Featured Photo: Autumn Glow
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Newsletter
With the cold season now upon us, I'm looking at ways to stay busy through the winter. One thing I haven't done yet that is long overdue is to start a Newsletter that will include things like fishing reports, special offers on guided trips, fishing tips, and the usual photography you have come to expect here at the Trout Zone. Of course I will not ever use your email except to send the occasional Newsletter so you don't have to worry about spam when you sign up for the Newsletter. To get started, use the sign up below.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Big Creek
While I generally feel like I know the Smokies pretty well, there are still several places in the Park I haven't fished. Okay, there are a lot of places I haven't fished. After all, with hundreds of miles of fishable water, the problem is one of time and accessibility. The more accessible water is what I normally fish because I am usually low on time. One place that takes a bit of effort to get to is Big Creek.
I chose the "miles of gravel road" route for my recent exploration. Having only passed that entrance of the Smokies once before, I was in for a treat. The stream reminded me a lot of other Smokies streams like the Middle Prong of Little River or perhaps even Little River proper above Elkmont, but what a wonderful little stream! No, I didn't catch any monsters or for that matter even all that many fish, but fishing a new stream is always a great experience. Each pocket, pool, and run provides the little surprises that always come with discovery.
One large pool had a deep section off to the side with a gentle current running through. The surprising lack of conflicting currents meant that the cast was actually pretty straight forward. The trout were obviously holding just under the surface and were rising consistently. My third cast resulted in a fish. In another pool, I surprised myself by setting the hook. The dry had slowly sunk and I'm still not sure if I actually saw the fish or perhaps subconsciously my brain registered the swirl that was the fish taking right in the heavy current. Either way, when I set the hook the fish was as surprised as I was. Of course, these little surprises happen on my home waters as well, but there it lacks that new feeling.
Most surprising of all perhaps were the large pools. Having never been there but always hoping to see it, I climbed out of the gorge right where the stream tumbles out, climbing straight up the side of what felt an awful lot like a cliff, and hit the trail upstream to the Midnight Hole. It was as beautiful as the pictures I had seen and even larger than I realized. My last fishing memory for the day was made on this pool.
Trout are everywhere in that pool, but were relatively tough to fool. It wasn't until I noticed some rises against the far bank that things began to work out. Checking for trees behind me, I was soon casting the big orange Elk Hair Caddis to the boulders across from me. A nice trout ate and I managed to keep it on throughout the fight.
As much as I enjoyed fishing at Big Creek, I was actually on my way over to Cataloochee for 2 nights of camping and with luck would make it over there before dark to fish a little more. Soon I was hustling back down the trail, but already knew that I would be back again, even if it is a little out of the way.
I chose the "miles of gravel road" route for my recent exploration. Having only passed that entrance of the Smokies once before, I was in for a treat. The stream reminded me a lot of other Smokies streams like the Middle Prong of Little River or perhaps even Little River proper above Elkmont, but what a wonderful little stream! No, I didn't catch any monsters or for that matter even all that many fish, but fishing a new stream is always a great experience. Each pocket, pool, and run provides the little surprises that always come with discovery.
One large pool had a deep section off to the side with a gentle current running through. The surprising lack of conflicting currents meant that the cast was actually pretty straight forward. The trout were obviously holding just under the surface and were rising consistently. My third cast resulted in a fish. In another pool, I surprised myself by setting the hook. The dry had slowly sunk and I'm still not sure if I actually saw the fish or perhaps subconsciously my brain registered the swirl that was the fish taking right in the heavy current. Either way, when I set the hook the fish was as surprised as I was. Of course, these little surprises happen on my home waters as well, but there it lacks that new feeling.
Most surprising of all perhaps were the large pools. Having never been there but always hoping to see it, I climbed out of the gorge right where the stream tumbles out, climbing straight up the side of what felt an awful lot like a cliff, and hit the trail upstream to the Midnight Hole. It was as beautiful as the pictures I had seen and even larger than I realized. My last fishing memory for the day was made on this pool.
Trout are everywhere in that pool, but were relatively tough to fool. It wasn't until I noticed some rises against the far bank that things began to work out. Checking for trees behind me, I was soon casting the big orange Elk Hair Caddis to the boulders across from me. A nice trout ate and I managed to keep it on throughout the fight.
