Caney Fork River and Elk River Fly Fishing Report

Healthy Bows

Caney Fork Report- The Caney continues to run cool and clear. Only when heavy rains blow out the feeder creeks and larger feeder streams does the river get stained. The upper river usually clears pretty quick and fishing returns to normal, whatever that is... Dries and nymphs are both producing fish. Feeding fish are not exactly everywhere, but they are not to hard to find lately. The canoe hatch is slowing somewhat and there are some gaps in between the rentals. The gaps allow us to float and fish a little easier now. Timing the float in between the rental brigades seems to be the best way to fish the river. Making adjustments and timing help make what can be a miserable day somewhat pleasant. 

The lower portion of the river continues to produce a variety of hatches. I was able to find this photo that David took one evening while we were fishing to rising fish. The Caddis are also hatching as well as the mega midge hatches. Black flies are also coming on too so keep those small black midge patterns handy. 

Yes That is a Hay-Bale and it Appears Someone (or a troll) Rolled into the River 

Rip'in De-Lips

The Elk River- The river is running a little stained but not terrible. The water temps at the dam are running about 50 degrees right now and at or just below 70 at Farris Creek. The slight stain in the water is nothing to the amount of crud that gets kicked up when wading. On the other hand fishing a crawfish pattern and bouncing it along the bottom (i.e. through the muck) will give the fish a clue, where their next meal may be located. The fish are still rising to midges and eating nymphs fished deep. As has been over the last several years during the Summer, nymphs will produce the most  fish on most days.

Dan Picked This Guy Off a Blow-down Stuck on a Point

Fishing structure on the Elk will produce fish. The bass in the photo above was caught on another river this week. But the practice of fishing points will work well on the Elk. There are a bunch of points on the Elk. We are not talking about the bends in the river here either. The easiest way to find a point to is to first, Look Up. Looking up the bank will reveal the contours in hills around this little tailwater. Follow the contours down the hill and where the high part of the land meets the water....Fish There. Drifting a nymph and dragging a streamer across the points will pick up fish.

Brookies are Still Growing

Those are reports from the rivers. One more thing to keep in mind, it is still hot out on the river. Take plenty to drink and make sure you drink it. I suffered a bit of heat exhaustion this week while floating. We had plenty of cold water in the cooler, but I was concentrating on fishing and where the fish were located. The next thing I knew I had a headache and was tired, Then I felt a bit dizzy. Soon it was too late to get myself hydrated. I had to tough it out several miles from the ramp. Thankfully Dan was there to get us out. Drink lots of water and if you can drink sports drinks too. Get hydrated before leaving your vehicle and keep drinking fluids throughout the day. 

Never Watch For Rise Rings Behind You