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STREAMERS FOR
FALL TROPHY
BROWNS
O
By Jacob Milholland
ctober is a special month in the mountains. Autumn colors and cooler weather signal it’s time to head back to trout water. Hunting a trophy brown trout is what fall is all about. These fish can be caught nymphing a big stonefly or drifting an October caddis, but the old adage, “big bait, big fish,” holds true. Streamer fishing is a surefire way to try and target these old brutes. Streamers are flies that imitate forage such as baitfish, crawfish, sculpin, other trout or even mice. While the common way to fish a streamer is to enact action by “stripping” or pulling the fly line, streamers can be dead drifted, jigged or swung. There is no wrong way to fish streamers, but the goal is to make the fly look like the real thing. Equipment: We fish heavier rods, tippets and leaders, as we are targeting larger fish. The flies are more wind resistant or heavily weighted, and the strikes can be more aggressive. Think 5 to 8 weights and 8 to 20-pound fluorocarbon tippet/leader. A misconception of streamer fishing is that it must be done from a boat on a large river. While a boat is nice for covering ground, wading anglers can adapt these tactics to any size body of water. If you have the option to fish from a boat, multiple rods with different rate-of-fall (ROF) sinking fly lines should be in your arsenal to probe different depths: floating, intermediate (falls at one foot per second), and ROF-6 (falls at six inches per second). Fly Selection: Ask anyone what they throw, and you’ll get a different answer. It’s hard to go wrong with Woolly Bugger variations—like Sparkle Minnows or Bow River Buggers—any Kelly Galloup pattern or Clouser minnows to start out. Pick staple colors that allow you to adjust to conditions: white, black, bold (yellow or chartreuse) and flashy. Big fish drop their guard in nasty weather, and these can result in the best days on the water. Tactics: Brown trout ambush their prey, so look for places adjacent to current where fish can sit without expending too much energy. Covering water is paramount to success with a streamer. Likely holding water can produce results immediately, so don’t spend too much time in one spot. You are hunting the largest fish willing to eat the fly, not trying to force inactive fish to feed. Vary your retrieve; sometimes jigging or dead drifting can be better than a strip, or slower or faster retrieves may get a fish to react. Mental fortitude is just as important as the where and how. You can go hours or even days without seeing a fish follow the fly, but the magic of streamer fishing lies in the take of the fly and the caliber of fish. Jacob Milholland fishes with Cohutta Fishing Company in Blue Ridge, Ga. Check them out at www.cohuttafishingco.com or call (706) 946-3044.
4 NATIONAL
OCTOBER 2021
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By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
I
t seems even the most remote waterways are becoming more crowded every year. More boats can lead to some extremely dangerous situations when boaters exhibit a lack of respect for the water, and it’s pretty easy to identify those who should not be allowed to operate a boat. But there are also people who create frustrating situations, particularly while fishing, who might just be unaware of certain etiquette. It is unique to the Southeastern United States to have access to such vastly diverse fisheries within a relatively small area. It is fortunate boat owners can easily travel to a new and different fishery and bring their own vessel with them. However, just as you don’t have to travel far before the fishery changes, the same applies to local fishing etiquette. Some of the unspoken rules will apply no matter where you are, but it is generally a good idea to check in with local knowledge and identify the local vhf channel before launching your boat somewhere new. While nobody owns the water, commercial and charter fishing captains generally operate with respect for each other to make sharing the fishery feasible and pleasant. When pleasure boaters don’t understand or don’t respect local etiquette, it disrupts fishing enough to affect the people who are trying to make a living on the water. As a general rule, try to stay away from other boats as much as possible. If you have to maneuver around or fish near another boat, be respectful of the type of fishing they are doing. If a vessel is anchored, they will generally be fishing off the back of the boat, often running a chum slick, which means you should avoid driving behind them. If a boat is anchored
offshore, in an area that you are unfamiliar with, they are probably fishing coordinates that took them years of hard work to acquire. You should absolutely not anchor near them,
nor should you drive next to them to mark their location. If you are offshore hunting for fish that appear under flocks of diving birds, look for a flock that isn’t currently being worked by another fisherman. These birds are moving around over fish that are traveling, and moving in can cause the boat that got to the birds first to be cut off from the school of fish. The ocean is vast and birds are plentiful, look for birds on your own, not just an easy-to-spot boat under birds. Overcrowded fishing areas, that don’t operate under anchor, follow certain traffic patterns. These patterned drifts or trolls should be observed and followed just like any roadway. The Marathon Humps, for example, should be trolled east to west, and west to east. Fishing oil rigs in the northern Gulf of Mexico can be made extremely difficult by poor etiquette, as locations are limited and can be made even more limited due to weather. Places like this rely heavily on unspoken rules of the road, and respect. These areas are primarily fished in two different ways: live bait and chum drifts. Charter boats take the time to catch live bait before making it out there, which can be time consuming and difficult. If there are fish on the surface, and someone nearby starts a chum drift, this pushes the surface fish down deep, where the fish will no longer be eating the hard-earned live bait. This is horrible etiquette that rewards lazy and ignorant fishermen. If you show up to a rig without live bait and see other boats using it, with fish clearly on the surface, you should probably just troll lures until other people start a chum drift. Learn and respect the local etiquette anywhere you get your boat wet. There’s no reason we can’t all catch fish, be safe and have fun doing it.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes with Blue Magic Charters in Marathon, Florida Keys. Check her out at CaptainQuinlyn.com, @captainquinlyn or call (504) 920-6342.
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OCTOBER 2021
NATIONAL 7
WHEN TEMPS COOL DOWN, THE GROUPER BITE HEATS UP
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’m going to date myself here, but what is about to happen will come as no surprise to me. This is time of year I live for. You see, I’ve been watching this beautiful cycle happen with grouper for almost four decades now. As soon as the mullet run slows, and the vast schools of cigar minnows (cigs) and sardines drift inshore, so do the larger (male) gag grouper. This generally occurs around the middle of October. The scamp bite will be hard and fast during this same time in deeper water. I started my grouper fishing career with heavy electric and hydraulic commercial reels and eventually switched over to Elec-Tra-Mates and Precision Auto Reels, but now I’ve gone full circle to lighter (heavyduty) level-wind reels with braided line and ultra stealth terminal tackle to stay ahead of the mental evolution of grouper and large snapper. You see, back in the day when there were so many grouper, it was a competitive atmosphere on the bottom. The first bait to the bottom used to catch the biggest red snapper or gag, even using monofilament leader, but
Tim Barefoot
sardines are by far the best choice for instant bites, but the problem with them is everything down there gives them a whack. Fishing a bait that eliminates everything but large black sea bass, large snapper and grouper helps weed through the smaller fish to find the big male grouper you’re looking for. Live pinfish, sailors
now it’s just not that way. I haven’t cleaned hundreds of grouper… I’ve cleaned thousands of them before selling them, and I’m always curious about what they were eating. One common denominator in gags and red grouper, but not as many scamp grouper, are the small red crabs that are obviously plentiful on live bottom.
