April Report

Nicolay Bell

April Report

Current Stream Conditions:

Boy we could use some rain.  Just like the rest of the state we are in a drought.  Currently we are sitting in the extreme drought designation.  We do however have some rain showing in the extended forecast.  Keep your fingers crossed!  Until then water levels remain low and clarity is crystal clear.  Fortunately for us our temperatures have gone back to average highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s after a pretty hot start to the month.  This has helped a lot to bring water temperatures back down in our rivers.  We are seeing stream temps in the higher elevations back to starting the day in the 40s and lower elevation rivers starting out in the 50s.  

Fishing Report:

As the water has receded back to average temperatures, the fishing has really ramped back up and an abundance of bug life has got fish looking up.  Lots of Caddis, Stonefly, and Mayfly activity.  Across the board we’re seeing success on yellow bodied dries.  With the variety of yellow Mayfly’s and Yellow Sally’s coming off you can be anywhere between 12-18 hook sizes without those fish keying in on anything in particular yet.  For your subsurface stuff you’ve got plenty of options as well.  Overall I’ve found most of my success across the region fishing small dark nymphs but I’ve been catching on a variety of patterns such as Walt’s Worms, CDC Jig Nymphs, and Pheasant Tails. This time of year I’ll often drop a bright green Caddis larva off a dry due to of the abundance of Rhyacophila in our freestone streams.  

Tuckaseegee River Watershed

Well you’ve got a mixed bag in here folks.  The Bryson City stretch has been fishing great for us.  The early April stocking has given us opportunistic fish and the recent cool down is pumping in cold water out of the Smokey’s directly into Bryson City’s DH.  On top of that the low water has opened up a lot more wading opportunity in a river that is usually pretty difficult to wade.  The Jackson County stretch on the other hand has been pretty technical.  Low, clear water and heavy pressure has gotten these fish darn near lockjawed at times.  The first and last couple hours of the day are definitely going to be your sweet spot as far as productivity goes.  You’ll also want to consider light tippet and sizing down on your flies.  Sinking a small soft hackle with a perdigon under a yarn indicator can be a stealthy and effective tactic in these situations.  We’re looking forward to that early May stocking!  If fishing light or driving over to Bryson isn’t your preference you way want to consider fishing the hatchery supported sections of the Tuck.  You should find more opportunistic fish and have some opportunities for Bass as well.  If you’re looking to do a little creekin’ head over to Scott’s or Savannah Creeks.  Either will give you good opportunity at catching wild rainbows on dry flys with a few bigger stocked fish mixed in.

GSMNP

Put me anywhere in the Park this time of year with a 3wt and a box of dry flies and I’ll think I died and went to heaven.  The foliage is finally a bright green color, wildflowers are everywhere, and beautiful wild fish are looking up.  Yes the fishing can be tough especially in these low water conditions.  Probably not the ideal beginner spot.  And you definitely need to focus more on your approach and presentation than finding the “perfect fly.”  But to me this place is what NC mountain fly fishing is all about.  Ditch the waders, grab a few yellow bodied dry flys, and hit the creek!

Nantahala and West Fork of the Pigeon

Continuing along with our theme these rivers are low!  But at least here the water stays cool.  Lots of fish in these DH stretches but again getting somewhat difficult catch.  Little flies and light tippet.  We’ve been finding success in the tailouts and the edges of the rougher water.  In these stretches I would definitely spend more time in between pulloffs vs spending too much time right where you park.  These rivers will also hold great opportunities at wild fish.  With so much bug life you will have options on what to throw but it could take some working through your box to find what they’re keying in on if they get picky.  Presentation will definitely matter so instead of that indicator rig, fish your nymphs under a yarn indicator or go with a dry dropper setup.  Like the Jackson County stretch of the Tuck, these DH stretches are scheduled to be stocked the week of May 4th.

Well I hope y’all have had plenty opportunity to get out and fish lately.  And if not, try to find the time!  Spring is a special season to chase trout here in the mountains.  Especially with a dry fly.  Stay safe and see you on the water!