.

The upper portion of the Caney Fork, below Center Hill Dam, is producing the best fishing on the river right now. The low water that is comfortable for wading is the best time to be there. Late in the day or very early in the morning helps to combat the canoe hatches that come off mainly on the weekends and mainly on falling water. The river can be peaceful after the last group of boats pass. I have spent a lot of time this week working on some different midge patterns. The life cycle of a midge is interesting and spurred some thought. Some of the patterns brought strikes, but other patterns brought nothing. The good patterns went back to the box for return trips and the non producers went to the garbage when I got home. Small dries on midging fish sometimes can be good entertainment. Now back to those midge patterns...

Normandy Lake- I spent a bit of time on Normandy Lake with the fly rod this week. Poppers and small streamers have been working and a friend of mine even caught a catfish on a small streamer. As the water temps drop, the lakes may come into play for that late afternoon fly fishing fix.

That's What The...

Tennessee Fishing Report

2011-08-14T18:39:00.002-05:00

A Hatch on the Elk River?

Let's start with the Caney Fork- School is back in session and the Summer vacations

are slowing. College football is just around the corner and so is Fall. The canoe trips should be slowing down a bit, which will give way to anglers coming back to the Caney Fork. The weekend water release schedule remains favorable to recreation.

For the angler this is a good news- bad news situation. The good news is the wading angler has opportunity. Midges have working a bit on the Caney and nymphs have been taking the larger fish as of late. Terrestrials are still working but the fish are getting smarter after seeing the same hopper patterns over and over. Think a little farther out of the box. The weekday generation schedule is best for floating on one generator right now. More good news is that the weather forecast calls for cooler temperatures. Cooler weather hopefully will bring less generation. The bad news is the fish are skiddish and are eating, but only it seems, when necessary. We have sight-fished to some trout lately on low water and found most to be sulking at the bottom of their favorite holding lie.

Early Morning Fog

The Obey- Generation is not the wading angler's friend and it doesn't like boats much either. The US Army Corps is running two generators during most of the day, presumably to keep up with demand. Hopefully as Summer gives way to Fall we will see some lower water, at least before the draw down of the lakes. But, for now, if fishing from a boat on high water look for slower pockets against the bank and fish those seams!

The First Rainbow

The Elk- On a recent trip to the Elk River Anthony and Brent joined me for an all day float. The 250 CFS release is a bit lower than we have been accustomed to, but the fish are still there. The water upstream, by the dam was a bit warmer than expected but still cold enough to comfortable support trout. The water was stained the usual off green color and sight fishing in the deeper sections would be of no use. So we went to the nymphs. Anthony tried a small streamer for a bit, but when we boated some rainbows on the usual bead head stuff, he went back to deep dredging under the indicator as well.

Brent with a Usual Suspect

We continued on through the day This day revealed some strange occurrences and one of those was the water seemed to clear as the miles clicked off. The water was never crystal clear throughout, but did get a bit more clear as the day wore on. And on another note the water seemed to get cooler as we floated. I need to take the thermometer to confirm the coolness, it did seem a bit strange and noticeable to more than just me.

As the water seemed to clear we tried hoppers and on a particular stretch of river, that normally doesn't hold large populations of fish, we floated a hopper through some likely looking water. Just before I was ready to push on and we were ready to make a move, we saw a rise in the middle of the river. We got a hopper over the fish and it produced a drive-by. A refusal sometimes can be a great thing. Sometimes just the interest in the fly can result in the angler's confidence in the fly just a bit longer. At times this can be a bust and at times it can be as rewarding as any decision made that day.

We hung in the area and tossed a good sized offering along a grass bank. The bank tuned to weeds under a tree and that is where a nice brown had set up shop. The hopper floated a for a bit and the brown swam to it and rose slowly. Then as has been the case of many dry flies this season, it was soon gone and lodged in the trout's mouth.

Colors Along the Elk

The fishing in Middle Tennessee can be a bit slow this time of year. The fish are feeding but are more weary of traffic. Wade slowly and wait for several minutes and for the waves of your walking to settle, if possible, before casting. Mending is another item for consideration. Mend big and mend early. Mend out of the zone of the fish when possible. A reach cast can be your best friend when the water is low and the fish are on edge from heavy traffic. If you have to mend a couple feet from a feeding fish, that fish will probably not eat. Sure anglers get lucky from time to time, but as a general rule the instincts of a fish will win over a sloppy cast or splashy mend.

An Elk River Bimini Top?

Day Two- Fly Fishing Greenbrier in the Smoky Mountains National Park

2011-08-09T19:30:00.001-05:00

A Greenbrier Rainbow

...and after the evening rain came to our side of the Smokies I was back on the water only this time it was higher than expected. I started off with nymphs only to find out my heart wasn't in it with the nymph rig. After three casts and three less than perfect drifts I was back to the dry flies. I learned from a client that if you are on the water, fish how you want to fish. So I took out a big Thunderhead, one with enough hackle to make a hairdresser whimper and tied it on. I doctored it up with Frogs Fanny and started upstream. The fly drew some attention and then in a likely looking spot a rainbow rose, as only a wild rainbow can. For those of you who have fished for these fish you know exactly what I talking about. Just like that the skunk was off. So fished that Thunderhead the rest of the morning and walked back to the truck satisfied,for a while anyway.

I have always enjoyed East Tennessee. The heritage, the old farms, the music and its instruments and the old trucks and machinery. While out enjoying my time on the river I also had the chance to see an old farm. Although I didn't want to cross any boundaries as an unwelcome guest I was able to get some photos of some pretty interesting stuff. My outings and this blog aren't always about fishing. I do enjoy trying to help people catch fish, but it always isn't about the 'catching' it can about the adventure too.

A Parachute Adams from the Trout's View

The morning came and went. I headed back to the cabin for some lunch, then we checked out the Believe-it or Not's, the cotton candy stores, and the Carmel Corn t-shirt cigarette outlets of Gatlinburg. That's right they all run together after 10 minutes of too much carnival overload. The sun came out and the girls eventually headed back to the pool. I headed back to Greenbrier for the evening hatch. There wasn't much of anything hatching except for tubers down low and a wedding party on some shoals. I continued upstream and stopped at the end of the road.

Most of the Fish Came Water Just Like Where the Arrow is Pointing

It took a while to dial-in, around the big boulders and small plunge pools. The fish were not located where the books said they would be located. But that's OK because I have past experience to fall back on. The fish were taking in oxygen on the riffles and more shallow runs. The Thunderhead did not work with the lower water levels. The size #12 Parachute Adams was soon on the end of the tippet and the bite was on. The fish were hitting better over the right water, as is usually the case. And as is usually the case it takes a bit of time to find out what water is the right water. Eventually it was just another afternoon of drifting the fly in the current.

Does it Get Better Than This?

So it was another great trip in the Park. The water levels fluctuated, which made the fishing interesting and sometimes even a challenge. There is a new fly in my arsenal. The yellow Parachute Adams, in various sizes, take up an entire row of my fly box. Yellow is the hot color of the Smokies and everyone knows it. Even the Female Parachute Adams, with the yellow rear section, did not work as well as the yellow Parachute Adams.

Eventually it is time to come home and get back to work on the Middle TN tailwaters. The drifter is ready to go on the next adventure and we have a few that we are working on now. With Fall just around the corner we are getting ready for the cooler weather floats and pre-spawns and egg patterns. Until then we are still on terrestrials and going for the smaller midges. Also, Tricos are just around the corner and waiting for their chance...