This is what prompted me to experiment with crab jigs. I made my first batch of Crab Decoy Jigs over a decade ago and quickly realized they out-fish any other bottom rig I’ve ever used. I tie them in with red braided line and a short piece of fluorocarbon leader tied in a loop knot. Then I sweeten the pot with a live bait. Bait selection is important. Live cigs and
choice grunts, grass grunts and tomtate grunts all work. I like to fish big stacks of beeliners, and that makes beeliners one of my alltime favorite baits. I fish them live or butterflied on a Crab Decoy Jig. The older, wiser males are growing increasingly tackle shy, so shed all the useless terminal tackle and scale down to “clean” heavyduty tackle that can fool ole big boy into biting. For video with detailed instructions on fishing Tim Barefoot’s rigs and proof that they work, visit his website at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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“W be fl th th th
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EAST TENNESSEE GREAT SMOKIES
The Casting Corner: Check Your Fly Line Knowledge
1. What is the ‘Head’ of the line? A) Running line, rear taper, belly, front taper and tip
B) Rear taper, belly, front taper and tip C) Belly, front taper and tip. 2. What is the function of Belly of the line? A) Connect the front and rear taper B) Carry the energy transferred from the rod to the front taper C) Allow mending at the furthest point in the fly line from the fly.
4. The taper on a standard fly line from reel to leader is; A) Rear taper-running line-belly front taper-tip B) Belly-rear taper, running line-tip C) Running line- rear taper- belly front taper-tip D) Tip-front taper-belly- rear taper-running line
5. Overhang is? A) The tree that is in the way of a 3. Rear Taper is shorter on trout good spot you are casting to lines than weight forward lines. B) Left over line A) True C) The amount of rear taper B) False beyond the rod tip. C) Hmmmm- why would it be different? The answers below are to stimulate thoughts about the
2 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
OCTOBER 2021
different parts of the line and how to use them. The tip is to tie on leaders. The front taper dissipates the energy that is being carried to it by the belly of the line. The belly of the line is level tapered and carries energy better than the tapers. The rear taper is for line management and transitioning from the belly to the running line. Running line is thin and creates less drag when a fish is running you into the backing. Hint: Don’t try to make a cast if you have more than a foot or two of the rear, taper out of the rod tip. Answers: 1-B, 2-A and B, 3-B-Falserear tapers are longer on trout lines so mending is easier, 4-C, 5-C.
I
f you know your fly line, fly casting is so much easier. When we fish for trout in small North Georgia streams, it isn’t very important to know the fly line because most of the fishing is done with only a few feet of line out of the rod tip, however, drop down from the small blue line streams and into the Chattahoochee, Chestatee or Soque, and you may need to reach fish a little further out and use the whole head of the line. For fun, check your fly line knowledge with the questions below. Answers at the bottom.
By Rene J. Hesse
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Fishing with Stick Baits By Ken Sturdivant
S
tick baits were popularized by the Rapala Company years ago. What made these baits so effective is they almost perfectly mimicked the baits that game fish feed on, both in fresh and salt water. These first lures were, and are still, made of the best balsa wood in the world. One major feature that makes them so effective is the wobble when retrieved. The small lips on the front of these baits are tuned, and they run straight right out of the box. Tie the fishing line directly to the lip. One tip is to use a loop knot on this lure. This makes the bait swim even better. But even at a standstill, the colors of these baits attract all game fish. Since they are made of wood, they float. But once they start moving, this wobble is perfect. Every Rapala bait made
today is tank tested before it leaves the factory. Now, many of these lures are now made of plastic and even a foam material. Companies all over the world have a new style of the original stick bait and they have many new features. The most obvious feature of these new baits is that they suspend once the retrieve stops. Instead of floating to the surface, these new styles stay dead still in the water column. These baits have been perfectly weighted with
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lead inside the lures. As another benefit, the lures now rattle. World class hooks are another benefit to these new lures. In the last two BassMasters Classic tournaments, professional angler Hank Cherry won these two events back-toback, a very rare feat for any
angler who makes a living fishing professionally. Hank Cherry is just the fourth angler in history to win the Classic in back-toback years. And the one bait that helped him is a New Berkley Stunna Jerk Bait Stealth Shad. Working with Berkley, his refinements with the new bait added more action, casting distance and in the design process. The Stunna delivers with a unique slow sink to trigger bites from neutral and inactive fish. Fish eat them almost all year and in almost any water color and water temperature.
Ken Sturdivant is a member of the Lowrance Pro Staff. You can find him at Southern Fishing Schools Inc., www.southernfishing.com; kensturdivant@att. net; 770-889-2654; www.southernfishing.com, or kensturdivant@att.net
OCTOBER 2021
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3
Let The Games Begin! By David Hulsey
O
ctober is viewed as the beginning of the fly fishing season by a lot of anglers. Gone are the sweltering sunny days of summer, along with yellow jackets and snakes. Tubers and kayakers are pretty much absent so having to answer the question, “are you catching anything?’’ every five minutes or so is not to be heard again until next summer. Only a few hatches are coming off, such as big October Caddis, Blue Winged Olives and a few Midges. Sporadic at best, these emergences can provide some short-lived entertainment for the dry fly angler. The days of dredging are here and that’s cool too. Nymph and streamer fishing will reign until about April then the spring surface playground will begin again. Some of the better places to get numbers of trout to
the net in the fall and winter are the delayed harvest streams in North Georgia and Western North Carolina. Great numbers of fish are stocked and with the catch and release regulations, the trout will survive for several months. Good sport will be had until the slaughter begins again in the late spring. The Upper Toccoa River delayed harvest near Blue Ridge Georgia starts November 1st and runs until May 15th. The river is large here and provides some nice big holes and runs to fish, for the careful wader. If the water flow is around 300 cfs you can wade pretty well but anything over that and you better be watching your step or floating. The section here is about a mile and a half long and very beautiful. General purpose nymphs and wooly buggers will usually
4 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
OCTOBER 2021
keep you busy. Trout Spey is great here too and the long rod opens up a whole new world for fly anglers not wanting to risk a watery fate by wading heavy current. We hold introductory classes, spey classes, wade trips and float trips here at Hulsey Fly Fishing. Fires Creek, near Hayesville, North Carolina, is another great delayed harvest destination for a fall or winter jaunt on the stream. The season runs from October 1st until June and is only about an hour drive from Blue Ridge, Georgia. The creek is fairly small here and unintimidating. Trout are pretty much everywhere they should be. Leatherwood Falls picnic area is a good place to start with a nice
short, paved trail making access extremely easy on old knees and hips. The section here is about two miles long with a trail running the full length. Again, you don’t have to get too fancy with fly patterns. Hare’s Ear, Prince, and Pheasant Tail nymphs will normally work anytime. The creek’s size can also be fished well with shorter rods and close range casts. We run half and full day wade trips here in addition to a Trout Trek, where we spend 3 hours on Fires Creek and then fish 3 hours on the wonderful waters of the Nantahala River. If you are interested in exploring these waters this fall and winter check out our awesome website! See you on the river!
Give David Hulsey a call at (770) 639-4001 to book a class or a guided trout trip. Visit his website at www.hulseyflyfishing.com.
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES
Lake Chatuge Hybrids and Spots By Darren Hughes
F
all fishing is wide open out here on this awesome Western North Carolina and North Georgia lake. The cooler water temperatures have really got these big fish feeding. Currently, Lake Chatuge is 7 feet below full pool. Water temps are in the mid 70s, and water clarity is clear throughout the lake. Hybrid fishing has been great. These fish are still schooling in large numbers, and we are catching some big quantities. These are some of Lake Chatuge’s hardestfighting fish, and we’re having a blast wearing them out. The early morning and mid-afternoon bite has been prime. Look for schools of fish along the main channel and off points. Downlining live blueback herring has been the best technique. Fish will be slightly shallower in the early morning hours and will move to deeper water by mid-morning.
