Southern Trout Magazine Issue 17 by Southern Unlimited, LLC

issue 17

feb/mar 2015

Southern Trout THE DAVE WHITLOCK STORY IN THIS ISSUE CLOSE LOOK: THE OZARKS

BEAU BEASLEY

Bryson City: Tar Heel State Fly Fishing Central

JIMMY JACOBS Georgia: Racoon Creek

www.southerntrout.com

Publisher’s message Yep, it’s just that easy with Western North Carolina’s premier fly shop and guide service. Kevin Howell and his experienced staff have been fishing the surrounding 500 miles of prime trout waters so long, they know all the fish on first name basis. And they’ll be more than happy to make a few introductions.

Carpetbagger Revenge by Don Kirk

Following the War of Yankee Conquest (186165), the Southern Homeland was subjected to the “Great Unpleasantness.” (It is currently referred to in government schools as “Reconstruction.”) Personally, I am at peace with the many wrongs inflicted on Dixie by the Yankee Hordes, which to me is proof that therapy is not an useless sideline business conducted by failed witch doctors. However, the old scars are many, and some remain sensitive to the touch. Southern Trout Magazine launched with the mission statement, “All South, All Trout, All of the Time.” For most part we have remained true to this. We got into trouble when we officially changed the name of the smallmouth bass to the bronzeback trout, and Bob Mallard, the author of the GearHead Column, is from Maine, our first north of the MasonDixon contributor. However, for the most part, the articles you read here were penned by “born-andraised” Southerners with roots that go deep into the bowels of the region. This month the Southern Trout Magazine Roadshow departs the safe abodes of the Southern

PISGAH FOREST, NC

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GUIDE SERVICES | ONLINE & RETAIL STORE | LESSONS

Homeland to venture to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We’ll be at the Fly Fishing Show there, a sister event to the Fly Fishing Show held early this month in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The brainchild of father and son team, Chuck and Ben Furimsky, they have distilled a formula for putting on world class fly fishing consumer shows. If you have never been to one, you don’t know what you are missing. Lancaster is a peaceful enough slice of Yankee Land. To tell the truth, I almost moved there in the late 1990, smitten by the sulphur mayfly hatches there. Fortunately for me, I woke up sober enough one morning to get in my car, point it south and not look back until I was safe and sound back in the Southern Homeland. (There’s more to the story, but that can’t be told until I am dead.) At any rate, the mission of Southern Trout Magazine for making a brief interlude north of the Mason-Dixon Line is to serve as cultural missionaries. It’s not that we feel some sort of conviction to spread the word about the great fly fishing for trout available in Southern Homeland. The truth be known, we agree with most of you who think we not

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Southern Trout Publisher Co-Publisher Editor-at-large Managing Editor Photographer/Writer Editorial Consultant

Don Kirk David Gray Beau Beasley Leah Kirk Loryn Patterson Olive K. Nynne

Contributors

Bill Bernhardt Bill Cooper Kevin Howell Roger Lowe Harry Murray Jason Sparks Joel DeJong

Publisher’s message

(cont.)

only need to keep it a secret, we we should also erect as many barriers as possible to slow down incursions along our northern border. However, as ole Honest Abe said when asked by a reporter from the London Times asked him why the North was warring against the southern states, Abe stated simply, “Because we want their money.” Fear not the Southern Trout Magazine will fall under some sort of Yankee wizardry during our brief sojourn into that strange land. While we don’t talk about it much, our past travels there have been rather extensive, we remain unblemished. Even though you can buy bourbon, grits and Moonpies in that part of the world, that does not make it less inhospitable to sensitivities of many Southerners. It is after all, the North. We will return.

FIELD STAFF Bob Borgwat

Columnist Ron Gaddy Columnist George Grant Columnist Craig Haney Alabama Editor Jimmy Jacobs, Georgia Editor Bob Mallard Columnist Steve Moore Columnist Larry Rea Arkansas Editor

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ON THE COVER See our story on Dave Whitlock on page 84.

What Do You Want To Catch Today? Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Palomino Trout Steelhead Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass White Bass Kentucky Spotted Bass Walleye Muskie Crappie Bluegill Yellow Perch Flathead Catfish Channel Catfish Carp They’re all waiting for you in Swain County, NC one of

the most diverse fishing habitats in the world with four rivers, dozens of mountain streams throughout the Smoky Mountains, and the deep, cold waters of Fontana and Cheoah lakes.

Visit GreatSmokiesFishing.com for a map and profiles of 26 great fishing locations near Bryson City, NC.

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THIS ISSUE

Publisher’s Message 3 departments

Generally Speaking

CLOSE LOOK

8-83 8

Gear Head 12 Chemical Warfare (part 2) New Fly Guide

The Black Wing Olive Chronicles

Fishhunter Adventures in Cuisine

Fly of the Month

Loose Loops & Wind Knots

The Bug Man The Winter Trifecta

New Product Review Cheeky Fly Reel

Featured Artist: 68 Derek DeLong

84 History: Renaissance Man of the Ozarks 92 Guide Profile Frank Saska

98 Featured Resort: Lilley’s Landing

102 Featured Fly Tier: Phil Landry

108 Featured Fly Shop Hargrove Fly Shop, St. Louis 114 Discovery Norfolk

124 44 52

118

149

FEATURES 124 Fishing the Watauga River 136 Georgia: Bike-In Trout Stream 146 Kinks Out of the Klink

156 That Wood Fishing Rod Has Soul, Man!

Southern Spirits: 76 Limestone Branch Distilling

164 Situational Fly Fishing 170 Argentina, Y’all.

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178 Bryson City

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generally speaking

Tinkering Therapy I f you’re feeling the pangs of PHB (PostHoliday Boredom) try tinkering as therapy. By definition, tinkering involves taking apart or manipulating mechanical devices with the goal, often unrealized, of improving their performance. Tinkering is therapeutic because it is a natural response to a powerful drive in the human psyche.

by George Grant

Long ago a caveman tinkered with a rock to improve its ability to kill lunch and enemies. It broke when he tried to take it apart (disassembly is the initial phase of tinkering) and he cut himself on the sharp edge. Viola! The first knife was tinkered into existence. Later generations tinkered and put a point on the end of the knife making it better…and more dangerous. Someone, probably a worried cavemother tired of bandaging the cavekids, tinkered with a longer handle for knives and created the spear. Tinkering is the slow path to progress, but it works. In a million years humans have tinkered the rock into the hydrogen bomb.

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Don’t let dangerous possibilities hold you back. A recent study by Dr. Imma Fiddler of MIT (Montana Institute of Tinkering) conclusively demonstrated that tinkering with fishing tackle is harmless. She used sophisticated computer modeling to prove that a graphite rod can’t be tinkered into an inter-galactic photon death ray. So there’s no real reason to stifle your instincts when it comes to fishing gear. Indulge yourself freely and happily in the tinkering opportunities of flyfishing. If you’re inhibited by a childhood trauma involving a clock and parental discipline start small. Tinker with something simple, like a fly line. You can clean it, re-spool it, or change the knot that attaches the leader. Tinker with the arrangement of gear in your fishing vest or the boxes that hold your flies. Confidence and ambition will come with experience.

Reels are the most frequently tinkered items because they have small carefully engineered parts arranged in a precise manner. That’s an irresistible combination for an instinct honed by millions of years of evolution. If you’re uncomfortable responding to emotions on so primitive a level you can use the tinker’s standard rationalization, lubrication and adjustment. When questioned about your behavior you can truthfully say, “I need to make sure that all the screws are tight and that no grit or sand is gumming up the works.” Deep down you’re searching for a moment of pure mental joy when you understand how every part relates to the whole. The path to that Zen-like enlightenment is strewn with leftover parts and damaged screw slots so tread it slowly and carefully.

Don’t panic if you do tinker yourself into a corner. Put all the parts that you can find in a small box and take them to the nearest fly shop. The shop’s staff will all be confirmed tinkers and eager to help because there’s a profound satisfaction in grouptinkering. Don’t let anyone put you down for tinkering. You may be on the verge of greatness. I can’t prove it but I’m positive that Christopher Columbus got his start by tinkering with the route he took when his mother sent him to the store for a loaf of bread. He got lost a time or two but he persevered and eventually found undying fame by tinkering with the Atlantic Ocean. Start small, keep going, glory is just over the horizon.

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gearhead

Chemical Dependency

gearhead

Fly Floatants Part 2 (Liquids and Powders)

Bob Mallard

n the last edition I covered gel and paste fly floatants. In this edition I am covering liquid and powder floatants. Like the former, these products address a certain set of conditions and come with their own pluses and minuses.

Liquid and powder fly floatants contain ingredients such as silicone, isopropanol, petrolatum, mineral oil, silica powder and fumed silica. Like gels and pastes, companies either repackage these ingredients or blend two or more items together to attain a desired result. Also, like gels and pastes (and Bourbon) companies do their best to keep their ingredients and recipes a secret. Most of these products are described using terms such as Hydrophobic. That translates to mean “having little or no affinity for water,” ”great for CDC,” “temperature stable,” and “will not leave a slick on the water.” Some say “Extremely Flammable.” And, while some say, “All-Natural” and “Environmentally Friendly,” none say, “Environmentally Unfriendly,” even though some are. In many cases, while labeled differently liquid or powder, fly floatants are the same.

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Photo by Diana Mallard In some cases it is just a repackaging of a specific chemical. In other cases, it is due to what is known as Private Labeling where one company packages their product for other companies and labels them accordingly. But, there are other products that while they may look the same as another, they are not. The ingredients found in these products are relatively cheap. However, it takes time and money to process, package and label them. While liquids are fairly easy to work with, powders are difficult due to static, settling, and their lack of weight. Some chemicals require that the handler wear protective clothing, eyewear and a respirator. And as with gels and pastes; most of the chemicals and consumer packaging can only be bought in bulk making it tough for the do-it-yourself types. Liquid and powder fly floatants are sold by companies such as Cortland, Hareline Dubbin, Footloose Products, Loon, Orvis, Stone Creek, Umpqua (under the Shimazaki brand), Wapsi (sold under the Anglers Image brand) and Yellowstone Fly Goods. Notes: Desiccants—drying agents—and desiccant/floatant hybrids will be covered in the next edition. Also note that vendors and products are listed in alphabetic order—nothing is implied by their placement in any given list. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 13

gearhead

Liquid Fly Floatants Liquid fly floatants offer the best penetration of any products available. They work well on flies made from natural materials. They do not work well on flies made of nonabsorbent synthetic materials. They are impervious to temperature and remain consistent regardless of the weather or water temperature. Most tend to break down in water fairly quickly and thus do not last as long as gels, pastes and powders. They come in spray, jar and squeeze bottle form. Spray products come in small aerosol cans or pump bottles. They are clean and easy to use—you never have to touch them. They are, however, bulky, relatively expensive, and somewhat wasteful as much of the spray ends up somewhere other than on the fly. Some are flammable, so cigar, pipe and cigarette smokers need to be careful. One says you should wait one minute before using your fly. I wonder how many people actually do that. Jar products come in a small glass jars with removable caps. Some caps are tethered to the jar—some are not. They require that you submerge the fly. While relatively efficient; they are a bit bulky, and if you fail to put the cover back on tightly—or fumble them—you can lose the contents. Squeeze bottle products come in small plastic bottles with a nipple-and-cap or a flat flip-cap. Most caps are tethered to the bottle—some are not. They are efficient, compact and easy to use. You apply drops of solution directly to your fly. In some cases there is a drying time of between four and twenty-four hours making these products more pretreatments than treatments. Spray products include Dry Fly Spray (Cortland), Dry-Shake Spray (Shimazaki) and Fly Spritz 2 (Loon). Jar products include Dry-Shake Liquid (Shimazaki), Fly-Agra – as in Viagra (Yellowstone Fly Goods), and Hydrostop (Loon). Squeeze bottle products include Lochsa (Loon) which while listed as a gel is closer to a liquid; Super CDC and Super Float Floatant (Anglers Image), and Water Shed (Hareline Dubbin).

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Photo by Diana Mallard

Pros Deep penetration. Easy to use. Can darken but do not change the color of your fly.

Cons Sprays and jars can be bulky and expensive to use. Jars can spill. Some products leave a slick on the water. Short application life.

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gearhead

Powder Fly Floatants Powder fly floatants have increased in popularity due to the advent of CDC which is not conducive to gels and pastes. While they technically can be used on any flies, they are not your best option for flies tied with synthetic materials as they do not adhere well. Most contain an anti-caking agent. Many contain sparkles or ingredients that create small air bubbles. Applications tend to last longer than liquids, gels or pastes. Most come in small plastic bottles with brushes built into the caps. These are compact, easy to use, relatively inexpensive and reasonably efficient. They rarely spill—unless you do not put the cap on correctly—and never leak. You apply these using the built-in brush. This allows you to work the powder onto the materials and between the fibers. Some come in plastic jars with flip-caps. These tend to be a bit bulky, fairly expensive, and somewhat inefficient as excess power is lost in the process. You drop the fly in, close the lid, shake; and tap the excess powder off into the jar where possible. Powder floatants are strictly a coating agent and have no penetrating properties—nor do they necessarily seal the fly. There is also some odd connection to frogs—with two having pictures of them on the label, and one that used to… Powder fly floatants include Blue Ribbon (Loon), Doc’s Dry Dust (Hareline), Frog’s Fanny (Footloose Products), Frox (Stone Creek), Hy-Flote Dust (Orvis), Loon Dust (Loon), and Magic Dust (Anglers Image).

Photo by Diana Mallard

Pros Compact, neat and easy to use. Effective on CDC, marabou and ostrich. Long application life.

Cons Can be expensive to use. Change the color of certain materials due to caking. Do not adhere well to some synthetics.

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gearhead

BOB MALLARD has fly fished for over 35 years. He is a blogger, writer and author; and has owned and operated Kennebec River Outfitters in Madison, Maine since 2001. His writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines at the local, regional and national levels. He has appeared on radio and television. Look for his books from Stonefly Press, 50 Best Places Fly Fishing the Northeast (Now Available), 25 Best Towns Fly Fishing for Trout (Spring 2015) and 50 Best Places Fly Fishing for Brook Trout (Winter 2015). Bob is also a fly designer for Catch Fly Fishing as well as the northeast sales rep for both Stonefly Press and Catch Fly Fishing. Bob can be reached at www.kennebecriveroutfitters.com, www.bobmallard.com, info@bobmallard.com or 207-474-2500.

Substance Abuse: Gel and Photo by Diana Mallard Paste Fly Floatant Do’s and Don’ts Always apply liquid floatants before your flies get wet. Applying them to a wet fly seals in the moisture and adds weight. The end result is a fly that is less buoyant than before you treated it. Do not reapply liquid floatants without first drying the fly. This can be accomplished using an absorbent cloth or desiccant (to be covered in my next column), or simply letting it air dry on a patch. Again, this seals in the moisture and adds weight. When using a liquid fly floatant apply it very conservatively. In the case of sprays this means a quick mist or a single pump. In the case of a squeeze bottle you should use just a drop or two. The one exception is jar liquids—they are meant to fully submerge the fly.

Conclusion: I like liquid floatants for large delicate patterns that can be damaged by rubbing on a gel or paste—this includes CDC. When using small CDC patters I prefer powders. 18 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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15th Annual

April 11-12, 2015

2015 SPEAKERS Lefty Kreh • Bob Clouser • Beau Beasley • Tom Gilmore Ed Jaworowski • Blane Chocklett • Walt Cary Captain Gary Dubiel • Pat Cohen • Cory Routh

2015 MAJOR SPONSORS Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Dominion • Trout Unlimited • Temple Fork Outfitters

Advance tickets, extensive beginner and children’s classes, registration and program information: vaflyfishingfestival.org

ecked out in brand-new waders, wearing a vest stuffed with fly boxes and clutching a shiny new rod and reel, you stand ready to test your passion for fly fishing and make the first cast on the rocky edge of a pristine trout stream. Mentally, you review the checklist. Correct rod and line weight for the size of stream and potential trout? Check. Fly dangling from the right size tippet matching color and size of the insects near the stream? Check. Appropriate stealthy approach so as not to spook skittish trout? Check. But wait, where to cast? You vaguely remember from either a casting lesson or guidance from a buddy the offhand comment that the first cast is the most important since, if perfect, it has the best chance of fooling fish and, if not, might spook the entire pool. Confused, you gaze at the infinite possibilities obscured and muddled by rocks, hurried currents and gently splashing white water…

Relax. Recall the old

Reading Water

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by Steve Moore

saying, “10% of the water holds 90% of the fish.” Finding the magic 10% is made easier through understanding the basic structure of a stream. That knowledge allows you to eliminate dead water and find the perfect target. Those who transitioned from spin to fly might instinctively know where trout lurk based on years of experience. However, flipping a fly presents a unique challenge driven by the need to achieve a drag free drift. Plunking and cranking a heavy spinner through a likely holding spot requires less thought than carefully placing a weightless fly where the vagaries of current and the mechanics of line management come into play.