As much as I enjoyed fishing at Big Creek, I was actually on my way over to Cataloochee for 2 nights of camping and with luck would make it over there before dark to fish a little more. Soon I was hustling back down the trail, but already knew that I would be back again, even if it is a little out of the way.
Saturday, November 08, 2014
Fly Tyers Weekend
Tomorrow afternoon I'll be tying at Fly Tyers Weekend in Townsend. This is a big event with some of the best fishermen and fly tyers from around the country. With all the talent there I'm not even sure what I'll be doing tying. I should probably just sit back and watch. I'll be taking along the vise, tools, and materials though and will be tying from approximately 1-5 pm.
Winter Discounts
As we now enter the cold months with the shortest days of the year, I'm offering winter and holiday pricing on all guided WADE trips. The fishing tends to be slower than during the warm weather, but there is a certain charm to knowing that you basically have the whole stream to yourself. Want to work on some winter techniques and brush up on your nymphing and midge skills? Contact me to set up a trip at TroutZoneAnglers@gmail.com!
Friday, November 07, 2014
Already?
After an early declaration of fall, I'm also ready to make an early announcement for winter. At least the early fall announcement was merely a few days early. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on who you are, this winter business is starting more than a month earlier than the official start on December 21. In case you need some convincing, here are some pictures from our 3 inches of snow on November 1. Oh, and this next week will feature another cold Canadian airmass with highs struggling to get much out of the 30s by late week. Is winter really here or just a strange fall? Only time will tell. Regardless, I'm still plotting on taking some late season fishing trips.
Yep, 3 inches exactly.
The snow was wind driven, sticking to the sides of the trees for a beautiful effect.
This tomato looks like it is wearing a white hat. It just needs eyes and a mouth!
Needless to say, the peppers were a little shocked.
A few hearty trees were still holding on to their green outfits.
There is nothing better than a silent forest after a snow fall.
Fall, meet winter.
This tree had a lot of snow stuck on the windward side.
I found a leaf that had stuck itself into the snow on the deck railing.
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
Great Smoky Mountains
My favorite mountains anywhere, the Smokies never cease to amaze or provide new vistas. While on an early morning drive over the Foothills Parkway recently, I was treated to a prime example of why the mountains are referred to as the "Smokies." Prior to this moment, however, I enjoyed the sunrise from the famed Tail of the Dragon. Curvy enough to make the driver car sick, this road is either a joy or pure misery depending on your driving tastes. The occasional good views are beautiful though and quite possibly even worth the effort.
Not much later, I was cruising the Foothills Parkway when the scene spread out before me in such grandeur that I was compelled to stop, even at the risk of being late for my guide trip. Thankfully I was still on time and in the process got to scratch my photography itch a bit. I couldn't decide which picture I like the most so sharing all four became the default action for this post...
Not much later, I was cruising the Foothills Parkway when the scene spread out before me in such grandeur that I was compelled to stop, even at the risk of being late for my guide trip. Thankfully I was still on time and in the process got to scratch my photography itch a bit. I couldn't decide which picture I like the most so sharing all four became the default action for this post...
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Just a reminder for those of you who use Twitter. You can now find me on Twitter @drknapp83. Of course, you can often find new pictures and updates through both Twitter and Facebook as well. Check them both out!
In the meantime, I'm off for the mountains for a few days. I'll check back in late Thursday or Friday before I head out again. NOW is the time to be out there! I still have some limited availability for next week (October 26-31) and some prime days in the first two weeks of November. Now is the time to get out and fish. The trout are feeding like they are about to run out of food which is sort of what is about to happen. Winter is a lean time in the mountains so get out now while the food is available and the fish are happy and fat. I've seen more big rainbows caught in the last month than during the whole rest of the year. Large browns will be turning up now as well so don't delay your trip!
If you are interested in a trip next week, send me an email and make sure to include a phone number or better yet call and leave me a voice message.
Finally, if you have not heard about Fly Tyers Weekend yet, start planning now to be there. It is going to be an incredible gathering of talent. Even if you don't tie this is a don't miss. I still have some openings in the days leading up to the weekend so contact me ASAP if you need a guided trip.
