Southern Trout Magazine Issue 7 by Southern Unlimited, LLC

ISSUE #7

JUNE/JULY 2013

Southern Trout

BEAU BEASLEY: Rising Smoke and Brown Trout on Maryland’s Gunpowder Falls KEVIN HOWELL: Southern Trout in the Summer Heat JIMMY JACOBS: Catching and Releasing In North Georgia

IN ASSOCIATION WITH SOUTHERNTROUT.COM

news W hy D i g it a l ?

Publisher’s Message

Breast Cancer is N O T A Spectator Sport

he cancer battle of the women we serve is not fought in a public arena. Their scars are not visible; their breast prostheses are not on display. The fears and concerns of those on a cancer journey are of a private nature, as are their questions. Why me? How can I handle this? What will the impact be on my family? What will the future bring? Casting for Recovery was founded in 1996 with the belief that we could bring respite and hope to small groups of women across the country at no cost to them. We are a quiet support system for women who have or have had breast cancer, and we help women find powerful tools to cope with their diagnosis. Casting for Recovery

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o medals are won during their journey and there is no applause from the bleachers ... except if you count the relief of family and friends who rejoice in seeing a smile again or a rekindled passion for a past hobby after a loved one returns home from one of our free retreats. Employing the healing forces of the natural world and the occupational therapy of a fun sport (fly fishing), we have served over 4,500 women at any age and any stage of breast cancer across the U. S. We need your support to continue to fulfill our mission. For more information, please visit our website at www.castingforrecovery.org.

P.O. Box 1123, Manchester, VT 05254

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Southern Trout Magazine is now a year old. Not a day goes by that we do not receive at least one or two emails from readers asking how to subscribe to printed versions of the magazine. Although it pleases us greatly to be asked this question, our response is always the same. “We are a digital, online magazine and will be a digital publication for well within the foreseeable future.” There are a number of reasons we chose the online approach over traditional print publishing. We have been in the magazine publishing business since around 1990 when I was one of the founders of Thickett Publishing. At Thickett Publishing we launched a number of sporting titles including Whitetail Journal, Mossy Oak Hunting the Country, Off-Road Sportsman, CVA Blackpowder Hunting, BowMaster, Varmint Master, Southern Sporting Journal and several other magazines. In 1998 these titles were sold to Vulcan Outdoors Publishing who later passed them onto

Grandview Publishing which now publishes them. Early in those days it was cut-andpaste designing with shooting page-by-page separations to get an issue ready to go to the printer. Then there was the endless negotiating of printing deals, dealing with newsstand distribution headaches, and trying to attract and keep the paying subscribers. At one time, our art department numbered almost two dozen people, and it was not uncommon for us at times to owe as much as a half million dollars to printers. In retrospect, I am amazed we managed to do it. And I must also add that like all other magazines, we grappled with the Rubik’s Cube of Publishing, i.e. developing and managing a paid subscriber base. This was the one aspect of it all that we never seemed to master. Digital publishing is far, far less expensive and labor intensive than traditional printed-onpaper publishing. Going this route means that hard copy text and photographs are unnecessary as is paper, ink, printing presses, pressmen’s unions, and delivery and postage costs. To print Southern Trout Magazine the size it is on quality paper to have placed on the shelves at Barnes and Nobles, the price they would attach to it would be between $6.99 and $12.99. Newsstand sell through rates vary from title to title, but 20 to 30 percent sold is regarded as a pretty good average.

For instance, if a publisher does a 200,000 print run for newsstand, which for fly fishing magazines is unheard off, around 150,000 of these are never sold. This is why, despite the big numbers thrown out by fly fishing magazines, it is rare when over 20,000 magazines per issue are put on a newsstand. This, and the high cost of getting paid subscribers, is one reason printed magazines, and especially those in the fly fishing world, are disappearing and shrinking every year. Digital publications such as Southern Trout enable advertisers to target potential customers as efficiently as printed publications but at a fraction of the cost. Digital also has a tremendous advantage over print in that readers can with the click of their mouse jump from an ad in the magazine right to the website of the advertiser where they not only learn more about products and services, but also conduct transactions. Readers and advertisers are growing more and more used to this new way of communicating and doing business. I’d love to tell you that I am a dyed-in-the-wool “tree hugger” who is against using paper for printing. That would be a lie, as I see trees pretty much the same way as farmers look at stalks of corn or head of cabbage. There are more damned trees on the continent