With the cooling water temps the top-water bite has been insane. When these fish start busting on bait, it’s always a good idea to have a plug, spook, or red fin at the ready. As the month progresses, these hybrids will work their way back into the creeks and spread out. Time to break out the ol’ planer boards. Spotted bass fishing remains excellent, too. We are still catching some huge spots throughout the day, and it’s not uncommon to put 30-50 of these feisty fish in the boat in one trip. Early morning topwater bite has been strong. Topwater plugs, spooks, and jerk baits have worked well. Our downline bite has also been very productive, especially in the mid-morning hours. Look for fish to be schooled up on shallow, clay banks, humps, and off points. In terms of location, the upper end of the lake has been producing slightly better numbers
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than the lower end. Fall fishing on Lake Chatuge is always exciting. October is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids and spots on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Chatuge’s best trophy hybrids during the fishing
trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Nottely, and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
Darren Hughes is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and a guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish.com or give him a call at (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021.
OCTOBER 2021
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5
6 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
OCTOBER 2021
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Monster Mountain Stripers on Lake Hiwassee
O
By Shane Goebel
ctober in the Western North Carolina Mountains is a fantastic time to hit the water. With the beautiful views of the changing leaves and the cool comfortable temps, a day on the water seems like a dream come true after a hot summer. Not to mention the striper fishing is also super awesome. This is the perfect time to hit the lake and experience some extreme fall striper fishing, and what’s the best way to do that? By booking a trip with Murphy, NC’s #1 striper guide service: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We’ve been striper fishing these mountain lakes a longer than anyone and have what it takes to put you on some huge fish. Currently, Lake Hiwassee is 11 feet below full pool. Water clarity is clear and water temps are in the low 80s.
Striper fishing has been absolutely phenomenal. We have seen some huge schools of stripers and these monsters are hungry! We’ve averaged 20-30 stripers a morning for the last month or so on most of our trips. Talk about some exciting fishing. Plus, we’re starting to see a good increase in size. We’ve had a bunch of fish already in the 20-30 pound range! The early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action. We’ve also had some heavy bites in the mid-day hours. With the cooling water temps, continue to target creek mouths and points off the main lake channel but also look for schools to move back into the creeks. The majority of our fish have been caught from Point 6 to the dam. For October, In the early morning hours freelines and planer boards will work well. As soon as the sun peeks through, we
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Continued, see MONSTER MOUNTAIN STRIPERS Page 8
OCTOBER 2021
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7
Fishing is Going to Start Getting Real Good, Real Soon!
H
By Capt. James McManus
eard someone say they just saw the first Christmas decorations in a store, which means Thanksgiving is only a couple of months away, which means the fishing is going to start getting real good, real soon! Signs of the seasons are interesting for lots of reasons and lots of areas of our lives; fishing signs are no different. Once the baking, summer sun is gone and with it the bathtub water temps, fish here start to get real hungry. That first boat ride in the morning where you dig out your musty jacket or rainsuit just to keep from shivering your way down the lake, is one of my favorite signs. At Fontana, there are hunters with blaze-orange hats zooming up and down the lake with baying dogs fixed on the front of their boats... another sign of good fishing. My favorite sign, a total lack of jet skis, makes my heart skip a beat. There are the wonder world
of nature signs, with the colorchange being front and center. Our lake has a sixty-foot drawdown every fall and just seeing those bankside rock formations tells me there are spots and smallies hiding just under that ledge. If you are a bank watcher, you will see more bears this time of year, as they eat the newly exposed frog egg masses hung in bank laydowns left by the receding water. My favorite signs are the splashes from breaking fish feeding on surface baits, hopefully within casting distance of my boat. All these signs, and more, are nudges to get me on the water more often; to turn off the game on tv and hook up the boat for the day. Make it a point this fall to get off that couch, or out of that bed early and hit the water. The best fishing of the year is here so enjoy God’s gift and take kids young or old with you. Later, Capt. James
Capt. James McManus owns 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day on the water at (828) 421-8125.
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OCTOBER 2021
MONSTER MOUNTAIN STRIPERS continued from page 7 are going right back to down lines. For those who wish not to troll, October is also a great downline month. Just keep an eye on those electronics. The top-water bite has picked up a lot, so keep a spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag surface-busting fish. The fish will start to spread out here soon and move in to the creeks. We will then move to all planer boards and free lines. We will also start pulling bigger baits. This is also a great lake to catch some very nice small mouth and walleye. We always snag a bunch of those while striper fishing, so this can be an exciting lake to fish. October is a fantastic month for catching some great trophy
stripers on Lake Hiwassee. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 rated guide service put you on some of WNC’s most explosive striped bass. We are Murphy, NC and Blairsville, GA’s only full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely, Chatuge and Blue Ridge. And, for all your live blueback herring and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
Shane Goebel owns Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team. See the website at www.bigolfish.com or call (828) 361-2021 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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OCTOBER 2021
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9
Wading Against the Current
I
n July, I was fortunate to travel to Montana for my 10th trip to that beautiful part of the country. One lesson I’ve learned in making trips to other areas, including Alaska, Arkansas, Wyoming and others, is that there’s always something to bring back. Whether it is a fly, a technique, or how to fight big fish by not breaking off on a 12 lb. silver salmon for the 3rd time! Those experiences become invaluable not only in the memories of the scenery and fish caught, but in the techniques and skills to which we are exposed and learn that will become part of our fishing arsenal. Still, when it’s all said and done, as we travel to any unfamiliar water, we take our cumulative experience and skills with us with the hope of returning home richer in our own personal fly-fishing journey. Always the one for preparation,
By Jim Parks
I spend considerable time prior to departure monitoring various social media sites and having discussions with others who have knowledge of the area to get the latest information. Currently, there’s more fishing knowledge and stream specific information available than at any time in history. Unfortunately, too many anglers fail to properly apply that knowledge because of lack of experience and being too insecure in their skills to think outside the norm. So, if you’re the type who has limited time, wants to pay for expertise, and prefers to hire a guide, that’s understandable. But, for those of you who love the challenge of unlocking the mysteries of fooling a wild fish in unfamiliar waters, or even resolving puzzles on familiar waters, this is for you.
