Caney Fork River Report

Before we start with the reports from the river, it seems the weather is the real story. As this report is written we just finished receiving over 2" of rain. The temperature this morning was 30-something degrees and the sky was spitting snow. With all the rain and the big releases we could use some more cool weather to give us some cold water. That cold water will be extremely useful toward the end of the summer. My guess is that this will all work out in the long run...

The Caney Fork River- We were able to sneak some trips to the river before and after the last big rain event. The water has been high for the most part and a little stained too. At this time, Great Falls is dumping 25,000+ CFS into Center Hill, so, I would expect some high flows for the foreseeable future.

The water has been high and off-color, but the fish have cooperative. We haven't floated a nymph on this river since I can't remember when. Streamers on sinking lines, launched from the casting braces have been the most productive. 

One of the best parts of winter fishing, for me anyway, is a chance to catch skipjack. They aren't the classic game fish or anything like that, but they are good old-fashion fun. Also, they are a good warm-up for everything else.

The Elk River- We have been on the Elk and this river continues to produce good numbers of fish as well as the occasional nice brown. The water is clear unless the rain comes just before a trip. If the water is stained and low the conditions for catching can be tough. If everything is just right can be a really nice day. 

If you have never done any technical nymphing, and yes there is such a thing, this is the place to learn. There are many different water types and several different techniques to learn on these floats. This is a technical but relaxing river.

We are booking trips into May on each of the Middle Tennessee rivers with a few April dates left. There are many ways to follow the action from the river. If you aren't following us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, all are worth a "like or follow". 

Also, every Tuesday evening there is Southeastern Fly on Facebook Live. This program gives even more up to date info on local waters as well as other fishing reports from around the southeast. There are also some other things such as polls to vote for your favorite flies, fishing partners, and various other things. It seems there are several things going on to help keep everyone in the loop.

If you are a seasoned angler or have never picked up a fly rod and want to set up a day on the river e-mail or call/text 615-796-5143 to book a day on the water. For additional booking information see our Homepage and to see the latest fishing report click here.

Joe & Scott Beat The Rain

Last year Joe and I fished together and had a good time on a half-day trip. So when Joe called this year, I knew we would be in for another good day. This year Joe brought along Scott, who is a friend of the family. Scott brought his G-Loomis 4 wt to the party and with a break in the rain and generation (not kidding they hit both perfectly) we were all-aboard for a brisk day of fishing

We pushed away from the gravel bar and began fishing right away. The fish were tight-lipped for the first stretch. But when we settled into a groove the fish came to the flies and then to the net. We were fishing a couple different nymphs and having decent luck on both. Joe and Scott were matching each other's catch-rate, pretty much fish for fish. The fish were in pods for the most part and if we found one we would find another one in the same area. 

We kept looking for a nicer fish and kept bringing the stockers to the net. After lunch the fishing became spotty, but Joe and Scott kept after-it. Scott had the front brace and was fishing just off a rock ledge. As I was picking the next fishy looking spot, I felt Scott set the hook. When I saw the bend in the rod, it was obvious this was a little better fish. Scott did a good job keeping the fish in the right place throughout the quick fight. All the stocker action we had throughout the day helped Scott bring this brown to the net both quickly and efficiently. We took a quick picture and released the fish from the net. This was a decent brown and fun to see Scott bringing it to the net. It couldn't have happened to a nicer young man.

We made our way toward the ramp and caught a few more fish along the way. We drained the excess water from the drifter and tied everything down. This was another good day aboard the F/V Southeastern Fly. Joe and Scott I am looking forward to the next float!

If you are a seasoned angler or have never picked up a fly rod and want to set up a day on the river e-mail or call/text 615-796-5143 to book a day on the water. For additional booking information see our Homepage and to see the latest fishing report click here.