The Road Home

Fly Fishing the Roaring Fork in the Great Smoky Mountains

2011-08-07T15:53:00.011-05:00

Neyland Stadium....just like the sign says

Sometimes it is good to take time away. When my wife said she wanted to go to the Smokies, who was I to disagree? We loaded up the truck and headed East. This Summer we have been going by colleges, so our daughter could see the different campus', because it's never too early to start looking for a good one. When we decided to head toward Knoxville we couldn't resist stopping by for a look. We ended up down at the stadium and my daughter got one of her life lessons, a lesson that I learned long ago from a close friend. When entering somewhere and your are not sure if you should be there....Just act like you know where you are going and like you are "supposed" to be there. We went in and took a look around. The ground crew is getting ready for the upcoming season as they marked the lines and of course the T on the field. After some snapshots inside and out, we were off again.

A Jar of Honey...My Parking Pass

A Roaring Fork Rainbow

Then it was up into the Smokies to hit some water on the Gatlinburg side. It was good to get back over there after several years of fishing near Townsend. The guys at Smoky Mountain Angler set me up with the right dries and off I went. Roaring Fork is close to the cabin we were in and with the girls safely at the pool I had the river too myself and no worries otherwise.

The fly of the day was going to be a size #10 Thunderhead, just like I usually fish. With my usual Thunderhead stash and some newly added yellow Parachute Adams I was armed ready for some dry fly fishing. The water levels were low, which made stealth was the approach of the day. It's been a while since I have been out of the drifter and on foot. But, when a trout did a drive-by on my third cast it felt good to be back fishing for opportunistic feeders. The Thunderhead fished well in the runs and especially in the more rough water.

Pools and Runs of Roaring Fork

Technical Dry Fly Fishing

#10 Thunderhead....from the Trout's View

The Parachute Adams

The runs were producing and interestingly enough so were the back of the pools. There bigger fish seemed to be hanging back out of the swift water and just taking leftovers. That was fine because they made me work on my stealthy approach. I would like to think I got better at stealth, but the majority of the fish came from more swift water. It appears we may need to go back again to help me get better at my approach.

Orange, How Appropriate

This was the first day. The pace of fishing was swift, with stops at likely looking cover and a fish here and then there. The Roaring Fork Nature Trail is a loop road that runs up above the Roaring Fork, so the road was in sight most of the morning, which is comforting when fishing alone.

***

So, what is up with the jar of honey? The road around the Roaring Fork Nature Trail is usually backed up with sight-seeing tourons. In order to get some fishing in quickly it is best to either make a made dash the wrong way on a one way road, to a parking space at the exit of the loop. Or, you can stop at the store at the end of the loop and try to talk your way into a hard to come-by parking spot. I chose option B and found a fresh jar of honey for my trouble. Here is a warning though, don't park without permission not only because it isn't cool, but also because if you park in the wrong spot the vehicle may be towed, which could put a bad mark on a good day of fishing.

***

So that was the first day and when I got back I found the girls planted on lounge chairs at the pool. Immediately I began my plans to get back out the following morning, this time to fish other waters. But heavy rain was in the forecast...

Elk River, Caney Fork and Obey Fishing

2011-08-01T20:09:00.010-05:00

Glad to See These in the River

The Elk- The Elk is running 350 CFS still. The flow is excellent if you are wading and great for floating. Soft hackles are producing fish when they are fished across the shoals and there are more shallows from the higher water to swing those Bust-A-Browns. Swing'em if you got'em. The bigger fish have finally turned off the cicada patterns for the most part and they haven't completely turned onto the big hoppers. But, don't fret it won't be too long. Until then try some smaller hopper patterns and floating ants have potential. Even if they sink just a bit hat's OK, ants aren't know for their Olympic swimming abilities.

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The Obey- Not much to report on the Obey other than good numbers of fish on clear water. The generation is favorable for both wading and floating. Catching falling water produces the best opportunities for a double digit day. Nymphs, nymphs and more nymphs get down to those more quality fish. Take those smaller nymphs and certainly don't leave home without you favorite midge patterns.

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The Caney Fork- Middle Tennessee's highest profile river is crowded and the fishing can be a bit slow. Nymphs are producing as well as midges. Dry flies are making good indicators for the small stuff and some anglers are reporting good fish when changing colors early and often. The TWRA guys are on the river. We have seen them the last 5 out of 6 times we have been out there. On the most recent trip they were writing tickets to a guy who kept fish that were too short. The reported fine was approximately $400.00. That's a lot of fresh salmon at Kroger if you do the math. Hopefully the Judge will back the guys who wrote the ticket if this dude decides to appear in the Court room.

Lot's of Habitat on High Water

One for Joe on his Lucky Fly

The mission was to get Joe into a brown trout. We figured that wouldn't be a problem because the last several trips had seen several in the net. Joe proved he had the skills to catch rainbows and even some nice brookies, but the browns were not fooled. We found a nice pod of browns and tried the usual stuff that almost always brings out the larger fish. After starting late in the day the falling sun gave way to darkness and the browns remained elusive. We are already making plans to go back for another shot at the nice browns we know the river holds as we continue to make 2011 the Year of Getting Out There.

Mark, and the Guys Were Close Most of the Day

The Usual Suspects Caught & Released

Fishing Report from Middle Tennessee

2011-07-25T19:56:00.009-05:00

An After Dark Shot

First off let's start at the Obey. The river is fishing best on low water and there are some decent fish being caught & released on one generator. The water has been clear and cold, which is always good. Take nymphs but fish dries too.

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The Elk is running 350 CFS over the spillgates. Wading in some of the usual places is a bit technical and so is the fishing this time of year. Nymphs will work, but soft hackles while midges are emerging are, as usual, very productive. If the Summer showers allow, try sight fishing as the fish feed just below the surface. Watch for the backs of the fish breaking the surface and then swing your favorite s0ft hackle or even small streamer across their nose. Raise the rod tip only after the fish has hit and you have applied a strip-set.

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The Caney Fork continues to fish pretty good considering the heavy traffic on the weekends. We have been trying more topwater stuff than usual and having some luck. The terrestrials have been producing pretty well and the takes have been, well explosive. Terrestrials are not just about the hoppers either. We've found some other patterns that have been producing just a little better than the usual stuff everyone else wants to use. Don't forget nymphs drifted close to structure though, it can produce an above average fish as long the drift is totally drag free. Midges fished in the film, to feeding fish in the evening, can be productive too. Get into the right position, wait for the waves to settle from your movement, when the fish begin feeding again just be very picky with the casts.

An Evening on the River

David K and I went to the river in the evening to get out of the heat. We stopped several times, which ran us out of daylight. But, even in the dark there was pretty good fishing and a different look at a familiar river. We launched and while David rigged his rods I got a shot at some rising fish. I was surprised when a decent little brown came up to the top and busted the fly.

