Current streamflow- 377cfs
Water temps- upper 40s, Iow 50s
Hatches:
Quill gordons
Brown stoneflies
Blue winged olives
March Browns
Hot Flies:
Purple haze- 16-12
Parachute adams- 16-12
Patriot dry fly- 14-12
Hot bead PT- 16-14
Prince nymph- 16-14
Blowtorch- 14-12
Walt's worm- 16-12
Jigged bugger- 12-8
We are on the brink of Spring in East Tennessee. That means that we're due for at least another cold snap or two before spring fully rolls out. One of those cold snaps appears to be next week. Temps reached the 70s earlier this week and have slowly dropped ever since. This weekend will be in the 50s. The low for Tuesday is in the 20s.
With these ups and downs, the quality of fishing has ranged from great to downright dismal depending on who you ask and where they fished. As for the Tellico and Citico, high water allowed trout from the initial catch and keep season weekly stocking to spread out, and many folks reported difficulty finding numbers. Trout stocked in high water rarely stay put. Early season can sometimes start off slow but will continue to improve as the weekly stockings increase the number of fish. Try a variety of attractor nymphs on the main river. Covering water with streamers is also a great way to find fish when they're spread out.
Meanwhile, on the wild trout streams, dry fly fishing has been consistent with the return of early spring hatches. Fish have transitioned from their winter holding pools to faster runs and pocket water to intercept nymphs and hatching insects. A handful of dries and a few nymphs for droppers is all you'll need to fool these fish.
We had a little rain in the mountains today, but it didn't add up to much. Friday afternoon and Saturday look clear. Sunday looks rainy with a chance for up to an inch of rain. The real cold snap starts Monday, but things begin warming back up towards the end of the week.
Give us a call, shoot us a message, or stop by the shop for the latest conditions.