“Knowledge is the accumulation of information, whereas wisdom is the proper application of knowledge.” Our fishing trip to Montana at the time didn’t sound promising with reports of record hot days, low water conditions, and the potential for stream closures due to high water temperatures. The best-case scenario for the area to which we were headed called for satisfactory fishing in the morning, with the bite all but shutting down around 2 pm. Our destination stream was one I had fished before on two occasions, albeit 22 years since my last visit. For reference, that was during the era of whirling disease, but reportedly the fishery had improved since its recovery. Since the time of my last trip, I doubled my years of experience from 22 to 44. Though it’s always a great idea to learn as much as you can beforehand to have the flies, etc., that you think you’ll need, at some point, decisions and adaptations will likely be needed. “Where planning helps you to cover the adaptations, experience directs them.” Realizing the reports were from anglers, some local and some not, they all came with a certain
perspective. Those perspectives are based on THEIR experience and how THEY fish this area. For example, many of the anglers were using dry flies, so the 2 pm rumor of the bite shutting down generally applied to dry fly fishing. What about nymphs and streamers? Also, the water was “low”, to them. Upon arrival, I found the “low” water level to my liking and did not care to consider what the wading would be like if it was “normal”, or heaven forbid, “high” flows. Personally, I tend to like higher water as I enjoy using streamers and heavy nymphs, but what I saw was well to my liking. “Often becoming an above average fishermen means fishing outside the norm.” Stopping by the local fly shop, the “flies du jour” were small dries and attractor nymphs. Keeping those in mind, I even bought a few of the nymphs to try later and to bring back to test on my home waters, as well as to support the local shop. Critiquing the recommended attractor pattern caused the tiny, wellworn cogs in my jet-lagged brain to begin working the possible combinations, knowing my preference and skills lean toward subsurface offerings. Looking
Continued, see WADING AGAINST THE CURRENT Page 12 10 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
OCTOBER 2021
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Best Days Ever By Ronnie Parris
H
ey Folks! Hope everyone’s doing great and staying safe with all the craziness that’s going on these days. As we’ve been plagued with this virus and seen how it can take a friend or loved one out in the blink of an eye, it really makes you stop and think of how lucky we are to have the special loved ones in our lives. I’m as guilty as the next for taking for granted that we will have lots of time with those we care about, and sometimes don’t take as much time to enjoy what a true gift they are. On a recent trip to the lake, I got to take my 3-year-old grandson and my beautiful granddaughter with me on a morning fishing trip to lake Fontana. On this trip, we didn’t really care what we were gonna catch, we just wanted to have some fun. It was pretty evident from the start that I was going to be busy baiting hooks with the crickets we were using and taking lots of fish off to release back, as both Kyleigh and Coy were catching about every cast. Most were bluegill with the occasional catfish and bass thrown in. If fast action and lots of catching is what you’re after,
it’s hard to beat a cricket on the end of the line. Although we didn’t keep any, these bluegill are hard to beat rolled in cornmeal and pan-fried. If you’re planning on taking the young ones, which I would suggest you do always, pack lots of snacks and cold drinks. Take along sunscreen and extra clothes in case they get cold or decide to jump in and take a swim. One thing I’m always conscious of is when they get tired and are ready to go home, always quit when they’re ready. You don’t want to turn a great day into a bad experience for them. Make sure to have a good comfortable life vest on them, as you never know when someone might step a little too far and take a plung. Some of my earliest memories are trips on the water with my dad. So don’t miss out on a chance to take those special ones in your life and make memories you will all remember for life. Fishing here on Fontana has picked up as of recent and the cooler weather will only help, so get out and catch some fish, have some fun, and as always, take a kid fishing.
Ronnie Parris is owner and head guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, N.C., heart of the Great Smoky Mountains www.smounlimited.com; (828) 488-9711.
SMSS has all the essentials for hunting, target shooting, home defense, reloading and more Call for date & time of monthly concealed carry class.
Fontana Lake Fishing Guides – Ronnie Parris, Owner & Head Guide LAKE, CREEK & RIVER FISHING • FLY FISHING • CAMPING We offer both full and half day trips with the most competitive rates available. All tackle and supplies you will need while you are on your trip is covered by our listed price.
53 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC • 828-837-7677 Beside the Courthouse
www.smokymountainshooters.com www.facebook.com/smokymtnshooter
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1012 East Alarka Road, Bryson City, NC • 828-488-9711, Cell: 828-736-9471
smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com
OCTOBER 2021
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 11
WADING AGAINST THE CURRENT continued from page 10 into my fly boxes (I had arrived with several), I brought out my go-to patterns from the Smoky Mountains, where I predominantly use attractor nymphs. Around 7 pm, after setting up camp, I stepped into the creek to “get my feet wet” as a warm up for the week ahead and to unwind from the long trip from Tennessee. With another angler upstream, I headed down. The water was flowing knee deep with very few holding lies that were limited to “soft” water along the banks, where I surmised the fish would likely be holding. These holding areas were no more than 2 feet wide and typically ranged from 15 to 20 feet long. Fishing downstream led me to casting a streamer with my go-to being a bead head, olive wooly booger, a fly I had brought back from Arkansas twenty years ago. When on heavily fished waters, sometimes I like to break the norm by trying flies unfamiliar to the fish. Aiming toward the far bank, the hardest to access and
thus the likely least fished, I cast beneath the overhanging brush. On my 2nd cast, I saw a nice trout blast after the streamer as it left the soft water, swinging into the current. I was immediately into a heavy fight with a nineteen-inch bull trout bolting downstream in the fast current. So much for the 2 pm shutdown and dry flies! I wound up with 13 in that one hour. Now for some R & R around the campfire and time to think about tomorrow. The next day, as others tossed the dry fly version of the “fly du jour”, I sought and found the type of water that best suited my fishing preference and skills for casting heavy nymphs. Though I had left the Smoky Mountains, they had not left me as I pulled out my two favorite attractor go-to patterns from home, Jim’s Grampus and the Guinea Fly. Both were size 8 and heavily weighted. As I worked the deep pocket water around large boulders, I focused on eddies, seams, and drop offs
12 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
OCTOBER 2021
allowing my flies to bounce along the bottom, places preferred by large browns and bull trout. As with yesterday, I also knew there was a slim to no chance the trout in this heavily fished stream had ever seen these two patterns, one personally invented, and one ancient to my home waters. For disclosure, I didn’t want to stop for lunch because the fishing action was so furious! The lesson for the morning was to NOT let a huge bull trout anywhere near a log jam! As mentioned earlier, another tool I use when fishing is to work areas where most anglers don’t. I make a point to give the extra effort to wade within casting range to fish a hard-to-reach area, and I have the scarred shins to prove it! While there’s often a desire to fish “unfished waters” in strange rivers in distant valleys, there’s likely plenty within casting range in the creeks you regularly frequent.
Sometimes a small pocket of water, seemingly too shallow or too small to hold a fish will reveal a trophy! I once landed a twentyonce inch, wild brown by casting well over a dozen times to get the fly in just the exact spot beneath an overhanging rock. Nothing like seeing a big mouth opening as your fly passes by! It took a lot of effort but was well worth the extra casts as I returned that brute into the little creek, where it immediately swam beneath a rock. I will end with this thought. In the movie, A River Runs Through It, the narrator states, “I then saw something remarkable. For the first time Paul broke free of our father’s instruction, into a rhythm all his own.” If not already, I hope this is the year you find a rhythm all your own. To see the flies, go to my Instagram page, “TailsOfTheSmokies”
Jim Parks, a native of Newport, Tennessee, has spent forty-three years flyfishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which he considers his home waters. Jim currently resides in Kodak, Tennessee, with Trena, his wife and best friend of thirty-four years. Check out his book, “Tails of the Smokies” on Amazon and in Kindle and iTunes formats.
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ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE / BREVARD
‘Picky’ Patterns
W
By Scott Norton
e are once again entering a transition period of the year. Just like spring, anglers wait for this moment all season. Bass get very active in preparation for winter. They will start schooling once again and feeding heavily on shad. In this situation, an angler can play off the bass response to compete with other bass for an easy meal. Having the knowledge to know where to look, in relation to where the shad are located, and where the bass are is key to success this time of year. Bass will start to break away from their summer spots on the main points to start the journey to the secondary points, to the backs of the creeks, before their journey back for the winter. It is also important to understand the fundamentals of knowing the anatomy of a lake or you will not even know where to start. You need to have a basic understanding of how your electronics work to get all the clues you need in locating bass and shad. Two structures to look for will be the secondary points and the pockets. Schools of bass will use these structures to ambush shad. Once the nights start to get cool, start checking the pockets to see if bass have corralled the forage. Plan for the right baits to be tied on because you will be cycling your set ups until you find what they want. You will notice that some baits work better in some situations. The biggest mistake you can make is to
just stick with one bait. Even if you had some good bites on a specific lure, it does not mean it will work in every situation. The situations will be weather, mood, cover, structure, and water condition. Start with the basics, such as spinner baits, swim baits, jerk baits, walking baits, flukes, crank baits, jigs, and chatter baits. These baits will cover the situations you will work through. There is so much more you can use but you will figure this out the better you get. This is also the time the water will start to flip. You will know when the water starts to get very clear that this is happening. If the bass seem finicky, try to downsize your line to see if it helps or back off a few yards. You will also be going to those more natural colors and cutting back on those bright summertime colors. Once the water clears you will need to make longer cast so you are not seen close to the bait. Longer rods will aid you in this situation. A good quality reel will also help in a longer cast as well. When you start seeing blow ups, you will see the reasoning behind longer casts. If you’re having difficulties and frustrations, it is probably because you do not have the distance you need. Be sure you know the basics and build on your plan from there. Visit often so you can track your fish. This will help build confidence. Have fun this time of year and introduce a friend or family member to fishing.
