Blue Ridge Trout Fishing Report January 29th, 2007

Recent trips to the South Holston have been producing excellent dry fly opportunities this week. Cold temperatures and occasional snow showers yesterday did not seem to hold the fish back. Though fishing started out slow in the morning the afternoon produced a decent hatch of blue wings as well as midges and small black flies. A heavy feeding occurred for about a two hour time span in which we found it hard to float blue wing imitation without drawing a rise or hooking into a fish. Three of us ended up catching over thirty five fish even though we called it an early day. Matt Maness, one of our Orvis Endorsed Guides, reports that the fishing was just as hot on Thursday when he caught two 18 inch, a 17 inch, and a 16 inch trout out of one hole in less than thirty minutes. Fishing is good if you are willing to brave the cold. Nymph fishing has been the number one producer on our local rivers, such as the Watauga and the Elk River. Working your nymphs slow and deep will be your best bet. Small streams have been doing well on warmer days especially those in the Wilson Creek area. Small stream winter fishing will almost always be better after mid-day when the sun has warmed the surface temperature. Check out our hatch report if you plan on going and make sure to dress in layers.