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new fly guy

At the most fundamental level for new anglers, a stream consists of three basic features: riffle, run, and pool. While the perfect stream features a riffle transitioning into a run and terminating in a pool, nature prefers a more random approach and may connect them in any order. Riffles range from inches to a couple of feet deep characterized by some white water splashing over a mixed rocky bottom. A change to a more moderate gradient usually produces a run. Runs are deeper and bumpy with less (or no) white water, have a visible, strong current and may flow over any type of bottom structure. As the gradient flattens, runs spill into pools where the current slows and deep water prevails, usually in the middle of the pool. Depending on the stream, the depth of each feature is relative. Riffles on a mountain stream may be inches

deep transitioning to a foot deep run terminating in a pool no more than two or three feet deep - measurements scaling with stream size. Regardless of setting, the critical characteristic is the speed of the current and the subsurface structure – does it offer trout feeding positions solving the energy equation while providing safety? Trout are expert at assessing the amount of calories burned to obtain food versus calories gained in eating a particular morsel. In the perfect trout world, they would sit in still water requiring no energy to maintain position while slurping food drifting gently in the water column. In reality, current pushes food, forcing trout to interact aggressively; snatching

morsels as they bullet by. Therefore, trout need areas of relative calm adjacent to current where they can bide their time, expending little effort, before darting into the streaming buffet line. Knowing this removes a most of the stream as a casting target. Just follow the current and identify contiguous placid water. Typically, where there is no current there is no food although trout may hold there when not feeding if those positions offer greater safety. Dr. Robert Bachman discovered different species of trout are comfortable with varying current speeds. He determined brown trout prefer slower current (up to two feet per second) while rainbows can manage faster water (six feet per second). In a 1980 study, Wesche

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determined brookies prefer even slower water moving at a half foot per second. Knowing the species of trout, reject parts of the stream where the current is outside the preferred range. However, in making that calculation, recognize current runs at different speeds in the same vertical slice. In

a sweet spot below very fast water depending on depth; something to take into account as you reject spots. Since trout are not at the top of the food chain, the ones who survive are experts at safety. They seek water deep enough to offer a layer of protection from

spectrum, the surface of a pool may be perfectly calm and slick with perfect visibility all the way to the bottom. Given the protective glare in riffles and runs, trout do not require as much depth to achieve safety while in a pool they will be in deeper water. A general rule of thumb is that trout need at least

Trout are expert at assessing the amount of calories burned to obtain food versus calories gained in eating a particular morsel. his book, Moving Water: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Currents, Jason Randall documents that the “lowest 20 percent of the water column has a velocity approximately 50 percent of that of the fastest current near the middle of the vertical water column.” Accordingly, there may be

predators over structure compatible with their natural camouflage. Riffles, runs and pools offer different solutions. In riffles and runs, the surface is ruffled and bumpy; limiting the ability of predators, ourselves included, to see through changing glare patterns. At the other end of the

a foot of water to feel comfortable in a riffle or run and, even then, there has to be a safe area nearby. So… where do you flip the first cast in a riffle, run or pool? Best to explain using pictures to avoid thousands of words.

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new fly guy

Riffles

This is what an aggressive riffle looks like and is closer to being a rapid. These are hard to fish as a result of the fast water swirling around the rocks, but even a rapid can be fished if it is deep enough. Riffles and rapids hold trout where the water appears slick on the surface; lacking the turbulence of the surrounding white water.

The rock blocks the swift current and creates a large slick extending to the left. It has visibly deep sections protected from the current terminating in a ledge with what appears to be a protected dark overhang at the far left (next picture); providing additional required safety.

The check marks show likely areas where the turbulence subsides and trout may hold. But, these are still pretty rough spots and, if the riffle is shallow, there may not be a protected position in either location. A better bet is to look to the left near the large rock.

Cast upstream of the rock where the flow will sweep the fly at the edge of either current seam (seams shown as a red lines) through the slick. Generally, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bad idea to cast a nymph or a dry fly into the turbulent water just behind a rock. Better to throw a little bit upstream and quickly mend the line so the fly moves naturally. This allows you to cover any feeding position at the front of the rock. If the bottom structure is compatible, large rocks create a subsurface pillow of calm water to their front.

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new fly guy

The next picture shows an easier, more typical riffle to decode. The rock near the check mark blocks the current flowing along the right-hand edge. The large downstream slick provides a safe resting location within easy reach of food pushing with the current. How do you know a spot is “safe” when looking at it from a distance? Unless the water is noticeably darker, indicating depth, or you see a protected area under a boulder, you will cast blind. In the end, there are two ways to determine if a spot is good. The best is to catch a fish. The alternative (that many anglers fail to do) is to walk over to look at it after fishing it – the only way to get to know a stream in detail.

The transition between riffle and run (below) where the turbulent water of the riffle subsides into a swift, bumpy run is a great place to focus. Not only is the water deeper with plenty of subsurface boulders furnishing good, holding positions for trout (safety), but the availability of food is focused where the main current flows enter the run. Cast to the short channels between the large boulders (some, but not all, examples shown checkmarks).

Runs

The next picture shows a typical run. Note the ruffled surface as the stream adjusts to account for various sizes of rocks and boulders. Given the apparent uniform velocity of the current in most runs, they are harder to fish since the current, by itself, provides fewer clues. Generally, the current is faster in the middle than at the sides as a result of friction contributed by the banks and shallower water. However, as Randall noted above, depth overcomes speed, requiring careful evaluation of the entire span.

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new fly guy Here is a more obvious transition location. The water below the large rock is visibly deeper, adjacent to a nice current flow and worthy of the first cast

Looking a bit to the right, the second cast should go in the large slick created by flow on either side. Trout may be just ahead of where the currents merge (checkmark).

Runs on small streams are much easier to fish than a run on a large river since you can see all the choices. In the picture below, the run extends from bank to bank with glare providing additional camouflage. Assuming it is safe to wade, read the bottom of the run incrementally as you work it; looking for a light and dark pattern to reveal deeper cuts. 30 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

new fly guy Clear water makes runs tough to fish. At first glance, the run in the next picture appears to be very shallow, merely inches deep. Unless you know that to be true as a result of a previous visit, do not ignore a spot like this! Instead, fish it carefully paying attention to the largest boulders since they offer the most opportunity for an overhanging ledge providing the safety needed to offset water clarity.

To prove the point, I waded into this run and took the picture below. The water is above my knee and offers plenty of protection given cracks, like the one under the boulder to the left of my foot, large enough to hide a nice trout.

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new fly guy Banks

A bank is always an interesting place to look for fish. Moving water carves out the soft soil of the bank to create good hiding positions close to the current flow. In this picture, taken in the same clear run shown above, the large rocks adjacent to the bank imply good ledges located in deeper water confirmed by a dark tinge not caused by shade.

new fly guy

Pool

Anglers love fishing pools. Current slows in a pool; making it easier to achieve a drag free drift without excessive mending. All pools contain three distinct zones - head, middle and tail. Many times, one side of the pool is shallow and the other deep. Eliminate the shallow side, plainly seen in this picture, to focus on the main current (red line). At the head of the pool, there is usually a “shelf” created by the gouging action of the water. Trout will hold just downstream to avoid the initial turbulence; taking advantage of the pool’s depth while sticking close to the entering food. The red lines in the picture below show the transition point (shelf) at the head of the pool followed by the main current flow into the middle. In deep pools, the current almost disappears; requiring additional cues. In the next picture, it is to the right of the floating leaves. If there were current on the left, it would push the leaves downstream. In still pools, look for very subtle moving indicators, like floating bubbles or small pieces of vegetation.

Here is another example of a good bank holding position. The current flows into the cut below a large flat rock followed by a pool. 32 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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new fly guy However, some pools may be exceptionally still, like this next one. Even in a quiet pool, attempt to guess where the current lies, using cues from the head and tail to fish along the extrapolated vector.

Sometimes, changing the viewing angle reveals the flow. From the upstream perspective, it is easy to identify the edge of the current along the red lines and the likely feeding positions at the checkmarks.

new fly guy Riffles, runs and pools - each hiding trout in secret spots. Suspend the urge to throw a quick first cast based on instinct and take the time to assess the situation. Find the current. Find the slicks. Find the channels. Decode hiding spots. Only when finished, consciously decide where the first cast should land. While understanding the fundamental dynamics of current and depth will make a day on the stream more productive, this article barely scratched the surface. For better coverage of the topic, read are the ultimate experts who extend the conversation beyond the basics discussed here into what to use, how to use it and provide an understandable PhD level discussion on how to pull trout from their hiding places. For example, this article only discussed what Hughes calls a â&#x20AC;&#x153;classic pool.â&#x20AC;? He decomposes pools even farther into bend, cliff, ledge rock, plunge and eddy pools while providing a recommended approach to dealing with each situation. Like the look of the water shown in these pictures? Most were taken on the West Fork of the Pigeon, Davidson and Oconaluftee Rivers in North Carolina. For exceptional coverage of fishing opportunities near the Great Smoky Mountains, pick up a copy of The Ultimate Fly Fishing Guide to the Smoky Mountains.

The tail of the pool presents a special problem. At this point, the current speeds up to push into the downstream riffle or run and concentrates the flow of food. Many times, the flow digs spots deep enough for the current at the bottom to slow within tolerance just above the transition line. 34 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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black wing olive chronicles

Catching up on my PeEmail Olive k. nynne

rom a canine prospective, you bipods are often pretty amusing. In my lifetime your entire culture has become insanely dependent on communication through email and texting. Those of us in the more highly evolved world of the dogs (and deer) enjoyed high tech communication long before Al Gore invented the Internet. In your world, a currently favorite catch term is “email.” In my canine world, the pseudo-technical term for what is pretty much the same messaging system, is “P-mail.” Most humans don’t give two squirts to this urine-based messaging/ communications system, but for dogs and a lot of other long-snouted creatures, it is an efficient way for letting other members of the canine world know where you’ve been, and just how receptive you might be to romantic overtures. It’s so intergraded into our lives, well to be honest about it, we’d rarely give any other messaging system any serious thought. The Kirk Compound sets on a corner lot fronted by intersecting streets frequented by people who walk dogs, and dogs who walk people. The frontage along these streets is where I send and receive a steady flow of P-mail. Lack of discriminating olfactory receptors prevents bipods from deciphering P-mail messages, although some less evolved homo-sapiens such as Daddy Boy, occasionally leave P-mail messages along the perimeter of the compound on dark,

moonless nights. This I have witnessed on more than a few occasions. Frankly, I am quite content with my current P-mail set-up, although a few weeks back when cold weather set in, Daddy Boy interfered with the very fabric of the system. As I am sure you are aware, in Daddy Boy’s world, life and all that is associated with it revolves around whatever might be ricocheting about in his skull at any particular moment in time. Daddy Boy has long labored under the delusion that he is the center of the

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Universe. I see it for what it is, but other members of his species, and I might add, especially Mommy Girl, find this dysfunctional approach to life to be quite maddening. Our custom is that the first thing every morning, Daddy Boy takes me to the front yard for the stated purpose of me relieving myself. Clad in his pajamas, which usually are little more than a scant loin cloth, it is his general custom to allow me to check the perimeter of the compound while be displays his patent “blank stare into nowhere” look. Of course, this is when I check my P-mail and once this is complete, I answer those P-mails that interest me. As often as not I make a blog entry, but only after my P-mail has been taken care of. It’s a system Daddy Boy and I have had since I was a pup. Heedless of where the mercury is on the thermometer, or if it is raining or not, Daddy Boy lets me into the yard while he strikes a lifelike pose on the porch. Just before Christmas, unseasonably cold weather struck the Heart of Dixie. Blessed with a pretty decent coat of fur, I hardly noticed. Conversely, standing there in his pajama, Daddy Boy shook and shivered like a poodle passing a peach pit. Before I could as much as check a single P-mail, he was yelling at me to hurry up and pee. Cold temperatures persisted for almost a week, during which time Daddy

Boy ignored Mommy Girl’s suggestion that he wear more clothing to help prevent him from getting so cold. You see, Daddy Boy was of the opinion that he was properly attired. It was the weather that was screwed up, not him. During the cold snap my street side P-mail went unanswered. After six days I was compelled to act. My solution was to set up a new P-mail account. The logic place for this was behind Daddy Boy’s desk. Hardily as convenient as my street side P-mail account, at least the new account sent out my usual P-mails, plus a couple of P-mail “blasts” and I even a make a couple of necessary blog entries. Well, I suppose that it goes without saying that my new P-mail account caused quite a stink at the compound which I find hilarious in the fact it was completely avoidable had Daddy Boy thought out his “hurry up” edicts prior to making them. On the other hand, it gave the old geezer great opportunities to verbally vent his spleen which as best I can tell from the resulting outflow of profanity, must have been on the brink of rupturing. The long and short of it is that the resulting compromise brokered by Mommy Girl restored my street side P-mail privileges. Of course this was after Mommy Girl painstakingly explained the meaning of the word “compromise” to Daddy Boy. Properly enlightened, he was able to make the connection between the street side P-mail account, and one established in front of his desk. It is with a certain degree of satisfaction to know he finally got the message.

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fishhunter adventures in cuisine

Chicken Noodle Skillet by Craig Haney

fishhunter adventures in cuisine Ingredients 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½ inch chunks ½ cup sliced mushrooms, fresh or canned 1 cup broccoli, cut up 1 cup carrots, cut into ¼-½ inch pieces 2 cup uncooked egg noodles 2 cups chicken broth 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup ½ teaspoon onion powder Salt and pepper to taste PREPARATION 1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. 2. Cook the chicken chunks 6 or 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned. 3. Stir in remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, lower heat to low, cover and simmer 8-10 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer 5 more minutes or until noodles are tender. Serves 4

hen my fishing buddies and I head to the mountains for a trout trip, we are looking forward to good fishing, good fellowship and good food. The fishing is always good, even if the catching isn’t, and the fellowship takes care of itself. Over the years, we have settled into who plans the menu, who cooks and who washes dishes. I guess it has worked pretty well as we all seem to leave camp or cabin well fed and happy.

Chicken Noodle Dinner meets our criteria for a good meal: easy to fix and tasty!

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from Stackpole Books

fly of the month

Little Blue Quill

Roger Lowe

ne of the first major hatches in mid-February is the little Blue Quill Mayfly. These hatch just a few weeks after the larger quill gordons in most eastern streams. The blue quill are sizes #14-#16#18 and can hatch in great numbers at a time when trout are just beginning to look to the surface after a cold hard winter. This hatch may linger for a week at its peak from the southern Appalachians all the way to the Catskills in late April. These hatches may be strongest on rainy or cold snowy days. They hatch midafternoon at the lower part of the pools or what we call tailouts.

“From the old Yallarhammar to modern classics like the Tennessee Wulff, Don has covered it all in his book Hatches and Fly Patterns of the Great Smoky Mountains. This is a must read for every Southern fly fisherman.” —Kevin Howell, Davidson River Outfitters

Tying recipe: Hook- Mustad94840 Thread- 8/0 gray uni thread Wing- gray Mallard Tail- blue dun hackles fibers Body- stripped peacock here Hackle- blue dun

$24.95 Paperback 256 pages 200 color photos 978-0-8117-1117-3 This book and other Stackpole fishing titles are available Available Now! $25 (includes shipping) from booksellers and fly shops nationwide.

Use Paypal or email Don@southerntrout STACKPOLE BOOKS 800-732-3669 • www.stackpolebooks.com • Follow us on: for paying by mail Some of the largest hatches of blue quills i have seen have been on the Davidson River and the east and west fork of the Pigeon River. It’s a beautiful mayfly, and you will enjoy tying and fishing this fly. 44 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

CLICK HERE TO PAY WITH PAYPAL www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 45

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loose loops and wind knots

The Last Cast

very February, I invite some fishing friends to the house to try a new chili or camp stew recipe and share fishing adventures from the last year. Usually five or six friends show up and we have a good time eating and sharing stories. It is a nice break during cold weather to focus on fishing rather than worrying about the next ice storm, a new set of tires for the truck or is your daughter really serious about the grad student with a tattoo of a coiled rattlesnake on his neck. The usual crew showed up this year, devoured the chili and cornbread, and ate all the lemon icebox pie except for a handful

of crumbs. I seldom get a compliment about the food, but there is rarely any left, so I guess the best compliment is the empty dishes. Then, with bellies full, we moved to the den where Bill started the conversation with a recap of his trip to Montana last September where he caught some large cutthroat. Wallace followed with pictures of some big largemouth bass he had caught at his brother-inlaw’s lake an hours’ drive away. Dudley told of his trip to the west coast of Florida where he fished with some success for snook holding tight in the mangroves. Greg shared his trip to visit his son in Utah and the great time he

had catching fish on a couple of unknown small streams. JW was next in line to share a story but had a sheepish grin on his face and, at the same time, a guilty look. Squirming in the overstuffed chair, JW hemmed and hawed about telling a story. “There is a pretty good story, but I probably shouldn’t tell it,” he explained. “Did you get caught without a fishing license or on posted land?” I asked. JW didn’t deny either question, but seemed to flinch a little as I asked. The other guys started in on him then, begged, cajoled and threatened him to tell the story.

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With an audible sigh of resignation, JW seemed to slump in the chair and started to tell the tale. “Through some folks I know in North Carolina, I had been hearing stories of a stream going through some private land that harbored some monster trout. A couple of folks that had access to the stream had tacked up pictures of some huge trout at the hardware store in the nearest town, but they didn’t name the creek,” JW continued. “You guys know I have never caught a large trout in the mountains except that fourteen-incher I caught on Deep Creek near the Bryson Place.”

few trout in the eight to twelve inch range. The trophy fish that I hoped would have moved downstream had not appeared. Later, when I reached the private water, I ignored the posted sign, I’m ashamed to say, as I let the dream of monster trout dominate my common sense”, he admitted.

“The stream made a sharp right hand bend with a small rock bluff on the left. Deciding to change fly patterns, I quickly tied a size 16 Yellow Palmer to my 5X tippet. I quietly worked my way upstream and around the bend where I was surprised by the sight of two young ladies sunbathing on “Thoughts of huge trout haunted a large flat rock that jutted into me until I decided to find out the stream. They were lying face more about the unknown creek down on the rock with their faces and the monsters that lived there. looking away from me,” JW said. Finally, last September I headed “I guess I was punchy from the up there on a mission to catch long drive and the fishing I had and photograph a monster trout. done so far because I thought I couldn’t tell y’all about it ‘cause it would be funny to cast my fly it was sorta sketchy what I was line over their backs to surprise doing”, JW said with the look of a them.” kid who got caught with a hand in the candy jar. “I started planning “Quickly cutting off my fly, I my trophy hunt for Moby trout.” made a 35-40 foot cast and the wet fly line landed across the “I got a topo map and found small of their tanned backs. The a place to enter the stream girls immediately jumped up downstream of the trophy private screaming as if a water moccasin stretch. I left at midnight on had landed on their backs. I didn’t a Friday night and got there realize it before I cast but both about daylight ready for a girls had untied the top of their day of stealthy fishing for The bathing suits,, and there was Big One. Tying on a size 16 a lot of shaking and bouncing parachute Adams, I entered going on as they took off for the the stream and started fishing. cabin. Immediately, two men ran The morning passed as I fished out of the cabin to see what the my way upstream catching a screaming and yelling was about.

