Fishing in Delayed Harvest Waters

Friday’s weather didn’t seem too promising after seeing the forecast the day before, but besides the overcast conditions, the day turned out to be perfect!  I started out fishing the new delayed harvest waters of Wilson’s Creek. 

The gin clear water and the smell of fall told me the fishing was going to be good.  I found a nice run tumbling out of a medium sized pool and made a cast with a dropper nymph rig and wham, fish on!  This led to more nice fish during the day and with three miles of water the secret won’t be out for long. 

The next day the conditions weren’t as favorable but the fishing was much the same!  There is nothing like walking up a wild trout stream in October.  You take in so much more when fishing.  Once again the nymph fishing seemed most productive but stealth was the real key to success. 

This day provided many fish in the ten to twelve inch range with one brown that measured fifteen!  The following day was spent on the Watauga River in Boone.  If you are looking for big fish and lots of fish, you want to be on the Watauga! 

After a few casts in a likely run, the strike indicator went under.  I wasn’t prepared for what had taken the fly.  After five minutes of fighting the fish and help from my buddy, I landed a twenty three inch rainbow!  The Watauga offers great access and great fishing!  Don’t let the colder weather scare you away!