A Top Secret Location

We fished to rising fish off and on. David couldn't wait to fish big streamers on the falling sun. I could not wait to fish a big ole top water bug as we headed slowly toward the take out on no sun or moon for that matter. We fished top water even in the complete darkness, but it was unproductive this time. I am having some carryover from the recent Michigan trip and know it, but just can't resist doing things a little differently than everyone else. In the past we have bagged some nice browns on top and after dark. So my method, although can be maddening, is not completely without merit. Anyway before the evening was over I was slinging big nasty streamers on full sinking lines while David was at the oars of the drifter. The bats were out in full force, and you guessed it, a bat got caught up in the line and landed in the front of the boat. I thought it was a leaf and couldn't really see it, so I left it there. FYI- leaves don't flop around in the bow of a boat. I dug out the light and was surprised to see the leaf was really a bat. So the Summer of 2011 produces one snake on a cicada and one bat on a big streamer. Not the usual catch and not what I wanted, but exciting.

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David warmed up his casting arm for his trip to Yellowstone and popped a nice brown on a big ugly single hook streamer. He is ready for his trip now and we finished the float on a decent fish. No after dark float is complete without an angry beaver slapping the water beside the boat. In total darkness the slap can be more scary than, say, even a bat!

Anthony & David on the River

2011-07-17T11:12:00.008-05:00

Just a Few Hundred of Our Closest Friends

Anthony and I started out for one river and then we had an unforeseen change of plans. Later, we ended up on another river. We arrived about an hour later than we really wanted to arrive and were in the midst of a "flash-mob" of watercraft. Everyone was enjoying the river, but it made fishing pretty darned tough. Anthony was hooked up fairly quick and it seemed like his luck far outweighed my own. The only reason it seemed that way is because he out-fished me throughout the day.

The First Fish of the Day

Anthony Up Front & Hooked Up

Deep Water Nymphing

So how does an angler catch fish in the midst of hundreds of other watercraft? First off it certainly isn't easy. The best way to get the biggest numbers is to have two people fishing and one managing the drifter. Wading can be effective if you have the patience to wait as the watercraft keep coming through. Sooner or later there is a break in the boats and the fish ill start eating again. Either way the day is not nearly as good as a day when the other boats are not there. However, although it is tough, keeping in mind that those other people are just out to have fun, like the anglers. One thing we noticed was the families who enjoying their day, which is a good thing to see.

The fish are on the shoals but only during the breaks in watercraft. The holes are not always full of fish, but they are certainly seeking structure and they will find it. Also the trout will get in the middle of the schools of shad and when the shad go, so go the trout. Trout aren't brave and will flee when they are alarmed. Patience is key.

One More For Anthony

Stoneflies.

It was my turn again and with only one decent fish on my line Anthony was nice enough to give me clean shots on a good stretch of the river. After a few hits and some more misses this colorful brown made the trip for me. We found a spot in the midst of the canoes and kayaks and the fish came out to eat. This fish was laying in cover and ready to eat. After the fish was released back to his holding spot we continued on to the ramp. Which was full of people enjoying the day. I was asked a couple different times if I had ever seen the river with this many people. I have seen it this way a couple different times. Once was three years ago and it was a lot like this, however there were more boats than canoes. And, last year I saw it like this on two different days. We still caught fish but it certainly wasn't easy. What are we going to do about running trips this Summer? I have plans already made to take anglers out for good days on the rivers.

It's Summertime and Everyone is Getting Out There

Bob and David on Day II

2011-07-15T17:53:00.008-05:00

Looking for Food

The Best Angler on the River

After eating breakfast at Sharp Lodge, not to mention a good night's rest, we headed to the river for an early float. David and Bob seemed to be prepared and maybe a little sunburnt from the float the day before. We launched the drifter early, before most of the other boats and immediately picked up some fish on nymphs. The water level was about as low as it gets and it was important to get a near perfect drift. When the guys would get that drift the fish would respond. If the guys didn't get that drift, it was a long time between strikes.

This Was the First Fish of the Day

...Then We Popped Some of These

We went through a bit of a dry spell. After we got the casting and mending to come back, David was the first to hook up. We got into a long run against a rock wall. David gave the indicator a little slack and when the indicator was floating the same speed as the current, the rainbow took the fly. David is an excellent angler and was on the hookset as soon as the indicator moved. That was it, the bow was on and the fight was too. David played the fish and got the bow into shallow water. Before we knew it the bow was in the net. It was a classic nymph take and the hook was lodged nicely in the upper lip of the healthy rainbow.

The Results of a Good Drift and Skilled Hookset

A Frisky Brown Trout

David continued to concetrated on the good drift and then we arrived at a nice hole for sight fishing. While we sight fished David with the nymphs, we also gave Bob chances at good fish with dries. David hooked up several times, while both anglers brought fish to the net.

Rainbows Were the Fish of the Day...and Weekend

While David was having a good day, Bob seemed to be enjoying seeing his son bring some fish to the boat. After lunch and a nice pulse of water, We put the guys on big flies. Bob eventually ended up a streamer and we went to banging the banks with light flies and sinking line. It was hot and after a couple of days on the river the guys were getting tired. Bob was a trooper and continued giving the steamer rod a workout, while David and I gave him "pointers". As we approached the ramp the rod bent and the fight was on. Bob fought that fish while I got the boat into shallow water. The fish came to the net and after the appropriate photos were taken we released the fish and a short timelater we loaded the boat on the trailer.

Another Rainbow for Bob

It was good to fish with David and Bob again. The river in Middle Tennessee are producing well right now and when they are paired with the Afternoon Terrestrial Floats there is potential for some great afternooons on the river.

David and Bob Back in Tennessee

2011-07-11T18:22:00.008-05:00

David Popped This Brookie to Complete His Slam

Bob and David came back up to TN to fish the Caney Fork after fishing the Elk with us a couple years ago. We planned this trip as a couple days on the water and in the drifter. Last week the rain did not help the generation schedule and we had to change our first day to another tailwater. I met them at Sharp Lodge and after Treva and Roger fixed us an outstanding breakfast we towed the boat North for day one of a two day trip.

The Guys Caught a Bunch of These

We launched the drifter on falling water and soon we were into fish. Bob is an outstanding fly tier with talent most people would trade...well you know. David is one of the nicest kids, now young men, I have had the pleasure of fishing with. So, we took off and I was happy when we got into fish almost with the first cast.
**
David struck early and Bob wasn't far behind. Both the guys were sticking fish on nymphs as the midges popped off the water with some regularity. We stayed on nymphs, but I couldn't resist the occasional hopper and even added a dropper a time or two. The fish were keyed into the nymph offering and stuck mostly to the bottom of the river.

That Is a Healthy Rainbow

Bob is Hooked Up on a Nice Fish

Like I Said it was a Nice Fish

Bob was on a roll while David was bringing the numbers to the boat. David has such an impressive cast and when he is on, he is on. Bob, has more years on the long rod than David and soon Bob had a big bend in that 5 weight. He was playing a big fish, however we did not know just how big until the fish rolled and we saw a side view. Are there really fish that are this nice in this river? We soon found out when we netted a 22" rainbow. Just to prove we were there we decided to snap a few pictures.

David Catching Some While Waiting on the Grilled Salmon for Lunch

Bob Didn't Wait Long to Stick This Brown

After the grilled salmon for lunch, it was tough not to nap, but we managed to continue downstream on one generator, which was a totally different flow to work with. We extended the nymph rigs and went back to the bottom were we picked up a few more bows. We tried hoppers again but we didn't get the response we wanted. After the float loaded the drifter and called back to Sharp Lodge and told Roger we were on the way in. He put on the pork tenderloin, potatos, corn on the cob, rolls, tomatos and sweet tea. When we arrived we had another meal waiting. We made our arrangements to hit another river in the early morning and I began rigging the rods for an early morning start.

