In Like a Lamb and Out Like a Lion - March Report!

Nicolay Bell

March is here and what a way to kick off the month!  We’ve experienced temps in the 70’s, lots of bugs flying, and trout getting stocked in our local Delayed Harvest waters.  This week the Upper Nantahala, West Fork of the Pigeon and the Tuckasegee in Jackson County were visited by NC Wildlife and loaded back up with fish.  A couple days after the long car ride and a free fall into the river, those fish seem to have acclimated and are responding well to most of what we’re casting in front of them.  The steady post stocking diet of Mops, Eggs, Girdle Bugs, and Squirmy Worms should continue to consistently put fish in the net for the next couple of weeks.  This is also a great time to work on your streamer technique.  Generally after stocking the Brook Trout will be very reactive to movement.  I personally like to rip a jig style streamer through a deep hole or run like a Moorish Micro Jig sculpin or George Daniel UV Jig.  Those are also versatile patterns as you can bounce them, dead drift them, or sink a soft hackle behind to pick up fish on the swing.  Come late morning through the afternoon I would also consider throwing some dry flies.  We’re seeing good hatches of Black Caddis and Little Black Stoneflys throughout the Tuckasegee River.  What better way to end your day of fishing with a couple eats on top!

This time of year fishable waters do get a bit limited with Hatchery Supported streams being closed until the first Saturday in April.  So if you’re looking to get away from the crowds in the Delayed Harvest I would suggest exploring the Smokies.  Our Park waters are still fishing a bit inconsistent but hitting them on a good day can be flat out awesome.  This is the time of year where we can start throwing big dry flies out there.  You should see hatches of Quill Gordon’s and March Brown’s so fishing larger size 12 Parachute Adam’s and Hare’s Ear’s will be productive.  And for those of us that are a little visually challenged that’s a win!  A dry dropper rig is my preferable way to fish the park so hang a Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear off your dry and you should see your catch rates increase.  As always focus more on your presentation and approach for your best chance at success.  

Hope to see you on the water and in the shop!