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Scott Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., he is a long-time hunter, angler, and weekend warrior.
OCTOBER 2021
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 13
Fishing In The Forest By Capt. Cefus McRae NutsAndBoltsFishing.com
T
here are numerous manmade lakes throughout the country that were created as water reservoirs for power generation or erosion control. Many of them were dammed up as far back at the 1930’s. When most were built, they left the standing timber intact, cutting off the tops when the lake was around 20 to 30 feet below full pool. Georgia’s Lake Lanier, Clarks Hill, Hartwell, and others are good examples. This timber, far below the water line, has essentially been ‘petrified’ in the dark, cold, low-oxygen content water, and serves as cover for baitfish, and ambush points for game fish. In the warm weather months, the surface water temperature rises and the thermocline sets up, providing a relatively narrow layer of the water column where there’s enough oxygen for active game fish to be comfortable. On bright sunny days, the fish we’re targeting will go deeper as the sun comes up. Where do they go? Right into the treetops. Simrad’s DownScan paints a remarkable image of the trees below, and with Fish Reveal turned on, you can see stripers, hybrids, bass and even crappie cruising in and just above the trees. Game fish feeding times are based on a variety of factors; the sun and moon, water temperature, amount of light and, of course, the proximity of bait, to name just a few. Even when they are not on their normal feeding schedule, you can still elicit a reaction strike. So just because you see them appearing to take a siesta in the trees, it doesn’t mean those fish are not ‘catchable’. For anglers, fishing the trees does present a number of challenges. The first one is locating them. Sometimes
tree limbs will mark as fish on your sonar. So having your machine adjusted correctly is paramount. Having a sonar unit with DownScan and SideScan that can discern fish from other ‘stuff ’ down there is critical. Simrad’s Fish Reveal combines traditional sonar, which makes fish appear as arches, with their high resolution DownScan Imaging, so fish will show up as arches amidst all the other objects DownScan is revealing. It’s really cool technology. The next challenge is getting these semi-lethargic fish to bite. For me, that strategy comes in two forms: live bait and jigging spoons. Jigging spoons will definitely trigger a reaction strike. The big Parker spoons are among my favorite, but diamond jigs will work and so will larger Clark spoons. This is a great search technique because you can cover a lot of ground quickly. You can watch the jig drop on the Simrad and start retrieving just as it makes the tops of the
14 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
OCTOBER 2021
trees. Dropping into the trees is risky. Those petrified limbs do not easily give up a fouled spoon. When tree-fishing, I think the best tactic is live bait. Again, you have to be keenly aware of the treeline depth. If you drop your bait down too deep, when a fish hits it, there’s a strong likelihood the fish will run back for the cover and get tangled in the limbs. No one wins this game. You’ll wind up breaking your leader, and the fish will stay hung up, probably dying. So, when deploying your rigs, make sure your baits are positioned just above the trees. I typically use about 4 feet of fluorocarbon leader below the 1 ½ ounce sinker. If the treetops are 25 feet below the surface, I’ll position my sinker around 18 feet. This gives the bait plenty of room to swim around without getting tangled in the branches, and if a big fish hits and pulls drag, you have a good chance at getting him turned before he can make it back to the forest. So now you’re saying, “If the fish are down around 30 to 35
feet in the trees, how can I expect them to come up to 20 feet and eat?” Believe me, it happens all the time. Remember that Mother Nature built most game fish to feed “up”. On a clear, sunny day those baits present a tasty silhouette that will generate a reaction strike, and oftentimes will cause the entire school to come out to play. This is true for more than just stripers and hybrids. We’ve pulled catfish off a 50 foot bottom to come up and eat baits at 25 feet. Spotted bass and smallmouth sitting on a ledge will gladly make the 20 to 30 foot ascension to eat a tasty morsel. One key I’ve found is that it’s best to put out a pretty good spread of baits. I’ll drop at least four downlines over the side, and many times, I’ll do six. When all the rods start bending, it’s cockpit chaos, and it’s a lot of fun! So when the sun comes up and the fish go down deep, change your strategy to fish the forests and you’ll put more fish in the boat. Tight lines and calm seas.
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Fishin’ Food - What’s On Your Menu?
B
By Matt Mittan
efore we even get started, can we all just agree that food tastes better when you’ve been out on the water all day? For whatever reason, PopTarts, Frito’s or any variety of junk food really is just better after hours of chasing fish. I don’t know why this is. With this truth, it stands to reason that “real food”, especially when able to be cooked on site over an open fire while engaged in a day of angling, is exceptional! And if you can take it to the next level by catching then cooking - your meal, right by the water’s edge, you’re most likely about to experience a divine meal. Ok, with all of that out of the way, I thought I would share with you a few quick and easy, simple, samplings that I bring along with me when I go out. The common thread through all of this is my large black, campfire pan, some butter, oil, flour, and salt & pepper.
Feel free to add herbs/spices, according to your own tastes. I also bring some inexpensive and light weight “fire-starter” wood. Fresh pan-fried Turkey or Ham Sandwiches - Simply bring everything you would normally use for a good deli sandwich, but plan on frying up your protein and toasting your bread on the pan before you put it all together. A little butter on the bread. A little brush of oil for the meat. Lightly salt and pepper. You can thank me later. Stir Fry Veggies - For this quick and easy little pan of goodness, I like to also bring a little bit of balsamic to drizzle halfway through the sizzle. Depending on what veggies you bring, microwave-steaming them ahead of time, before you bag them and throw them in the cooler bag, can reduce your cooking time greatly.
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Also, my advice is to wait to add the butter to the fry until the veggies have gotten to the softness you want, it will give you a nice char on the edges that is to die for! Pan Fried (Fresh Caught) Trout - Ahh... the ultimate 5-star rating getter, with anyone who happens to go with you, if you make this happen! For cleaning, I prefer to just gut the fish, baste in the oil before rubbing the flour/pepper mix on it. Then I fold butter into the center cavity, drop it in the popping oil for just about 5 mins on each side. Let it cool for 7-10 mins, slice a lemon, garnish with those fried veggies and you’re about to create a lifelong memory. I have one shoulder strapped cooler/carry bag that everything I need fits into. It’s cheap, it’s
easy, and I have to tell you that it upgrades any outing to outstanding, when there is fresh food over a fire! What is your favorite fishing food? Drop me a line at MattMittanOutdoors@ gmail.com It goes without saying to always observe safe practices and honor campfire precautions and any property restrictions. Also, if I may suggest, only harvest from hatchery supported waters. And always, leave an area better than you found it.
Matt Mittan is co-host of “Matt & Michele Outdoors” radio show and owner of Serenity Fishing Guide Service.