So Much Water in Michigan

2011-07-08T18:46:00.010-05:00

Pointed North

We Took the Airstream and Headed to Michigan. There really was so much water and so little time. We will go back, but until then we snapped some pictures to remind me to get back up there and search all that water.

Floating with Mark and Pete

2011-07-05T20:21:00.006-05:00

Backed In & Watching the River Go By

Early Morning at the Bend Pool

Mark called last week to book a trip himself and his younger brother Pete. Mark and I fished together a couple weeks back and had a rainy day. The first time Mark was on the boat, we fished the Caney Fork River and had a pretty good day. According to Mark this time it was Pete's trip. Pete was ready for the day and when we met to go to the river Pete had his gear ready for action.
***
We launched the boat and went to work on the nymph rigs. The fishing was OK but not what we were looking for. Most of the fish were smallish, but they also looked healthy. The bugs started popping and the fish began to rise. Finally, the fish began the big splashes and we were on dries and going after the splashiest of rises.

Pete with a Nice Brown Picked Off With the Dry

Pete had the front of the boat and both guys were working the banks. We got into a particularly good section of river. We were working the fish and then it happened. Pete hit the exact spot he needed to hit and the brown responded. The fly was stuck right in the roof of the brown's mouth. The fish came quickly but not quietly to the boat. Before we knew it we were taking pictures to remember the day and the fish. After we took the appropriate shots I think we saw Floady, Broady and Jody Boatwood in a group of canoes again. Dang it was a scary sight.
***
The fishing was beginning to turn. Mark was proud of his brother and Pete was a happy guy. Lunch was just around the corner and the storms weren't far behind. Just so everyone knows, anytime Mark gets on the drifter it seems to rain and most times, heck every time we have fished it has rained hard.

Pete and Mark Waiting on the Cedar Planked Grilled Salmon
Caught and Released

Pete Hard at Work

After lunch the guys went to work on the top water. Pete continued to work on the fish and Mark put some in the boat as well. The fishing was slower than I like but we brought some quality fish to the net. When the storms came we pulled to the side of the river and waited, discussed life, music and of course fishing. Then we pulled back into the flow and continued the search for fish.

Which Way? There Was No a Good Way Around

There is one spot in the river that holds blowdowns. I have been watching the trees stack up on the best flow around the island. The last round of generation moved the trees. The heavy generation pushed whole trees into the bridge. The way through is now blocked except for one small spot on the right side. That spot had a log across it, so we pushed the boat over the log and through the only spot that would allow any progress. With some pushing, shoving and lots of tugging we got the drifter to the other side and went back to the nymphs. Those nymphs produced some fish for the rest of the trip.

Results of Nymph Action

Fins Up

It was a pretty good trip for the guys. One of the cool things about guiding in the drifter is you get to know the people and watch people interact. Mark seemed to genuinely happy for his brother Pete's success. Pete had what he said was his biggest brown on the fly rod, while we all survived thunderstorms and bridge crossings. We missed some completely, lost some after a short fight and caught some fair & square. I can't wait for next year when Mark and Pete come back for their next trip in the drifter.

Sunset on the Way Home

Fishing the Hex Hatch- Spinner Fall

2011-07-03T20:18:00.009-05:00

Pre-Hatch Action

We made a 2206 mile "roaming" trip to Michigan and wouldn't you know it, we landed right in the middle of the Hexaginia hatch. With only one day to fish I reached out to Thom, for the name of a good guide. Thom said call The Northern Angler and minutes later I was on the phone with Brian. Brian is the owner of The Northern Angler and when I told him I wanted some time in the front casting brace, he hooked me up with Evan.

Evan Hard at Work

The Launch on the Manistee
A Good Place for the Hatching Hexagenia

Evan was a great guide and easy to talk with. He was confident that the hatch would come. However, we had plenty of time and what better way to pass the time than a couple good hours on the streamer rod. We started out on the big stuff and the fish did not disappoint. The Manistee is an old logging river with many, many bends. After the first thirty minutes the river began looking the same, a long shoal here and a sharp turn there. There were so many blowdowns and old logs, I determined the fish could be anywhere. The fish were anywhere and particularly in the heaviest of downed timber. The streamer hooked up and we deskunked the boat early. The best fishing was yet to come.

A Bit of Streamer Action

Evan Retrieving a Fly Left from the Backcast

The Manistee is a tight river and I stuck the backcast in the trees behind us plenty of times. Evan was a great host and even got out to retrieve the flies when needed, which was often at times during the float. The hatches were on throughout the afternoon and we saw the ever present midges, stoneflies, isonychias and sulphurs. We were still waiting on the big stuff to pop.

This Would Be Useful on Most Rivers

We Set Up Right Here

We went back to a dry as the sun began to fall. We started the float at 5:00 p.m. with the promise of being off the water by midnight. It all sounded good to me and with no worries I was perfectly content. Evan stopped us on a point and we had a bite to eat from a local deli. We watched the rising fish and then the birds came. The birds started showing up in the trees at the edge of the river. We are not talking about a big flock of birds that just happened to show up in the area at the same time, no we are talking about random birds that just began showing up. Evan said "it's going to happen" and shortly after that we started hearing the fish go. The bugs were popping and the fish were going and it was our turn. We pulled out the TFO and put the big dries on the water. After a few attempts to a feeding brown we determined the fish weren't eating duns, they had already been on the emergers, so the only thing left were the big bugs that had come back to the water to lay the eggs and were spent. Evan had the right bug for the job and soon I was fishing spinners. It didn't take long before the fish found the fly and the bite was on. A fish would go, we would wait the appropriate amount of time and toss the spinner into the feeding lane. The fly would drift across the fish and the fish would eat. This would last until just after dark.

It Was Cold Up There

The cold front came down from Canada and the start of Summer was delayed by a week or so. This meant the bugs were delayed for a bit, but more importantly they had arrived just about the time we did. The cold weather made the bugs come off earlier in the evening, which meant we would be back from the river an hour or so earlier. But, until then Evan and I were in the middle of feeding fish. Evan pulled up the anchor and we went on the hunt. We worked our way downstream and fished for feeding fish in the dark. When a fish would go, Evan would point it out, I would cast and the fish did the rest. It was almost easy as long as I had a younger set of eyes to put me on the feeding fish.

One of the Natural Browns

Cigars and Flies All-Around

One of Several

The evening came to an end and we had brought several fish in the net. It was nice to be in the casting brace with someone else doing all the work. Although it felt a little strange it wasn't bad. Evan and I fished pretty well together and I would recommend him to anyone wanting to fish around the Traverse City area. Tomorrow I will be back behind the oars of the drifter and we have more trips booked over the next week. It was nice to take a road trip and locked into a casting brace, but it also feels good to be at home and behind the oars of the drifter.

Dry Fly Fishing the Elk

2011-06-24T22:38:00.011-05:00

Looking Back at You

Howard came back for a second try. We did the same float as last time and focused on sight fishing with dries. We used everything from terrestrials, to Adams and even some nymphs pretty early. Nymphs were not working too well, which at the end of the day did not hurt our feelings. So, when we came to some water that gave us some action last time, we had Howard's fly rod ready with a big ole dry. We discovered another great pool that held several nice fish and two really big browns. Howard fished the pool with everything we could think of but the beast wouldn't rise to the fly. We slipped down the river and missed a few, caught several and before we knew it we were in a steady rhythm of, spot a fish- fish to the fish. We even caught some we were fishing too, just for the picture, so someone would know we were there.