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news now than there was when the Pilgrims landed. Digital publishing is the future. It is fast, cheap, versatile and growing faster than the national debt. Delivery and access systems are improving at a rate that even the most technically savvy geeks cannot keep pace with the light speed progress. Frankly, from a personal preference, I like paper magazines. I suppose that ole Gutenberg got tired of some people telling him that his Bibles were nice, but that they would never take the place of hand scribed copies from the monasteries. What I do not miss is tossing and turning in bed trying to figure where the money would come from to pay the printer or post office. I don’t even mind not having to belly crawl into my banker’s office in an effort to get a loan to make payroll. I suppose that I am not as old fashioned as I would like to think that I am. We feel confident that digital publishing is the future, at least for us. Print will always be around, but as access and delivery technology progresses, it bodes poorly for printer and is good news for the trees. - Don Kirk

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THIS ISSUE Why Digital? 3 departments

8 Park Bear Problems

10-71

Wanderings of the Creek Freak Losses...

Generally Speaking How To Kill A Trout (For TS)

Mountain Musings Kentucky’s Wonderland Smallmouth

New Fly Guy Filling Your Fly Box the First Time

Loose Loops and Wind Knots Getting Antsy

Gear Review Sage European Style Nymph History of Southern Trout Fishing Dixie’s Kephart/Rhead Connection Book Review Wade Fishing the Rapidan River of Virginia Performance Primer The “Jim-E” Midge

104

Guide Profile Clint Wilkinson, Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures Fly of the Month Lowe’s Little Yellow Stone

112

128

Featured Outfitter Smoky Mountain Angler

136

Featured Fly Shop South River Fly Shop Featured Lodge Eseeola Lodge Featured Bed & Breakfast The Speckled Trout

Renaissance Man of Trout Art

Letting the Chips Fall Where They May

Rising Smoke and Brown Trout on Maryland’s Gunpowder Falls The Lemon and The Princess

92 96

Sulphur Heaven

102

Parachute Secret Weapon Fly Pattern Southern Trout in the Summer Heat Fly Fishing Time Management

120

Catching and Releasing in North Georgia A Philosophy for Fly Selection Gaston’s Media Gathering

142-147

Craig Haney, Alabama Editor Greg Ward, Tennessee Editor Jimmy Jacobs, Georgia Editor Beau Beasley, Editor-At-Large Larry Rea, Arkansas Editor Dr. Todd Larson, Columnist Bob Borgwat, Columnist Jeff “Owl” Jones, Columnist

Publisher Don Kirk

Editor Jeff Kirk Webmaster & Digital Design Leslie Kirk Webmaster’s Assistant Megan Allbert

112

Managing Editor & Advertising Leah Kirk Social Media Manager Loryn Kirk

Brown Sugar Artwork By Travis J. Sylvester

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contributors

Field Staff

On the Cover

Southern Trout

Communications Adam Kirk

features

72-141

Contributors Bill Bernhardt John Berry David Cannon Bo Cash Soc Clay Dave Ezell Ron Gaddy Daniel Brent Golden George Grant Kevin Howell Roger Lowe

Oak Meyers Steve Moore Harry Murray Marc Payne Bob Shanks Scott Spencer W.H. Bill Stuart, Jr. Benjamin VanDevender

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news Editor’s Letter When I tell you that I literally grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, that is not an exaggeration. Mom and dad had their first date there, and according to family legend, my siblings were conceived there. They, like I, were still on bottle when we were carried astream in backpacks while our parents fished for trout. We not only camped and fished in Smokies, but picked wild strawberries and blueberries there, dug ramps, collected morel mushrooms and hiked the A.T.

of the national park behave very differently these days than they did three decades ago. Traffic in the backcountry is up from those days and so are bear numbers. Hikers then, as they do today, must stow foot high in the trees to prevent it from falling into the hands of bears. It only takes one lesson in how not to do this to cure a greenhorn from forgetting to suspend his provisions in the clouds. The change it seems has been among the bears living in the national park, or at least among a percentage of the

