Fly fishing the Smoky Mountains

My son, Daniel, and I just got back from a week fly fishing in the Smoky Mountains.

Rather than post a bunch of pictures and choking up things here, I posted the rull report over on my blog.

Here’s the link if anyone is interested.
http://kyflyfishguy.blogspot.com/2010/04/fishing-report-smoky-mountains-april-14.html

Jeff

I was in GSMNP on Friday and caught (and released) four wild rainbows from five to 8 (maybe 9) inches. The fish are small but, they are a challenge and there are some monters in there if you are both skilled and lucky. The scenery alone is worth the trip. Thanks for sharing your blog entry.

I say “trip” report since it covers a lot more than your actual fishing.

John

Where were you fishing? We most likely crossed paths. We covered a lot of ground on Friday.

John, thanks for the compliment. For me, fishing is more than about catching fish. It’s the entire experience from the “victory” breakfast to the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches alongside the trail to the wildflowers blooming alongside the streams and the smell of the woods and sounds of the streams. Catching fish is a nice bonus.

Jeff

Nice photos and trip report! Thanks for sharing!

Jeff,

Wonderful pictorial. The Smoky Mountains sure looks to be a beautiful place.

Pretty cool! Thanks for posting the pix! Need to get down there someday…

rf

That is a very nice reference tool for me. We are staying a week in Townsend in August. Not the best time for fishing, but the primary purpose is to scout the area for retirement possibilities!!

Thanks for sharing your trip. It’s funny but you’re clear across the country but I felt like I was there for a moment. Sweet.
How did your boots work out for you?

Nice trip, Jeff! I, too, know about the younger folks that have to whoop up on their pa or grandpa… LOL

Next time you’re in town, look me up!

JohnR

Nice stuff, and I like the photos of the scenery.

Question? Why the net ?

It’s probably not totally necessary. I just find, especially in the really fast moving waters in the Smoky Mtns. I can land the fish faster and put less stress on it with a net. Also, I can remove the hook, snap a photo and not need to take the fish totally out of the water. In the slower moving waters, I don’t always use a net (some of the photos with fish in hand). I try to keep the fish out of the water for as short of a time as necessary and always make sure my hands are wet before touching the fish.

It is probably overkill for some of the fish but…

Jeff

I was with Ian Rutter and we fished the Pigeon (in the morning) and the Little (in the afternoon). We only saw one other person actually on the streams and he was spin casting. I’m looking forward to returning.

We hired Ian on our first trip to the Smokys. He’s a good guide, taught us a lot about the water and how to fish there. Glad you had fun.

Where did you fish on the little river? Up by Elkmont? That’s some nice water up there. Also some nice water on the middle prong of the little up by Tremont.

Actually, there’s a lot of nice water there.

Jeff