Elk River Report, Warmwater Report & Caney Fork Report

Other River Residents

Hatchery Update- For those who are wondering about the fate of the Hatchery Brats, I called and talked with the folks at the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery this week. They advised there was a water quality problem over the Winter and a portion of the rainbows died, also the fish that did survive are not growing at the usual pace. Therefore, the hatchery did not begin stocking and they may not be able to make up what was lost in the die-off. The browns were not affected nor were the brookies, but apparently those species were not growing at a normal pace either. So, that explains why the rivers do not have the usual Hatchery Brat numbers, which we have all grown accustom. 

There are Some Hatchery Rainbows in the Caney

The Caney Fork- The Army Corps turned the water off, for the most part. Well, let me explain in a little more detail. Over the Winter we saw releases of 10,000 + CFS, remember? Yep, so do I, and we all went to other venues and chased different fish while waiting to get back on the tailwaters. Then the rain slowed and the Army Corp continued the releases, finally backing off and then... the generators were backed off more and the sluice was shut down. After that we saw releases of one generator for a few hours a day and no releases additional releases, other than the water by-passing the dam through the waterfall and other cavities in the limestone that have not been filled by the repairs. So, essentially anglers had the low water, but it was so low there was not a lot of moving water. If you found moving water, you would find a fish. 

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Recently, the Army Corps decided to release water through the sluice to supplement the generator releases and continued running the sluice 24-7. This is helping with the dissolved oxygen and giving everyone's flies some drift. The result? The fishing is picking up. Oh, and the folks from Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery made a stocking run to the Caney and dumped in some small browns and some rainbows that just barely made the size limit for stocking. We measured the water temps and they are running 59 degrees by our thermometer. 

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The water remains pretty darned clear, which is good. Anglers need to work on "their stealthy" because if you can see the fish, the fish can probably see you too. So anglers shouldn't go marching through the water like they are on a combat mission.   Nymphs are working as well as midges. The river is showing hatches of caddis, a variety of mayflies as well as some sulphers.  Long tippets help and dry/droppers are worth throwing.

Fish Tails

 The Elk River- The temperature of the Elk is running at 49 degrees. The water is cool and the water clarity looks good. Rain events, even the smaller ones, have an affect on water clarity. But, catch this river after several days of no rain and it can be gin clear.  The stocking truck has been a little slower to get to the Elk. There are still some holdovers that can be caught and don't be surprised if you end up with a brook trout on the fly. 
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The fish are taking nymphs fished deep. A hopper/dropper will work on this river, but expect many, many more fish on the dropper. The hopper is really more for show. The fish will come up and take a look from time to time, then they turn and take the nymph. It is easy to mistake the turn of the tail for strike on the hopper.  When a fish eats a hopper, they do not miss!

Warm Water Report- The freestone rivers in Middle Tennessee could use some additional water too. The low water conditions make it easy for the fish to see poppers and even dries. Try some large dries in the evening and you never know what will come to the top and take the offering. Cumberland Transit has a good selection of warm water flies. Grumpy and Leo will help you with your selections. Girdle bugs are working as a dropper for us and I would say they will bring your catch rate up as well.

This Bow is Very Healthy

David K. in the Trout Zone and Hard at Work with a Nice Brown

Transitions From Clear to Cloudy

David and I hit the river this week and had a good day. We had a discussion about an Orvis Clearwater that I brought along. I had it on board the drifter for some recent trips. Anglers who haven't fished a lot or who have never fly fished before, sometimes do better with this rod. The reason, in my opinion, is because the rod softer and this slows down a beginners cast.  Now I am not saying that it cures every casting habit, but it does suit some anglers better than other anglers. David and I were using the Clearwater rod for a single nymph rig, under an indicator. As usual we had several rods on the boat, and even caught fish on them, but eventually we went mind-numb watching the indicator bob up and down in the wind.  

