Winter fishing is nearly upon us. Snow yesterday has given way to falling water temperatures in the Smokies. In general, fish will be hunkered down, although by tomorrow they should start to get more active again as temperatures warm. For the next three months, expect many more fish in the slower places in the Park. Think nymphs and maybe streamers but don't be surprised to find fish rising to blue-winged olives or midges on some days.
On tailwaters like the Clinch, brown trout and some fall spawn rainbows are doing their thing. This is a good time to review good ethics when it comes to spawning trout. Remember that these are the next generation of trout and the best thing you can do is to leave them alone. Avoid wading through spawning areas and don't fish for obvious spawners. For the foreseeable future, we should have high water thanks to big rains this last weekend. Fishing out of the drift boat will be very good through the winter with both nymphing and streamer fishing a distinct possibility. Want to swing for the fences and go for just one monster? Streamers will just get better and better going into January and February.
The Caney is slowly coming around. A few shad are coming through the dam, but lingering water quality problems are limiting the fishing. Winter streamer floats will produce shots at larger brown trout for anglers willing to work hard. Next spring should bring good fishing again.
Winter is our favorite time to get on the musky streams. In between bouts of high water, those will be fishing well for the next few months.
Photo of the Month: Big Fish Chuck Strikes Again
Friday, March 01, 2013
Update on Tennessee Tailwater Closings
My buddy David Perry over at Southeastern Fly just posted an update on the Tennessee tailwater situation. Apparently Senator Lamar Alexander has introduced legislation to block those closings. Head over to Southeastern Fly and watch the video for more on this!
David, sorry buddy I thought it would be video of some beautiful water. When I opened it and saw politician I couldn't go there. I'll wait for your report.
David
ReplyDeleteI stop by David's blog quite often, I will take a look. Thanks for sharing
Bill, this is particularly important to anyone who fishes the TN tailwaters so glad you are checking it out!
DeleteDavid, sorry buddy I thought it would be video of some beautiful water. When I opened it and saw politician I couldn't go there. I'll wait for your report.
ReplyDeleteHaha, no worries and I don't blame you. Politicians annoy me to no end as well, especially lately...
DeleteThanks for the link David. Sounds reasonable and hope it gets resolved.
ReplyDelete