OCTOBER 2021
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 15
Eastern America’s Highest Town B eech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern America and an ideal vacation spot in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Our elevation (5,506 feet) sets us apart 12 months a year. A visit to the Town of Beech Mountain offers exciting outdoor recreation and milehigh relaxation. In summer, adventure seekers flock to the Emerald Outback at Beech Mountain, a trail park which features more than eight miles of gorgeous trails near the top of the mountain. Hiking, mountain biking and trail running are prevalent in the Emerald Outback, as well as on several other miles of in-town trails maintained by the parks & recreation department. Downhill mountain biking trails, complete with lift service, are available during the warmer months at Beech Mountain Resort. Those trails range from beginner to advanced. The most challenging trails at the resort have twice hosted USA Cycling’s Mountain Bike
Gravity National Championships. The resort’s biking operation is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and offers bike rentals and lessons in addition to lift service. Families and seniors also covet summer vacations on Beech – hiking to waterfalls, enjoying 100-mile mountain vistas, visiting the animal habitat at nearby Grandfather Mountain and taking in a round of mini-golf in mild temperatures that average in the low to mid 70s. Fly anglers enjoy finding hidden trout streams across the mountain, while recreational fishing is available at Buckeye Lake and Coffey Lake, both of which are stocked annually. Coffey Lake also has a paved 1/8-mile trail around the lake that’s ideal for walking and jogging. The Mountain Heritage Trout Water (MHTW) program is all about convenience. It allows North Carolina residents and nonresidents to fish in MHTW streams simply by
Buckeye Recreation Center
Beech Mountain Resort
A fabulous indoor facility for residents and visitors with a full-size gymnasium, indoor tennis court, pickleball courts, meeting areas, fitness area with state-of-the-art equipment, kid’s playroom, living room area, and indoor walking track.
The premier winter ski resort in North Carolina, providing skiers and snowboarders with upscale amenities, superb terrain, and learning center. In summer, the slopes convert to downhill mountain biking trails, making it the highest lift-serviced mountain bike park east of the Rockies.
(828) 387-3003 1330 Pine Ridge Road Beech Mountain, NC 28604 beechrecreation.recdesk.com
828-387-2011 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC 28604 beechmountainresort.com
16 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE OCTOBER 2021 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 16 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE OCTOBER 2021 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
The resort’s Saturdays ntals and
summer waterfalls, , visiting andfather mini-golf n the low
hidden n, while Buckeye which are s a paved ideal for
ut Water venience. and nonsimply by
purchasing a three-day license for just $5. Anglers who already have a statewide fishing license do not need the special MHTW three-day license. Trout Fishing Buckeye Creek is a hatchery-supported stream (open first Saturday in April through last day of February) that flows out of Buckeye Lake, with nearby parking available at the town’s Buckeye Recreation Center. Buckeye Creek has some nice pools and riffles as it flows out of Buckeye Lake, and further downstream are several good fishing areas below a waterfall. It is stocked annually with brown, rainbow and brook trout. Pond Creek is designated catch-and-release single hook artificial lures only by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Parking for Pond Creek is available off Lakeledge Road at Lake Coffey. Pond Creek has a longer stretch of available water than Buckeye Creek. It is inhabited by native brook trout. Other options on Beech Mountain are Lake Coffey and Buckeye Lake, two small lakes stocked annually by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Lake Coffey is designated as delayed harvest trout waters, while Buckeye Lake is designated hatchery supported. Both receive a large annual infusion of brown, rainbow and brook trout. Anglers need a regular North Carolina inland license to fish in those lakes. Beech Mountain Guided Fishing presented by Beech Parks and Recreation. Get in the back country of Beech Mountain’s streams and secrete fishing holes. Learn to read water, bait selection, fly casting and how to approach mountain fishing. Call 828-387-3003 for more info and RSVP.
Trout anglers have multiple options on Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain Club A private club offering activities and facilities for visitors to enjoy year-round. Most lodging rentals include use of the Club and entitle visitors to amenities such as the 18-hole mountaintop golf course stretching 6,099 yards with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
828-387-4208 103 Lakeledge Road Beech Mountain, NC 28604 beechmtn.club COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM OCTOBER 2021 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 17 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM OCTOBER 2021 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 17
Simpli-Fly and Stand Out W
e welcome October’s fall colors and especially its cooler water. This is truly our trouting “second season,” as wild trout rejuvenate and Delayed Harvest season kicks off in North Carolina, with Georgia DH right behind on November 1. What many fly fishers do not welcome is leaf-fall, with leaves and twigs being more common catches than anything with fins. Well, Unicoi Outfitters has a few tips to help you navigate the instream debris fields and tempt a few more trout. Our two themes are “simpli-fly” and “stand out.” First, simplify your terminal tackle to provide the least possible hang-on spots for leaves and twigs. Use a nice, tapered leader with no tippet knotted to its end. If you must add some tippet, add just one piece so
By Jeff Durniak
there’s only one additional knot in your mono. Second, drop the droppers and simpli-fly. Use just one fly knotted to the end of your leader. The fewer knots and hook points, the fewer attachment points for instream debris. Next, simplify by casting short, no farther than 15-20 feet. Avoid crossing currents with hero shots, which will splay extra fly line on the water and channel a bushel of leaves toward your fly. Last, go with the flow. This is not the time to be stripping streamers. Instead, cast your fly upstream and let it drift back to you at the same speed and in the same current lane as your adversarial vegetation. You’ll still catch plenty of poplar leaves, but nowhere near the bushels that you would with dropper flies, long casts, and energetic retrieves. Our second theme is to stand out. Your bug must distinguish itself from all of the aquatic clutter, both on the surface and in the water column. First, try a big, loud, meaty dry fly. Since it’s October, guess what our favorite color is? Yep, orange! Try a #12 orange stimulator or elk hair caddis. After all, this is the season for October caddis to hatch. They’re usually a very sparse hatch, but their ample calories have fall trout on the lookout for them. For subsurface treats, try a brown or black Pat’s Rubberlegs, a silver-beaded Euronymph, a hot-pink San Juan Worm, or a bright red Squirmy Worm. The leggy profile of the Pat’s will stand out amongst the sticks, while the silver bead on a Sexy Walt’s Worm or Tan Mop will shine in the sunlight. And the bright, wiggly worms contrast well to pine needles. Years ago, we discovered the
worm’s effectiveness on some big (supplementally fed), wild, river rainbows. We have no idea why they were so effective in the crystal-clear waters. Maybe it was because they looked like fish food instead of forest clutter. All we know is that the worms worked! Try these tips when the October winds deliver next year’s food supply: leaves to fuel the stream ecosystem. Simpli-fly your rig and pick a stand-out fly to turn your leaf-fall frustration into Halloween treats.
