Late Summer Fishing Report

We are beginning to see the light! It has been a tale of two summers this year. One month the temps are cool and we are getting plenty of rain and the next it is bone dry and HOT! Currently we are in a HOT cycle but with cooler nights and the water levels are dropping which means its time to break out the 7x!!

Smallmouth

The Smallmouth bite is by far the most consistent bite we have for an all day adventure right now. Water levels in the valley rivers like the Tuck and Little Tennessee continue to drop and turn clear, which I think makes the fishing even better. These conditions also offer up fantastic wading opportunities. Pack the swim trunks, crocs, sandals, or your favorite water shoe and cool off on a hot bite!

Great Smoky Mountains

The National Park is still a morning game only right now. Some fish may be caught in the last hour of day light but be sure to release those fish quickly as they will be more stressed than the morning bite. We have had some cool overnight temps the last couple of weeks which creates a nice BWO bite in the mornings and gradually progresses to a terrestrial bite closer to noon. By that time its a good bet the water is warming up and its time to enjoy the scenery or go hunt for smallmouth.

WNC Fly Fishing Trail

Above 3,000 is the place to be. Those cool overnight lows are creating water temps that will stay cool enough to fish most of the day. Caddis are abundant in these locations. Stimulators and terrestrials are a great option too. Its a blast to watch eager Southern Brookie smash a Chubby Chernobyl. Start early and walk a couple miles. Putting in the work then will payoff through the day to get to water that is cooler and less pressured. This same rule will apply to the Smokies as well.