My wife has ordered me to go fishing (isn’t she awesome?). I teach grade eight and my class has me completely stressed out. What I need is a healthy dose of time on the water. The problem is, all of my home waters are frozen.
I’m looking for an eastern US state with an open trout season (I’d even settle for bass). I’m thinking of North or South Carolina, Tennesse, Arkansas, or even Georgia. I’d prefer to target trout in rivers and streams, but I have absolutely no idea which states have open trout seasons or good trout water.
I’d be able to travel from March 11 to March 19 (during my March break). I’d like to stay at inexpensive motels close to the water I’d be fishing. And, if anyone would like to spend a day on the water with a friend from Canada, I’d greatly appreciate it.
Andrew,
While you didn’t mention Ohio…that’s where I am…Canton, Oh (Pro Football Hall of Fame city), & if you get this way, let me know a little in advance…there’s ALWAYS room for FAOL family at the Flanagans. In addition, starting next week, I’ll be off every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. My wife, Colleen, has taught for 30+ years in elementary school and, even though I tease about her, is also extremely supportive of my love of flyfishing.
Again, if you, or ANY of my FAOL family get this way, I have a place for you to stay & some decent fishing holes.
Mike
Andrew…Depending on the weather in March there is only one place in the east to fish what you are looking for…“Pennsylvania”…Our Limestone streams and Spring creek streams never freeze…With the amount of rainfall we got last year our creeks are in excellent condition,and if we do not recieve any substantial rain fall,we should be in good shape…During the month of February we had excellent fishing on our Spring and Limestoners…I am retired and fly fish as the opportunity arises…If the weather is right, and you are avialable, I would only be to glad to escort you on some of the finest streams that Pennsylvania has to offer…You can surf the net to find out what accomadations are available in N.Central Pennsylvania…At that time of the year it should be very reasonable…
If you can make it down to New Mexico, you’ll have one of the best year-round trout fisheries in the world at your disposal. I guided up there the last three days and landed 12-15 fish over 15" with two 21" hogs thrown in for fun. I know it’s farther than you wanted, but it would be almost a guaranteed good trip.
Thanks to for your responses guys. It’s nice to know that other anglers are so willing to help make a stranger’s trip so memorable.
Riverdancer - I’d love to go to New Mexico, but with a baby on the way, and the purchase of a new house, I don’t think the bank account will let me. And, if possible, I’d like to keep the destination within driving distance of southern Ontario.
Thanks for the advice, though. I’m sure I’ll make it there someday.
Where in NM are you speaking about. I may be making a trip out that way in the near future. I’m always looking for an excuse to bring my fly rod along.
Open water, open season. What else does one need. We have four great trout rivers within an hours drive. The Deerfield, the Millers, The Westfield and Swift. Travel another hour and add the Housitonic and Farmington.
If your interested let me know and I’ll give you ideas about where to stay etc.
jed
[This message has been edited by Jed (edited 23 February 2005).]
Tuber, Hackletip, Jed - Thanks for the advice and the invites, I really aprreciate the kind offers…please understand that at this time of year, I’d like to fish in warmer climes!
Is the season open in Tensessee? If so, any information would be helpful.
I’m talking mostly about the San Juan River which is located near Farmington, New Mexico in the Four Corners Region. It is in Northwestern NM near the AZ, CO, and UT borders. It’s definately a trip to make in your lifetime. Year-round fishing for big trout. If you’ll e-mail me, I can give you more information.
Dave M,
Come on over! There’s always room in the “Dogloo”!!!
Seriously Dave…ANYTIME! I think we could stay outta trouble…with my wife following us around!!
Mike
Please seriously consider sneaking down around brother Jim Hatch’s way to tie into some of those wonderful monster bluegills and bass. Nothing quite so satisfying as a day in the boat fighting those big 1 and 2 pound bluegills and the odd largemouth tossed in on the side.
I live 79 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee and there are 2 local rivers here that have stocked trout and hold over trout. I would love to spend a day or more with you showing you what we have here if you are interested. Just let me know what I can do. I could pick you up at the Nashville airport if you should choose to fly in. I will not promise you anything except the best time I can offer you exploring my home water. My profile has my e-mail address if you need it.
any trout fishing, but mid march may offer
some bluegill, redear and bass fishing. It’s all up to the weather man. We have
seen as high as 80 degrees in March, as
well as below freezing.G If you get down
this far, give me a holler and we’ll hook
up. Warm regards, Jim
Andrew- I retired last year 33 years mostly 7th and 8th Science. They get to you don’t they! The Great Smokies are a possibility. The water is still cool and fishing can be very inconsistant, but the last report I got was that some Quill Gordons were just starting to show very sporadically. On WEEKDAY nights the motels in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are very cheap-$ go up on Friday night. I don’t fish tailwater but the Clinch has been having some midge action. If you are interested, Email me, Rsale@Netburner.net.
Consider Virginia. There’s tons wild mountain brook trout streams in the Shenandoah and George Washington National Forests. Many of the lower sections of these streams are stocked and you can “warm up” there before tackling the wild fish upstream.
A friend and I are also trout starved in Canada. We have been thinking of a trip to Virginia. Is it too early the third week of march to camp? Any suggestions of places to stay in the areas you mentioned? Thanks,
Lauder
I know Devil can give you more accurate local information, but it sounds like temperatures can be pretty hit and miss down south this time of year. However, if you’ve ever camped in Algonquin in November, I’m sure that camping in these states would be a cake walk.
Let me know what your plans are. Maybe we can meet on the water.