You can find Jeff Durniak at Unicoi Outfitters. Stop in or call the Helen shop at (706-878-3083) or our Clarkesville store on the square (706-754-0203) if we can help you further. After all, we are pretty darn good trouting caddies! 18 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
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Fall Means Trout By William Reed Summer has come to an end, and with the cooler temps comes amazing trout fishing. Trout fishing happens year-round in North Georgia, but the fall brings the start of delayed harvest streams and trout spawns. If you’re searching for a big brown or want to venture out of the normal tailrace water, this is the perfect time of year to wet a line. Trout need water below 70 degrees to survive. During the summer, that required temperature locks you into fishing high mountain streams or dam release tailwaters that are cool, flowing waters. The fall will bring ample more waters that are prime for trout fishing. In fact, the number of good waterways to fish are overwhelming. A great resource to tap into is the
Georgia DNR stocking report. As many of the warmer waters start to cool, the GADNR will stock trout for anglers to enjoy. The stocking report is published weekly and released to the public. Do note that the list is for what was stocked the week prior, not the next week where you can be waiting beside a waterway for a trout truck to arrive. If you’re wanting a chance to hook a trophy fish or if fly fishing is more your style, the start of fall also means the start of Delayed Harvest streams, also abbreviated DH streams. Delayed Harvest streams are single hook, catch and release only with no live bait fishing. Live bait also includes scented baits like power bait or impregnated soft plastics. Be warned that law enforcement
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Brady Williams with a nice fall brown
Continued, see FALL MEANS TROUT Page 20 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
www.grandfatherrv.com 125 Profile View Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604 OCTOBER 2021
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UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Fall Bass Fishing
F
ishing in the fall can be one of the most enjoyable times of the year for catching bass. When I’m heading to the lake in the fall, there are a few things I consider that help me to increase my chances of catching fish. The first thing I want to know is the temperature of the water. Next, I try to locate the last bit of grass that is left in the lake, and finally, I make sure I have the right baits for the time of year. Many may wonder why these three things are important. Well, there may not be a cut and clear reason but for me and the regions I fish, they usually work well and here’s why: Water temperature and where to fish: Water temperature affects the entire biological system in any body of water. When the water temperature drops in the lakes and reservoirs, this becomes a trigger for the bass to start getting ready for the long winter ahead. There is a basic rule of thumb I use in order to catch fish. It is a combination of knowing the water temperature and knowing general bass locations. When the water temperature drops to the mid 80’s, it’s time to look for coves and tributaries, and I only fish a third of the way into the pockets. When the water temp hits 70 to 60’s, I focus on the secondary points and channel swings, 60-50’s
By Jay Striker
hit the flats in the back of coves that have a creek running from the back of it, and 50’s to the mid 40’s focus on stumps fields, ditches and shallow areas close to some type of deep access route. is Grass your friend in the fall: When fishing in the fall, find any bit of grass left. Bass use grass year-round, no matter the season. Find grass on deeper points leading into pockets and it will allow you to pick up a few bass. The reason that vegetation is so important to bass is because it is a primary part of their life support. Bass need three things: food, shelter, and oxygen that comes from vegetation when it is present, and other anglers agree. “They will stick to it to the bitter end.” (Howell 2003). I have seen fish stack up on a patch of last vegetation near a channel break and I loaded the boat pretty quickly. So, find some grass in the fall, fish it and hang on. Using the right baits in the fall:
There is one simple thing you need to know in the fall when it comes to bass fishing; bass are feeding and feeding a lot. On the deck of my boat, I have four main baits tied on at all times: a spinnerbait, d e e p crankbait, a topwater bait, and a jerk bait. Every one of the baits
allows me to cover a lot of water, and that is what you need to do in the fall because the fish can be, at times, hard to find. However, when you do locate the fish, you will most likely be around a lot of them. So, use your baits and cover water and know that the fish are in schools. You only need one fish to activate a feeding frenzy and it’s on. Remember that the fall is one of the best times to bass fish. If you keep an eye on the water temperature, finds some vegetation, and use some of the right baits, you might just find some of the best fishing of the year. Good luck and enjoy.
FALL MEANS TROUT continued from page 19 watches these areas closely, and I have seen hundreds of anglers receive tickets for breaking the law. In addition to the above regulations, some DH streams have added restrictions like barbless hooks only or fly fishing only. Knowing where the trout are is half the battle. The other half is knowing how to target them. If you’re up for fly fishing, you’re going to want a 3 to 6 weight, up to a 9-foot rod paired with matching weight fly line and a tapered leader. Some guaranteed, “tried and true” flies for this area are Chubby Chernobyl’s, Wooly Buggers, Rainbow Warriors, Zebra Midges, Blue Winged Olives and assorted Stoneflies. If you’re more into conventional fishing, you’ll want an ultra-lite, inline spinning setup; a 5001000 size reel on a 4-to-6-foot rod with 4 to 6-pound line. Daiwa has a phenomenal setup I currently use; the Kage 5’6” UL
rod paired with a Kage 1000 LT reel. That setup, or similar, will easily handle any of your jigs, jerks or spinners as well as any trout you hook up to. Some of my favorite conventional lures are inline spinnerbaits from Rooster Tail, Joes Flies, Trout Magnet, or Mepps. I like to use dark colors with gold blades, and I match the weight to the water depth I’m fishing. Trout are opportunistic feeders that wait in the eddies, seams, deeper holes, or riffles for their food to drift by. You’ll want to cast upstream to them and allow your fly or lure to drift naturally past them. You’ll also want to avoid putting yourself or anchoring too close to where you plan to cast, as they are easily spooked. Enjoy the break from the heat and get out and wet a line in the cooling temps of the mountains.
William Reed is a Nucanoe National Pro Staff Writer. You can contact him at will@nucanoe.com or find him on InstaGram @wde_will 20 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
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him at de_will COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
OCTOBER 2021
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Bountiful Fall Fishing By Karl Ekberg
C
ooler temperatures, changing beautiful colors of the forest, and great fishing decorates the October calendar. Anticipation of the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery performing their wonderful helicopter stocking in November, this is a great time to visit the rivers and knock off the summertime rust from your fly fishing skills. The summertime temperatures have dwindled to non-existent for another year and refreshing cool fall mornings have graced the Mountain Rest area of South Carolina again. Cooler overnight temperatures have the trout moving from their summertime river bottom dwellings, out and about feeding on aquatic bugs and small baitfish again. Great, late summer storms have brought incredible amounts of
rain to the area. Rivers and higher mountain creeks are now blessed with adequate water levels for the Fall fishing season. Along with the falling water temperatures and levels, the emergence of the Fall hatches bless us again. Swinging nymphs and soft-hackles, on a dead-drift, is essential to a great day on the rivers. An upstream cast, a mend or two of your line, and letting these fine bugs drift freely, with no drag, all the way down stream, will produce fish. Streamer fishing will be great this fall season as well. There is a tremendous abundance of shiners, minnows, and sculpins throughout the watersheds. Targeting fish in the seam lines, just off the big runs of the rivers, will be beneficial. Casting the streamers up stream, “dead-drift and twitch” through the drift, and
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then a strip and pause retrieve, will be rewarding. For a full line of bugs and streamers, stop by and see us and check out the new arrivals to fulfill your fall fly fishing. As the Delayed Harvest season arrives, now is a great time to see the Walhalla Fish Hatchery in full swing. If you have never been to the hatchery, you will be able to see the thousands of fish in many sizes, getting ready for their journey to the rivers. From fingerlings, to show fish, one will be amazed at the variety of sizes of the Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout which the great folks at the hatchery have raised for us
to enjoy out on the rivers. Bring along a couple of quarters when you visit, to enjoy feeding the large show fish which the hatchery has on display. After visiting the hatchery, try your hand at fishing the East Fork, a great small water fishery here in South Carolina. As we travel from one water system to another, let’s remember to give our equipment a good cleaning to avoid any transfer of invasive species. Also, as we are enjoying the scenery and rivers we are fishing on, please “Leave No Trace”. Just a couple of ways to help take care of the things we love. We hope to see everyone out on the rivers!
Karl and Karen Ekberg are co-owners of Chattooga River Fly Shop, located at 6832-A Highlands Hwy, Mountain Rest, SC 29664. Give them a call at (864) 638-2806 and visit their website at www.chattoogariverflyshop.com.