In the meantime, I'm off for the mountains for a few days. I'll check back in late Thursday or Friday before I head out again. NOW is the time to be out there! I still have some limited availability for next week (October 26-31) and some prime days in the first two weeks of November. Now is the time to get out and fish. The trout are feeding like they are about to run out of food which is sort of what is about to happen. Winter is a lean time in the mountains so get out now while the food is available and the fish are happy and fat. I've seen more big rainbows caught in the last month than during the whole rest of the year. Large browns will be turning up now as well so don't delay your trip!
If you are interested in a trip next week, send me an email and make sure to include a phone number or better yet call and leave me a voice message.
Finally, if you have not heard about Fly Tyers Weekend yet, start planning now to be there. It is going to be an incredible gathering of talent. Even if you don't tie this is a don't miss. I still have some openings in the days leading up to the weekend so contact me ASAP if you need a guided trip.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Fall High Water
Historically, fall is the driest season here in middle and east Tennessee. In fact, October is the driest month climatologically speaking. More often than not, however, we usually see at least one good high water event in the fall season. The worst ones are when it blows out the spawn up in the Smokies. The wild brown and brook trout need all the help they can get, and a serious high water event can practically wipe out an entire age class.
This year we got lucky. I'm sure my clients who had trips cancelled would be glad to argue that point, but the fish will definitely be in good shape this year for the spawn. With some areas receiving over 5 inches of rain, area creeks, streams, and rivers were really rolling by the middle of this week. Little River peaked at over 8 feet on the Townsend gauge which is in the vicinity of flood stage. When normal this time of year is under 2 feet, you can imagine that we are talking about a lot of water.
With all the streams blown out and unfishable, I decided that a drive up to Clear Creek would be a great idea. The chance to see both the fall colors and the high water was just too tempting. Sure enough, the river was higher than I have ever seen it, although to be fair I don't normally drive up there to look at high water. Still, the normally tranquil stream was up in the trees and generally looking quite dangerous. The colors were nice as well. We are very close to peak colors here in the Cumberland Plateau and should see the best of fall during the next 2 weeks. Some spots have already reached their peak but there are still plenty of colorful trees to enjoy.
This year we got lucky. I'm sure my clients who had trips cancelled would be glad to argue that point, but the fish will definitely be in good shape this year for the spawn. With some areas receiving over 5 inches of rain, area creeks, streams, and rivers were really rolling by the middle of this week. Little River peaked at over 8 feet on the Townsend gauge which is in the vicinity of flood stage. When normal this time of year is under 2 feet, you can imagine that we are talking about a lot of water.
With all the streams blown out and unfishable, I decided that a drive up to Clear Creek would be a great idea. The chance to see both the fall colors and the high water was just too tempting. Sure enough, the river was higher than I have ever seen it, although to be fair I don't normally drive up there to look at high water. Still, the normally tranquil stream was up in the trees and generally looking quite dangerous. The colors were nice as well. We are very close to peak colors here in the Cumberland Plateau and should see the best of fall during the next 2 weeks. Some spots have already reached their peak but there are still plenty of colorful trees to enjoy.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Fishing For Fun
Anyone who has fished the Smokies knows that you don't come here to catch big fish. Yes, there are big browns around, even some true monsters, but few people ever see them much less catch them. The rainbows, on the other hand, provide the bulk of the entertainment unless you travel up high in elevation searching for brookies. This year, I've been privileged to catch some really nice rainbows. In fact, within the last month I've caught personal bests for the year twice!
The first one was 12 inches almost exactly. I know, that doesn't sound like a very large rainbow. Everything here is relative. On the Caney Fork which I also frequent, a 12 inch rainbow is normal, one of the standard put and take rainbows that are constantly being dumped in to keep the catch and keep crowd happy. In the mountains, well let's just say it doesn't happen every day. That's why I was so surprised when I caught an even larger trout just last week.
The story actually begins the day before with me waking up at an unearthly hour to head over to Little River Outfitters for a couple of days working in the shop. As I headed out of the house and down the mountain towards Knoxville, I started contemplating my options for fishing after work. Each week, I've attempted to scratch a different itch. Once or twice I've chased brookies up high, and once I even made the dreaded drive into Cades Cove to fish Abrams Creek, not because it is the best place to fish, but more for old time's sake. I used to fish it often many years ago. Lately I just can't stomach the traffic getting there.