As we floated along David tried to remember where a log was located, a log that last year he picked a trout from on a nymph. We located the log, David gave a false cast and dropped the nymph just upstream. The indicator settled in and floated along. The tungsten bead had plenty of time to send the fly to the end of the line. Just when I thought it was going to bottom out on the gravel, the indicator dove and pulled a bit sideways. David set the hook and pulled the fish into open water. The fish came to the net, changed its mind and started back to the log. After a short game of tug-of-war, David got the head up and into the net. The fish didn't look like a monster, possibly because of the head, but we measured the fish and David is again on the 20 + Club page. 

The Orvis Clearwater Single Nymph Rig

Fishing is picking up here in Middle Tennessee. We are booking tailwater trips into May and some dates in June are starting to get looks as well. If the weather and water hold, this could be a great hopper season. If you are thinking about booking a trip, give us a call, send an email or text and we can start looking at available dates. Don't forget about the warmwater trips either as those species are coming on strong as well.

Tom and Paul

Tom wanted to take his Father-In-Law Paul fishing. So. when Paul's birthday rolled around, Tom booked the trip. Things started off well when they showed up 10 minutes early. We loaded up and went to the river. The plan was for Tom to fly fish and Paul to take the rear of the boat and enjoy a day of fishing gear. The river was clear and low. The flow is extremely slow, which made nymphing without drag, even more critical. Tom is an experienced small stream angler and was ready to take those skills and adapt them to the tailwaters. Paul brought his own bag of spinners and deeper running lures. The weather was partly cloud and low 70's for the high. The water temps began and ended the day below 50 degrees.

What's the Real Problem Here and Why Is Tom So Happy?

Everything was in place or so we thought. I took the guys straight to a good stretch of water. A stretch that has produced nice fish almost every trip and has never let me down by producing at least something worth noting. This time however,  we had some hits and follows, flashes and losses. When the indicator would dive, Tom would set the hook, sometimes play the fish for a short time and then, the fish would throw the fly. This went on in the front of the boat, while in the rear Paul would produce a fish or two on gear, but things were just not clicking. Tom appeared to be doing everything right and so did Paul. I made the decision to stop the float and re-fish that good stretch of river... The guys were looking to me for answers, I couldn't figure it out. About that time the answer appeared!

The Real Problem? Bananas On A Boat!

The boat was now back at the upper end of the stretch that we had just fished. As we waited for a group of recreational boaters to pass through, we all grabbed a snack and that is when it became apparent there was a banana on the boat. Not only was there one banana on the drifter, but there were three bananas. The story behind bananas on watercraft is almost as old as watercraft themselves. I explained to Paul and Tom that bananas were not just bad luck but were also why we were not bringing fish to the net. When the first banana was finished I took the peel and disposed of it! The guys were not convinced I was being truthful, but the more I talked, the easier it was for them to understand I was not happy. They fished a bit longer,but the banana theory began to get into Tom's head He finally couldn't stand my griping any longer couldn't stand the thought that I might be right. So, he took the other bananas and disposed of them as well... Tom set up for his first "nanner free cast"...

Finally!

...the fly landed and the indicator turned over, then settled into a slow drift. The indicator dove, Tom set the hooked and the fish flashed. The fish made several runs and a few jumps, but Tom got the head up and brought his catch to the net. The guys had a good laugh and there was relief from the rowers bench. While I revived the fish the guys discussed out loud that there could be some truth to the "banana theory". We revisited the recent catch, but I am not sure they were convinced.  So, Tom stepped back into the casting brace, stripped off some line and cast again. The fly landed and the indicator turned over. Then it floated a short distance and dove again. That cast produced another fish in the boat and while this was happening in the front, Paul was hooked up in the back casting brace. This time the guys produced a double. There would be no more bananas on any fishing trip with these guys.

Paul Joined In With Spinning Gear

The guys continued to fish throughout the day and at times it was a bit slow. Just when it seemed like the front, that was moving through the area, was going to completely put the fish down, one of them would bring a fish to the net. The morning turned to afternoon. Afternoon was getting late when Paul hooked a fish that fought differently. When he got the fish to the top we found a crappie on the line. Paul had the slam. The slam for this trip was a brown, rainbow and crappie!