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24 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
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HOT SURF FISHING
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he weather is starting to cool, and days are shorter. Sunrise is a 7 a.m., and it’s getting dark around 7:15 p.m. At the end of October, daylight savings time will begin. Fishing on the beach has been improving, and October is an excellent beach-fishing month. Snook and tarpon have been cruising near the trough, and my friend Larry recently hooked a tarpon that was so big it straightened out the treble hooks on his Krocodile spoon. Snook are being caught on live bait (greenies or croakers) but are also hitting jigs and crankbaits. In October, you may harvest one snook between 28 and 32 inches, except in the catchand-release areas on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The weeds (sargassum) are much better, and the wind has not been that bad. In general, tides are higher and the trough is deep. Croakers and whiting are hitting small jigs tipped with shrimp, and they can also be caught on small jigs. Cast, let the jig hit bottom, and then jerk it near the top of the water and let it sit. The fish are trying to pick it off the sand. Numbers of small jacks have been reported, with an average size of 2 pounds. I usually use 3/8-ounce DOA chartreuse jig with a 4-inch pearl Shad Tail. I’ve had good luck for jacks, ladyfish and snook when there is bait present. Look for birds, and then walk the shoreline looking for bait. Most of the fishing action is in the trough during high incoming or outgoing tides. The best time to fish is morning and evening. I’ve had more luck this year fishing slower and keeping the lure down near the bottom. On low tide, the fish are not in the trough; look for deeper shorelines. I’ve been fishing the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie around dusk and at night. There’s some hot night fishing on topwater for snook where overhead lights hit the water. I use Zara Spooks (gold) and Rapala Skitterwalks (trout) and have been getting some great action on preslot snook. If you fish from the bridge, you’ll need a long-handled net. Try fishing around the lights on Jensen Beach Causeway or the 10-cent bridge in Stuart. Crabs are swimming along with the current near the top of the water. Predator fish are looking to the top to grab them. Both bridges are excellent snook spots, and you might just catch a big trout. Richard Matteson is a longtime contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who writes for Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.
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By Ryan Izquierdo
hen I was 12 years old, I moved to Palm Beach County, and I didn’t know anyone. I found a great way to spend my time when I discovered the Juno Beach Pier. From the first moment I walked out on that beachfront pier, my addiction for pier fishing was born. I have become a better fisherman and a better person because of it. What I find most exciting about pier fishing is the diversity it offers. Seasonal changes bring different species to catch and a variety of techniques to catch them. Bait & Lures: Organization is key. There is usually a limit on how many rods you’re allowed to bring on the pier. I bring a light spinning rod to catch bait, a conventional rod for casting live baits on bottom and a long surf rod to cast lures and freeline live baits. I always have Sabiki rigs. Usually you can find pods of pilchards, sardines, cigar minnows or other baitfish at piers. I use a size 3 Sabiki and a 1-ounce weight. Cast into the school and jig slowly. You will have a bucket of live bait in no time. From tarpon and snapper to snook, pretty much every species will eat a live pilchard. I keep a little bit of everything in my tackle bag to match the conditions: leader from 20 to 80 pounds, pyramid and egg weights, swivels and 1/0 to 6/0 J and circle hooks. Mullet Run: The changing of seasons initiates the mullet run. Millions of baitfish push south along Florida’s east coast. It’s not hard to spot or hear. Mullet are being attacked from every direction by hungry tarpon, snook,
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jacks, Spanish and king mackerel, bluefish and sharks. I recommend buying or cast netting mullet on the beach or in the river. Make sure to have a livewell or bucket and bubbler to keep the bait alive. Hook mullet through the lips or under the dorsal fin. Live-line them around the outside edges of bait schools with 60- to 100-pound leader, a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook, and nothing smaller than a 5000size reel loaded with 30- to 50-pound braid. I recommend a drop net to help land and release your catch safely. Artificial Lures: I love to throw artificial lures at piers. I find the most success when the wind is blowing and the conditions are rough with white wash in the surf. Large 2- to 4-ounce plugs, swimbaits, Flair Hawks, bucktails and topwater plugs are some of my favorites. If I’m throwing lures, I won’t use anything less than 60-pound leader. Throw lures at first light and sundown because it can be tough hooking up in the middle of the day. Try and match the hatch with whatever live bait is around. Throw lures similar in size and color to what’s actually in the water. For more pier fishing tips from Ryan Izquierdo, check out the videos posted on his YouTube channel: Ryan Iz Fishing.
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STONE CRAB HARVEST OPENS OCTOBER 15TH
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tone crab season opens Oct. 15 and runs through May 1. Remember that regulations changes were made last year that changed requirements for traps as well as the minimum length for legally harvestable claws. The minimum harvestable claw length is 2 7/8 inches. Trapping is the most efficient method of collecting the legal limit of 1-gallon of stone crab claws per-person, per-day. There is a 2-gallon possession limit per vessel, regardless of how many harvesters are on the boat. Requirements for stone crab traps are also very specific, so be sure to check the current regulations at myfwc.com before dropping them. Legal traps can be purchased at most bait and tackle stores. Recreational harvesters are allowed up to five traps. Although it’s not nearly as easy as pulling traps, diving and snorkeling for stone crabs is more adventurous and a lot of fun. In many areas, you can find spiny lobsters and stone crabs on the same reefs or rock piles. Whether diving or trapping, it is illegal to harvest claws from eggbearing females. Although it is permitted to take both claws if they are of legal length, most people choose to take just one. This leaves the crab with something to feed and defend itself with, which also allows it to re-grow its missing claw more quickly. For more information, go to myfwc.com.
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ith students across the country returning to school, Mud Hole Custom Tackle stepped up in its efforts to bring custom fishing rod building and tackle crafting to the youth of America. As the industry’s number one supplier of tools, supplies, components and education content, Mud Hole is uniquely positioned to engage kids and create an educational experience through rod building. “We’ve been working closely with teachers and school organizations throughout the United States for over a decade, teaching students valuable life skills, and in many cases, providing an avenue to earn required academic credits in their science and agriculture programs,” said Brook Oliva, Vice President of Operations at Mud Hole. “Rod building is the core of our business, and we are always excited to bring this craft to kids. Whether they pursue rod building as a pathway to a career in the hunting and fishing industry, or if they simply gain a lifelong passion, Mud Hole is happy to play a small part in their development.” Mud Hole works very closely with educators as well as youth groups and clubs, including Boy Scouts of America and 4-H, to provide discounted pricing for all the equipment and supplies needed to bring rod building and tackle crafting to the classroom. Mud Hole also provides personal online instruction to the teachers, sharing the skills needed to transfer rod building 24 FLORIDA
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expertise to their students. Since its inception over 13 years ago, the Mud Hole Education Program has reached more than 650 institutions and over 30,000 students across America and in Canada and Australia, with hands on activities that promote classroom engagement. “It’s an honor for me to work directly with the teachers who bring this important skill set to students across the country,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole’s Education Program Director. “I lead online rod building workshops each month dedicated to teachers, and I attend state-level teacher conventions throughout the year. We have even set up a Mud Hole Education Program Facebook group as a platform for educators to share their experiences and techniques with each other. It’s an amazing community, and I am so proud to support it.” In 2021, Mud Hole has stepped up efforts to reach new students with new classroom-focused education kits and enhanced price discounts, and adding new online resources to assist teachers through their curriculum— by all with the goal of supporting education. For more information about Mud Hole’s Education Program, contact Anthony Youmans directly at 866-790-7637, ext. 135.
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