I did a 360 degree turn in the water and started running as fast as you can in thigh deep water downstream toward the opposite bank,” JW continued. “I got out of the water downstream and ran through the woods hoping I would get to my car before the two men caught up to me. Surprisingly, I came out on the road within sight of where I had earlier parked. The two men evidently decided not to pursue me very far, probably because I looked like a fool running through the woods with my fly rod in hand. Quickly unlocking my vehicle, I got in, started the engine and took off down the road,” JW said with a sigh of relief. He went on to say he drove for two hours before he stopped for gas and then realized there was a price paid for his trespassing and practical joke. The tip of his eight foot four weight rod had broken during his run the woods and hung by a few shards of graphite to the rest of the rod, and his shirt was torn in several places. “I really learned my lesson that day,” he said rather contritely which was totally unlike him. “So what was the lesson you learned, JW?” Greg asked. He thought for a minute, then responded, “Be careful what you cast for, you just might get it.”

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the bug man

he little yellow sallies are a “femme fatale,” a sneaky temptress that whispers sweet come-hither melodies to trout from riparian lined rock ledges as they emerge during the height of spring. One may wonder why I metaphorically associate the Chloroperlidae with a seductive, mysterious woman. Truth be told, these little yellow and slightly green stoneflies slip right under the nose of most anglers, but they almost never escape the focus and watchful eye of high country trout who are memorized by their succulent taste. Matching the emergence of Chloroperlidae stoneflies certainly does not register with most conventional fly anglers south of the Mason Dixon Line. The Chloroperlidae have been glossed over by southern and mid-Atlantic fly fishermen because they found the insect to be irrelevant to their fishing interests. When trout fishing, it is important as an angler to put yourself in the mind and body of a trout. One of the first questions when you arrive on a trout stream should be, “What is a trout most likely to encounter as a food item today?” Most trout see a large diversity of aquatic insects and would be food items on a daily basis, but in order to really know what insects are bioavailable to trout as food, you have to sample the benthos (stream bedrock). During my sampling of small, headwater trout streams in the spring, I have been amazed to find many Chloroperlidae stoneflies in my kick net samples.

the bug man

The Little Yellow Sallies: Chloroperlidae

Hence, I believe that Chloroperlidae stoneflies are more relevant to angling than most fly fishermen are willing to admit. From my sampling experience, I see no reason that an angler should fail to carry Chloroperlidae stonefly imitations while fishing high country trout streams. I am confident that this unwillingness to imitate Chloroperlidae is due to a lack understanding of the basic biology and ecology of the insect. Simple biological observations regarding the insect’s morphology, coloration, habitat, development, and emergence can easily aid an astute angler in catching more fish and can open the eyes of a casual observer to a curious world unfamiliar to those who are not trout.

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the bug man Classification, Coloration, Morphology, and Habitat of Chloroperlidae The Chloroperlidae, or the little yellow sallies, are a family of primitive stoneflies in the order Plecoptera. They are closely related to the Perlodidae (springflies and little golden stoneflies) and Perlidae (golden stoneflies), but the adults are separated morphologically from the latter two given that they have fewer than five anal veins on their hind wings. This reduced anal venation on the hind wings of Chloroperlidae appears basic relative to the complex anal venation on the hind wings of the Perlodidae and the Perlidae. Chloroperlidae adults are usually yellow or light green in coloration although a few western North American species can be darker. The adults also have clear, teardrop shaped wings that extend well beyond the tip of the abdomen and typically average 12-14mm in total length.

When tying flies to imitate the adult Chloroperlidae, I generally use light yellow ringneck pheasant feathers for the cerci, yellow danville 6/0 thread for the abdomen and thorax, off white goose or duck quill feathers for the wing, 4-5 turns of golden or yellow hackle tied in front of the wing (to ensure that the fly floats), and a size 18 dry fly hook. Often, I have found that the antennae and cerci of Chloroperlidae darken as they extend outward from the body. Therefore, you can take a magic marker and darken the tips and mid points of the antennae and cerci if you like.

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the bug man Also known to entomologists as Sallflies, the nymphs of Chloroperlidae average 10-12mm in length, are slender and light yellowish-tan in coloration with short, thick cerci (tails), and lack gills. The nymphs of Chloroperlidae are distinct when compared to their close relatives. Neither the Perlodidae or the Perlidae possess such short and prominent cerci and the lack of gills allows one to easily separate it from the Perlidae whose branched gills are incredibly difficult to miss given their size and density. To imitate the nymph with an artificial fly, I use light yellow ringneck pheasant feathers for the cerci, hopper yellow UTC 70 deiner waxed thread for the abdomen and thorax, light yellow mallard flank for the legs, a yellowish-orange turkey feather to imitate the insect’s developed wing pads, and a size 18 nymph hook. In addition to these materials and before tying in the wing pad and legs of the fly, I apply clear cure goo hydro to the abdomen and thorax to give the fly a shiny, glossy appearance to best imitate the insect’s exoskeleton.

Chloroperlidae are known to be especially abundant in small, high country freestone trout streams. Even some small springheads emerging from granite outcroppings are known to contain populations of little yellow sallies. In “American Stoneflies: A Photographic Guide to the Plecoptera”, Mississippi College stonefly expert Bill Stark notes that Chloroperlidae nymphs burrow deep into sand and gravel substrata, while adults are readily found on streamside vegetation. However, during my sampling, I have found larger, more developed single nymphs on individual substrata resting 6-10in. off the benthos (stream bottom). Perhaps the reason for this finding can be explained by insect’s nutritional needs. Most Chloroperlidae are predator www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 55

the bug man engulfers who consume midge larvae and pupae and even some early instar mayfly and stonefly nymphs. The isolation of single Chloroperlidae nymphs on individual substrata may provide testament to the insect’s predacious voracity having consumed most palatable prey within its immediate microhabitat. I am not completely confident that Chloroperlidae nymphs are, in fact, territorial, benthic drift within the but after collecting and family Chloroperlidae is observing nymphs on impressive. What is even individual substrata that more interesting is that rests well above the stream Schwiebert noted that most bottom, I have come Chloroperlidae benthic to the conclusion that drift is concentrated in Chloroperlidae nymphs are the in the current stratum more bioavailable to trout approximately 10cm from than most entomologists the benthos. This finding regions throughout and fly anglers think. is right on par with my own North America and One other explanation for observations of nymphs are followed by the this finding can be found being collected outside of genus Sweltsa which in Ernie Schwiebert’s microhabitats where most houses 27 currently “Nymph’s Volume II”. entomologists claim them recognized Nearctic Schwiebert claims that to be most common. species. The genus nymphal drifting in the There are three Haploperla contains Chloroperlidae has been genera of Chloroperlidae 3 species found severely underestimated that are of importance in eastern North and that his own sampling to mid-Atlantic and America, but are with hand screens, drift southeastern fly fishermen. relatively uncommon traps, and Surber samplers The Alloperla are by far compared to the produced results that the most common with 29 more common genera suggest that the rate of species in mountainous Alloperla and Sweltsa. 56 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

the bug man Chloroperlidae Development, Emergence, and Fly Fishing Technique Chloroperlidae begin to emerge from mid-Atlantic and southeastern high country trout streams during mid-April can last until mid-June with the bulk of the emergence coming during the beginning of May. Chloroperlidae are univoltine, hemimetabolous insects, and therefore have one generation a year and an incomplete life history consisting of an egg, nymph, and adult stage. If you are unsure as whether or not Chloroperlidae are emerging on your home water, you can check riparian vegetation for the adults or lift up rocks near the edge of the stream to check for fully developed nymphs. Once the mature nymphs develop full wing pads, they migrate to the stream’s riparian zone to emerge. Here, anglers should target trout with nymphal imitations that are weighted with one or two split shot. I have noticed in the lab that Chloroperlidae nymphs are excellent swimmers that twitch their long, skinny abdomens from side to side to generate a surprising amount of momentum to swim in artificial stream tanks. I assume that they swim just as efficiently in the wild as they do in captivity. Thus, while fishing a Chloroperlidae nymphal imitation, I incorporate a slight twitch into my presentation to imitate this swimming motion. Anglers can also target fish feeding on newly emerged adults and emerging adults along the sides of rock faces and rock cervices with the dry fly. Chloroperlidae are moderate fliers so many of the newly emerged nymphs often get knocked into riffles and runs by the wind and make for easy pickings by trout. Trout can often be selective on little yellow sallies adults and identifying the insect constitutes the majority of the battle. If the fly is tied and chosen correctly as a function of the trout’s timely selectivity, the angler should have no problem catching fish if he presents his fly in a stream habitat where the adult Chloroperlidae is likely to be found. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 57

the bug man

I have not found the egg laying female adults of Chloroperlidae to be of much importance to the fly angler. Although the fly fishing literature also agrees with this statement, there may be egg laying events of local importance scattered across the entire east coast.

Concluding Remarks

the bug man

Matt Green is a graduate of North Carolina State University. His past research with aquatic insects has led him to pursue fly fishing opportunities across the entire east coast. Having developed a love affair with mayflies, he has become a connoisseur of great eastern emergences particularly on spring creeks and tailwater rivers.

The fly fishers of anglingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past failed to acknowledge the role of Chloroperlidae stoneflies in the springtime diets of trout. This set back, however, should not act as a detractor for not catching fish, but rather should signify a change in fly fishing methodology. Instead of carrying a few, general insect imitations for fooling fish, an angler should carry small quantities of many insect imitations that are pertinent to a particular season. It is important as a fly fisherman to carry a wide variety of fly imitations that mirror the diversity of aquatic insects that trout are likely to encounter during a particular time period. Hence, the angler should not bias his selection of insect imitations to fish with if he does not fully understand their relevance to trout. Rather, he should seek the knowledge of these insects to better his fishing experience to seek greater cooperation from the trout.

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The Watauga River: Dixie’s Best Kept Secret

Join Us For The 5th Annual

Limited to 50 Teams

Guided & NonGuided Competitions

April 30 - May 2, 2015 for Men & Women of All Skill Levels More than 2,200 Miles of Public Water Available to Fish During the Tournament Teams will fish one native, one hatchery supported and one delayed-harvest stream

Just $500 Per 2-Person Team Early-Bird Registration just $450 if received by March 1

This fun weekend for the whole family includes Lunch Both Days, Opening Night Reception, Closing Night Winners’ Dinner With Food, Prizes and a Fishing Goody Bag

Charter Sponsors:

Funding for the Three River Tournament is due in part to an Advertising Partnership with the Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center. Entry Fees Payable to the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund are 100% Tax-Deductible www.HighlandsThreeRiver.com or 828-526-8673

36 | Southern Trout | August 2014 | www.southerntrout.com

www.southerntrout.com | May 2014 | Southern Trout | 37

new product review

Cheeky Boost Fly Reel Series H

aving been treated off and on over the years for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), I regard myself as being somewhat knowledgeable about “being obsessed” with this or that. In the case of Cheeky Fly Fishing, at this northeastern fly tackle maker’s headquarters, their collective obsession is perfecting fly reels. Personally, I judge it to be a noble quest. Last fall I had the good fortune of “field testing” one of Cheeky’s new model 325 Boose fly reels. It was a classic case of love at first sight. To say the Boost 325 was as a smooth as a Cohiba Behike might be an overstatement, but then at the asking price of $209 the fly reel costs half as much as one of these vaunted smoke sticks, and you still have the reel to enjoy again the next morning. That cannot be said about that particular Cuban import. The new Cheeky Boost reel series are available in 3 models: 325, 350 and 400 that range from sizes 2 to 8. They are priced at $209 to $229, with spare, quick change spools costing under $90. Measuring 3.25” in diameter, the Boost 325 is ideally suited to any small water fly fishing. Cheeky’s Boost series fly are 100 percent machined from highest rated, anodized aerospace grade aluminum stock. Light and compact, this fly reel is an east to pack for a highland hike to headwater streams, yet built to handle the big trout found in southern tailwater rivers. Incredibly strong, the Boost 325 feathers onto the scales at touch over four ounces, which is roughly the same as a combined weight of a Rolex watch and a yet to be smoked Cohiba Behike. Feeling it under the tips of your finger is an almost erotic sensation. Oh yeah, did I mention it has that unmistakable distinctive Cheeky look?

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new product review Cosmetics and feel aside, the heart of the Boost 325 is Cheeky’s carbon fiber stacked disk drag system that gives the fly reel unsurpassed strength-toweight ratio. All of the Boost series of fly reels feature Cheeky's "MAX arbor" for speedy line retrieval rates that according to my slide rules is over a foot of line per revolution. The Massachusetts company’s MAX Arbor for high retrieval rates (the 400 retrieves 12.5 inches of line per revolution). The one-two punch of this efficient bantamweight is more a little impressive.

At Cheeky, it evident that they are obsessed with two things: fishing and producing the highest performing reels on the market. That’s why the staff there spent 15 months testing and developing the Cheeky Boost Series, a new line of reels from Cheeky that will redefine your quiver and your wallet. With the Boost Series, you get the unparalleled performance you’ve come to expect from Cheeky Reels, with a price tag that won’t break the bank. As with all Cheeky fly reels, the Boost 325 is simple to convert from left to right retrieve, has stealth silent According to Cheeky Fly on the retrieve, and comes Fishing’s owner, Ted Upton, with a stash reel cash a the Boost series of fly lifetime warranty. reels is the result of over a year of development and testing. Upton adds "The Boost Reel Series is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work here at Cheeky. We wanted to design a reel with that distinct Cheeky style and performance, but at a more approachable price point for our customers.”

new product review “At Cheeky Fly Fishing, we have a three-pillar mission we live by each day: to manufacture the highest performing reels on the market, to infuse energy and style into the sport and to provide customer service unparalleled in the industry,” says Grant White, Business Manager at Cheeky Fly Fishing. “Our design philosophy, and everything we do, spawns from this mission.” Unlike many high quality fly reels costing $400 to $600 that clumsy people like me are afraid to venture to rocky waters with, the Boost 325 is a sporty little workhorse that is not only pleasing to the eye and senses, but performs like a welterweight champ. For more product information, go to Cheekyflyfishing.com

Ken Moody Hunting Enterprises presents...

May 15-17, 2015 Gatlinburg Convention Center Gatlinburg, Tennessee Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Travel, Outdoor Adventures

Why Should You Attend the Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Expo? In addition to attending a great outdoors show where you’ll meet and speak with some of the nations top outdoor exhibitors showcasing such goods and services as; big game hunting, sport fishing, camping, hiking, white water rafting, archery and firearms equipment, etc., you’ll also find yourself in the heart of one of the country’s top vacation spots. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains offer the entire family a complete vacation destination. Whether you’re into fly fishing, hiking, nature watching or just fine eating and shopping, the Smokies has what you’re looking for. Come to our trade show and also enjoy all that the surrounding area has to offer. Look forward to seeing you there!

• All attendees may register for a free hunt giveaway! • Over 100 vendors – big game hunts, wood carvings, outdoor products, etc. • Byron Ferguson – World’s Greatest Archer – Daily exhibitions! • Daily seminars by Don Kirk, Brenda Valentine, John Sloan, and others. • 3D Archery Pop-Up Tournament provided by the good people at Bow Life®. • Special “Show Rates” for all attendees at the Edgewater Hotel.

We’ll See You There!

Visit our website www.greatsmokymountainsoutdoorexpo.com or call 800-585-4868 to learn more.

featured artist

Derek DeYoung

ontemporary fish artist and fly fishing enthusiast, Derek DeYoung, has the touch of magic when it comes to committing trout to canvas. He and his wife Janell live in Livingston, Montana, which has some of the best fly fishing and trout fishing spots in North America. Derekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhilarating fishing art is a montage of his adventures and experiences in Montana, Alaska, and the Florida Keys. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a passion that he appears to have been born to pursue.

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”I remember as a young child, how exciting drawing was for me,” says Derek. “I was the youngest child in a family of three boys, and art quickly became what I was known for. In the fifth grade, I entered a youth wild life art competition with a painting of a large mouth bass with a frog hanging out of his mouth. I was awarded second place, and the man who announced the winners offered to buy my painting right there on stage. I was hooked! I’ve been painting fish ever since, and though I wasn’t even sure if the job existed, it was then that I decided that I wanted to be a fish artist when I grew up.” Through his childhood he was known as an artist. His family and friends always wanted to see his latest drawings. By age six, he was telling everyone that someday he would be a famous artist. Raised on the shores of a small bayou off the Grand River in west Michigan, Derek fished constantly. Being a good fisherman was pretty important in his family. When I got my sketch pads out, he couldn’t help but draw the fish that he imagined were living deep under the thick mats of weeds out in front of his home.

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featured artist

“I love to paint fish, of course, but much of my art takes place in my sketch books rather than on canvas,” explains Derek. “I enjoy drawing people and their expressions. I love making up characters and then passing the sketch around to my friends to see what they think the story behind the character is; it’s usually a pretty hilarious game.”

Derek’s most successful series of painting is his “Fish Face” series. It was his first painting series that really put his art on the map, and it continues to be quite popular. These days he’s doing a lot more underwater scenes, which he really enjoys. Regardless of how Derek portrays fish, he likes bringing a new spin to things. Quite prolific, he averages painting around 35 finished works per year. Some are custom commissioned paintings, and some are based upon whatever slant on fish art Derek finds most interesting at the time.

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“I take on about one commission painting per month,” says Derek. “Customers call me to discuss their ideas and what paintings they really like that I’ve previously done. From the notes I take from our conversation, I do some sketches. The client looks the sketches over and we decide exactly what direction to take the project in. Then after one final sketch and a day of building, stretching, and going their canvas, I go ahead and paint the scene. It’s really a fun process helping bring my clients’ fly-fishing visions to life.”

