Guided Trips

FISHING REPORT AND SYNOPSIS: 12/3/2019

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

Photo of the Month: Big Fish Chuck Strikes Again

Wednesday, February 04, 2015

Chasing Golden Trout in the High Sierra

One of my dream trips is backpacking in the high Sierra Nevada mountains of California in pursuit of not only golden trout, but also a true wilderness experience in a habitat unlike any other that I have enjoyed yet. This video is of an epic backpacking trip high into the mountains in pursuit of golden trout. I hope it inspires you as much as it did me!

These other recent posts on the Trout Zone may interest you as well!


Posted by David Knapp at 6:45 PM
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Reactions: 

8 comments:

  1. Mark Kautz-Shoreman7:17 PM

    The Golden awaits you. Personally I'd wait until summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David Knapp9:50 PM

      Mark, I think I'll take your advise. Based on the stories of winter in the Sierras, I think I'll wait until some of the snow melts also.

      Delete
  2. RM Lytle8:43 PM

    I love that video! I've probably watched it ten times since I found it last year. What an epic experience that must be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David Knapp9:51 PM

      I just wish that I didn't have to drive clear across the country to go enjoy those mountains. I've been in the area a few times but have never backpacked out there. I guess it is just a good excuse to go back again!

      Delete
  3. Kevin Frank9:03 AM

    I did it back in the day. It's one of the best memories I have. I didn't go far just several section of the John Muir different years. The scenery is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kevin Frank10:17 AM

    Here's my post about hiking part of it.
    http://featherchucker.blogspot.com/2011/08/day-hike.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David Knapp10:28 AM

      Thanks for the link Kevin. That sounds like an awesome trip! To bad about the pictures that were lost but at least you have a great memory.

      Delete
    2. Kevin Frank12:13 PM

      I will always remember how the fish looked in my mind.

      Delete

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