The problem with the bear problem in the national park is that there is no real solution to the problem. Rangers have neither the manpower nor the will to adequately deal with truly nuisance bears in the national park, save perhaps when they make too many visits to popular picnic areas or developed campground such as Elkmont or Cades Cove. Backcountry bears are left alone. Research shows that these animals become troublesome in the backcountry when they learn that campers

Park Bear Problems During those days the park was teeming with bear, but we left them alone and they never seemed all that interested in us. Back in those days the local boys from places like Max’s Patch and Cosby occasionally had dogs run bears into the national park. Of course they could not hunt the bears there and to my knowledge the dogs were always corralled and returned. However, it seems that in those days the bears had a bit more respect for humans than they do today. In recent years the National Park Services has felt compelled to close off more and more backcountry campsites in the Smokies due to problems with bears interacting aggressively with campers than ever before in the past. From a personal observation perspective, I do not believe that campers in the backcountry

population of these animals that are inclined to roguish behavior. Each year a growing number of park bears become increasingly bold and aggressive in their visit to backcountry campsites. Some of the stories I have heard border on being disturbing. Rangers react more or less correctly in closing down campsites where bear problems persist. After all, it is not likely that they can go in and trap nuisance bears for removal to the backcountry. These animals are already in the backcountry. Hunting would solve most of the problems, but insofar as hunting is out of the question in the national park, this is not a practical consideration. I personally like the idea of peppering troublesome bruins with rat shot from my 44 caliber revolver, but it is my understanding that this is not permitted either.

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have food that they are likely to find. This is learned behavior these animals discover from the small percentage of inexperienced or sloppy backcountry campers who do not store their food out of reach of these animals. Since shooting the bears is not an option (sorry Pop…), it only makes sense that backcountry campers strictly observe the rules regarding suspending food and such out of the reach of these animals. Furthermore, if you are in the backcountry where you see a fellow camper failing to do this, do not be shy. Tell them to either string up their chow, or you will string them up. Well, something like that. - Jeff Kirk

Great Fly FishinG The only Fly Fishing Trail in the United States

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generally speaking

How to Kill a Trout (For TS) GEORGE GRANT

popular History Channel series about alligator hunting opens with a warning for sensitive viewers because most of the alligators will only make brief cameo appearances before being shot in the head. So, with apologies to “Swamp People,” here’s my disclaimer:

The first of these is a prolonged fight. The metabolism of muscular exertion in trout and humans produces lactic acid that enters the bloodstream. For us the lactic acid usually dissipates without harm as our organ systems filter it out of the bloodstream. But trout have a much less efficient system to handle the acidification of their blood, and Fly fishing for trout has been part of Western after a certain point the trout will eventually Civilization for at least 1700 years. Harvesting die even when the angler releases it carefully trout is part of that tradition. Some paragraphs and proudly watches it swim away. Higher in the following article may be disturbing water temperatures during late spring and for sensitive anglers. Reader discretion is summer compound the problem of advised. lactic acidosis. Big fish hooked on light tippet are the most vulnerable. The angler, fearful of breaking off, will often hesitate to apply adequate pressure on the fish allowing it to prolong the fight. Playing it to the point of exhaustion may allow you to feel good about landing and letting it go, but you won’t have allowed it to live. A strong fish deserves a strong fight. If it breaks off, you can always fall back on “You should have seen….” Big fish are also susceptible to Paparazzi Syndrome. This condition Okay, you’ve been warned. occurs when the person holding the camera just can’t seem to get the right shot while the Basically there are two types of trouticide: trout suffocates. A related condition occurs accidental and deliberate. From the trout’s when a solitary angler places the fish on the point of view the intention has no bearing on bank next to an item that will show the fish’s the nature of the act but if you prefer not to size. That seems like a quick way to get a kill them accidentally there are several things picture, but if the fish is placed on dry soil, to avoid. grass, leaves or stones the mucus that coats

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his body and protects him from waterborne pathogens can be scraped away. The resulting infection is slow death. Helping Hand syndrome is closely related Paparazzi Syndrome but not confined to larger fish. Gripping a fish with dry hands strips away the mucus. I once caught a stocked rainbow in a mountain stream that had a fungal infection across his back in the shape of a human hand with the palm, thumb and fingers outlined clearly. Gut Crush, Finger Gill, Dry Net Abuse and Rough Net are closely related fatal conditions caused by humans. So much for the “oopsie-daisy” forms of trouticide. Lets deal with deliberate, first degree murder.

