November 10th, 2007 The Upper Float on the Caney Fork

The day started off early, as usual, with a stop for the contents of a good shore lunch. Today, I would have two relative newcomers aboard. Rod Murphy and Mark Smith are in the Healthcare Industry and as with most folks who work hard they needed a day away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. These two made the two hour trip from Chattanooga, TN. and we met at the ramp at 8:00 a.m... Getting to the river today was an experience within itself. UT was hosting Arkansas and with kick-off at 12:30 (EST) the traffic is better compared to holiday traffic on I-40. However, we all made it without incident and were on the water by 9:00. The weather was clear and sunny with a temperature of 65 degrees. What a great day for a float on the gin clear water of the Caney Fork.

We floated down to the end of the walk-in below the dam and anchored in the slack water. While I rigged rods, they solved most of the world’s problems. We were ready to start fishing as soon as the Army Corps closed the sluice gate and turned off the generator. The water went from 5100 Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) to Zero CFS and we pulled out into what was left of the current as the fish began to rise.

Neither of my guests had been on the water in a while and the fish were not fully awake. The water was still a little high and the Captain began charging the usual $2.00 as each fisherman missed their share of fish. The day was shaping up to be a good day.

When people get together from different backgrounds and different walks of life there is an opportunity to learn new jokes and steal some good quotes. The best quote came when we overheard two fishermen on the bank speaking something other than Southern. Rod said “Mark you know Karate what are they saying?” This was one of those quotes, probably better heard first hand, although certainly it is worth noting.

At lunchtime, Tennessee was in control of the football game and I am certain the traffic at the concession stands of Neyland Stadium were now much heavier than the traffic on I-40. The traffic on the river today was light, and fish were rising steadily to what appeared to be a size 30 midge. After lunch of Ritz Crackers & crab dip, chips and burgers, we were back in the boat to finish out the day of fishing.

Both brown trout and rainbow were present today. It is my understanding the browns were introduced to United States from Europe over 100 years ago. In my book, fall of the year is when the browns put on their best colors. Their overall golden brown color is only a compliment to their black and red spots. Their belly is close to the color of butter and when they strike, if one is lucky enough to see them strike, they still show the flash of silver that gets a fisherman’s heart pumping.

Mark was in the front of the boat as the sun began to set behind the ridges. By the time I saw the indicator move; Mark had seen the flash of silver and began to set the hook, and the fish on the end of the line was well on its way to putting a nice bend in the Sage rod. Mark played the fish like he fishes daily and with-in minutes we had netted and measured a 17” Brown Trout. (see photo)

We made it the ramp at Happy Hollow well after dark, put the boat on the trailer and stored all the rods. Rod and Mark headed back to Chattanooga with what seemed to be a satisfying day for them. The productive flies of the day were BHPT and Miracle Midges.

I am going to check the traffic on Saturdays before I head to the river during football season and I think I may learn how to speak Karate…Today was an excellent day for a float on the Caney Fork River.