Tom Hooked Up

A Good Day On The River

Fishtails.....

The tree lines began to make some long shadows on the river as the sun began to fall. We were well into the float and the takeout was about an hour away. Paul was bombing the bank with a shallow running rooster tail and he picked out another species. This time a rock bass came to the net and I guess Paul completed his super slam. Overall the fishing was good and the catching was good. Paul and Tom were enjoyable to fish with and they were open to suggestions that hopefully made their day and future fishing better. If none of us learned anything else, we did learn the "banana theory" was no theory at all.

Tom With A Rarity

Fly Fishing the Stones River

First Fish of the Day

Hap Was Hooked Up

A Low River

We are in the heart of small stream fishing and have been on the local streams chasing something different. Mostly we fish warmwater in the Spring, when the tailwaters are adjusting for lake levels.  Hap and Price, who are brothers, wanted to learn about warmwater fishing.  Both have fished some and had good fundamentals, so we planned the trip and the next step was to launch the drifterThe river was low and we had to drag the drifter across some shoals right away.  We found a resting spot and began tying some simple knots.  Then the fishing began.

Now Getting On With the Catching!

Price Hooked Up 

Colorful Pan fish

The Drifter At Rest

The rivers all around Middle Tennessee are low and the Stones is no exception. The fish weren't tough to find and the small pan fish began pushing the flies around early in the trip. The sun warmed the water and the fish came to the top. The guys worked on their casting, some different retrieves and before the day was over they were hauling. The longer the casts got the more the fish responded. The casts were really looking good so we added a dropper, which improved the catch rate.

Fish-Tails

The colors of the various species were spectacular. There are many species within the bluegill family, each are unique in color and pattern. The blues on the fish are vivid right now and stand out as much as any color, on any warmwater fish. Add this to the fish's aggressiveness and that makes for a fun day on the water.

The Brothers At Lunch

We stopped for lunch and filled up the tank with cedar plank grilled salmon and the usual accouterments.  We watched the river and the wildlife, then we gathered up everything, including some garbage left by others and hit the river again. The catching continued and the instruction became less and less. The guys were clearly coming into their own.

Red-Eyes

...and Beer Pong, Red Eyes

After lunch we were passed by several canoes. Everyone was pleasant and it seemed, from the conversations with the passers-by, that the guys were more than holding their own against others on the river. One canoe in particular had two pleasant gentlemen, who were just enjoying the day and spoke as they slid by. Later as we approached a gravel bar, it appeared they were pitching a tent. But as we slowly fished our way toward them, we realized they were playing beer pong!  We were invited to join them, but we had to decline as there were more fish to be caught and the end of the day was pressing. So we kept rowing and declared another first on a Middle Tennessee river. 

A Handful

Ancient Hierogliphics?

The day was winding down and there were two more rock ledges I wanted to explore. Both had been good to us in the past and we hoped this trip would be no different. The pan fish were still on, but the best was yet to come. Price caught yet another offering on his last few casts of the evening. So we moved to the last ledge. Hap, tossed the Bomber with a dropper and gave the line a couple tugs, the bass tugged back. Hap set the hook and the line came tight. This bass did not disappoint us in the fighting department. The fish finally came to the net and after the release we ended the day that positive note.

Bream-Killer

The Last Fish of the Day

Hap and Price were a lot of fun to guide. They were quick learners and both improved steadily throughout the day. The warmwater trips are fun to do and we have some lakes that also offer excellent opportunities for angling adventures. Thanks again guys, that was a good day.

Fly Fishing the Caney Fork with Kelly and Brent

This week Brent wanted to take his Brother-in-Law Kelly on a float. The goal was to teach Kelly to fly fish, give him a chance to enjoy the river and help him catch a trout on a fly rod, before he returned to Cambodia and his life long missionary work. We launched the drifter under cloudless skies, on clear water with a fair number of recreational boaters. TWRA has not stocked the river, from what we saw the rumor mill is accurate. This made the upper portion of the float, slow. The water was 59 degrees and crystal clear, we could see the fish and the fish, of course, could see us as well. 