To kill my keepers I use the handle of a sheath knife or the back edge of a large lock-blade folding knife to deliver the coup de grace. In a pinch, a palm-sized stone with a narrow edge will work. A properly placed blow delivered with sufficient force will cause the fish to tremble convulsively for a very short time. No tremor? Try again. Even if you’re a devout Catch-and-Releaser there are circumstances where killing a trout is the right thing to do. I’ve always regretted releasing my “palm print” rainbow. It was a slow death for him and perhaps for other fish. Any fish that’s diseased or seriously injured by the fight should be killed instead of returned to the water. It’s a mercy to that fish and perhaps to others.

Once upon a time on some very famous water in England anglers were required to harvest every trout they landed. Only undersized fish could be released and members of the Houghton Club were forbidden to knowingly cast to them. The rationale was a fly caught fish that was released would be “educated” and unfairly difficult to catch for the other members. I don’t think the theory was very sound, but it was the rule and every angler dutifully carried a priest, a small club only a few inches long. The trout received a sharp blow just behind the eyes that was instantly, painlessly fatal. You can still find priests in angling catalogs, but I don’t carry one even though I do keep some fish. Most of my good days have me handing out diplomas faster than an online university. and I have one or two nice trout that have earned a PhD following extended post-graduate work. I administer last rites by improvisation.

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2013 Southern Council Fly Fishing Fair October 3 - 5, 2013 Mountain Home, Arkansas

http://www.southerncouncilfff.org/fair/2013/index.php You are cordially invited to attend our 2013 Southern Council Fly Fishing Fair, an annual fall event held in Mountain Home, Arkansas. We are offering free and low-cost workshops to help you expand your knowledge of fly fishing, tying or casting for registrants. Certified casting instructors are available to help with a free one-hour casting session intended to work on a problem area or learn something new. You can sign up for a one-hour fly tying session with one of our featured fly tyers. A youth conclave is held on Saturday for young people under 16 years of age. Advance registration and parent permission is required. There is plenty of lodging in the area. The fly fishing is great during this time of year. Book your guide services early if you need one. Vendors are welcome to set up a booth but are requested to contact our fly fishing fair program director to make arrangements in advance. We will have a great auction opportunity for fly fishers and their spouses to contribute or purchase items. Non-profit organizations such as Reeling and Healing, Reel Recovery, Casting for Recovery and Project Healing Waters will be present and available for discussing their programs. An outreach luncheon is held for the non-fly fishing participants including a separate special auction. Take a minute or two to explore what is available at the fly fishing fair this year by visiting our Website for more accurate details. And special thanks to Southern Trout Magazine (Photo credits - Larry Murphy and Howard Malpass - FFF Southern Council.) for becoming a new sponsor. 12 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

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mountain musings

mountain musings KENTUCKY’S WONDERLAND SMALLMOUTH Soc Clay For decades, exploring fly fishermen in the know have used Cumberland Falls State Resort Park much like the hub of a wagon wheel, working out in several directions to find some of the last un-tapped bronzeback trout fishing found in south-central Kentucky and the north-central plateau region of Tennessee. No doubt, one of the best known and most fished of the many different streams and rivers that originate in or flow through the region is the 16-mile stretch of the Cumberland River between Summer Shoals and the backwaters of Lake Cumberland that has been designated a Kentucky Wild River.

Here, towering Cumberland Falls (second largest natural waterfall in the eastern U.S.), located in the center of the Park, creates an awesomely-attractive fishery in its tailrace. Fly fishermen frequently latch on to braggin’ size bronzeback trout when they work large muddlers, streamers and local favorites line alongside huge boulders or around shoal areas downstream. The free-flowing river between the Falls and Lake Cumberland, downstream is filled with shoals and eddies where bronzeback trout grow to braggin size. This area is popular with whitewater enthusiasts, but there’s plenty of room for canoeing or rafting fishermen who have enough river-running experience to avoid the heavy (and potentially dangerous) rapids. No more than three miles from the Park, Dog Slaughter Creek winds and twists it way through a near wilderness corner of the Daniel Boone National Forest, affording a quiet hideaway for the wading fisherman. Here, in the company of rainbow trout, bronzeback trout live in the deep, rock-strewn pools and actively feed above and below the fast runs and sparkling riffles.

