April Fishing Report

Well our favorite month of the year for fly fishing in the Smokies is upon us! We have fantastic conditions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, WNC Fly Fishing Trail in Jackson County, and the Nantahala National Forrest. I say this in the shop alot, but if you close your eyes and throw a dart at a map of WNC you will find trout there.

Obviously this is easier for some than others, but that is where we come in. If you are planning to hit a specific creek or area, don't hesitate to give us a call or stop by the shop and ask. We have reports coming in from our guides regularly from all over Western North Carolina and can give you the best information possible. Always a great idea to top off with a good fly selection fro the day if needed and have ample floatant, leader and tippet. Nothing worse than being on a stream and not having what you need to be successful.

Tuckaseegee River Jackson and Swain

Legs and Eggs is the name of the game right now. Girdle Bugs or Pats Rubber Legs fished in tandem with an egg pattern of your choice is the ticket right now. The fishery did experience a good amout of pressure with the Easter Holiday crowds but if you size down in tippet from 4x to 5x, you should find some fish in the nets.

George with a great Brown on a recent float trip with our guide, Sam Nicholson

WNC Fly Fishing Trail

The fun part of about this area right now is trying to find a fly the fish wont eat right now! Scott Creek is probably the hottest creek in Jackson County other than the Tuck for good numbers and chances at size. The high elevation streams coming off the blue ridge where the brookies live are coming alive also. Hike early then fish on the warmest parts of the day will bring you lots of chances for wild fish on top water. We posted a video on our social of a brookie eating a leaf off the surface so I don't think they will be too picky about what fly is presented.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

This is my favorite time of the year to be in the Smokies. Many of the crowds this time of year are attracted to the Delayed Harvest waters and leave these wild places relatively alone. You will never be "alone" this time of year, but if you are willing to go up the trails and away from the parking areas, you will be rewarded with a day you will not forget, regardless of the fishing. Parachute Hare's Ears dry flies are a favorite this time of year along with a well presented Adams. Hares Ear Nymphs and pheasant tails of various stlyes will help with producing fish.

The other great news from the Smokies is that the Cataloochie area of the Smokies is back open. While the scars of Hurricane Helene remain, the creeks in the area still have opportunities for fish!

Remember in the back of beyond be sure to carry some bear spray and take a friend. Never a good idea to fish solo in some of the more remote waters. Come by the shop, check out some new gear and maybe even freshen uo on some of it, and get the latest intel from the guides!

Tight Lines!