These Guys Are Moving all along the River
Howard Took This 14" Brown on a Hi-Vis Adams

Howard is fun to fish with and loves to throw a dry fly. We would drift down the river, I would try to spot the fish and then he comes in and catches them. It was a pretty deadly combo when everything is clicking just right. This type of fishing makes being on the rowers bench a real nice way to spend the day.

One of Two Rainbows for the Day

Just before lunch the action slowed so we focused on the best looking spots. Howard tossed a big dry next to a tree and right in a blowdown. The fly disappeared in a big splash. Then the fish went to the downed tree limbs, but Howard got the head of the fish pointed in the right direction. Somehow he got the fish into open water and after several big runs and even a couple jumps the fish came to the net. This brown was only slightly smaller than the brown from our last trip, but still a very healthy fish.

Another Nice Brown for Howard

One of the First Fish of the Morning on a Dry

Overall the day was good, we had the nice brown and several other nice fish on the dry. We missed some fish here and there, and there were also some fish we wish we had another shot at catching. But, it is hard to catch them all. Some of my most memorable moments were the fish we did not catch.; the fish that rose to the fly and didn't take and the fish that turned and bolted just before the take. Of course watching the fight out of the blowdown is a big memory of the day, that is hard to discount. Fishing with dries doesn't bring as many fish to the net, but it is very exciting. So if you haven't already make 2011 the Year of Getting Out There...

Middle Tennessee Fishing Report

2011-06-21T17:00:00.013-05:00

We have been on three rivers over the past several days and we aren't complaining that's for sure. The Caney Fork River continues to produce good fish for us. The US Army Corps is starting to crank up the release for a few days, possibly due to all the rain Center Hill, Great Falls and the plateau have received. While the Elk is still fishing well with the larger fish responding, the smaller (11-14") fish have slowed on hitting the nymphs. I must say we have gotten used to those fish to keep us entertained between the bigger fish, but still the Elk River is worth a trip if you want to get out to chase good browns and healthy rainbows. We haven't been on the Obey as much as I like to get up there. But we did get up to that short little tailwater as well. The hatchery brats are out in force and the slam is not too difficult to achieve but anglers have to be on their game to get the best results . The fish are plentiful although sizable fish are tough because of all the small fish that rush the fly when it hits the water.

Dave's First Fish on the Fly Rod

Brent and I fish together pretty often. He wanted someone to teach his brother-in-law Dave how to fly fish, so Brent booked a trip on the Caney Fork and that's where I come into the picture. We met up and drove to the river. While I was running the shuttle Brent took the opportunity to land a real nice brown trout. The day was shaping up to be a good one, although the weather looked ominous at best. Later in the day the Weather Channel girl's prediction of bad storms would come true in a very real way.
===
We backed the drifter out next to the flow and dropped the anchor. Dave picked up on casting very quickly and a few casts into the lesson he picked up a rainbow on a dead-drifted nymph. We were still basically at the launch and both anglers had produced fish. Not a bad start to the day.

Brent Went Back to the Well and Picked up this Rainbow

We drowned some nymphs early in the float. The nymphs just were not the ticket we wanted to get punched and after trying different depths and patterns we abandoned the nymph rig, then went in search of feeding fish.
***
Brent was keyed into feeding fish and tossed his rig next to an old blowdown. A fish rose to the fly and Brent missed (I mean the fish missed) and Brent went back to the same spot with another great cast. The fish rose, slapped the fly and then felt the hook. The fight was good and the fish came to the net with some noisy splashing. We took the hero shot and Brent was on the board with a nice brown and a nice rainbow.

Dave's First Trout on a Dry

Brent was a gracious host. He fished from the rear casting brace and gave the best water to Dave. Dave was getting the hang of casting. When his cast would go away for a bit, Brent and I would reassure him he was doing all the things everyone does when the first pick up a fly rod. Dave worked on his cast and when we arrived a good spot, I pointed to a nice hole. Dave stuck the bug within inches of where I said and a good rainbow responded....just like the book says (more on that in a future report). The best results were just around the corner....literally.

....and Then the Rain Came, So Did the Fish

....and More Fish, More Rain, and Wind, Then Hail

Dave's Catch of the Day

Dave continued to work on his casting, while Brent continued to offer the best water to Dave who was in the front of the boat. Sometimes the best plans are hit and miss, at best. But, sometimes the best plans come together. We found a large feeding fish and slipped the boat into position. The fish was feeding and working hard at fattening up before the storm arrived. Dave put the bug in just the right spot. The fly settled into a drift and a short while later the fish exploded on the fly and fight was on.
***
Dave was midway through the fight when we realized he had been hand-lining the other fish to the boat. This rainbow was going through it's bag of tricks when we began the lesson of "oh yeah, here's how one of these fly reels work". Dave picked up the lesson quickly and purely out of necessity. The fish came to the boat kicking and screaming. Minutes passed and then Dave was the proud holder of the large fish of the day world record (i.e. he caught the big fish of the day).

I just like this shot

Browns Between Storms

We waited out another storm and continued to fish. Brent was on a mission and we were up against the weather. We drifted into a likely looking spot. Brent was still giving up good water and when Dave had a swing and a miss, he told Brent to go after the fish. Brent tossed his bug on the feeding fish and a nice brown came to the fly with its white mouth open. The fish ate the bug and went for some downed rocks. Brent played the fish to the net and we took the appropriate pictures to prove we had been there. Then the weather turned nasty...

***
I have been on the water through some cold weather, hot weather, hard rain, and sideways rain. I have even seen it rain "up" (think Gump). I haven't had the 'pleasure' of enduring a sideways rain and lightening storm with hail and I hope I never do again. The Weather Channel girl was right and these storms were intense. Boats were pulled to the side of the river and anglers were seeking whatever shelter that could be found. Finally the rain slowed and we bailed the drifter- as we pulled out and made a break for the ramp. Naturally when the drifter was on the trailer, the rods were hung in the truck and everything was buttoned down; the rain slowed and the sun was just starting to peek through some clouds.
***
This day was a good day. I count myself as fortunate, seeing Dave progress from a total rookie to an angler who has some nice fish under his belt and some confidence. Brent is a very good angler who I often have the pleasure of fishing with while always enjoying his company. Being out on the river with the people I get to fish with is a good way for me to spend my time. The people I've had the pleasure to meet has been an excellent way to watch other people catch fish.

Browns At Rest

Elk River Fly Fishing

2011-06-12T14:01:00.007-05:00

A Decisive Take From This Brown

Howard and I agreed to meet at Lynchburg Tennessee's most famous landmark, the Jack Daniels Distillery. I arrived a little early and scouted some smallmouth water. He came up from Chattanooga to fish the Elk on a hot Middle Tennessee Saturday. Howard is an accomplished angler who has seen some interesting rivers and who, like most of reading this report, doesn't miss a chance to test the water when he can get away.

The Drifter Waiting to Get on the Water...and So Were We

There were not as many rise rings as I like to see when we launched. So, we started the day on nymphs. The new nymph that we have been using produced a couple hits and a couple long distance releases and after a long stretch of closed mouthed fish didn't take a second look we switched to the usual pattern. We didn't see much of an increase in the action, but it picked up a little....very little.