“To paint a photo of a trout is straight forward enough, but to compose a scene, come up with the lighting, color palette, and every other small nuance of a painting, that takes a lot of knowledge,” continues Derek. “I’m always researching, trying to figure out how to draw things better, how to present fish in new, unusual ways. These aspects of painting can be difficult, and really take a lifetime to master.” 72 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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featured artist

Derek believes that good art takes dedication. It’s not always fun; sometimes it’s work. An artist must practice. Only with this level of dedication is one able to create something worthwhile. Just like the old saying, “it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey,” To Derek, art is not about the finished painting but the process of researching, sketching, spending days on the water, taking reference photos, making mental notes on the subtle colors of a fish. He commits himself this way. “Even though art runs deep in my veins, it takes more than that to become a successful artist,” shares Derek. “My wife Janell, whom I met in art school, has been there every step of the way. At the end of a long work week, she would get up early on Saturday and Sunday, to help me set up at my art fairs. My dad and mom gave me the support and love to help me believe in myself, which was extremely important during those lean years of building my art career. My father in-law John had a painting on order one after another, to help keep us going during our first year out of art school. Our great family friend Rick took us under his wing and taught us the right way to run a business. To this day he is the guy we go to when we have a tough business question. All these people, and many more, are my support system and have done so much to allow me to follow my dream to be an artist.” “When I was six years old, I talked my dad into letting me do a painting with his old artist oils I found in an old tackle box behind the furnace. We set up in the basement one evening, and, to get the paint out of the tubes, we had to cut the bottoms with scissors, because the caps were dried on over the last fifteen years of disuse. The subject of my painting was a sunset over Lake Michigan with a seagull in the sky, and it was the first of many oil paintings I’ve done since. I chose to use oil paint, because it was the most popular choice of the masters, and I figure why fix it if it ‘ain’t broken’. I love how rich oil colors are, and how they stay workable for an hour or so after I apply them to the canvas,” concludes Derek. Derek’s images of fish invoke the imagination. His works is available at his gallery in Livingston, Montana, and also at his website: www.derekdeyoung.com.

southern spirits

Limestone Branch distillery

hat do you get when you marry up the most famous name in distilling in the Bluegrass State with the most famous name in snack foods in the Volunteer State? If you guessed Moonpie Moonshine, then you are definitely a Southern Trout magazine reader. A product of Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, hooking up seems pretty natural if you ponder it for a second or two.

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southern spirits “Before Prohibition until the 1960’s, many Beams were involved in distilling,” notes Steve. “I was inspired by my grandfather who was a Master Distiller. My father often told me about his involvement in building distilleries, making his yeast. There was a booklet from one of the distilleries that gives a glowing biography of him. As I researched the family and realized our generation would be the first generation not to have had a Master Distiller since 1795, I couldn’t drop the ball. My father, who had worked at distilleries when he was younger, has become our Honorary Master distiller here at Limestone Branch.” When most people think about Kentucky, their thoughts often are about

the bourbon for which the state is world famous. However, Kentucky has a long tradition as a moonshine making center. The remoteness of certain areas of Kentucky had always provided sanctuary for moonshiners. However, it was Prohibition that really fueled the making of moonshine here. With Prohibition, suddenly a major source of employment became illegal, and other jobs fell like dominos, taverns, coopers, farmers, merchants, everyone was devastated. There were very few ways to make a living, so people turned to what they knew best, making liquor. As it turned out, the demand for whiskey was not erased by the new federal law.

“Almost everyone I know had a family member who either made or helped distribute moonshine, or was on the other side pursuing them... that was basically the only jobs available,” says Steve. “In my family my grandfather Beam, the master distiller, moved to Canada to work for Seagram’s; His uncle and a cousin moved to Mexico. On my mother’s side my grandfather was the Nelson County sheriff.”

Steve Beam

Limestone Branch Distillery is the brainchild of Steve Beam. If Steve’s last name triggers fond thoughts, again, you are definitely a Southern Trout Magazine reader. He is the driving force behind the founding of your distillery. “I grew up around family memorabilia, old photos and recipes as well as the old distillery sites,” says Steve. “Of course with a last name of Beam there were always inquiries as to if I was related to ‘The Beams’. As I researched and became aware of our family’s pre-prohibition heritage, I felt that there was an unfinished chapter in our family’s history. I became determined to return our branch back to the business of distilling. 78 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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southern spirits

Limestone Branch Distillery Building

Steve says that the mission statement of the Limestone Branch Distillery is to salute his family’s heritage of making the finest bourbon possible using traditional methods and recipes handed down for generations, and to build on this legacy by experimenting and creating new and exciting whiskies and spirits. As with the Beam family, Lebanon has a rich history in the distilling history of Kentucky. It sits on a limestone shelf that makes it the ideal source of the perfect water for making whiskey. The local farms are able to grow all of the corn and wheat used there. In fact, their heirloom white corn is grown less than one mile away from the distillery. The climate, with hot summers and cold winters, is perfect for aging bourbon. We are also in the geographic center of the state with close proximity to other distilleries on the Bourbon Trail and Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.

So, how did the relationship with Limestone Branch Distillery and Moonpie come about? Chattanooga Bakery who makes MoonPie was looking for someone to make a spirit. Steve was introduced to them by a mutual friend. Once they met everyone realized they had similar stories in different industries.

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“Our very first product was “The Campbell’s were fifth-generation bakers, and T.J. Pottinger Corn Whiskey,” a small, family-owned company. We are seventhgeneration distillers and, again, a small, family-owned continues Steve. “It took a company,” explains Steve. “We had a similar vision for Gold Medal and Best of Class the product. We worked on the moonshine to develop in the 2011 American Distilling Institute judging. We followed just the right flavor profile, and the rest is history. that with our Sugar*Shine Moonshines are our signature product. We have moonshine. We have been always considered ourselves a bourbon distillery, so hopefully, as we come online with our bourbon offerings, making Bourbon from the beginning as well, but it is still we will become known for that. We recently worked resting. We should begin to a deal to bring an old family brand of bourbon back, Yellowstone Bourbon, which we will begin making this have bourbon on the market spring. We have seasonal offerings, like our Pumpkin within 6-8 months. I have a Pie Moonshinewhich, which is very popular thoughout couple of barrels that are very the Fall, and Passion Fruit Moonshine in the summer. close to being matured, as Passion Fruit grows wild on our site, so we decided to soon as they tell me they are ready we’ll bottle them.” make a Passion Fruit Moonshine.” www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 81

southern spirits

southern spirits A small family distillery, Steve and Limestone Branch have a keen personal interest in protecting the environment. The distillery uses recirculating geothermal cooling for its condensing water, and they participate in the local recycling program. The goal is to be good stewards of their property, which includes a 2½-acre lake. Free tours and tastings are available at Limestone Branch Distillery (Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm, with tours begining at the top of the hour). Their MoonPie Moonshine brand is available in seven states, while their Sugar*Shine is available in five states as well as the UK and Sweden. For more info visit www.limestonebranch.com. “I really enjoy meeting people who visit our distillery,” says Steve “The people I meet at tastings and other events really enjoy our products. It is always an honor to me that someone has taken time to seek us out, and that is very gratifying.”

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southern trout fishing history

Dave Whitlock Renaissance Man of the Ozarks DON KIRK

here is no long living south of the MasonDixon Line who even comes close to the fly fishing accomplishments or contributions to trout resources than Dave Whitlock. The list of the things he has mastered include fly tying/pattern creation, writing, trout conservation, and teaching of fly fishing and several facets of art. Whitlock is the quintessential “Reniassance” man of the 21st century. As with Leonardo Da Vinci, Whitlock’s talents and mastery of so much makes it difficult to know where to start in sharing his story. Since everyone knows about this legendary Ozark original, I suppose the best place is to start in the beginning.

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Tahlequah which is in While it is wellthe Ozark Mountains of known that Whitlock grew north-eastern Oklahoma. up fishing the rivers and There the topography is lakes of the Ozarks, many almost identical to that of are unaware that he spent the Arkansas Ozarks near much of this childhood Mountain Home where he living in Gatlinburg, lived for many years with Tennessee. Bisected by the fabulous White River. the West Prong of the The entire area Little Pigeon River, prior surrounding their home is to World War II he lived in crisscrossed with beautiful what has become one of little spring creeks and the most popular vacation destinations in the country. cool water rivers. In fact there are three smallmouth Gatlinburg was home for streams within 20 minutes Whitlock while his father was one of the men helping of the Whitlock home. A large lake–Tenkiller–is to build nearby Cherokee Dam on the Holston River. nearby and the Illinois River flows from it as a cold, Whitlock refers to trout stream. Big striped himself as an Oklahoma bass enter the Illinois from native, and he attended the Arkansas River and college in Tahlequah, provide another wonderful Ok. He knows and loves fishing opportunity. Lots of this countryside very other waters and a wide well. In 2005 he and his variety of fish are within wife, Emily, moved to www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 85

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and nursery devise. He easy driving distance, so speak and instruct at worked for seven years obviously, this isn’t the typical events across the country researching and developing terrain that most folks think and occasionally take this system and then of as Oklahoma. It’s a fitting groups to fly-fishing wrote and illustrated an nesting spot for the Whitlocks. destinations around the Emily was born in northern world. Writing, photography instructional text, the FFF Whitlock-Vibert Arkansas, and these lush, and fly design are yearBox Handbook. Dave is rolling hills and low mountains round projects that go well currently in the process of feel, as she says, just like with his work with stream home to her. owners to redesign streams creating an entirely new Whitlock resigned instructional DVD. Today, to improve fish and wildlife his position as a research under the sponsorship of the habitat, stream stability Federation of Fly Fishers, chemist, more than 40 years and the natural beauty. ago to pool his talents in this Whitlock-Vibert Box Many regard his Whitlockpainting, illustrating, writing, Vibert (WV) Box System program is used throughout photography, fly fishing, has one his of Dave’s most the world for introduction or fly tying and lecturing. His enhancement of wild trout, notable contributions to choice to embark on a wild trout management and char and salmon stocks. The WV Box was used to new career as a full-time preservation. professional in the art of fly stock what became the The Whitlock-Vibert world record brown trout of fishing was a windfall for Box System is a unique angling in the South. Together, and efficient in-stream the White River system of he and Emily continue to Arkansas. salmonoid egg incubator 86 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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close look - ozarks

Also, a prolific and talented writer, Whitlock has shared his knowledge and insight into fly fishing by authoring a number of books, and a cornucopia of magazine articles. For decades his writing has appeared regularly in many fly-fishing and sport publications such as Fly Fisherman Magazine, Fly Fishing and Tying Journal, Trout Magazine and others. He’s written five books: Dave Whitlock’s Guide to Aquatic Trout Foods, the L.L. Bean Fly Fishing Handbook, the L.L. Bean Bass Fly Fishing Handbook, Imitating and Fishing Natural Fish Foods for Lefty’s Little Library and Trout – A Compact Guide for Fly Fishers. Additionally, Whitlock has also coauthored or contributed to many other books, including The Flytyer’s Almanac,

southern trout fishing history

Second Flytyer’s Almanac, Art Flick’s Master Fly Tying Guide, McClane’s Fishing Encyclopedia, Migel’s Stream Conservation Book and Masters on the Nymph, and many others. He’s illustrated over 20 books including Steve Raymond’s Year of the Angler and Year of the Trout plus President Carter’s Outdoor Journal. Dave demonstrates his fly-fishing and teaching skills in several videos and through guest appearances on televised fly-fishing programs. Being a master illustrator and highly touted artist, Whitlocks art is the most sought after in the flyfishing world. His output includes fine-art pieces that range from small,

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whimsical prints to intricate, full fly-fishing Buzeck Flytyer’s Award which is the scenes. An entire article could easily be highest honor in the fly-tying world and devoted to just his brown trout art, or his recognized his innovativeness in new flysmallmouth bass art, or his sunfish art, tying patterns and his national fly-tying or his rainbow trout art. If I knew more activities, and induction into the Catskill about art, I’d go deeper into the subject, Fly Fishing Center and Museum Hall but suffice it to say, there are three of Fame. The FFF James E. Henshall Whitlock prints hanging in my office, and Award was given for his work in warmif I had more space, there’s two more I’d water fishing and conservation, and he like to get on the wall. Right now they are received FFF’s Ambassador Award for awaiting their chance to be hung. national and international promotion of Whitlock’s experience and creative outlook to fly tying, has earned him the reputation of being one of the top professionals in the sport. His popular Dave’s Hopper is but one of the many patterns he designed or refined. He has been the recipient of many awards for his fly-fishing and flytying contributions, including induction into the National Fresh Water Hall of Fame, the Trout Hall of Fame, Max Ander’s Wild Trout Award for his work on propagation of wild trout and the Federation of Fly Fishers’ Conservation Man of the Year Award. Other honors include the Buz www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 89

close look - ozarks fly fishing and conservation. Dave is in the Arkansas Game & Fish Hall of Fame and was given the Lifetime Contribution Award from the National American Fly Tackle Trade Association. Emily is no less of a fly-fishing enigma. Born in Arkansas and raised in Colorado until she was 12, when her family returned to the South where she had learned to fish when she was seven years old during trips to her grandparents’ Arkansas farm. Along with her two brothers she found a love for the nature and the outdoors early in her life. She has degrees in botany and biology and is a conservationist in the true sense, willing to work for preservation of the natural world and the understanding of why it’s so important. Honored as Woman of the Year by the Federation of Fly Fishers Southern Council, she has also received conservation awards from the Sierra Club and Wildlife Federation.

southern trout fishing history Dave and Emily combined their talents in 1991. Emily is an accomplished flyfishing instructor and she and Dave, as a team, teach fly fishing at their Oklahoma setting and around the country. She’s passionate about getting more women into fly fishing because she feels it’s such a perfect sport for women. Plus, she teaches women’s casting at events throughout the year. She’s an excellent lecturer whose programs include fly-fishing travels to New Zealand and other great destinations; getting started right in fly fishing; natural and imitation fish foods; and streamside wildflowers. As a photographer, her work has appeared in several national publications and Dave’s books and on the cover of Fly Fisherman Magazine. Emily edits all of Dave’s work and is truly his partner in all of his writing, art and video projects.

close look - ozarks

guide profile

Frank Saska

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to use the same approach as I would expect from a guided trip—safety, put me on fish, and to learn something new.

eing a professional fly fishing guide at America’s number one fishing resort is no easy feat, but Frank Saksa if Gaston’s Resort on the White River in Arkansas made it happen. He says he was, insofar as born into a fishing family. He started fly fishing at the age of twelve, and guiding was something that he always wanted to do. “I moved from Indiana to the Twin Lakes area because of the guiding opportunities available there,” says Saska. “In 1982, I began guiding spin fishermen. At that time, there was very little demand for fly fishing guides. Soon after the movie A River Runs Through It was released, I started guiding fly fishermen. I feel an obligation to pass on what I have learned. In the thirtyplus years of guiding for trout on the White River, helping my clients to fully enjoy their time on the water is my number one priority. Everyone fishes for a different reason. So, the more I learn about my clients, the better I can help

them achieve their fishing goals.” Based out of Gaston’s resort, Saksa’s home waters are the headwaters of the White River from Bull Shoals Dam to Cotter, Arkansas. It is an eighteen mile stretch of beautiful Ozark Mountain scenery and some of the best trout fishing you can find. He also has been teaching Gaston’s Fly Fishing School for the past six years. From this

experience, he says he has learned greater patience and the confidence that he can help anyone— regardless of age or ability—to become a better all-around fly-fisherman. “I found out the expectations of my clients vary greatly depending on their experience,” explains Saksa. “From beginners who are looking for a safe, fun and comfortable experience to accomplished anglers looking for trophy fish, I try

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“I believe guided trips are more prevalent now due to time restraints and lack of fishing expertise,” expounds Saksa. “By hiring a guide, customers do not need to worry about safety or fish location. And they get an invaluable hands-on learning experience. This is especially important in tail water fisheries like the White River. The river level is constantly changing due to the release of water from Bull Shoals Dam. It takes years of experience to navigate and catch fish in these ever-changing water conditions.”

educational and productive. The one thing that is never overlooked about the Gaston experience is “comfort.” “We have comfortable chairs, handicap accessibility, numerous

facilities for restroom breaks, no biting insects, easy wading and the fact that the number of fish in our river ensures success on every trip,” says Saksa. “Regardless the weather or water conditions, having a

According to Saksa, regardless of a client’s fishing ability, he and other guides at Gaston’s are able to customize their trip and ensure a positive day on the water. Whether a beginner or avid fisherman, Gaston’s guides have the patience and knowledge to make their fishing experience www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 95

close look - ozarks fun and productive day is commonplace on the river. There are several different trip options available. We provide beverages on every trip. Food is optional. Transportation is not necessary since we leave from and return to the resort’s dock. When you call to book your trip, you will have several options. The most popular is a local day trip where as a guide there are many options

for fishing techniques depending on the water release. “We can supply fly rods and flies,” says Saska. “Gaston’s has a wellstocked fly shop with everything needed except waders. You can call Gaston’s or me for fly selections and rod preferences, which is common as most clients prefer to bring their own fly rod. We work hard to deliver what we refer as ‘The Gaston’s experience.’

We’re the only full service resort on the river. Guests here range from large corporate groups to small family vacations. Everything is available to make your stay at Gaston’s a memorable time. Just park your car or fly in. Besides great fishing, there is a restaurant, lounge, game room, hiking trails, conference center, cabins with or without kitchens, airstrip with fuel available, pool and more.

IT COSTS NO MORE T O G O F I R S T C L A S S ... America’s #1 Trout Fishing Resort is Gaston’s. Our White River float trips for lunker trout are legendary from coast to coast. We do the work. All you do is fish – in style and comfort. Then there are the extras that make “resort” our last name. First-class lodging. One of the South’s finest restaurants, featuring a spectacular view. A private club. Tennis and a pool. A nature trail. A conference lodge for your group meetings or parties. Even a private landing strip for fly-in guests.

Go to www.gastons.com to view all of your options.”

1777 River Road • Lakeview, Arkansas 72642 (870) 431-5202 • E-Mail gastons@gastons.com Lat 36 20' 55" N Long 92 33' 25" W

www.gastons.com

featured resort

close look - tennessee

illeys’ Landing Resort and Marina in Branson, Missouri, may be just the year-round spot you’re looking for to enjoy fly fishing in the restive Ozarks. Located on waterfront along Lake Taneycomo, nestled between gently sloping pasture land and the 300foot bluffs on the opposite bank, it’s hard to believe that Branson’s bustling Music Country Boulevard “strip” is just two miles away. For more than three decades, Lilleys' Landing Resort & Marina has loved outfitting anglers to fish Lake Taneycomo.

for half-day or full-day outings (two-hour trips subject to availability.) Fishing from our dock is free, and we can also arrange trips with our professional guides. Our fly and tackle shop is loaded with fly fishing flies and the material to make them, rod and reels, lures, tackle, snacks and apparel. We have everything you need to fish Lake Taneycomo. Our natural cedar log ceiling beamed fly shop carries a large selection of flies custom-tied for our fishery, plus a full line of fly fishing accessories, fly tying equipment and materials.”

