Spring Blue Ridge Fishing Report March 2nd, 2008
The High Country is giving us a hint of things to come – temperatures in the high 50’s the next few days and our wild songbirds are much more active. Several of our fishermen have even reported catch a few trout on top with elkwing caddis tied with CDC. The fishing continues to be good and promises to steadily improve as we go through the month of March.
Remember that all hatchery supported streams (green diamond sign) are closed this month to all fishing so that stocking can get under way. Drop by the store and I’ll tell you the story of a young guide who took a client out for a half day of local fishing. When they returned to the shop the client was extremely excited about the 40 trout he had caught, and the fact they saw no other fisherman. The guide got a great tip. Guess when & where they were fishing. Whoops!!! Easy to forget about this rather archaic NCWRC rule – so be aware!
Mother Nature is a great tease. We often get our most snow the month of March. If you are planning a fishing trip, give us a call for local weather info.
Of course, March also brings increasing amounts of insect activity. Our local streams are still quite cold with temps in the low to mid forties. Nymph fishing is still the best choice. The delayed harvest waters are producing great catches, sometimes in the worst of weather. Be sure to watch for the beginning of top water activity. Two of our favorite nymphs are a black bead head hare’s ear with a drop of epoxy on top of the thorax and a soft-hackled bead head pheasant tail. Size 16 for both works well.
On the Watauga River tail water, blue wing olives are providing nice hatches, although the fish are often taking the emerging nymph. Several of our guides have been floating the Watauga regularly and are having nice catches – good numbers and sizes. The South Holston is doing its usual thing – good days using midge emerges, midge pupas and blue wing olive patterns followed by really tough days. Even these tough days offer a good chance of catching one of those great big browns! If you are going to the Holston, stop by the shop for some of our unique flies. Remember – the South Holston rewards patience. Often, the best time spent on a Holston trip is the first 20 minutes after you gear up at riverside – sit down, let your pulse get back to normal, look at the water, look at the first several above the water, look up higher in the air for insects and for birds feeding on insects. Last but not least, look on the streamside bushes, rocks and your wader legs for insects.
We had a great time at the Charlotte show and enjoyed seeing many of you there. Call us and book a guided trip with one of our professional, Orvis certified guides. Also call for any stream info you may need. We are a full service outfitter and can satisfy all your fly fishing needs. 828-963-6556.