Sunrise on Saturday

We spent some time casting with Kelly. He was already several steps ahead and it was apparent that he and Brent had spent some time practicing before the float. Practice is very important for a new fly angler and sometimes just as important for a seasoned angler. After we worked a little more on the casting and of course mending we were off. The upper section of the river showed us a few fish here and there.  

Low Water

The low clear water was a bit distracting at times. There is a lot to look at on the bottom of the river and we all spent time spotting fish as well as other things. The gravel bars are pretty much in the same place even after the 10,000 + CFS beating the river took over the Winter. 

Kelly's First Fish on the Fly

Fish-Tails

Kelly was patient while the fish were tight lipped. We kept him on nymphs and adjusted the indicators to the river bottom. The fish were on shoals and in the holes. We tried several different patterns and ended up fishing the Tutto. Brent was dialed in first on the Tutto and caught several fish. Kelly used his patience, while he took in the sights and developed a real love for the river. Then we entered a run and Kelly dialed in. He got a good drift in a small seam and a rainbow made the indicator dive, then Kelly pulled the rod and the line came tight. The fight was on. The rainbow tried to use the current but Kelly got the fish to the net and soon after that, he was holding his first fish on a fly rod. The proper photos were taken and the rainbow was released. 

Brent Hooked-Up

This is the Lowest Water I Can Remember

 Every time I get to float with new anglers I learn something new or am reminded of how I saw the river the first time. Brent, who has been on the boat several times was at home in the back seat. Kelly had the front seat, which is known to be the best position while fishing. That front casting brace is just a good place to be.  Cambodia is a long way from Buffalo Valley and the environments are completely different. Now Kelly has the pleasure of knowing both. Good luck on your return to your work Kelly and I look forward to seeing you again when you come back to the states.

Hyde Drift Boat For Sale (Sold)

Top of the Line Accessories

A friend of mine is selling his Hyde Drift Boat. It has been garage kept since he has owned it. The boat has a G4 shoe, Hyde Cataract Oars, and there is no maintenance because he has already greased the trailer bearings.,. Speaking of trailers... the trailer is painted with chrome wheels and it pulls very well. The asking price is $8500.00, I have rowed it, caught fish out of it and can confirm the boat has good MoJo. If you want to take a closer look just email Adam at adamnumm@me.com 

Cover Included

A Nice Relaxing Day of Drifting

Painted Trailer & Aluminum Wheels  Included

Warm Water Fly Fishing Report

White Bass

Anthony and I took his new boat to fish some warm water the other evening. The water was low, as low as I have ever seen it, but the fish were responding. We fished streamers for the better part of the short trip. Sinking lines with deer hair patterns received the most attention from the white bass. The pools, as usual, produced more fish than any other areas. We fished pretty hard for almost an hour and then we just plopped the streamers here and there, while we solved several of the world's problems. 
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We ended the evening by throwing dry flies to pan fish. This type of fishing is where I first caught fish on the fly rod. It was a good way to pass the evening and an even better way to get ready for dry fly season on the tailwaters. Anthony's new boat is an excellent way to fish the Middle Tennessee rivers and it was good just to be along for the ride! Now is the time to get out and enjoy the Spring weather.

Howard and Jo on the River

Nice Spring Day

Howard called a few weeks back and we found a date that worked for everyone. This trip we would take his cousin Jo. Howard and Jo have been fishing together since they were 14 or 15 years old and the banter started early. I did my best to stay out of it, but I just couldn't help myself. We had a great day of discussion, jokes and flinging flies to hungry trout. Before the day was over Jo would boat the largest brown he had ever caught, Howard would provide the right pattern for Jo's line and we would all endure the first hail storm of the year on the river.