***

Howard stuck with it as we moved into one of the shoals that usually produces a nice fish or two. We drifted through and Howard had a perfect drift, the boat was in the right spot, with the fly that has always been a big producer....and we got nothin. We rowed back upriver for a second pass and still...Then there was a rise, two rises and more. We put a dry fly on Howard's Sage rod and within the first cast he had a hit. Then Howard put the fly on a feeding brown. The brown took the fly and broke the tippet. We quickly solved the problem with some 12 lb tippet on a 20 lb leader.

One of the Usual Elk River Rainbows on Top

We fished to a couple of big fish that were holding in a small pool. Then time started pressing and the pigs of the lower river began calling. Some people don't see the fish that we get to see on the Elk. The larger fish can be elusive and wary. Some days they won't come out and play but if you do everything just right. "Just Right" meaning, the right fly, with the right cast for the right presentation and then to the right fish. This river can be very exciting. So, we pressed on catching rainbows on dry flies and watching a canoe or three go by.

It Wasn't Too Crowded

Howard In Action

As I stated earlier Howard is an accomplished angler. He has a nice cast and gets that excitement in his voice when the fishing gets real good. We set up on a bend and fished the structure, that in the past had been marginal and probably a little over fished. Howard pulled a couple rainbows out of there. One of those rainbows was textbook. The fly landed, the fish after and Howard set the hook. He played the fish into the net and we both commented on "how 'its' supposed to be". Then we entered a particularly good section. We were picking up a fish here and there, then "it" happened.

***
Howard laid the fly in a nice pocket, just about the time I looked away to watch for the next rise. When I looked back a big head was coming out of the water and a big white mouth was inhaling the dry. Howard came tight on the line and the brown began to grind to the bottom of the river. We chased the fish up the river for a bit. The fly was lodged in the roof of the brown's mouth, so the only worry was a sharp tooth against 12 lb flourocarbon.
***
The brown took us for a quick ride and didn't come quietly. Howard played the fish perfectly into the net and after a few photos, to help the memory later, released the fish for another fly and another day.

We continued tossing the dry to feeding fish. The fish were making us work for them. We didn't have the usual numbers of fish, but we increased the average size with the brown. We were a little pressed for time, but before we were off the river a second date was confirmed for a return trip. Hopefully we will have as nice of a day as this one turned out to be. Stayed tuned as Howard comes back for a return trip on the Elk....

Trout & Trash Part II

2011-06-07T17:51:00.006-05:00

Part II Was Exciting As Well

The Browns Were Out & About

We continued on downriver catching some more trout and then we went through a lull. We were leap-frogging some recreational canoes, kayaks and rubber rafts. I think we may have seen Floaty Boatwood and his crew out there at one point, but who can really be sure. Anyway, we caught some nice browns and bows for a while and then we just kind of cruised along in the drifter, taking in the afternoon. Dang it was hot and a short time of relaxing with the anchor out only helped to beat the heat. There was only one cure for the heat. That as we all know is: Fish- Big Fish.

Isn't This What 'Catching' is About? (insert big smiley face right here)
Take That- Carp!

We continued fishing top water. We noticed the fish were not eating live cicadas that were falling in the water. A live cicada will thrash around and flap its wings and make that loud screeching sound while it is trying to swim for its life. We saw very few fish take the live cicadas. The best takes were the cicadas that were already dead and that had dropped into the water. The fish and birds were feeding on the easy meal of dead bugs. The code was pretty easy to decipher, because when a live cicada would fall to the water we would watch in anticipation of a gnarly strike. That strike came rarely.

***

David cast to a rising fish at the end of a blowdown. The rise was unlike most we had been seeing throughout the day. But when the cicada pattern hit the water a big head came up and ate. David set the hook and the fish went straight to the blowdown and broke David off.

The Fight is On

We searched for a short time and found another riser. David cast to the rise and just like that, the fight was on. David played this fish to the net and shortly thereafter, he became a carp angler. That's correct he has been ruined as a trout angler, for the most part. But, with a trip or two to trout water and some additional treatment in the small rivers and prongs of the Smokies, David can be rehabilitated. This Isn't Quite as Easy as Everyone Thinks, But Almost (every 13 years)

I couldn't resist and got into some of the action as well. The takes were painfully slow. Slower than even a cutthroat take. We joked about counting to three, I wanted to grab a drink from the cooler and open it before setting the hook and eating a sandwich between the beginning of the take and the hook set didn't seem out of the question. Sometimes it pays to be patient.

You Should Have Been There

Every 13 years these little bugs come out and make a big noise. The cicadas reproduce, die and start the cycle all over again. If you haven't been out, well you should be. The noise reminds me of being at my grandparents about 26 years ago. The noise outside their home in West Tennessee was deafening. We were getting ready to go to Reelfoot Lake or over to Midway Arkansas to fish, loading boats, packing the camper and cleaning coolers., all the while listening to those screeching bugs. In a way the cicada event takes me back to a great time in my life, where I was taught to appreciate Just Getting Out There, but I guess I didn't realize it or even appreciate it then....

Oh No! (Mr. Bill)

The Big Fish of the Day

So all the fish seemed to be looking up. David and I floated toward the ramp as most of the other folks were getting off the river. David was fishing his 5 weight and tossed the big black bug toward a nice rise. Instantly the boil came under the fly and the fight was on. David and I both had caught the fish we were hunting, so anything else was a bonus. David was putting the 5 weight through its paces and lifting the big fish every chance he got. 5 weight rods are more for presentation, 7-8 or 9 weights are more for delivery of big flies and 10 + weights are made more for lifting. David's 5 weight was bending in the cork. When he would lift the fish toward the boat, the rod would bend and at times it should have groaned, but he kept lifting until the fish was in the net. The head of the fish was all that was in the net. So I rowed David to the bank and he fought the fish from the gravel. Eventually, David got the fish up into shallow water and the fight was over. We snapped the photos and released the fish unharmed to cast to on another trip.

A Trout & Trash Float

2011-06-05T14:28:00.010-05:00

The First Fish of the Day

David and I got out on the water for a trout...and trash float. The day started out hot and continued to warm up from there. We waded around at the ramp for a while fooling with some browns that others said were no where to be found. David wanted to experiment with some different patterns and I had a few tricks of my own that I just "had" to try out.

We floated for a while and fished to rising fish. I saw a nice rise down river behind some structure and verbally noted it with "d*%#n did you see that? As we continued down the river the big fish and a couple others were eating in a back eddy. As we slipped into a comfortable casting distance and David in the front casting brace, I offered the rising fish. David politely declined the offer. A second try at getting him to cast to the fish resulted in another decline of the invitation and that was it. I launched the newly tied Capt'n Obvious into the back eddy and with a huge splash the fish ate.

We Will Try to Catch This Fish Again

The fish went straight to an old blowdown, that I had never given more than a passing glance until that very moment. The BVK was now low and to the side and the fish shot out of the edge of the blowdown like a rocket. We made the usual comments that we all make when we are fighting a nice fish. The fish went under the boat on the left side and then on the right side. It was a long fight that was fought completely from the rowers bench. The big brown finally began to give up and after two more runs- one under the boat and one back to the blowdown- it began to let me make big pulls and finally the head came out of the water. David was there with the net and just like that the fight was over.