umberland Falls State Resort Park, located near Corbin, Kentucky off I-75, has long been a headquarters for anglers seeking the hidden bronzeback trout treasury found inside a region often referred to as “Kentucky’s Scenic Wonderland.” Hidden behind a bastion of ruggedly-steep hills and deep, nearly impenetrable canyons, a number of streams and rivers located within a relatively short distance of the park afford good to even excellent bronzeback trout fishing potential amid spectacular natural surroundings. Because of the lack of developed facilities and promotion by state and local tourism agencies, angling pressure on these waters Yet, despite continues to range from light to nonexistent. tremendous

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its good fishing potential, scenic value (towering

waterfalls) and the close proximity to the Park, bronzeback trout anglers on the stream are nearly non-existent. “It’s amazing,” notes Tom Clay, a former business manager for the Park, who is also an accomplished stream fisherman. “Anglers come here from all over to find good bronzeback trout fishing, but they often pass up some of the best possibilities because they believe a stream is either too small or it isn’t listed as a good fishery in a brochure. Indeed, lots of great fishing spots in the Kentucky-Tennessee Wonderland region are being over-looked by fishermen seeking paved access areas, a printed brochure with instructions about here and how to fish, or a

knowledgeable guide to show them the way. Benjamin Kinman, a spokesman for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, believes the region’s remoteness and difficult access problems are the main reasons why the streams and rivers continue to provides pockets of exceptionally good bronzeback trout fishing year after year. “Folks like paved parking lots and easy access, but developed facilities is a two-way sword,“ Kindman explains. If you make it easy to get to, angling pressure increases and in some instances, the quality of fishing in these remote streams and river suffers because of it.”

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mountain musings The long-time biologist notes that bronzeback trout are native to most of the running water areas in this border region of the two state. He says that most streams and rivers that contain pools with decent depth (six to 10 feet) support good numbers of these gamesters that frequently reach two and sometimes three pounds in size. For stream fishermen with an adventuresome spirit, hearing Kindman’s comments about the fishing potential, the remoteness, and non-pressured status of the region’s streams and rivers, is closely akin to winning a chunk of the state lottery. For instance, he says that even though the Cumberland River is a ma jor watercourse in Kentucky and millions of people have come to view the spectacular falls down through the years, only a half-mile above or below the park, fishing pressure from wading or floating smallmouth anglers is practically unheard of. The same applies to the nearby Rockcastle River that slices through a near-wilderness area in Rockcastle and Laurel counties before joining the upper reaches of Lake Cumberland at Bee Rock Campground and launch area. The lower 16 miles of the stream between the lake and Kentucky Rt. 80 also carries a Kentucky Wild River status. Once heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, the river has recovered to provide anglers not only one of the most scenic waterways in a region of scenic waterways, but it is also one of the better producing bronzeback trout streams, as well. Floatable using light-weight car-topper or canoe, access to the river is located at the Kentucky Rt. 490 bridge at Lamero, and at Livingston (Rockcastle County) near the US 25 bridge at the mouth of the Little Rockcastle River. Canoe liveries at Billows on old Kentucky Rt. 80, provide fishing and riverrunning advice, rentals, and ferrying service for anglers. (Note the lower Rockcastle River Gorge can be extremely difficult to navigate during high water periods. Anglers who wish to fish this section of the river should 16 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

