Current streamflow- 75cfs.
Water temp- 63-74° depending on location and elevation.
Hatches:
Golden stoneflies
Small brown stoneflies
Sulphur mayflies
Tan caddis
Yellow sallies
Hot Flies:
Yellow stimulator
Neversink caddis
Rainbow warrior
Thread frenchies
Jigged Bugger
Streams are running low and clear in the Tellico area. This week's hotter air temps have put water temps on the rise again. Monitor water temps with a thermometer if you plan to catch and release. If water temps are higher than 68°, seek higher elevations and cooler water.
Later summer fishing and low streamflows require stealth to fish successfully. Here are some tips to increase your odds when fishing in skinny water.
1. Fish early or late when temps are cooler and the sun isn't directly overhead. Trout will feel more comfortable at these times. Also, aquatic insects are more likely to hatch in the mornings and evenings, giving trout a reason to feed.
2. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing (UT fans, I'm looking at you 👀). Olive, tan and other earth tones are best to help you blend in with your surroundings and not spook already jittery fish.
3. Use your surroundings to your advantage and keep a low profile. Keep obstructions between you and the fish as much as possible to help break up your outline, including large rocks, tree limbs, shadows, etc.
4. Make your casts count. Keep false casts to a minimum. Avoid 'lining' the fish, which means don't cast your line or leader directly over their heads. Cast to the side of the fish, doing your best to put your fly in their feeding lane.
5. Lighten up. Put away your heavy nymph rigs until higher water this fall. A dry with a small nymphs dropper or even just a dry fly will work just as well in skinny water and is less likely to spook fish when it hits the surface.
Fishing tricky conditions is how you hone your fishing skills. With the right approach, you can still have a successful day, even during low summer flows.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions. Tight lines.