So just like that the fish was in the net and the skunk was off the boat. I have caught bigger browns and even bigger fish of other species. Those fish are all memorable in their own way, some of them, heck most of them are on streamers and some on nymphs, this fish was a fish that was eating with other fish, it was in a great location that was hard to get to and it ate as soon as the bug hit the water. What more can any angler ask for, it was shaping up to be great day and I have to admit I am a lucky guy.

You Never Know What is Going to Show Up on the Drifter

Everything was Trying to Keep Cool

David Working on the Rewards of a Successfully Tied Pattern

We were ready to hit the first good run that had a lot of recently fallen blowdowns and lots of overhanging trees. We stopped just before the run and David prepped his 5 weight. He tied on some new tippet and a new fly. After checking the knots and stripping out some fly line he was ready. David was locked into the front casting brace when we slowly rowed into the run. There were fish feeding and David placed the fly above the strike zone. The fly floated helplessly into the feeding lane and a nice brown raised it's head and struck. David grabbed a handful of cork and stripped in some line, which set the hook nicely in the browns lip.

The water was about knee deep and the current was strong. The only groove was just wide enough for the boat. The heavy brush on one side of the run provided the cover the brown was looking for. David was spot-on as he worked the brown out of the brush and into the fastest water of the run. He played the brown into the slack water of the pool below the run. The anchor was now resting on the bottom and it was time to grab the net and go to the fish. With David in the casting brace and the net now in place below the fish, David slid the fish into the net. After several rainbows we had another quality brown on a steamy day.

Another Quality Brown from the Caney Fork River

The Sun and Flip-Flop Followed Us Most of the Day

One of the Several Rainbows Caught on the Dries

We stayed on top water for the most part. Now that I think back we only caught two fish on a streamer and not one on a nymph. For the most part we didn't give the nymph a fighting chance as we were too busy selecting spots for the dry flies to land. "Fish to feeding fish" and fish to likely looking spots, that is what we have been concentrating on over the past several weeks.

David- Pre-Testing His 5 Weight?

The Usual Fight from a Rainbow...Trying Every Trick in the Book

The trout were responsive for the most part early in the float. The weather was so hot, it felt good to completely submerge yourself in the cool waters of the Caney. Wading from time to time helped as well. The sun was brutal and we slipped into a lull of cast drift repeat. Finally we stopped in the shade to cool off, but not before we saw some visitors in the form of the those sleek, saltwater turned fresh water, eating machines, known generically as- stripers...

There are some stretches of the river that are known to hold stripers and when moved toward them David was asking for the streamer rod. David loves the streamer as much or more than I do and he is accurate to within a few inches when it counts. We moved into the run and David tossed the streamer into the heavy current, I saw the rod bend and the fight was on. The fish pulled hard but the fight was over pretty quick. This striper was a mere baby, but there are some bigger fish in the river right now. But, you can't catch the bigger fish if you aren't Getting Out There. Then We Saw These & Some Other Trash-Stay Tuned for Part II

Caney Fork Top-Water Report

2011-05-31T17:26:00.009-05:00

Top-Water Action

Another View of Center Hill Dam

I spent the weekend camping with the family, above Center Hill Dam and it was a nice way to spend some time together. But I think after a few days, they were ready for me to get back on the water. After such a good trip to the Elk River, heck after mostly all good trips to the Elk this year, it was time to get back on the Caney Fork. The rods were rigged and flies were tied, both waiting for me to get the chance. I spoke with Mark early in the weekend and we opted for a Memorial Day float. We had time for a half day morning float. My weapon of choice was the TFO BVK and the same couple of flies we used on the Elk last week.

The First Fish of the Day

Like I said my weapons- the flies of choice- were the same flies we used last week. It was tough to change the flies that let us catch such nice fish on the Elk and let's face it, when I am fishing for fun, I can be pretty darned lazy. Lazy worked this time as the first fish came up early for a "slow roll take" on top. The fish came up with the dorsal out of the water, then the head came up, the mouth opened and the fish ate the fly in slow motion. The take was a thing of beauty and things just got better as the day went along.

***

So what pattern was on the rod? Because it should be common knowledge now and because even the local news channels are talking, I have named the patterns #13 and Capt'n Obvious... If you are thinking that anyone can throw-on any pattern and have a good day, well you might be right...but, if you want to know the difference between a 'good day' on the water and a 'sick day' on the water, then do your homework. I say that because the pattern matters and the pattern can change between morning and afternoon. It was my turn to row the boat, which put Mark up front with the BVK and #13.

Smile Like You Mean It

We went through some good water and Mark picked up a couple fish here and there on #13. Then we entered some good shoals and some good bank structure. Mark stuck the fly in a nice little pool and after a big splash, the fight was on. The fish went for and came out of some structure then it headed to open water. After a bit more of a fight the brown headed for the net and a short time later the hero shot.

It's Not Always About the Fish...This Report is Mostly All About the Fish

Reflections from a Brown Trout

Finally...it was my turn again. Mark put me on some good water, but I was in a slump. I think he put the voo-doo on my set-up (not really but...), so I changed to a nymph and picked up a few more rainbows and another medium sized brown or two. We swapped back and forth fishing nymphs until we came to some better water.

Mark on the Second Pattern

I stayed on #13 and rowed while we put Mark on another pattern I have been working on- that is now named Capt'n Obvious. #13 began to fade and the Capt'n Obvious pattern started coming alive. Mark was picking up fish 3 to my 1. After a good stretch of river it was soon time for him to get back on the oars and let me concentrate on some of the better water.

Look Closely

Look at the Back on This Brown

I switched over to Capt'n Obvious and within a few casts a brown, that looks like it lost a fight with a heron early in life, came out from a likely spot and nailed the fly. This fish had some experience and went straight for a blowdown. Mark got us over to the fish and after some untangling and a little rod work the fish was in the net. Finally my day was starting to crank up.

The First 20 of Spring

We continued down the river, soon there were boats and canoes going by and a couple stacking up behind us. It is always good to be in the casting brace where everything is easier to see. The view was great when a big brown shot off the bank- rolled up onto its side and took the fly with a big splash. It was all purely visual and almost like poetry, only a lot more violent. It was not unlike all that crap we read in the fly fishing books and articles. Stuff that makes us want to sell everything and move to St. Somewhere-Else to fish all day and tie flies while chasing off bears at night. It was epic stuff...

Waiting in the Conga-line at the Takeout

If you have been waiting to Get Out There for some reason or another, now is the time. There are some open dates on the calendar and we have capabilities for up to three boats. If you want to book a trip or are reading this for your own info, now is the time to get off the couch and out to your favorite stream...

Drift Boat Instruction & Elk River Fishing

2011-05-22T17:10:00.011-05:00

Rainbows Were Out Most of the Day

The Elk is the first tailwater to slow the generation enough to fish the river effectively. The Caney is still blowing water, however the forecast, at Center Hill Dam, is showing improvements in the near future. The future generation schedule still shows a lot of water, but not the excessive amounts we have been seeing over the past several weeks at the biggest trout tailwater in Middle Tennessee. The Obey continues to see high water as Dale Hollow Dam continues to release at least one generator and two generators for most of the day.

