The first real shot of cold weather is here in the High Country and around the shop. Snow on the way! Windy too this weekend. Wind is for kites… Most today are probably going to work, staying warm and reading this. Others? Fishing. The fishing has been rock solid on the South Holston River. High and low water have both fished well for the most part these last few days. Big fish too! Scuds, varieties of midges, blue wing nymphs and eggs have all caught scores of fish for most folks. As for today? High water. Lots of it on the South Holston, but still very wade-able on the Watauga River. Although the snow today may generate a few bugs on high water, the name of the game has remained deep nymphing. Some tossing streamers with lots of success too! They won’t tell you though, they’re a discrete bunch those streamer fisherman.
Some fish eating on top to keep the dry fly gang guessing on the tailwaters. Our first guess this time of year is always blue wings. It can be a cast and hope kind of scenario at times, though. So hope for the best, try the nymph, or go watch TV on the couch…or keep casting. Your choice.
We have plenty of openings to float or wade as the year gets underway. Along with plenty of bored guides. We can row or wade and entertain you with bad jokes. You’ll catch some fish too. Come fish with us this Winter!
Private Water and Small Streams?
Cold here in the Boone and Linville areas! But fishing okay during the warmer parts of the day. The deeper the better with your nymph rig. Your favorite attractor pattern with a small pheasant tail should do the trick. Small stoneflies are also a good option. Slow water is better too as fish tend to be lethargic and hug the bottom this time of year. But there are some great opportunities for some large fish as well!
Sales Plug
We still have some leftover Simms items on sale for 25% here at Highland Outfitters! Hoodies, jackets and more! Also some other select items as well. Come by the shop or call for details for anything all things fly fishing around the High Country in East Tennessee!
Highland Outfitters Team