After day one was over and we had relaxed by the fire for a bit, a plan was made for for day two. The forecast for day two was slightly windy, cold with clear skies. For our day two float we decided to do a different section and arrived at the ramp where we shoved off under those clear skies.
We followed the plan from the previous day and Brent was pushing the oars for the first leg of the float. We had a couple flashes and a fish on, but it was a bit slow when compared to the previous morning.We found a deep rock ledge and the fish found our flies. Deep water nymphing along structure was the way to go.
A single weighted nymph fished 5' - 7' under an indicator was the just the ticket. Brent put us right on the right line, while Barry and myself caught our share of fish. We lost some flies to the sticks and hang-ups that could not be seen but the results made the extra tying worth it.
Brent didn't stay on the oars too long and took up his familiar position in the rear brace. He was drifting a nymph along a short wall and picked up a solid hit, then set the hook. A fish began a fast run to deep water and right away it was under the boat. We got the fish under control and even took a couple pictures of the fight. Just as Brent got ahead of the fish and made a lift on the rod, the fish decided a head-shake might work and promptly spit the hook. We were all disappointed...
The Fall colors were out, both on the trees and on the fish. The browns were especially showing off their colors and generally making even my photo skills look somewhat colorful.
Trips like these are a good getaway and enjoying the trip with friends is another bonus for an already great year. This day we all caught fish. It was tough at times and other times the fishing was very good. It is hard to tell which bend of the river holds a better fish and we sure didn't leave many bends unfished on this section of river. At the end of the day we found a spot and loaded the drifter, then made it back just in time for a trip to Ridgewood BBQ. Yes the BBQ was also part of our day two plan.
To see the latest fishing report click here and for more booking information see our Homepage. If you are a seasoned angler or have never picked up a fly rod and want to set up a day on the river just email or call/text 615-796-5143 to book a day on the water.
Several months ago Calvary Outfitters, a local faith based fly fishing group, decided to take a few days off and go fish the Watauga River in Upper East TN. I was lucky enough to tag along to enjoy some fine Fall fishing. Our hope was that this year's results would be very similar to the results of last years trip.
On the first day we dumped the drift boat off a grassy area of the river bank. No real ramp was needed and after running a quick shuttle we pushed off. Brent was along and graciously let me have the front casting brace while he rowed me and Barry. Brent put us both on fish practically right away as I tried to take full advantage of the fresh water at the front of the boat.
Some of the sections that produced nice trout last year were awfully slow this year. But, some sections that weren't so good last year were hot this trip. There were very few rising fish, so we went to deep water nymph rigs to dredge up the fish. The rainbows and browns did not disappoint us as they came to the usual offerings
We stuck our share of fish and toward the end of the day, Barry had made his way to the front casting brace while Brent made his nest in the rear brace. Our trip last year revealed several good spots on the river and I eased the drifter into good area of rocks that were laying against a steep bank. Barry laid a good cast into a narrow feeding lane and was soon hooked up. He was on a good brown that was down in the water-column and not giving up. Barry fought the brown for a bit and finally got ahead of the fish. Soon the fish was in the net and then released to be caught another day.
After that fish we kept drowning the nymphs and sticking some lips working at bringing fish to the net. The river was starting to crowd a little with other anglers and we were getting hungry. So we rowed to the ramp and loaded the boat. Then we went to Pals because when we are in the area it is hard to pass up that local favorite. We ended the evening with the Calvary Outfitters by the fire as everyone made plans for the next day of fishing...
To see the latest fishing report click here and for more booking information see our Homepage. If you are a seasoned angler or have never picked up a fly rod and want to set up a day on the river just email or call/text 615-796-5143 to book a day on the water.
When dams in the southeast were built a decision was made to mitigate the rivers with trout. This decision was made because the cold water, which is drawn from the lower depths of the lake, was too cold to support native fish species. Funding for the mitigation of the mitigation program is now in jeopardy. The final decision from US Fish and Wildlife is pending. To understand this issue take a few moments andwatch this video.
