James Marsh is at it again. In addition to many updates for his sites on fly fishing in the Smokies and Yellowstone, he has started an online store to sell the patterns that are demonstrated in his "Perfect Fly" series on tying. Those that have checked out the DVDs on tying the "Perfect" fly know that he has developed a system of tying that allows one to learn a few basic fly patterns and adapt them to any specific species by just altering the color and size. His new site will allow those that don't tie their own to purchase these patterns for the first time.
In addition to the new store, updates to the "Headwater Streams" portion of his site continue to roll out frequently. The most recent is an interesting one on Enloe Creek. I've never fished this stream but have been close while fishing Raven Fork. This is one of the most beautiful places I've been in the park and the grueling hike up and over a ridge to get there insures that you won't have huge crowds to contend with once you arrive. The hike in makes this a better overnight option although I have done it as a day trip. If you want to look for larger than average brookies, this is one of the better places to try. Beware though that the area is extremely rugged and if you run into trouble you can't count on help any time soon...
A Quiet Pool On Raven Fork
Over Labor Day weekend, our plans were for my oldest and myself to head up there, specifically to hike into Raven Fork...I figured it would be too much for her younger sisters. Anyway, Gustav had other plans, and our trip for 2 turned into a trip for 5. I had to be content with a few hours fishing each day on Cosby, although if I had to evacuate, it wasn't a bad way to go. I was able to get a few specs around 8 inches or so, so I was happy.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I don't understand - the road to Straight Fork (and to the trailhead) closes for the year around mid-November...two weeks before my Thanksgiving trip up there. That road, with the exception of one spot, is relatively level; meanwhile, the roller-coaster road into Cataloochee remains open year round. I just don't get it.
Ijsouth, I've never completely understood the reason for closing that road either but probably it has everything to do with funding... You definitely should give Raven Fork a try sometime but plan for plenty of time to hike up and over the ridge, it isn't for the faint of heart either. The stream above the trail crossing get's progressively easier to navigate for awhile as the gradient eases up a bit. I haven't been too far upstream though. Someday I would love to do a pack trip up the creek into the headwaters. Probably lots of fish up there that have never seen a fly...are they worth they effort? Not so sure about that one...
ReplyDeleteRaven Fork is one of the places I haven't fished on any of my trips to the Smokies, but you could say I keep noticing it whenever I look at a map.
ReplyDeleteMaybe next year...
Raven Fork is definitely one of those places that you should try sometime since you enjoy catching brookies so much...they are the predominate species over there. Occasionally a rainbow will be caught but there really aren't many of them at all...
ReplyDelete