I had the pleasure of fishing with Adam and John. Adam had just bought a nice Hyde drifter and wanted someone to give some pointers on rowing as well as general boat use. John had never fished with the long rod before and came along on the trip to try his hand at a new adventure. Adam quickly proved he was a fast learner and compared drift boat rowing to flying a plane. Adam is a pilot so the drifter and currents came naturally to him.

John's First Fish on a Fly Rod

Adam started out fishing from the back seat. We put John up front and went to work on his casting, mending and hook set practice. We started the morning on nymphs and soon were getting some takers on the usual stuff. Adam boated a fish or two and we put him on the oars. Adam rowed around the toughest shoals, long stretches of flat water and through the tightest runs. he did well on every stretch.

John did a very good job from the start. It is always interesting to watch someone who has never fly fished before. I see all the things that I did right and wrong, when I started, in other people. It seems that they catch on quicker than I did and certainly catch their first fish in a shorter amount of time than the amount of time it took me to catch my first fish.

John had the usual long fishless stretch as he got his cast under control and worked on his mending. With my usual "coaching" (no I wasn't too harsh...really) and John's concentration it wasn't long before he started getting hits and then some takes. Then John dropped the fly onto a small gravel bar, made the right mend and the fight was on. A few minutes later John held the first fish he had caught on a fly rod.

Our First Brown of the Day

An Upstream View

Adam Hooked Up

We continued the day, seeing some folks we've seen over the past couple years. The fish, we have all been chasing, were tuned into nymphs early. The 350 CFS sluice release raised the river a little and made it necessary to add several inches of distance between the fly and the indicator. The fish were spread out a little more than usual, but the best lies still held the largest fish.

Bent Rods and Scream'in Reels

With John catching fish and Adam behind the oars we settled into a rhythm. At the guys invitation I had a chance to pick up a rod and fish too. The fish were responding to nymphs on a regular basis. So, when we came into some rising fish I went to the dry fly. There were not a lot of fish rising, but there were enough to peak my interest. After a few minutes the fish began taking looks, then the began to take the offering. This experiment would pay dividends for John later in the day.

One of Several Browns for the Day

Watching Rising Fish After Lunch

After lunch John continued fishing nymphs, while Adam learned more about his boat and the river. He made an excellent first pass through Van Zant, while John took in the sights of the Elk River. We passed some other boats that launched about the time we launched. The other reports confirmed most folks were having a pretty good day. As the other boats passed none of us knew that our boat was about to see something pretty amazing.

The bugs coming off the water here and there soon turned into an evening hatch. The usual bug activity of the lower Elk was about the same as most other warm days. Caddis popping, mayflies drying their wings then flying off, along with the usual midge hatch. John was on dries and Adam was running the boat in the middle of the river. John was getting some strikes, but having a little trouble closing the deal. Most of the fish were just taking looks and splashing the fly with their tail when they refused. John hung in there and continued to fish for rising fish.

John's First Brown and on a Dry Fly

Just about the time we were going to make a move to different water a nice brown enhaled John's fly. The dry fly was lodged nicely in the brown's mouth and John was quickly learning a new skill...line management. The fish struggled against the 6 weight BVK and large diameter tippet. After a nice fight John and Adam boated John's first brown on a dry. It was a good way to spend an evening on the Elk River.

This Brown is Getting Out There

This trip was unique, by that I mean I didn't row all day and frankly at times I wasn't sure what to do with myself. But, when the tougher parts of the river came, I had a chance to help a new Capitain navigate. And, I still made fly selections and tied on new tippet. Mostly I viewed the river from the rear seat. The guys both did a great job with their new passtimes. Adam will make a very good Capitain of that nice Hyde drifter and John has learned the basics of catching good fish on a fly rod. I look forward to seeing these guys on the river in the very near future.

We are booking trips into June as we wait for the fish to get good and keyed into the cicadas, that are singing loud here in Middle Tennessee. Before we know it we will be into hopper season, one of my favorite times of the year. The tailwater flows are slowing a little, some of the other rivers begin to open up. Don't miss out on the fun and make 2011 the Year of Getting Out There.

Warm Water Report

2011-05-17T19:16:00.008-05:00

Looks Like the Spilling at Tims Ford Should Be Reduced Soon

The water has been going down for several days, in spite of some daily showers. I am ready for a tailwater drought, so we can get down to business with these cicadas I have been tying. The Caney Fork is running three generators 24-7. The water levels are high and pretty much not a safe bet. Some anglers are taking boats out, but I think we will stay on the warm water streams and hit the tailwaters that are dialing back some water.

A Spring on a Local Lake

Anthony and I went to a local TWRA lake for some panfish and bass action. The day started with a trip to the local market for a daily permit. If you plan to fish a TWRA lake, make sure to stop and pay the daily license for access. We started out on streamers and only had one flash. After a dry spell I changed to a popper and had a little action. Then we dropped a BHPT off the popper and picked up some fish almost immediately. The popper=dropper was a success for panfish, but no as effective for bass.

This Fish Inhaled a Rather Large Popper

Anthony proved he was the warm water King. When he tied on the popper Anthony's game came alive. He started picking up fish and then when the evening hatch turned on Anthony kicked it into a whole other gear. Before the hatch was over Anthony had picked up a couple bass and a bunch of bluegill. Although I cannot give away his secrets, Anthony did prove color is critical when hitting those warm water lakes.

The Popper King

So we set up on a point and when the fish keyed in on some mayflies, we went to work on some topwater action. The point was some of the most shallow water in the lake, so the fish didn't have to look far to see our offerings. When we finally got off the water and got the drifter loaded onto the trailer, the geese were active but we were the last anglers on the property. It was a great day to be out and a good way to spend an afternoon.

Check back for a Troutfest and Smokies report...

Casting for Recovery

2011-05-09T18:23:00.003-05:00

Several weeks ago I received a call from Steve, who was asking for guides to help out with the Casting for Recovery event, which was hosted by the Music City Fly Girls and Petticoat Junction. I was honored to help and arranged my schedule to accommodate.
***
When I arrived there were ham and biscuits and other breakfast items. With our appetite curbed and rain gear on we headed to the river with the participants. I was guiding Susan for the day and she was enthusiastic about catching a fish on her birthday.

Susan's Birthday Fish

So, as if there wasn't enough pressure with the rain, Bedford Lake at a high level and rising and windy conditions, we added a birthday to the list. Before the day was over Susan's cast had improved and made my job much easier than I thought it would be. Yellow was the color of choice (is there another color) and in-spite of the murky water I went for the popper on topwater. Also, I was determined that if Susan really wanted to catch a fish, she would have to cast the fly, retrieve the fly and land the fish herself. I was only there to add advice about where to cast, help correct casting and stripping issues and lend a hand when needed. I wanted her to learn to fly fish and remember this day for a long time to come.
***
Grumpy and I had a conversation about what flies we would have our participants fish with. He said, as a joke, that I would probably have my angler fishing with a big streamer and 250 grain sinking line. We laughed it off, but I did have a heavy sinking line and an articulated streamer all set up and hanging in the truck, just in case there was time for Susan to cast for some big bass.
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The lake was a mess and the weather was worse, but we kept at it and Susan progressed over the next hour or so. After I saw a flash and confirmed there were fish in the lake, I became cheerleader/guide. It wasn't long before Susan landed the first fish for the entire group and we put a check in the box beside "birthday fish". And the best part was that Susan did it all on her own. Susan it was great to fish with you and to everyone who volunteered to help I cannot wait to help again next year!