Jo Hooked-Up

We started on nymphs and as soon as we saw the first rise, Howard was ready to go to dry flies. We put him on the dries and fished shallow water. Jo stayed on the Tutto and hooked up first. It happened kind of that way, but if you were there you might have seen something a bit different. We spotted a rising fish and Howard lined up, then timed the fish. He landed the fly within a foot or so of the fish at just about the right time. The fish was feeding in about a 4 foot zone and that dry was just floating into the zone. Then out of nowhere a big ole nymph came flying into the picture with a plop! The dry floated about another foot, while the nymph settled on the end of the line and turned the indicator. Both offerings inched toward the fish and then the indicator disappeared. Just like that Jo stole Howard's fish had another fish.

Fish-Tails

Howard Gets on the Board With a Nice Rainbow

We picked up a fish here and there along the way, then we entered a good stretch of river. It was still just a fish here and there. Jo sent a nymph right down one of the best runs. The drift was perfect, the depth was perfect, everything seemed perfect. The indicator never moved.  The next cast was in the trees. That Tutto was now out of reach as the line snapped. Howard made a fly suggestion that we had fished together before and he fishes regularly on some other rivers. I dug through the boxes and came up with the pattern, which was soon on Jo's line. He immediately boated a fish. We were in the game before but this bug turned the tide for the trip. 

Another Good Rainbow for the Duo

The weather was another part of the story for the day. The weather during the morning and early afternoon was dead-calm. Blue skies were the call, with very little wind. However, earlier in the week the Weather Channel Girl made it apparent the afternoon would be much, much different. She called for heavy thunderstorms, wind and hail. So, we all brought waders and were glad we did. But we will get to that later...

...and Another Nice Rainbow for Jo

Howard got on nymphs and soon both anglers were mending, drifting and catching. There are times when it becomes obvious it is just one guy's day. Today it would be Jo's Day. Several times Howard would make a great drift through a likely spot and then Jo would drift through and pick up the fish. Howard and I agreed he had several of those days, but today was just Jo's day.  

.....and Another Nice Rainbow for Howard

The Big Fish of the Trip

After Howard suggested we get Jo on a new pattern and he boated a decent rainbow, we kept at the mending and getting that "perfect drift". Jo's fly drifted into a likely place and the indicator took a slow dive. Sometimes a slow dive is an indication of a fly snagging the bottom. This slow dive was different, it was quicker than the current flow. After a quick nudge, Jo was setting the hook. The line came tight and the fish came straight to the boat. We decided the fish was small, but once the indicator dove it didn't come back to the top. The fish started chugging and went under the boat. I started turning the boat and the fish kept turning, making me wonder if I was doing the right thing. Finally after almost a full circle the fish came out from the boat and started upstream. Jo had the rod tip up and in the turn Howard tried to hook Jo's line and make him lose the fish Howard's line got tangled in Jo's line. Jo fought the fish and pulled Howard's line and his line through the guides. Then Howard's fly came to the top guide of Jo's rod and the fly just broke off. The hook-set must have been a good one because, through all this, the brown was still on and jugging upstream. We backed upstream with the fish as it was headed for a blow down.  Jo was on the rod and trying to hold the back back. Finally he turned the fish and the head came up, then the fish came to the net. We got the usual hero shots and revived the fish. After that we watched the bruiser give a big tail kick and it was gone. 

Sever Thunderstorm Warning!

The weather finally caught us. What started out as a clear day, quickly turned to overcast as the wind picked up. I have been through many of these storms and they usually move quick, but some storms set in and send us to the ramp. This storm was a slow moving system that brought with it lightening. We hunkered down for a while and the skies opened up. The rains came and the wind blew, along with the occasional lightening bolt. When the rain let up we moved on. The rains came back and brought the hail with them. Pea size hail is not too hard to endure, but when you add marble size, it sends everyone rowing for cover. We stopped again and waited out the second cell. Finally it passed too and the guys went back to fishing. We all know that rain can turn the fish on, but this time the feeding stopped. We decided that the hail put the fish down and finally rowed out the rest  of the way to the ramp. 

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It was good to spend the day with two anglers who have spent most of their lives fishing and hunting together. They were easy to guide and in-spite of some unforeseen circumstances, took everything in stride. Hopefully, next time, Mother Nature and the Weather Channel Girl will give us good weather for an entire trip!