A small, family-run resort, Lilleys' Landing's owner Phil LIlley says, “Winter is a favorite time to catch trout. Our marina is open to the public and offers jon, bass, grizzly and pontoon boat rentals

Lake Taneycomo is a part of the White River Chain of Lakes. The lower dam, Powersite, was built in 1908 and actually is the oldest hydro-electric dam built west of the Mississippi River. Flowing

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through the heart of Branson, Lake Taneycomo is the most diverse fishing lake in the country, sporting world-class rainbow and brown trout. The Missouri Department of Conservation stocks Lake Taneycomo with about 700,000 trout annually. Stockings occur on several days of each week and are dispersed by pontoon boats throughout the lake. In the summer months, when fishing pressure is the highest, as many as 96,000 rainbows averaging 11 inches or longer are placed in the lake. Browns are considered a "trophy trout" in Taneycomo where only brown twenty-inches or longer may be creeled per day.

A full service fishing resort, Lilley’s Landing offers an array of guided fishing trips that can include everything you need including rods, reels, boat and flies. The resort’s guides boast years of experience on Lake Taneycomo. Half-day guided trips usually start very close to sunrise in the morning. Afternoon trips start anywhere from noon to 1 p.m., depending on your schedule. On most trips, you meet your guide at the resort.

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featured resort Lodging and amenities at Lilleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing are as varied a menu as is their fishing opportunities. Choices include twobedroom units located within walking distance of the dock and lake, and a patio, charcoal grills and table and chairs outside their front door as well as tub/shower bathrooms. Lakefront three-bedroom units have large, spacious kitchens and other upsized amenities. The off-Lake and on-lake fourbedroom units are even more spacious, while the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brown House, is a beautiful, bricked fronted, four-bedroom, four-bath house with a private dock. Nearby "Lilley Pad" unit offers a large living area and spacious kitchen. It's just off the swimming pool and close to the office. It is handicap accessible. For the budget minded, the resort has off-lake units. These do not have a lake view from inside the room, but it is no more than 150 feet from the lake's edge. For more, visit www. lilleyslanding.com

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Phil Landry Memphis, TN

ne might easily conjecture that someone who grew up in Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi and then attending Ole Miss is most unlikely to have a keen interest in fly fishing for trout. However, Phil Landry did and does. He may have cut his teeth catching bass, bream, crappie, catfish and gar, at a young age he found himself drawn to the fabulous trout waters of the Ozarks.

Landry grew up on an old cotton plantation down Highway 61 South outside of Natchez. His grandfather’s land had roughly 3000 acres bordering the Mississippi River, but a neighbor’s land had better and more accessible fishing ponds. At the age of 12, Landry was allowed to drive on gravel roads to Oakland Plantation and fish there. “I had a ball out there fishing alone,” says Landry. “I tried everything. Mr. Peabody, our neighbor, saw my love of fishing and gave me a Browning fly rod that was collecting dust in his closet and a few flies and poppers. The only instructions I received were to try it out and have fun.” “I didn’t start trout fishing until I was in college,” says Landry. “While Ole Miss doesn’t technically offer a minor in trout fishing, I should have one. I skipped a lot of classes to stay another day on the Little Red River in Arkansas. I have fly fished since I was 12 years old, but did my share of bait casting and spin fishing through high school. I didn’t sell out to 99% fly tackle until college.”

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Landry says that he first developed a need for tying flies before he developed an interest. At some point it was more of a pain to keep asking people to tie flies the way he wanted them, and while the barter system, while alive and well, it only goes so far. To his credit, Landry made it through college before he acquired the “vice of a vise.” He regards himself as largely self-taught, but mainly because he was stubborn. “I did have some mentors,” explains Landry. “Both Jeff Hawthorne and Ebb Estes were always more than happy to answer questions or show me how they did their

Flash Dragger

featured fly tyer

tying magic. These guys became my friends, fishing buddies, tying mentors, and later, guide mentors. Now we all work together. (www.theozarkflyguides. com)” “When I first began tying trout flies, I tied tons of sow bugs and wooly buggers, says Landry. “I still tie a bunch of these flies. Effective patterns for Arkansas tailwater trout, in time I refined my tying skills while even the “ugly duckling” versions of these flies are sometimes still produce strikes for me.” When it comes to tying materials, Landry says he “gathers commercial material catalogs.” In terms of ferreting out the

Dark Olive Scudder

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featured fly tyer

close look - ozarks feathers and furs he uses, about the only wild feathers he says he uses are those gathered the hunting trips of his friends. Landry ties commercially. The chores of curing, preparing, dying materials, turning raw feathers and fur into flies he can market is far too time consuming when he is already working hard to balance his commercial tying efforts with those of being a professional fishing guide. He ties for a couple of shops, and has his own website where he sells the flies he ties. He also has a passion for teaching others to tie. “Teaching is what got me into guiding in the first place,” says Landry. “I messed around and obtained a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas in graduate school. I later decided that I would rather teach out of a boat than in a four cornered room with thirty kids who didn’t want to be there in it. So, I love to teach, especially when It’s something I love. I work with the Project Healing Waters groups at the Veterans Administration. 104 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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NOW OPEN Bryson City, NCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only full service fly shop.

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close look - ozarks

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T. Hargrove Fly Fishing Inc. T

Hargrove Fly Fishing is one of things that make the Ozarks a special destination for trout fishermen. Located in St Louis, Missouri, it is surrounded by many opportunities for trout fishing that range from small spring creeks with wild fish, state managed trout parks, and a world class tailwater fishery in the White River chain of lakes. The shop was a dream that came true for its owner, Tom Hargrove. “After finally earning a BS in Wildlife Conservation and Management, it seemed that the only job that I could get was in tackle sales,” explains Hargrove. “After a couple years with Bass Pro, it was time to get something more permanent. Moving back to St. Louis, managing a specialty outdoor shops fishing department, I decided that I could do this on my own. I started “T. Hargrove Fly Fishing Inc.” in an old Dentist office/ residence the winter of 1987. Living in the back of the shop was a mistake, and that lasted two years.” Still at that location, perusing the wares of T. Hargrove Fly Fishing, you feel like you are within walking distance of Yellowstone rather than in the town of one of the great urban areas of the South.

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close look - ozarks Well stocked with everything you need to fly fish for anything from trout to tarpon, the shop is an oasis in a brick and mortar environment. Surrounded by all the Big Box Tackle Giants, Hargrove and his manager make their business world work by offering a superior level of service. With daughters in college, they are serious about their success, so your success is their success. The shop is a dealer for many major lines: SIMMS, Patagonia, Scientific Anglers, ARC, Hatch, Abel, Ross, Waterworks, St. Croix, Sage, Winston, Seaguar, Gamakatsu, and more. It has over 10,000 flies on hand at any one time, and a library of over two-hundred books. They can outfit you for almost any destination. While being in the heart of some of the best trout fishing in the world is an enviable position, Hargrove notes that in the Ozarks, there is more than just trout. “The truth is,” he says, “the stream fishing for smallmouth bass is outstanding. We have a loyal solid customer base who have varied interests ranging from cold and warm water angling, to saltwater. We have a listing with the local daily water levels and fly choices for those areas “We get many new customers every week. In addition to selling tackle, we offer individual fly-casting instruction,” says Hargrove. “We are one of the few places that can do rod repairs. Fly tying is also a key component of this retail operation. We try to stock most everything for beginning to advanced fly tiers. Special material orders a specialty. I believe the art of fly tying is another creative outlet for stress relief and should be considered 110 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

featured fly shop supplemental mental health care. I have several customers that don’t even fish, they just enjoy the craft. The local Healing Waters program has helped many Veterans and given them an opportunity to get out and enjoy life again.”

I believe this is a service industry, and you should be able to help customers with all aspects of service related issues “We offer fly tying classes in several levels of proficiency,” continues Hargrove. “I am relatively self-taught from books, and encourage trying it on your own. We have dozens of books and DVD’s on the subject for the curious. The internet has tons of info, just check out YouTube for the latest techniques on line. It never hurts to have a group of devoted customers that are eager to help. “I think that our superior service sets us apart from other shops,” notes Hargrove. “I believe this is a service industry, and you should be able to help customers with all aspects of service related issues. We had the first web-page in St. Louis, for fly-fishing, not as an on-line catalog, but more like the ‘Yellow Pages’ to the world. There are many answers to fishing questions,; we will not steer you wrong. It is not always the fly, but the way you fish it that makes the difference. You need to keep your fly in the water to catch fish.” For more, visit www.thargrove.com.

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2441 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (865) 868-1000 www.bullfishgrill.com

close look - ozarks

discovery

Norfork River Location: North-central Arkansas, about a 3-hour drive from Little Rock, a 2Âź-hour drive from Fayetteville, Arkan-sas, or Springld, Missouri, and 4 hours from Memphis, Tennessee. All four cities have full-service airports.

Floating down the Norfork in low water. Steve Dally 114 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

he 4.8-mile section of the North Fork of the White River is known as the Norfork River. It originates in southern Missouri and flows south through the Ozark Plateau into Arkansas, where Norfork Dam creates a yearround tailwater fishery for rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Beautiful wooded Ozark foothills and limestone bluffs line the banks of this short jewel of a tailwater down to its confluence with the White River. Like the White, the Norfork was a warmwater fishery until the 1944 completion of Norfork Dam changed the ecosystem in favor of trout. Rainbows were subsequently stocked and grew phenomenally fast in such a nutrient-rich environment. Norfork National Fish Hatchery was opened just below the dam in 1957 to stock the river, along with other White River system tailwaters. Trout between 5 and 10 pounds soon became common. In 1988, the Norfork gained worldwide fame when a 38-pound, 9-ounce worldrecord brown was caught one summer evening. Most trout in the Norfork average 10 to 14 inches. Larger fish, especially browns up to and well over 20 inches, are caught regularly. Abundant scuds, sow bugs, midges, sculpin, and crayfish grow trout to trophy proportions quickly. Every year somebody catches a true hog

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close look - ozarks around the 10-pound or 30-inch mark, usually a brown. The Norfork is one of the few places east of the Rockies where cutthroat are stocked and caught regularly. The Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat planted in the Norfork average 10 to 14 inches, but can easily grow to over 20. Norfork Dam is a hydroelectric dam, and water releases can vary greatly on an hourly basis depending on several factors. Generation usually occurs during peak power demand, so weekdays and periods of hot or cold weather typically bring higher flows. Expect significant generation on hot summer afternoons and cold winter mornings. Low water is more common during mild weather and on weekends. Lake levels and seasonal rains also affect releases. Spring floods can prompt generation and/ or floodgate releases to lower the lake. Water temperature averages around 58 degreesyear-round, and the clarity varies from gin-clear in summer to slightly stained in fall and winter, due to turnover in Lake Norfork. At zero generation—or “dead low” as locals call it—the river trickles along at less than 50 cfs, but a new minimum flow was implemented in 2013. The completion of a siphon now adds an additional average of 185 cfs, raising the low water level to provide more out. The Norfork has lots of fast water with trout habitat and floatable water. Riffles, barely submerged bedrock structure, and gravel runs, deep slow pools, and lots of running it blind can be dangerous. The two interesting limestone bedrock features generators at Norfork Dam have a total down the length of the river all hold lots release of 7,200 cfs when both units are of fish. Drift fishing from a john boat or online at maximum capacity, but the river drift boat is by far the most productive can vary in flow by any amount, up to that way to fish high water, and it’s best to level. The Norfork is capable of rising over hire an experienced guide the first time 116 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

discovery

Norfork Dam with all floodgates open during a heavy spring flood release. Ben Levin

6 feet in an hour, so both wade and boat fly fishers should be aware at all times. Pick a particular rock or landmark on the bank to monitor water levels, and always have an escape route in mind. Nymphing is the predominant way to catch fish. Zebra-style midges, sow nugs, scuds, soft-hackles, and various beadheads all work well under an indicator, both with and without a split-shot. High-vis flies like San Juan Worms and eggs, along with streamers stripped off the banks, are productive in high water. Swinging or stripping small Woolly Buggers will always catch fish on any water level. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 117

close look - ozarks

discovery Summertime is hopper time with Ben Levin. Steve Dally

#14 to #16 work great, while Pheasant-tails with and without beads are deadly under an indicator. Midges and crane flies hatch year-round. Small Parachute Adams and Griffith’s Gnats are always good to have for risers at any time of year. Hopper fishing can be excellent, too, especially during high summer flows while drift fishing. The best days for all hatches on the Norfork tend to be warm, low-water days. Quarry Park below the dam has public wade access, boatramps, tent/RV camping, and bathrooms. Dry Run Creek, a natural stream enhanced by effluent water from the hatchery, runs nearby and is a phenomenal fishery exclusively for children under 16 and licensed handicapped adults. The number of large trout in this small creek has to be seen to be believed. The Ackerman/River Ridge Walk-In Access off Highway 5 is very popular with wade fishers and offers a nice variety of water during no generation. Norfork Access at the confluence with the White is the last public fishing access/boat ramp.

Typical rainbow from Norfork’s catch-andrelease section. Sow bugs, scuds, and crayfish give fish in the tailwater rich colors year-round. Ben Levin There are some great hatches and dry-fly opportunities at certain times of the year and under specific conditions. Spring kicks off with a great caddis hatch starting in late March that continues through early May. Size #14 or #16 caddis—including Elk-hair and Parachute-style patterns in olive, tan, and light green—work great, along with green-bodied soft-hackles and pupa patterns. Redbuds and dogwoods in full bloom along the riverbanks, wild turkeys strutting and gobbling in the bottoms, and mild weather make spring a beautiful time to fish and enjoy one of the best hatches of the year. Then Sulphurs start coming off in May and can last sporadically into July. Sulphur Compara-duns and yellow parachute-style patterns in 118 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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discovery

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“Wendy and Terry Gunn have identified the best tailwaters in North America and distilled each fishery into a succinct and helpful guide with no fluff—just good solid info. The maps of each river are alone worth the price of admission.”

er iv

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Phone 870-431-5311 for a recorded message on current generation.

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Fishing regulations: Catch-and-release only (where marked by signs) and barbless hooks between Long Hole and Ackerman/River Ridge Walk-In access. Anglers are allowed to keep fish from the rest of the river. Refer to AGFC regulations for limits. No drag chains from boats.

“Nobody, but nobody, is more dialed in on the nuances of tailwater fishing than are Terry and Wendy Gunn. And nobody is more connected to others who understand the best places and methods involved in effective tailwater fishing…. If you want to play big-league ball and catch large trout, this book will be key. It’s the most comprehensive ‘where-to’ with some ‘how-to’ I’ve ever seen.”

Tan Caddis and Green Caddis: March through April.Spotted Caddis: April. Various Microcaddis: April through October. Sulphur mayflies: May and June.Blue-winged Olives: November through February.Midges: All year. Crane flies: March through October. Scuds and sow bugs: All year. Hoppers and terrestrials: June through October.

Cold water, big trout, year round! Mil l

Hatches: When you fish the Norfork and other nearby rivers, you are definitely in caddis country. While there can be prolific mayfly hatches, caddis imitations are your go-to, bread-and-butter flies.

North D ruid Hills Briarcliff

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Limited Access Highway Primary Highway Secondary Highway Parking Outfitter Guide Service 78

Terry & Wendy Gunn Foreword by Lefty Kreh

Go to www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil and search “Norfork” for a tabular water release chart displaying actual cfs up to one hour behind real time. Tackle: A 5-weight rod, floating line, 5X or 6X fluorocarbon tippets, and small indicators will cover low water. For high water, use a 6-weight with floating line, long 3X to 5X leaders, a larger indicator like a Thingamabobber, two flies, and just enough split-shot to fish the bottom. Streamer fishing is with 7- or 8-weights, sinktip lines, 10- to 15-pound tippet, and larger articulated flies. Author/Photographer: Ben Levin was born and raised in Arkansas and grew up catching trout and smallmouth bass in the White River system since age five. He has been guiding professionally for more than 15 years, and has guided in Idaho and Alaska as well as in his native Arkansas. Ben has a B.A. in English from the University of Arkansas. He guides full time for trout for Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher on the White and Norfork tailwaters, as well as for smallmouth bass across the Ozarks. Ben lives on Crooked Creek, near the Norfork, where he guides, fishes, writes, takes pictures, and hunts critters—all with his chocolate Lab, Soco. 120 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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Fishing Tennessee’s Watauga River with the 2013 Orvis Guide of the Year

atrick Fulkrod was as eager to hit the Watauga River in his comfortable ClackaCraft drift boat;as was I. “They really aren’t generating that much water right now,” Fulkrod said, referring to the local hydroelectric dam. “So let’s go further upstream and do a little wade fishing until the river level rises.” With that said, we made our way upstream about a hundred yards away from the boat launch. After Fulkrod secured the boat, I waded out into the river and cast consistently for about 15 minutes to no avail. My pattern just didn’t seem to capture the attention of any of the local trout. Fulkrod checked my pattern before wading further upstream to prospect for our elusive quarry. I continued to cast without so much as a bump for my pains and was about to give Fulkrod a hard time for the inactive fish when I saw his rod bend sharply. He grinned rather sheepishly as he landed the first fish of the day—and the second, not long after that. “I think I’ve found what they’re hitting on,” he said as he made his way over and offered me his fly.

Article and photos by Beau Beasley 124 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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With a new pattern and a rising river, we got back into the drift boat; Fulkrod gently pulled on the oars and got us upstream. He deftly positioned the boat, and we began our downstream journey. My first strike came as I was carefully watching my pattern make its way past a large bridge piling—but I missed that strike. The bridge itself is no longer in use, but its concrete support columns are still in good shape and buried several feet below the river’s surface. These columns made perfect structure for the river’s resident baitfish and other aquatic creatures. As I peered into the water, I thought I could see the shadows of fish swimming below us. Occasionally I would see what I thought was a pretty healthy trout, but even with sunglasses they were hard to make out.