By the time I got to work, I was still trying to decide where to fish, but did have it nailed down to one of two stretches on Little River. The evenings are arriving earlier than ever with the changing seasons and I didn't want to waste time driving up the mountain for brookies or hiking up high above Elkmont. Fast forward a few hours and it is nearly time to get off of work. I've made a major strategic decision regarding my evening fishing. Normally I'll get to the stream and evaluate what is happening stream side before determining how I want to fish. Without rising trout and an obvious hatch, I'll usually go with a nymph rig of some sort to maximize my success. On this particular Thursday, I decided that I just wanted to have fun.
Right now you're probably scratching your head. Isn't all fishing about having fun you ask? Yes, but there is fun because I'm catching fish and then there is fun because I enjoy how I'm fishing. The two often go hand in hand but not always. For my fun on this day, I decided to fish a dry fly. While I hoped that would be enough, I was still hedging my bets by dropping a small bead head behind the dry.
On my way up Little River, my car just sort of eased itself off at the first place I was thinking about fishing so I took that as a sign that I should fish there instead of heading further upstream. My preparation was fairly simple and before I knew it I was down on the stream casting. There were some small trout rising in the pool in front of me but they seemed unusually wise for their size. Moving up into the pocket water, I soon found more willing candidates.
The rainbows on Little River are gorgeous. This time of year their large pink stripes seem to stand out more than ever, like they are dressing up for the fall season along with the browns and brookies. Colorful trees around me made the moment even better.
Moving up the creek, I found good numbers of willing trout, although nothing of any size. The dry fly was a big orange Elk Hair Caddis I tie that mimics the big fall caddis that we have in the Smokies. The dropper was a #16 Zebra Midge. Both caught fish, although the larger fish did seem to have a preference for the dropper. The leaves continued to awe me with their colors as well so my camera saw a fair amount of action.
Climbing out of the river before it got too dark, I was soon back at the car. Instead of breaking down my rod, I just left everything strung up to fish the next morning on my way in to work. After a pleasant evening in camp at Elkmont relaxing, I hit the sack a bit early and before I knew it morning had arrived. Throwing all my gear in the car, I was all packed and ready to fish before I knew it. Noticing the dry/dropper rig from the previous evening, I decided to leave it on not knowing what a great choice that would end up being.
There is a pool, somewhere on Little River, that is a favorite of mine. This is more due to the fact that you can see into it so well than anything. It may get fished more than any other pool on the entire river so the fish are often skittish. If you arrive first thing in the morning though the fish can be caught with a healthy combination of luck and skill.
With limited time before I had to arrive at work, I started in the middle of the pool and worked my way towards the head. Before long I was admiring a seven inch rainbow and was pretty content with my morning. By the time I had tricked another fish, slightly smaller at six inches, I was getting concerned about the time. A quick check revealed that I still had twenty minutes to fish so I moved all the way to the head of the pool and started working the bubble line with my offering.
When the dry darted under and the line came tight, I quickly realized it was a nice fish. Expecting the golden hues of a brown trout's side, I was surprised to see a big pink stripe. Thankful I had a net with me, I quickly worked the fish away from all obstacles and into open water. When the fish finally gave up the fight and allowed me to slip the net under it, I was one happy fisherman!
The nice rainbow definitely made my morning and measured between 13 and 14 inches. Not the largest rainbow I've caught in the Park, but easily in the top 5 for wild rainbows I've caught in the Smokies, the trout was a perfect way to start my morning. I still have a nagging suspicion that if I had been fishing my usual deep nymph rig the fish would never have been caught. I guess it is good to just go out and fish for fun sometimes instead of taking things too seriously.
The first one was 12 inches almost exactly. I know, that doesn't sound like a very large rainbow. Everything here is relative. On the Caney Fork which I also frequent, a 12 inch rainbow is normal, one of the standard put and take rainbows that are constantly being dumped in to keep the catch and keep crowd happy. In the mountains, well let's just say it doesn't happen every day. That's why I was so surprised when I caught an even larger trout just last week.
The story actually begins the day before with me waking up at an unearthly hour to head over to Little River Outfitters for a couple of days working in the shop. As I headed out of the house and down the mountain towards Knoxville, I started contemplating my options for fishing after work. Each week, I've attempted to scratch a different itch. Once or twice I've chased brookies up high, and once I even made the dreaded drive into Cades Cove to fish Abrams Creek, not because it is the best place to fish, but more for old time's sake. I used to fish it often many years ago. Lately I just can't stomach the traffic getting there.
