Early December Fishing Report

Like the last couple of months I cannot seem to remember where the time has gone. Maybe at some point over the winter months, time will slow down, and the chaos Helene caused to WNC businesses will subside. But the trout are still biting and that is all that matters for this post!

We are experimenting something new in DH waters and that is a December stocking from NC Wildlife.

Tuckaseegee Delayed Harvest (Jackson and Swain)

Stoneflies are the name of the game. Not the little ones, but big juicy stones. Girdle Bugs, Pats Rubberlegs, or just Rubber Legs as they are known, are guides go-to this time of the year. Mops, Squirmies, and frenchie's are still good, and on the cold days do not rule out the midges dropped behind a dry fly.

Nantahala Upper and Lower

The Upper is fishing excellent with the recent stockings. Good flows from average rain falls have flushed the leaves from the fall and the fishing is great! Keep the tippet sized down to 5x and have the 6x ready. The same big black stones are great to have here as well, but make sure you have a great selection of prince nymphs. France Flies, Perdigons, and Frenchies are great for the euro set ups.

West Fork of the Pigeon

Make sure you layer up and head up the mountain with a Thermos of Coffee from Orchard Coffee on this one. This place is for sure - cold water. Trout don't care though! Bring the 6x and 7x and bea stealthy. Cold water and free stones streams equal super clear. Fish the small nymphs here as well. Pre-rig some dropper sections at home when your hands are warm and fish them here with size 18-20 doppers.

When you are done, come visit Justin at the Waynesville shop and restock, Christmas shop, or just warm up and tell fish-tells.

Blue Lines

Too cold on most of these now. If you are here for a warmer spell like we will see next week, GSMNP streams can spike in activity and you will have a great time. For the most part though, make sure you stick to the lower elevation stream and warmer water temps.

Don't Be Fooled by your weather app!

We typically enjoy plenty of 50 and 60 degree days in December. This year however has been a cold start. The broadcast media will paint a picture that all of WNC looks like Beech Mountain Ski Resort. Not the case.. we are protected here by a 6,000 foot ridge that blocks most of that weather for us. While the ridge tops may get dumped on with snow, the valley will just see snow showers that never seem to accumulate. So, don't let a snow flake in the 7 or 10 day outlook on your favorite weather app deter you from some of the best fishing opportunities of the season. Simms does after all use the slogan "Forget the Forecast"!

Tight-Lines!!