An old bridge abutment provides good structure for trout and other aquatic species. 126 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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“You have to really pay attention, Beau,” Fulkrod admonished. “And once you get a bite, don’t allow any slack in your line. If you don’t keep a tight line, they’ll use that against you and spit the hook out for sure.” We’d switched to fishing sub-surface patterns, and I continued watching my indicator for the slightest action or movement. I was using a Float Master indicator, available in a variety of sizes and shapes. I essentially swear by Float Master because they won’t kink your leader and never slip up or down if applied correctly. I kept my fly line tight, and after a few more casts the indicator dipped below the river’s surface with a sudden jolt. I had followed Fulkrod’s advice so my line was tight—and immediately I felt the tug of what I thought would be a decent-sized fish. After a few thrilling moments of tug of war, my efforts were rewarded when I brought a feisty brown trout to hand. I gazed at his buttery flanks and curiously spotted back, snapped a few quick pictures, and then carefully released him unharmed. Now I was the one grinning. 128 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

An Ever-Changing River Water level fluctuations on Tennessee’s Watauga River often catch uninformed anglers by surprise, leaving them stranded on rocks they were happily fishing from only moments earlier. If you’re inattentive here, you might find yourself swimming for shore. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages upstream releases, which vary from day to day depending on the need for electricity. In addition to safety concerns, anglers must realize that an upstream release of water might affect a downstream trout habitat hours later. As a result, it’s a great idea to check in with the TVA to learn the day’s generation schedule before hitting the stream.

Brown trout like the one shown here with Patrick Fulkrod are common on the Watauga River.

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Creature Comforts and Carter County I’d spent the previous night at Meredith Valley Cabins, in Carter County, Tennessee http://www. meredithvalleycabins.com/, in an extremely comfortable riverside cabin that looked like a photo shoot from an L.L. Bean catalog. In fact, the cabin was so nice that it was wasted on me; I thought it a shame that a person of discernment— like my wife—couldn’t be there to appreciate it. Yes, one could easily “rough it” at the Meredith Valley Cabins for a good long time.

Some mornings anglers fishing the Watauga are met with fog. Tailrace fisheries—rivers with dams that control their water releases from the bottom of the dams—like the Watauga require an investment of time to understand. So exceptional river guides like Fulkrod spend thousands of hours on the river discovering exactly where the trout prefer to stay and where and how they feed during certain flows. “Sometimes the trout will be in the back eddies,” says Fulkrod, “and other times they’ll be behind rocks or near other structure, or even in the middle of the river. Since the river levels are constantly changing, the fish are always on the move.” Like any successful guide, Fulkrod has discovered through much trial and error where the fish don’t stay. This experience allows his clients to avoid the areas that don’t hold fish and concentrate on the areas that do. 130 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

My main objective in coming to Carter County was indeed to fish with Fulkrod, who in addition to his years of experience guiding on the Watauga and the South Holston rivers for Mountain Sports Limited in Bristol, was the 2013 Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide of the Year. Fulkrod is loathe to blow his own horn, but I have no such compunction: He’s fantastic and deserving.

“I was thrilled to be selected as the Orvis Endorsed Guide of the Year because the competition is fierce,” he says. “To be honest, I’d have to give a lot of credit to my wife Danielle. She has always been a strong encouragement to me and has supported me being a professional guide for a very long time. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.” This comes as no surprise to those of us who recognize that behind a successful man you’ll generally find a strong woman. Fulkrod continues, “I’m also thankful to have received a great deal of support from the Cheers family, who own Mountain Sports Limited.” No doubt Orvis also took Fulkrod’s stellar ratings from customers and clients into account during the selection process.

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After a bit of coaching, I began to anticipate when I would get a strike; Fulkrod’s system really paid off. I’d cast my pattern upstream, wait for the current to pull it past a hungry trout, and then poise for the take. When all was said and done I landed over two dozen fish that day—both browns and rainbows— and Fulkrod and I only came off the water when a storm chased us away. In fact, between Fulkrod’s putting me on dozens of fish (most of which were 10 inches or longer) and the comfortable cabin I stayed in, I’d jump at the chance to head back to Carter County, Tennessee. I can’t think of a better way a fly angler could spend his week than chasing trout on the Watauga River with the 2013 Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide of the Year. Beau Beasley is an author of Fly Fishing Virginia and Fly Fishing the MidAtlantic. He writes for various publications and serves as the Editor at Large for Southern Trout Magazine.

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Georgia’s Bike-in Trout Stream R

eading a story about experiencing worldclass trout angling in some exotic location out west, in Alaska or New Zeeland can be tantalizing. Those tales can set our imaginations aflame with visions of giant rainbow, cutthroat or brown trout making a drag scream. On the other hand, not all locations have to provide such once-in-a-lifetime adventure to still produce an interesting fish tale. As is often noted, trout don’t inhabit ugly places. But, they do show up in some unusual locations, and getting to those places can be half the adventure. It is this second scenario that sets Georgia’s Raccoon Creek apart. This little known stream flowing through Paulding County, just to the west of Atlanta, is an unlikely destination for trout fishing. It does, however, provide a unique and interesting take on the pursuit of some rainbow action in the Peach State. Raccoon Creek is a small stream rising in Paulding County and flowing to the north across the Paulding Forest Wildlife Management Area. It then continues across the Bartow County border and empties into the Etowah River.

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by Jimmy Jacobs

The Silver Comet Rail Trail runs from the Atlanta suburbs to the Alabama border.

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Mile Post 29 sits directly above the culvert on Raccoon Creek.

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This area is well south of mountainous North Georgia and located in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Piedmont region. The terrain here, however, is dominated by ridges that drop steeply into long hollows, making for some rugged terrain. For years the Georgia Department of Natural Resources had stocked some rainbow trout in the stream at several road crossings in the upper reaches of the creek. This was more an exercise in providing local anglers a shortlived springtime opportunity to take some fish home for dinner. The locals quickly cleaned these fish out in a few days, which was just as well, since the summer heat would prevent any holdover of trout in the creek. That changed when biologists discovered that that water temperatures in the less accessible portion of the creek on the Paulding Forest WMA stayed cool enough to support trout for much of the year. There also was the possibility that in wet years there might even be some carryover of fish. The upper portion of the creek has a relatively level gradient, where the water flows gently over slick, algae covered rocks. It is characterized by long slow runs and deep bend pools interspersed with mild, shallow ripples. Some of the pools in the creek are 3 to 4 or even 5 feet deep. In drier periods they become quite clear, making it possible to spot trout lying in them. And, of course, that means the trout can also see you at these times. Some stealth is then need in approaching the water. Presently there are some beaver dams in the creek that create more holding water for the fish. However, they also create problems with silting and allow the water to warm up faster in the spring. Neither of those are good for the trout fishing.

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With no road access to this part of Raccoon, doing any management to improve the fishery was a problem. The solution came in 2004 when a gravel tract designated as Raccoon Creek Road (but shown on some maps as Trout Stocking Road) was constructed to allow access to the creek from Brushy Mountain Road on the WMA. It was then possible to get stocking trucks to the lower end of the better habitat on the stream. Raccoon Creek now receives twice monthly releases of rainbow trout annually from the end of March until July 4th. Those fish are standard 8- to 10-inch products of the state hatcheries. The part of the creek upstream of Braswell Mountain Road is open to fishing during the regular trout season from the last Saturday in March through the end of October. That could change, however, since the Georgia DNR is considering doing away with the trout season and opening all streams year-round. Now we get to the part of the story that makes Raccoon Creek an unusual fishery. The creek is just 45 miles and less than a one hour’s drive from Atlanta’s Interstate 285 perimeter highway. That’s more than an hour closer to the city than any of the small streams to the north of Atlanta. Another factor is that Raccoon Creek Road is gated, allowing only foot access to the public. The hike along the road is 2.3 miles long. This cuts down greatly on the number of anglers visiting the stream. 140 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

Top: The pool at the end of the culvert under the Silver Comet Trail. Right: The trout in Raccoon Creek are all standard hatchery raised rainbows. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 141

Left: Gently graded riffles full of slick rocks make up much of the creek flow. Right: The construction of and gating of Raccoon Creek Road was the catalyst for improved fishing on the stream. Bottom: The McPherson Church Road crossing on the Silver Comet Trail is the jump-off point for biking to Raccoon Creek.

Finally, the presence of the Silver Comet Rail Trail completes the trifecta of circumstances that make Raccoon Creek an unusual fishery. The Silver Comet is a rails-to-trails bicycle path that starts in Smyrna in Atlanta’s northwest suburbs. The paved bike path then stretches for 61.5 miles to the AlabamaGeorgia border near the village of Cedartown. From there it connects to the Chief Ladiga Trail that runs another 33 miles to Anniston, Alabama. Of importance to trout fishermen, along its route the Silver Comet traverses the Paulding Forest WMA and at Mile Post 29 crosses Raccoon Creek immediately above the spot where the creek is stocked. From a parking area at the point the trail crosses McPherson Church Road near the town of Dallas, anglers can pedal bikes for 1.87 miles to the west along the Silver Comet to reach Raccoon Creek. The creek passes through a culvert that is several hundred feet below the trail at this point. During spring through fall the foliage is so heavy that the stream is not visible. Fortunately, Mile Post 29 is on the south side and directly above the culvert under the trail.

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Another couple of hundred yards past the mile marker is a level clearing on the north side of the path. Take along a bicycle chain and secure your ride to one of the trees in the edge of the woods here. A trail from the clearing leads down to Raccoon Creek Road and it’s another hundred yards or so to the right to reach the end of the road and the stocking point on the creek. Fishing is usually best downstream of the culvert under the trail. Don’t overlook the rather large pool where the water comes out of the culvert. It usually holds some trout. While Raccoon Creek is unlikely to ever be noted as one of Georgia’s better trout streams, it easily qualifies as one of the more unusual destinations for cold water action. You aren’t going to catch any behemoths here, but the creek definitely provides the Peach State’s only bike-andcast fishery! www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 143

NEW FROM JIMMY JACOBS 123 West Broad St. Statesville, NC (704) 871-1444 Simms, Sage, Winston, TFO, Kelty, North Face, Patagonia, and many other great brands. Fly fishing classes clinics, and guided trips available. Friendly, personalized service.

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GOLDEN RULE FLY SHOP

You could pay more, but why would you? Daiichi Hooks Tiemco Hooks Dr. Slick Swiss Straw Thin Skin HMH Vises Frog Hair Fluorocarbon Leaders Books, Rods, Reels

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YOU KNOW HIM AS THE AUTHOR OF GUIDEBOOKS TO TROUT FISHING IN THE SOUTHEAST. NOW EXPERIENCE THE OTHER SIDE OF JIMMY JACOBSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; WRITING. THE CERDO GRANDE CONSPIRACY IS A NOVEL THAT TAKES YOU ON A WILD RIDE FROM ATLANTA TO KEY WEST, FLORIDA. The Cerdo Grande Conspiracy was born in a tale related to me by a reserve officer with the Monroe County Police Department that serves the Florida Keys. It revolved around an escaped pig on Stock Island that becomes amorous with a motorcycle in a convenience store parking lot. The owner of the bike and the pig's owner ended up in a fight as the biker attacked the pig. While it sounds surreal, locals have good reason to call the city at the south end of U.S. Highway 1 "Key Weird." Anything is plausible in this slice of paradise. And if it hasn't already happened, it likely will. Admittedly, some liberties have been taken with the original tale, but that's what fiction is all about. From that incident the story of the conspiracy to save the porker took root. Hopefully, you'll find that it grew into an entertaining romp along the southeast coast down to the American tropics. And, should you ever visit there, you just might recognize some of the locales in the tale. Jimmy Jacobs Kindle Edition $4.99 Paperback $9.99 AVAILABLE AT WWW.AMAZON.COM/AUTHOR/JIMMYJACOBS www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 145

Taking the “Kinks” out of the Klink by Keith Gann

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ver the past twenty or so years, inventive tiers have developed what I like to call the “on and under” series of flies….flies that rest on the water but have some of their parts below the surface. When I was a tying instructor back in the early 2000’s, tying the Parachute Series because of the somewhat difficult post development, was something I held off teaching until the advanced classes. Tied and dressed correctly, it could set on top of the water, or become an “on and under” simply by the way you applied the floatant. Then came the Parasol Midge Emerger. Tough to tie, it was a challenge for most tiers, and I don’t see it in the catalogs very often anymore. Then came Hans Klinkhamer’s, “The Klinkhamer Special”. A great fly, it required some hook bending but hook manufacturers were quick to see a new hook pattern, and the hooks are now available from several sources. The latest fly in the group, the “Fender”, (named after his dog!) is a beautiful fly designed by Barry Orde of Norway. It looks promising, but again for me, it looks like a tough tie. Several months ago, I saw an article by Hans Klinkhamer, of “Klinkhamer Special” fame. The fly has been on my list of “new fly tying challenges” for some time. Hans gave a detailed set of build instructions for his fly, along with supporting pictures. I admit that he ties a beautiful fly, and since I’ve discovered that a beer or two settles my ADD (Attention Deficient Disorder) down a notch, I sent off for some Daiichi hooks, #1160, size 10, that were advertised as “Klinkhamer” hooks, plus several colors of polypropylene.

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Now having openingly admitting to having ADD, even with the two beers, Hans’ instruction were so detailed that after throwing away the first two flies that I attempted to tie, I began to cut out steps. He had twenty-one steps, supported by twenty-two pictures. I got my “Simple Klink” reduced to nine. Does it catch fish? Yeah it does, but better than some of my other favorites? Time will tell when I take several versions to East Yellowstone in September. As for its first trial, I handed it out to two other guys, and we landed over thirty trout in four hours on a small Colorado stream-----browns and brookies, with the smallest six-inches and the largest thirteen. It floated well, air-dried well, and was easy to see under bright sun and overcast skies. The main step that I was having trouble with was the addition of the peacock herl thorax. It was just a pain to wrap and cover the other materials sufficiently and still leave room for the steps that come after it….. sooooo….I left it off! But, I didn’t gain much by leaving off the herl, because I added a small copper wire wrap to the body. I figured that the slight additional weight would be off set by the increased life of the fly that copper wire gives, and since the bend of the hook and the body are supposed to end up below the water’s surface anyway, the weight might help the fly to do just that. For those of you who tie a lot of Troth Elk Hair Caddis, most of you including me, leave off the copper wrap that Troth added, with his mention that, besides holding the body and hackle material together, it also adds longevity to the fly.

I also tied the hackle on after I developed the post, used a rotary vise to really speed up the wrapping of the body material and copper wire, and used various colors of Uni- Products Company’s Uni-Yarn for the body instead of the hassle of dubbing material. I’m a big believer in using half hitches instead of whip finishes. I use a half hitch after every finish wrap of a material tie down, and before I begin the wind-on of materials using the rotary. It’s easy to add a double or triple wrap half hitch if you keep the throat of your half hitch tool clean and well polished. The Poly that I use comes on cardboard cards, and I find that one wrap off of the cardboard gives me about two inches to work with. By folding it over to form a one inch contained loop, I can tie the butt ends down and prevent the hassle of stray strands of Poly quickly getting out of control. Trimming the resultant loop to length is the last step in completing the fly, so controlling the Poly is even easier. I’m also trying a new head cement. Over the past forty years, I’ve used everything that’s come out, even my wife’s clear nail polish, and on this batch of flies, I bought a bottle of Loon’s Water Based Head Cement in their applicator bottle. It comes out as a drop of white opaque foam. With a tap of the applicator needle, it seems to break the surface tension and is immediately absorbed into the material. I give it two drops, although it might be over kill. Best glue and applicator I’ve used to date!

Pinch down the hook barb. Place the hook in the vise somewhat level, exposing as much of the hook bend as you can. Lay down a thread base, making sure that you cover the shank as far down as you can. Shoot at least for the middle of the hook bend.

Tie in the small diameter copper wire, followed by the Uni-Yarn, leaving your thread a strong eighth-inch behind the eyelet.

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Cut a section of Poly off your card, about two inches, and bend it double, evening the butts.

Trim the butts. You can do this with only three cuts as you get better; top, and both sides. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry about stragglers. They will get compressed by the thread wraps and the winding of the body material.

Holding the butts in your non-tying hand, grasp just enough of the poly to get a grip, then tie it on, taking several wraps in front of it to help stand the poly up vertical, then proceed to wrap your thread up the poly post about a strong sixteenth of an inch, then wind back down and put a half hitch in front of the post.

Wind on the Uni-yarn, followed by the copper wire. Try for a long tapered body which will be easy with the trimmed butts and extra wraps of the Uni-Yarn. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your half hitches after each step.

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Trim the hackle and thread, turn the fly upside down to expose the half hitch knots on the bottom, add one or two drops of glue on the knots, rotate the fly back up right, and trim the indicator to what ever height you desire. Mine end up a quarter to five-sixteenths high. As a side note: when dressing this fly with floatant, grab the fly with your off hand, using the forefinger and thumb, with their tips resting on the bottom of the hackle. Apply the floatant to the indicator and hackles only.

Recipe: Hook – Daiichi #1160 Klinkhamer, size 14-12 Thread – Uni-Thread 140, dark brown Wire – small copper Body- Uni-yarn-2x, brown Post – yellow polypropylene Hackle – Whiting 100 pack-Grizzly/Golden Straw, size 12 or larger. Tie in your hackle. I tie it on at the base of the post with the short butt sticking out towards the eyelet, and parallel to the shank. It’s easy to tie it on with a few wraps behind the post and under and over the hook shank. For more security, wrap the thread around the post, coming around the front of the post, under the butt, then over it, as you wrap back around the post Do it two or three times. Add the half hitch.

Now wrap the hackle clock-wise around the post, winding up, then coming back down. I wrap a minimum of eight wraps. Tie it off by rotating the vise away from you ninety degrees so you can see the underneath of the hackle and the eyelet. You only need two or three wraps to secure it, over lapping the bottom wrap of the hackle, then coming back over the eyelet and finishing with six to eight half hitches. 152 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

After you’ve got the technique down, Uni-Products makes a number of colors of Uni-Yarn. When they didn’t have a color I wanted to try, I subbed various colors of floss. Just for grins, I tried to match the body color with a matching color of Poly, making sure that it was a color that made a good indicator color. Of course, subbing silver or gold or green, etc. for the wire color is fun too. With the yarns and the hackle, you can come up with Adams coloration’s, Blue Wing Olives, PMD’s, Green Drakes, October Caddis, and even a Royal Coachman version!

