Caney Fork River Fishing Report

The Caney Fork- The past few weeks of weather have been crazy. Now we are settling into a winter time weather pattern. There has been little rain and minimal generation and the Army Corps continues to open the sluice gate to add oxygen while generating. The water has been a little more clear during this time. After the generation stops and several hours pass, the water settles out and then the flows pretty much stop. The fishing is tough once the flow stops.

During long periods of no generation, mostly the weekends, the sluice is releasing 250 cubic feet per second (CFS) into the river. The river is cloudy when this pattern is followed. Although the water is green and murky, the fish are still responding.

So what is working? Well, as usual nymphs have been producing fish. With little flow the presentation is tough. So some dry droppers have been productive as well. Clean presentations are a must, because the fish have a lifetime to see how the bug was tied before they eat it. Do everything to get clean presentations. 

We still need some periods of rain. Additional rain and winter weather patterns should flip the generation schedule. Once the periods of generation happen at the right time of day and the nights turn colder we will be running shad kill trips. This type of fishing can be very exciting and although cold, it keeps anglers busy. Most of the time the cold doesn't bother anglers on a shad kill trip. 

Will Call- We have a "will call" list of anglers who want to get aboard the F/V Southeastern Fly for the shad kill. When the bite really cranks up I will send an email to all those on the list and supply the open dates. Then angler's set their dates and we go in-search of big fish on top water. These trips are a lot of fun. It seems we are about a month behind the conditions for last year. Want to see how last year went? Click here for a look back. If you want to get on the "will call" list just contact me via text, phone or email. 

The Elk River- This river had a low flow throughout the summer months. The low flow and discharge from the watercress fields allowed the grasses and algae to grow at record rates. The fish, however, are still there and still eating.

The water clarity continues to be tough. Sight fishing is nearly impossible with the greenish color. But, this river has been producing fish consistently with nymphs in-spite of these variables. Streamers that push a little water will get the attention of some good fish too. Fish your favorite streamer in your favorite color and keep moving  from spot to spot, new water will  bring in some nicer fish as well. As always check the generation schedule and don't get caught on the wrong side of this river.

If you want to experience something totally different we have some half day musky dates as well. These trips aren't for the weak at heart and require throwing 10 wt fly rods and medium to large flies. It's a lot of fun and hard work, a lot like hunting. It is different and can be extremely rewarding.

There you have a quick report from Middle Tennessee.  From our family to your and your family, Merry Christmas!

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.