Featured Photo: Streamer Eater on the Clinch

Featured Photo: Streamer Eater on the Clinch

Monday, October 12, 2009

Chasing Big Browns


Each fall, I spend as much time as possible in the Smokies. On Friday I started the annual tradition with a day trip that included several hours of fishing. More specifically, I spent several hours looking for fish and a few hours actually fishing. The big brown trout are getting more aggressive and starting to move in preparation for the spawn. This is one of the better times to catch one. Finding them is always the hard part though...

After making my usual stop at Little River Outfitters, I headed on up Little River Road, stopping often to check favorite holes. Finally, I got tired of looking for fish and just decided to cover some water. Catching large fish usually works best when you find them first but you can catch them by just fishing the water blind as well.
As I moved up the stream, I had several small rainbows attack my flies. Then, as I started into a run that has held big fish in the past, my line stopped abruptly. I set the hook and was attached to a nice brown, at least for the park. If I was fishing a tailwater the fish would only be average, but in the park, anything over twelve inches is a decent fish. Best of all, the fish was brilliantly colored. These fish are so beautiful, I am always thankful that I get to see them up close for just a few moments.

Later in the day I caught a fairly nice rainbow and missed another good fish. This trip was just a warmup, and I fully intend to spend several days in the upcoming weeks in search of the elusive big brown trout of the Smoky Mountains.

5 comments:

  1. Mid TN Lee3:15 PM

    Very nice fish...and I agree about the beauty of the Smoky Mountain trout. I still am in awe every time I catch one of these beauts. Good luck in your upcoming brown trout adventures.

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  2. The browns are preparing to run on the Missouri here in Montana as well! Can't wait! It is the best time of year. Good luck, hope you catch the big one... or two!

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  3. Spotlight10:43 PM

    David your blog is awesome its what got me into fly fishing thanks for sharing GREAT PICS!!

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