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That Wood Fishing Rod Has Soul, Man! by Timothy P. O’Brien, Ph.D. photos by Matthew Reilly

You never knew, when a fish struck, whether or not your tackle would last long enough to let you land him. Reels froze, posts broke, cranks came off, bells spread, spindles buckled, drags broke, reel seats buckled, screws popped out! You just could not believe the things that happened!” --Joseph A. Coxe, reel maker and angler

magine yourself standing in or beside a lazy stream, the water rolls by in its eternal flow to another place, making its serene sounds as it flows across rocks and through bends. The trees rustle in the soft breeze, the sky is clear and cerulean, and the sun casts its warmth on all things below. The stream teems with all sorts of life, both seen and unseen, known and unknown. You are experiencing and enjoying this festival of senses—the scene, the sounds, the smells, the beauty of this sanctuary—and all is well with the world. Then at once, a breach in the water, this magnificent multi-colored creature rises to seize an insect…or is it? It is not; today the fish has taken an imitation, the one you presented, the one you created, and the game is on, again! This scene has played out countless times through countless centuries as humans have sought fish of all sizes and shapes and in all types of waters. Historians have now proven that the ancients sought fish for sport as much as they sought them for food. So, how have humans accomplished this? What was, or were, or are the tool(s) of choice?

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Fishing tackle is composed of several basic components: line, hook, and a device to hold the line (pole with reel), the primary component. Fishing poles have been called by different names over the decades. They are most commonly known as “fishing rods” or, in the case of saltwater rods, “tips.” Over time fishing rods have taken on different forms, sizes, and configurations, and have been made of a variety of materials. They can be as simple as a branch or piece of cane with a line tied to the end or as complex as a multiple-piece rod complete with all its various components. In 1939, Harlan Major offered the best technical description of a fishing rod in Salt Water Fishing Tackle: The rod, like any compound spring, must be able to accomplish two kinds of work. It must be flexible enough to respond to every impulse in order to reduce the speed of its thrust. This is the work of the light, flexible section of the rod tip. For the other type of work, it must be heavy enough so that when sufficiently retarded the impulse is passed along to the stouter portion, which takes the strain and, if within the limit of the line, brings the pull to a full stop. Regardless of the type of fishing being done, whether freshwater or salt, what anglers required was a fishing rod that would land a hooked fish. The lack of adequate tackle was indiscriminate, because it was not a matter of price or cost but lack of new designs. Regardless of the financial position of the angler, no one was immune from the calamity of a lost fish. In reality, anglers would have been happy to have tackle “just good enough” to work, which meant different things to different types of anglers. For example, the characteristics of freshwater rods were not effective for most saltwater angling, because some of the properties necessary for freshwater fishing rods did not adapt well to deep-sea fishing. Mainly, the lightweight flexibility necessary for freshwater rods made them too long and springy to handle many of the larger saltwater fish. 158 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

Despite the shortcomings, the most practical fishing rods were those made from wood. In order to make a more satisfactory fishing rod, rod makers of both the business and artisanal variety experimented with not only different woods but also with materials like steel and bamboo. Bamboo, which is actually a grass, proved to be an extraordinary material for fishing rod manufacturing because of its properties. In its natural state it could be used for fishing (cane pole). However, after modification the very best of its properties could be combined to become an extraordinary fishing rod. When deconstructed or “split” into strips and then laminated or glued back together, bamboo provided the flexibility and strength necessary for fishing. Bamboo lamination was not a new concept, as McLane explained, “Who first thought of splitting bamboo into strips and then gluing them together so as to obtain the full strength of the cane by eliminating its hollow center is likely to remain a matter of conjecture.” The lamination of bamboo was a process developed in China at least 3,000 years ago, as indicated in the book Tchouang-Tseu, printed in 950 B.C., that explained, “how to build split-cane ‘rods,’ glued and bound.” The modern era laminated bamboo fishing rod came to be known as the “split-cane” fishing rod and was first manufactured in the United States in the 1860s. These were light-duty rods like fly rods and were typically made in four configurations: quadrate (4-sided), pentagonal (5-sided), hexagonal (6-sided), and, more rarely, octagonal (8-sided). Despite the complex configurations, the vast majority of these were designed for light duty. Fishing rods were, and are, typically made in sections for ease of transport. They are connected by a socket and plug joint known as a “ferrule” that are mated. Typically, a ferrule is a weakened point, and while having multiple joints allows an angler to store and transport the rod more easily, these numerous joints have proven to be problematic especially in saltwater rods. The stress placed on them by the larger fish make them prone to break www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 159

at the ferrules. Fishing rods were, and still are, composed of several sections working in concert with one another to perform the task of landing a fish. The tip is the area above the butt, reel, and reel seat, and is the working part of the fishing rod. Every rod is equipped with certain hardware to make it functional, such as guides, ferrules, reel seats, and butts.

become grooved by line friction. In later years, guides were developed with rollers, made from a variety of materials, in an effort to ease friction and increase durability. Like the fishing lines of same period, wood rods required maintenance and care, some periodically requiring scraping and re-varnishing. Wood

Some of the more notable wood fishing rod manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries were Hardy Brothers, Vom Hofe, and Tycoon Tackle. Both Vom Hofe and Hardy Brothers made all types of fishing rods and were pioneers in making big-game rods. Like all manufacturers of the time, they took their freshwater designs and adapted the

Guides are placed along the length of the tip, at certain intervals to provide a free flowing path for the line to follow along the rod shaft and, as the name implies, guide the line from the reel to the end tip of the rod, forcing the spring action of the rod tip. Originally, guides were made of polished agate or glass because of their hardness and smoothness. However, because these materials were brittle, they could chip, resulting in a frayed or cut line, or

rods would “take-a-set,” meaning they took on a bent shape permanently from the constant pull of the fish. As a result, they could (and often would) eventually break as a result of fatigue, making many anglers believe that wooden rods should be discarded after a few uses. In spite of the timeconsuming maintenance to preserve wood fishing rods, the alternatives were even less desirable.

technology to saltwater. Vom Hofe began making fishing rods in 1876 and, according to Bingham, “For the first thirty years, Edward claimed to have personally made every section of their bamboo rods.” Tycoon Tackle came along in 1935 and began to manufacture fishing rods with new innovative designs, primarily for saltwater, that eventually became the standard to which all were measured.

In today’s world, engineering a product is often a global project with engineers and project managers spread across the world, and the availability of “wonder materials” is almost limitless. However, the wood fishing rod is still very desirable. The modern finishes and glues have eliminated the need for the intense constant maintenance of the past. The use of a wood fishing rod will take you to a time of yesteryear, of slower action, a reach into the past. Or, is it a reach into the future? You are standing in or beside that lazy stream, the water rolls by in its eternal flow and makes soothing sounds, the trees rustle in the soft breeze, the sky is clear, and the sun casts its warmth. The magnificent multi-colored creature is in your hand. You slowly and carefully remove the hook, and in an instant, it is set free, a little tired, but ready to fight another day. The fishing rod, made from a natural material, is timeless. That wood rod has soul, man!

The fishing rod, made from a natural material, is timeless. Timothy P. O’Brien, Ph.D. is the President of Tycoon Tackle, Inc., a Charlottesville, Virginia-based angling outfitter that originated in Miami, Florida in 1935. The company was on the scene in the formative years of big-game angling, and at one time more than 95% of all world record fish were caught on the company’s fishing rods. The company is still family owned and committed to manufacturing products in the United States of America.

An American Tradition... Still Made in the U.S.A.

“The mission statement of the newly opened Popcorn Sutton distillery in Newport, Tennessee is to distill Popcorn Sutton likker in accordance with the mountaineer’s original recipe and process, that was passed down through three generations over the last 100 years,” explains Travis Hixon, Distillery Manager. “Before his death we had agreed with Popcorn to open a distillery and help him go legal. Since then we have tried to honor that vision.” What makes Newport in Cocke County, Tennessee the logical place for

establishing this local moonshine distillery? Location, location and location, but also historical precedent. “Our new distillery is located only a few miles from Popcorn Sutton’s home and the backwoods where this legend ran off some of his finest likker,” says Hixon. “We believe that Popcorn would have wanted it this way---close by…with the success of the distillery benefiting the people of Cocke County. At the time of Popcorn’s passing, commercial distilling was not yet legal here,” says Hixon. “ So we opened

our first distilling facility in Nashville, Tennessee. But when local laws permitting commercial distilling changed, we naturally looked back to Cocke County”. A few people claim that Popcorn Sutton was an avid mountain trout fisherman. This may or may not be true, but what we do know is Popcorn was fond of pure, cool mountain streams that were key to his likker making efforts. The distillery’s flagship product is Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey. Crystal clear, with subtle notes of

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In the 1930s, Tycoon Tackle, Inc. developed and patented a heart-shaped laminated split-bamboo method of fishing rod construction that became the standard for excellence. The parabolic design was light and strong and this type of construction proved to withstand 60% more stress pounds per square inch than the conventionally shaped rods of the same crosssectional area. Today, we still manufacture the laminated split-bamboo fishing rods with the same care and quality as in the past. Our standard sizes are specifically designed for Trout fishing. Contact us with your fly-rod needs.

Tycoontackle.com 434-282-2799

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Situational Fly Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains Fly Fishing Safety

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aylight thirty, late October 2013. As I slip, slide, skid, stagger and bushwhack down the gnarliest and sorry excuse for a goat trial I’ve ever encountered I’m thinking that I definitely have on the wrong boots. Felt boots on freshly fallen leaves is a prescription for disaster. About 10 minutes into the decent I’m lying on my back whining like a little girl in an elevator prank. Two broken and two cracked ribs. Now the fun begins. As I climb, crawl and scratch my way back up the trail in excruciating pain, I’m thinking one thing. Foreign Markets? No, I’m thinking that one bad decision will change my life for the next few months. One bad decision could change the outcome of your fishing day, and even change your life. Thinking about fly fishing safety is more fun in the pre-planning stage then in the hospital emergency room.

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Falls Your biggest risk while fly fishing is getting hurt from falling. The proper wading boots and a good wading staff are worth their weight in gold. They are much cheaper then hospital bills and time off from work. You can now purchase wading boots with interchangeable straps that have rubber hiking straps, felt straps and even felt straps with cleats. Another option is to have a pair of wading boots with only felt and one with felt and cleats. If your fishing trip includes a hike on some steep trails then go with the cleats. If you can park right by the stream then your felt alone may be just fine. Keep in mind that if your fishery bed is laden with big round boulders then your felt without cleats may be the right choice. Cleats don’t stick to those big round boulders very well. Don’t hesitate to pack extra boots with different soles as plans do change with fishing conditions.

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Sun Glasses Good sun glasses are a must. Light amber polarized seem to work the best. Sun glasses will allow you to see through the glare of the water surface much better and enable you to navigate your wading with more confidence. Sun glasses will also prevent eye injuries. Defend your eyes from flying hooks and split shot.

Lightning Everyone knows to get out of the water at any sign of thunder or lightning right? So, why are forty-eight percent of lightning fatalities fishing related? Don’t push your luck. Make your rules ahead of time and enforce them. Better to miss a few hours of fishing and live to fish another day.

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High Water

Wildlife

I’ve seen water levels in the Great Smoky Mountains rise at break-neck speed. At the headwaters there are often log jams, sometimes caused by beaver dams, just waiting for an opportunity to break loose. If there is enough rain above the debris field to cause it to break, a wall of water carrying logs and debris will rush downstream, wiping out anything in it’s path. If you are lucky enough to see this wall of water coming, then I won’t have to tell you your first priority is getting out of the creek and to a high position. If at that point you find yourself on the wrong side of the creek, do not attempt to cross it as the water will likely be carrying brush, logs and maybe even rocks. You should either find the nearest bridge to cross or wait until the water runs down.

If you are fishing in some of the remote locations of the Great Smoky Mountains, then wildlife encounters are something to be expected. How to deal with or avoid these situations is good information to know ahead of time. Crossing paths with a black bear is fairly common and normally raising your arms with a good old fashion rebel yell will send them packing through the rhododendrons like a freight train. Very entertaining. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are also

plentiful, and while on the trail, keep your eyes open and look before you step over a log or climb over that rock. Hornet nests on low lying tree branches will ruin your day. If you get so focused on that perfect cast that you don’t see that hornets nest you may very well hurt yourself during your escape. As a fly fishing instructor, I always encourage students to wear long pants and long sleeves to limit exposure to poison ivy, saw briars, ticks, scratches, scrapes, mosquitoes and gnats.

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Dead Trees

Buddy System

Emergency Items

In the last few years I have had a few near misses (or near hits) from dead tree limbs falling within 10 to 20 feet of where I was fishing. With all the hemlocks and some white pines dying in the park, you cannot look up without seeing a half dozen or more of these dead trees towering overhead. If it gets breezy or gusty while your in one of these parks streams, you should be looking up. Make sure you are not located under one of these very unpredictable and brittle trees.

If fishing in remote areas of the Great Smoky Mountains and especially in areas that don’t have cell phone reception, I highly recommend using the buddy system. Find another fly fisherman or a few that tend to be synergistic with how you fish. A set of good twoway radios is a very good investment if you and your fishing buddy will be fishing a good distance apart. This is a very good way to check on each other and share information. Nothing like finding out at the end of the day that your fishing buddy caught a pile of trout on that fly you didn’t try.

Here are a few items that I always carry in case an emergency arises. If you leave these items in your vest, you will forget they are even there, until you need them. Cell Phone LED Waterproof Vest Light Sharp Knife Drum Liner/Large Trash Bag Cigarette Lighter Multi – Folding Tool Band Aids mosquito Head Net Shot Line

Following these few safety guidelines will decrease your risk of a fishing related accident and better prepare you if something does happen. Take a little extra time with safety in mind. Fish Responsibly.

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Argentina Y’all

Kevin Howell

rgentina! The name alone brings shivers to a lot of trout anglers. We have all read the articles watched the movies, probably even daydreamed about standing in one of the countries fabled waters. But how do the waters of the Southern Hemisphere compare to the waters of the south? As the voice over the intercom said,”En preparacion para el aterrizaje” (in preparation for landing), I started to get that feeling in my stomach. Was this trip going to be worth the travel and the money? What was the weather going to be like? What if I had a bad guide? After all, the guide said he would meet me at the airport, and I had no idea of what he looked like. What if he was like the crazy Panamanian I was stuck with for week a few years back? What if my Spanish was not good enough to communicate (well I knew that would be a problem)? But, the biggest growing question in my stomach was what would the water be like? Was it too large for this southern fly angler? Would it be muddy? Would it be clean and pure? Would there be a hatch? If so, what kind of strange insects would there be? 170 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

As I exited the plane, I was whisked into a large room with all the other passengers. There, all of our bags, including our backpacks, had to be scanned. As things turned out, this check point was for entering Patagonia, a region that is so unique and ecologically diverse that you are scanned on entry to ensure that you are not carrying any unprocessed fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, etc. that could possibly take root in Patagonia. After clearing what seemed to be checkpoint Charlie, I found my guide holding a sign waiting for me. He promptly grabbed my baggage, carefully placed it in the truck, handed me a cold water, and stated in perfect English that it was only two in the afternoon. We could be on the water in 30 minutes with a great evening hatch of tan caddis. Whew, what a relief!! www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 171

Sure enough, within thirty minutes I was standing beside the Rio Chimehuin, a stream about the size of the Watauga River, and stringing a five-weight Sage in preparation for the afternoon’s fishing. As Gustavo slid the raft into the river, I rigged a size twelve Elk Hair Caddis per his instructions with a prince nymph dropper. I landed nearly thirty trout that afternoon switching periodically between the Caddis and a size eight Hooper. As we left the river, I was thinking, “Man, what else could you ask for? I was the only angler on the river, the fishing was awesome, the guide was fabulous, and floating the Chimehuin was just like the rivers at home. The only exception was that the Rhododendron had been replaced by willows beyond which lie nothing but rock and volcanic ash and scattered sage bushes. Upon arriving at the lodge, I was treated to a feast that could have easily fed a family. I could only imagine what tomorrow would bring as Gustavo had told me we were going to wade fish the Rio Malleo upstream from the Yellow Bridge, and the fishing would be better than it was today. He told me that Coye would be by in the morning to see that I was awake and had breakfast, and he would pick me up at eight to head to the river. I awoke the next morning at 6:30 to the smell of fresh coffee and bacon cooking.

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Almost like clockwork, Gustavo arrived, and loaded all of my gear in the truck while I was finishing breakfast. I had no chance to even help. Arriving at the Malleo, I was blown away by the similarities of the river to the Davidson my home water, plunge pools, small boulders and rising trout. As we worked our way up the stream, I felt as if I was on my home water. The only difference was that the scenery surrounding the river was like nothing I had ever encountered before. But just as the trout at home lie under the rhododendron, every overhanging willow had a nice brown trout lying under it that would readily eat a hopper, they acted as if I was the first person that had ever cast a fly to them. “What an unspoiled place,” I thought as we kept working up river. Another fine dinner and some fabulous Argentinean wine made a perfect end to the day. As he left for the evening, Gustavo gave me dry bag and instructed me to pack what I needed for two nights and three days on the water.

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Gustavo Arrived the next morning and again had my things loaded before I even knew he was there. We departed for three days on the Collon Cura. We arrived at the river to a staff of people feverously working to load a camp boat. My gear was quickly added to the camp boat. By the time I had my rod rigged and waders and boots on, the camp boat was pushing off with Gustavo, and I following right behind. The river was slightly bigger than the South Holston under generation. We floated in and out of different braids and past large bluffs of compacted Volcanic Ash. Every riffle seemed to hold countless rainbows in the sixteen inch range, and every piece of structure seemed to hold a brown trout that seemed to be in the seventeen to eighteen inch range. As darkness fell on the river, I could get the faint smell of a willow fire off in the distance. We had switched from dry flies 174 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

to streamers as dark began to fall. Gustavo had said this was the best stretch of water on the river for trophy trout, and we would fish our way to camp in the dark. About three casts later, my line came tight to a true monster as the fish peeled backing off my reel. Gustavo laid chase to the fish as he ran up river. All to no avail; he beat us to the willows before I could get him turned back toward the boat. After a quick retie by headlamp, we started drifting toward camp again with me casting a streamer into the dark star filled night. As we rounded a bend, I could make out the faint light of the campfire in the distance. I found myself once again startled by a sharp tug on my line as I was staring at the Southern Cross. Once again the fish took off for the willows, and Gustavo laid chase as I tightened my drag. A few minutes later, I slid a beautiful twenty-six inch rainbow into the net. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2015 l 175

Once we arrived at camp, I was greeted by the camp staff with hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and cold beverages in hand, they directed me to a nearby tent where all of my gear was stationed. What was supposed to be camping, was looking and feeling more like an evening at the Omni with dinner at an upscale restaurant. Dinner was an entire lamb that was smoked on a cross next to the campfire, again accompanied by some of the best wine in the world. By the end of the week, I had literally boated hundreds of fish that ranged in size from thirteen inches to one really feisty twenty-five inch rainbow, plus several browns in the same twenty-five to twenty-six inch range. In addition to the great fishing, I felt as if I was back in the South. I gained a new family, and I made countless friends, not mention I gained four pounds from all of the great food. What had started with a nervous/worrisome feeling in my stomach, had been replaced with a feeling of melancholy as I boarded the plane to head home. I vowed that I would return to Argentina and my new found southern friends, again. That was almost nine years ago now, and I have returned every year since then, sometimes as often as three times in a season. It is still as spectacular and grandiose as the first time I stepped off the plane.