By the time I got to work, I was still trying to decide where to fish, but did have it nailed down to one of two stretches on Little River. The evenings are arriving earlier than ever with the changing seasons and I didn't want to waste time driving up the mountain for brookies or hiking up high above Elkmont. Fast forward a few hours and it is nearly time to get off of work. I've made a major strategic decision regarding my evening fishing. Normally I'll get to the stream and evaluate what is happening stream side before determining how I want to fish. Without rising trout and an obvious hatch, I'll usually go with a nymph rig of some sort to maximize my success. On this particular Thursday, I decided that I just wanted to have fun.
Right now you're probably scratching your head. Isn't all fishing about having fun you ask? Yes, but there is fun because I'm catching fish and then there is fun because I enjoy how I'm fishing. The two often go hand in hand but not always. For my fun on this day, I decided to fish a dry fly. While I hoped that would be enough, I was still hedging my bets by dropping a small bead head behind the dry.
On my way up Little River, my car just sort of eased itself off at the first place I was thinking about fishing so I took that as a sign that I should fish there instead of heading further upstream. My preparation was fairly simple and before I knew it I was down on the stream casting. There were some small trout rising in the pool in front of me but they seemed unusually wise for their size. Moving up into the pocket water, I soon found more willing candidates.
The rainbows on Little River are gorgeous. This time of year their large pink stripes seem to stand out more than ever, like they are dressing up for the fall season along with the browns and brookies. Colorful trees around me made the moment even better.
Moving up the creek, I found good numbers of willing trout, although nothing of any size. The dry fly was a big orange Elk Hair Caddis I tie that mimics the big fall caddis that we have in the Smokies. The dropper was a #16 Zebra Midge. Both caught fish, although the larger fish did seem to have a preference for the dropper. The leaves continued to awe me with their colors as well so my camera saw a fair amount of action.
Climbing out of the river before it got too dark, I was soon back at the car. Instead of breaking down my rod, I just left everything strung up to fish the next morning on my way in to work. After a pleasant evening in camp at Elkmont relaxing, I hit the sack a bit early and before I knew it morning had arrived. Throwing all my gear in the car, I was all packed and ready to fish before I knew it. Noticing the dry/dropper rig from the previous evening, I decided to leave it on not knowing what a great choice that would end up being.
There is a pool, somewhere on Little River, that is a favorite of mine. This is more due to the fact that you can see into it so well than anything. It may get fished more than any other pool on the entire river so the fish are often skittish. If you arrive first thing in the morning though the fish can be caught with a healthy combination of luck and skill.
With limited time before I had to arrive at work, I started in the middle of the pool and worked my way towards the head. Before long I was admiring a seven inch rainbow and was pretty content with my morning. By the time I had tricked another fish, slightly smaller at six inches, I was getting concerned about the time. A quick check revealed that I still had twenty minutes to fish so I moved all the way to the head of the pool and started working the bubble line with my offering.
When the dry darted under and the line came tight, I quickly realized it was a nice fish. Expecting the golden hues of a brown trout's side, I was surprised to see a big pink stripe. Thankful I had a net with me, I quickly worked the fish away from all obstacles and into open water. When the fish finally gave up the fight and allowed me to slip the net under it, I was one happy fisherman!
The nice rainbow definitely made my morning and measured between 13 and 14 inches. Not the largest rainbow I've caught in the Park, but easily in the top 5 for wild rainbows I've caught in the Smokies, the trout was a perfect way to start my morning. I still have a nagging suspicion that if I had been fishing my usual deep nymph rig the fish would never have been caught. I guess it is good to just go out and fish for fun sometimes instead of taking things too seriously.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Colors Peaking
Yes it is early, much earlier than some years, but the fall colors in the Smokies are already reaching their peak. In fact, up high near Newfound Gap, I would say that we have already passed the peak for the most part. The mountains are a patchwork of color, with some slopes apparently being cooler than others, and thus the colors are more advanced in some areas than others. Along with the nice colors come large numbers of tourists. Lots of those leaves have been falling into the streams as well, but currently the Park streams are experiencing high water so the leaves will be largely cleared out until the next windy day. If you have been planning on visiting the Park to see the colors, do not wait much longer.
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