It must be something about southerners, be it Southern North America or Southern South America that are always welcoming and friendly. Both make you feel like you belong even though each has a funny accent. For an unforgettable Argentina Experience contact Andes Drifters at www. andesdrifters.com or Kevin Howell at kevin@davidsonflyfishing.com

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Bryson City: Tar Heel State Fly Fishing Central

By Beau Beasley 178 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

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I love fly fishing,

and I love good coffee. I may not be able to fly fish every day, but I try to get out and wet a line as often as I can. However, I do try to start each and every morning with a good cup of joe no matter where I am. On one particular morning I found myself at Mountain Perks, a great little family-owned coffee shop in Bryson City, North Carolina. Mountain Perks boasts not only a wide selection of good coffee but also a tempting breakfast lineup. The owner noticed

my Virginia Fly Fishing Festival t-shirt as he handed me my steaming cup of coffee, and he and I struck up a conversation about the sport. Though he said that he didn’t know much about fly fishing, he had noticed the growing popularity of Bryson City among anglers and had learned that a new fly shop was opening up right beside his store in the near future. Perhaps he could take in a casting lesson someday soon, he thought.

Personally, I found myself distracted. A fly shop and a coffee shop side by side? Had I died and gone to heaven? Quaint and friendly Bryson City sits on the western edge of North Carolina in Swain County and directly adjacent to the perennially popular national treasure, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Recently voted the “Top Town” for outdoor adventure by the readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, Bryson City

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bested 35 other carefully selected localities from Georgia to Pennsylvania to take the top spot. The city’s reputation has certainly grown over the years as a top tourist destination for nature lovers of all stripes, but make no mistake: This isn’t the Vegas of the Smokies. Local resident Dennis White says, “The town itself looks about the same as it always has.” Yes, he concedes, there’s

now a second bridge over the Tuckasegee River, which runs right through the middle of town, to the delight of trout and smallmouth anglers alike. Yes, a few fast food restaurants have popped up. But the heart of the town remains unchanged. “If you’d grown up here,” White says, “and returned after 50 years, I think you’d find the town looks pretty much like it always did. Bennett’s Drug Store is now an antique shop,

Bryson City Bank is a restaurant, and Lays 5 & 10 is now Ace Hardware. Hardly a building is what it used to be. Mitchell’s Shoe Shop became a deli, and the old post office became restaurant. The thing I like the most about this town, though,” he continues, is that “we’re a real town, with honest hard-working people, not some contrived area where we’ve slapped together a few tourist traps. If you’re looking for tinsel town, this ain’t it.”

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Like most American small towns, Bryson City has had its ups and downs, losing plenty of good factory and other blue collar jobs and gaining tourist dollars. The area has been a tourist draw since the early 1920s with the construction of the historic Fryemont Inn, still popular today. But things really got cooking for Bryson City in the 1970s with the growth in popularity of whitewater rafting: Since 1972, the area’s famed Nantahala Outdoor Center has offered rafting trips and classes to enthusiasts of all levels. Newcomers to this old town are the Nantahala Brewing Company, which brews craft beer and promotes local music and events, and the Tuckaseegee Fly Shop, which in addition to gear offers guided trips on area waterways like the Tuckasegee, Nantahala, and Oconaluftee rivers. Also drawing tourists to the region is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, on which families can ride a real honest-to-goodness locomotive through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. In November and December the railroad puts a holiday spin on things with a Polar

nearly 60% of the county was gobbled up in the park’s establishment. As a result Bryson City makes a perfect base of operations for exploring the Park and a serious destination for fly anglers because of its proximity to prime trout water.

Express-themed journey: Last Christmas nearly 60,000 visitors drank hot cocoa, met and sang Christmas carols with Santa, and rode the rails through Bryson City’s magical winter landscape.

Originally named Charleston, Bryson City changed its name to prevent confusion with its better known cousin to the south. Bryson City is the county seat of Swain County, formed out of nearby Jackson and Macon Counties. Confederate Army officer Thaddeus Bryson, who began his career as a captain, hailed from nearby Jackson County and eventually attained the rank of 182 l February 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

colonel. He refused an offered promotion to general in the Confederate Army and instead settled in the town that would eventually bear his name.

The hard part about fishing in Bryson City is narrowing your options. Visiting anglers can easily hit multiple streams in the nearby Park as well as bigger water nearby. Full-time fly fishing guide Mac Brown fishes the mighty Nantahala River— the Natty, to locals—all year and dozens of times a month and has seen more than a few whoppers in his day. Depths vary daily because this river is a tailrace fishery; as a result, appearing and disappearing rock formations make the Nantahala a questionable choice for beginners who want to go it alone. Going out with a guide like Brown is a much better bet: “The Natty is a great river,” says Brown, “and smaller flies work well here in the mornings, but don’t be surprised if patterns as large as #10 are required later in the day as the sun rises.”

By the late 1880s, the Western North Carolina Railroad had reached Bryson City, and before long the town grew from a backwater village with dirt roads to a thriving small town along the banks of the Tuckasegee River. When in the early 1930s the federal government carved the Great Smoky Mountains National Park out of area property,

Another good fishery is the Oconaluftee River, a section of which runs through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and features wild brookies. Eventually, however, it flows into the Raven’s Fork Section—

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and this is entirely within the Cherokee Indian Reservation. You’ll need a special permit available from the tribe to fish here, but in exchange you’ll get a crack at some really nice fish the tribe stocks from its own hatchery. The fishery has a fly fishing-only section, but large sections of the river are “catch and keep,” not catch-and-release, so plan accordingly. You can catch rainbows and browns easily up to five pounds here, but they are not a forgiving lot—so wade carefully. Consider a stop at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center for a look into the rich history of this area. And finally, check out the new Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in nearby Cherokee, scheduled to have its grand opening in the summer of 2015. The Tuckasegee River, lovingly referred to simply as the Tuck, is home to an eclectic mix of fish: to brookies at its headwaters near Cashiers, North Carolina, and to dandy rainbows and smallies running right through Bryson City. The river is large enough to accommodate a drift boat. Eugene Shuler of Fly Fishing the Smokies fishes the Tuck at least 100 times a year and has seen beginners catch more than two dozen fish in the 12- to 16-inch class in a single day. “The Tuck is a tremendous fishery and is only going to get better,” says Shuler. “I have lived near this river my entire life, and it’s practically a part of my family. Few rivers can provide the diversity of fish that this river provides—anglers get a crack at brookies, browns, rainbows…and this doesn’t even cover the opportunities at smallies and other warmwater fish. I love this river, I really do, and guiding here is a joy.” According to Shuler, “The best thing is taking out a beginner in the area. Once they get the hang of it, they love it. And they want to keep coming back.” Indeed, that seems to be the story of Bryson City.

Bryson City Visitors’ Guide http://www.greatsmokies.com/ Great Smokies Fishing http://greatsmokiesfishing.com/ Great Smoky Mountains National Park http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index. htm Bryson City Cabin Rentals www.brysoncitycabinrentals.com Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (800) 872-4681 http://www.gsmr.com/ Mountain Perks (828) 488-9561 http://www.mtnperks.com/ Nantahala Brewing Company (828) 488-2337 http://www.nantahalabrewing. com/ Mac Brown Fly Fishing (828) 736-1469 http://macbrownflyfish.com/ Bryson City: If You Go Bryson City has lots of activities to offer visiting families a apart from fishing. The truth is you could spend multiple seasons fishing in the national park area alone, not to mention all the major rivers large enough to float within easy striking distance of Bryson City. One thing is certain, Bryson City is a major destination for anglers of every sort, and you’ll have to search long and hard before you find anything that smacks of Tinsel Town. Fishing has become such a big part of the city’s outreach to anglers, they now have their own website (http://greatsmokiesfishing.com/) to help anglers get oriented to the more than two dozen locations available to anglers. While there are plenty of hotels, renting a cabin is also a great way to spend your vacation dollars and several are available to rent. Contact the Bryson City Visitor’s Center for a full listing of rental referrals and other visitor options.

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Fly Fishing the Smokies (828) 421-0172 http://flyfishingthesmokies.net/ Tuckaseegee Fly Shop (828) 488-3333 http://www.tuckflyshop.com/ Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians

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Texas-www. texaskayakfisherman. com

CONTRIBU TORS Bob Borgwat, 55, leads the team of Reel Angling Adventures at ReelAnglingAdventures.com as owner, administrator, Webmaster, and guide. His freelance writing, editing, and photography covers fishing across the US, but his daily piscatorial adventures take place with fly-rod in hand just outside his doorstep in the southern reach of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. He is a former senior editor for Game and Fish Magazines, Primedia and Intermedia Outdoors, and is an active member of the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association.

Ed Mashburn, Editor of Southern Kayak Magazine, lives in Bay Minette, Alabama, and previously lived in the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri where he spent much time on the White and Little Red Rivers neglecting school work and home chores in pursuit of rainbows and browns. He has published three books and several hundred magazine articles. When not fishing or writing about fishing, Ed Mashburn builds wooden kayaks

Virginia Editor Beau Beasley is a well-known name among readers of fly angling magazines. His work has appeared in nearly every major fly fishing periodical in the country. He is the author of Fly Fishing Virginia. Recently he won the TalbotDenmade Memorial Award for Best Conservation Article from the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writer’s Association for his investigative piece, “Where Have all the menhaden Gone?” He is also the director of the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival, www.vaflyfishingfestival.org, and lives with his wife and children in Warrenton, VA.

A native of northern VA, Steve Moore grew up fishing in a fishing family. Steve’s father, much to his mother’s chagrin, was fishing in a local bass tournament the morning that Steve was born. Steve has published five books on fishing in VA and Maryland including Maryland Trout Fishing, Wade, and Shoreline Fishing the Potomac River for Smallmouth Bass. Wade Fishing the Rappahannock River and Wade Fishing the Rapidan River. Steve provides frequent updates on fishing these waters and others on his popular blog at www. CatchGuide.com.

Craig Haney has spent a lifetime chasing trout on the streams, headwaters and tailwaters of the southern Appalachians and elsewhere. After graduating from Auburn University with an animal science degree, Craig has spent the majority of his career in the outdoor industry as a manufacturers’ rep for fishing, boating, camping and hunting gear as well as operating partner of Riverwoods Outfitters / HaneyMullins Orvis for eight years. He has taught fly tying and fly casting at his shops and community colleges. Additionally, he has written on fly fishing and other outdoor subjects for a variety on national and regional magazines. Craig and his wife Lynn live on Shades Mountain in Hoover, AL in the southern Appalachian foothills.

Arkansas Editor Larry Rea is the seasoned, retired Outdoors Editor for The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, TN, where he held that post between 1967 and 2001. Currently he is the host of Outdoors with Larry Rea on Sports 790-AM in Memphis; www.lroutdoors.com. He is also free-lance writer for The Commercial Appeal’s DeSoto Appeal (Sunday outdoors column). A master scribe, for five consecutive years he was a double award winner (first and second place) in Tennessee Outdoor Writers Association’s Excellence in Craft Broadcast category. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s Hall of Fame in 2010 where he is now an honored lifetime member. Larry also serves on the board of directors for Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (2010-present).

CONTRIBU TORS A Clinch River, fly-fishing fanatic, Shawn Madison is also a passionate entrepreneur and experienced boat builder. Using his vast experience in design, engineering, and manufacturing in the boat building industry, Shawn is currently finalizing the production plan for a Southern Style Drift Boat. An avid photographer, fly-tyer, and inventor, he also maintains The Clinch River, TN Facebook page that promotes one of the East Tennessee’s greatest resources. His goal is to help promote the sport of fly-fishing, increase conservation, and to help others find the joy of tricking trout. Watch for his current project soon, a book titled Find the Joy of Fly Fishing.

Roger Lowe was born in Waynesville, NC and now lives in the nearby town of Cashiers. He has enjoyed fly-fishing the waters of the Southern Appalachians all his life. He first began tying flies and fishing them at a very early age. Roger has his own fly shop for twelve years and has been guiding full time for twenty-seven years. He can most often be found at Brookings Angler in Cashiers where he guides daily or works in the fly shop where is signature patterns are available. He is also a fly tying instructor. He is the author of Roger Lowe’s Guide to the Great Smoky Mounatins, and he has a fly tying video, Smoky Mountain Fly Patterns, that shows how to tie a lot of the Smoky Mountain Patterns.

Ron Gaddy grew up in Waynesville, North Carolina and started fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains at an early age. He grew up fishing Chattahoochee, East and West Fork of the Pigeon River, Little East Fork of the Pigeon River, Nantahala River, and Jonathan Creek. Ron left North Carolina at age 24 for a career with the Department of Defense at Charleston, SC and Norfolk, VA. After retiring from DOD in 2009 he returned to Waynesville, NC to be close to all the great trout fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains. Since retirement, Ron has consistently fished in the Smoky Mountains for trout. When not fishing, Ron is tying flies for building rods.

Bill Bernhardt, 52, is the owner of and guide, instructor, and custom rod builder for Harper Creek Fly Fishing Company (www.nc-flyfishing.com) located in Lenoir, North Carolina. In addition, Bill is somewhat unusual in that he specializes in small streams, wild trout, and backcountry, remote access, and walk/wade trips into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Consequently, his freelance outdoor articles along with his nature photography focus specifically on the exceptional beautify and excellent trout fishing opportunities available to fly fishermen in western North Carolina.

Kevin Howell fished 38 states before college. In 1997 Kevin took a job as Manager or Davidson River Outfitters. He was also helping his father run Dwight and Don’s Custom Tackle. After his father passed away in 1998, Kevin took over the operation of Dwight and Don’t Custom Tackle while remaining the Manager of Davidson River Outfitters and combined the operation of the two businesses. He is also a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor. Kevin is also a nationally known fly-tyer and is currently the fly-tying editor for Fly Fishing the Mid Atlantic States. He has also had several of his original patterns published in various magazines as well as being produced by some of the national tying companies.

Georgia Editor Jimmy Jacobs is with Game & Fish Magazines. He also is the Outdoor Columnist for the Atlanta JournalConstitution newspaper and online Atlanta Outdoor Travel Writer for Examiner.com. Jacobs has authored five guidebooks to fishing in the southeastern US, including Trout Streams of Southern Appalachia: Trout Fishing in Northern Georgia, and Tailwater Trout in the South. His writing and photography have earned Excellence in Craft awards from the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, Georgia Outdoor Writers Association and the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association.

CONTRIBU TORS Jason Sparks is the founder of Southern Appalachian Tenkara Anglers, A growing community of fishermen that embrace the elegant simplicity of the traditional Japanese method of fly fishing.. As an ambassador in promoting Tenkara across the South he often conducts clinics, instructs techniques and speaks to groups on the subject. A Navy Veteran, he has fished the world in waters from the Azores to the Appalachians. Now living near Banner Elk, North Carolina, he is recognized by Tenkara USA as a Certified Tenkara Guide and a leading instructional resource in the Southeast for inquiring anglers and fly-fishing clubs.

George Grant lives in Johnson City with his wife and earnestly wades upstream through his sixth decade. Mountain streams large and small are his first love, but he regards the South Holston and Watauga tail waters to be his mistress. In addition to actually fly fishing, he enjoys the history and the craft of fly tying, especially “resurrecting” patterns that have passed from common use. For many years Grant worked in local fly shops. He also wrote columns about fly-fishing for a local sports magazine and for the Bristol herald Courier.

Living in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Bill Cooper has experienced the magic of the long rod from the Allegheny in the East to the Yellowstone in the West, and from the Quetico in Canada to the North to the Yucatan in the South. With an MS in Outdoor Education, his experience as a park superintendent and teacher of outdoor skills at Bass Pro Shop’s Wonders of Wildlife School has served him well ashe serves as a tourism consultant to Campeche State, Mexico and Maya Amazing Outfitters. He is the author of the Outdoor Celebrities Cookbook and his writing experience spans writing for Cabela’s Outfitter Jornal, Bassprolsours.com, Game and Fish, Trophy Whitetail World, Turkey Country and Union Sportsman.

Jim Mauries is the owner/ operator of Fly South, a full-service fly shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Jim was born and raised in Colorado, and it was there his flyfishing addiction took root. Jim started tying flies professionally during his college years to support his fishing habit. That was the steppingstone into working for a fly shop, which in turn led to guiding and instructing fly tiers and fly fishers. Jim has guided and taught fly fishers in Tennessee for more than 20 years. Jim pioneered fly fishing for many different species in the Middle Tennessee area, but trout remain his first love.

Joel DeJong Ernerst Hemingway once wrote “Write what you know.” Artist Joel DeJong took that advice to heart when it came to his paintings. When he is not sketching out fly patterns or working on a custom watercolors of trophy fish you can find him fishing remote Carolina streams, fishing hexagenia flies in Michigan, or tracking big brown through Montana. There is no doubt that Joel DeJong knows his subjects and it shows in his artwork and his love for all types of fish.

Bob Mallard has fly fished for over 35 years. He is a blogger, writer and author; and has owned and operated Kennebec River Outfitters in Madison, Maine since 2001. His writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines at the local, regional and national levels. He has appeared on radio and television. Look for his books from Stonefly Press, 50 Best Places Fly Fishing the Northeast (Now Available), 25 Best Towns Fly Fishing for Trout (Spring 2015) and 50 Best Places Fly Fishing for Brook Trout (Fall 2015). Bob is also a staff fly designer for Catch Fly Fishing. He is also the northeast sales rep for both Stonefly Press and Catch Fly Fishing. Bob can be reached at www.kennebecriveroutfitters. com, www.bobmallard.com, info@bobmallard.com or 207474-2500.