mountain musings consult with one of the river outfitters before committing to the trip.) The Little South Fork (another Kentucky Wild River) is also a much over-looked bronzeback trout producer in the Wonderland region. No doubt the fact that it isn’t even shown on the official highway map of Kentucky, helps explain the reason few anglers fish here. Access to the stream is via Kentucky Rt. 167 south from Monticello to a county road at Mt. Pisgah which parallels the Little South Fork for some distance. Anglers can also reach Mt. Pisgah from Pickett State Park, located on the western edge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BFSNRRA). Wadable in the upper reaches, the stream eventually becomes a float tube and canoe fishery farther down. Nearby, better-known Rock Creek (another Kentucky Wild River) affords an unexpected bronzeback trout fishery near the edge of the BSFNRRA. Rock Creek is not only Kentucky’s best known putand-take trout stream, but it also harbors an unexpectedly good population of bronzeback trout in the deep pools found from Bell Farm Bridge, downstream to White Oak Junction. A belly boat or float tube allows anglers to access pools where few have fished for anything but trout and rarely from anyplace but easy-to-reach spots along the bank. The popular trout fishing stream is reached via Forest Road 1363 off Kentucky Rt.92, just west of the Yamacraw Bridge at Stearns. Only now being discovered are several excellent bronzeback trout producing streams found inside the boundaries of the BSFNRRA. One is a 20-mile section of the North Fork running from Peters Bridge in the southern-most reaches of the BSFNRRA to its junction with the New River. It has long been considered one of the better-producing bronzeback trout streams on the Cumberland Plateau. Currently, there are three put-in and take-out locations on the stream, making it accessible to float fishermen, only. But even more remote and difficult to access www.southerntrout.com | June 2013 | Southern Trout | 17

mountain musings are North White Oak, Station Camp, Parched Corn, and No Business creeks, located in the completely undeveloped west side of the park. These streams offer a near virgin bronzeback trout fishery (along with wild trout and other native species) and are difficult to reach, but access is possible. Sam Story, a wrangler for Bandy Creek Stables, located at the BSFNRR headquarters, offers pack-in trips by horseback to remote fishing locations. The numerous developed and mapped horse trails allow anglers with their own mounts to reach these remote fisheries streams fairly easily.

reasonable rate. To reach the mouth of this and other tributaries of the Big South Fork by water requires an extended float of about 25 miles (and two ma jor portages) by canoe down the Big South Fork, which in itself is a pretty fair producer of bronzeback trout some in the seven pound class!

Successful flyrodders carry a selection of hairbugs, bulky wet fly patterns such as Muddler Minnows and imitations of crawfish, and an assortment of terrestrials for summer and fall (a local favorite is a Dave’s Hopper pattern). Fishing for Wonderland bronzeback Charit Creek, the only over-night trout is not for every angler, of course. But for accommodation found inside the BSFNRRA, is those who crave to explore new waters, who an excellent hike-in facility for wading anglers love the feeling of wilderness, who yearn to wanting to sample the fishing potential of fish where no others may have, this rugged Station Camp Creek and its remote Laurel region along the Kentucky-Tennessee border Fork. This rustic facility (a former wild boar may very well be the best the South has to hunting camp) offers family-style meals offer. and a bed in a log cabin or the lodge for a

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loose loops and wind knots

GETTING ANTSY Craig Haney

ummer is one of my favorite times to trout fish with the others being fall, winter and spring. Each season has its own special attraction, usually for reasons that only make sense to me. Many years ago when I first started trout fishing, I was as a teenager on family vacations which were usually in August. It was not the best time to begin learning the sport, but I do believe the best time to go fishing is whenever you can get away, and I made the best of it. I think of summer as “terrestrial time” and on my first trips, my fly boxes were filled with black ants, red ants, beetles and hoppers, all of which were pretty straightforward patterns with names like black ant, red ant, Crowe Beetle, inchworms and Joe’s Hopper. This was long before the days of designer terrestrial patterns with cool names like Chernobyl Ant, Ant-Acid, Panty Dropper Hopper and Worm Orgy. My confidence in terrestrial patterns grew with each trout that I caught on one, and I have always carried them with me no matter the season. I’m not an obsessive kind of guy. but I will admit to having tied and/or bought enough terrestrials over the years to fill up my Old Town Pack canoe to the gunnels. But even though I may have a Guinness Book record for the number of terrestrial flies owned by one angler, I’ve got my favorites that I always have with me. One of those favorites is the McMurray Ant created in the 1960’s by the late Ed Sutryn and named for his hometown in Pennsylvania. The

fly consists of two small balsa cylinders held together by a piece of mono which is tied to the hook shank. A turn or two of hackle completes the fly. I learned about the fly sometime in the eighties when Art lee wrote about it in Fly Fisherman. Sutryn passed away in the late nineties and Rod Yerger who tied them commercially passed in 2008. I tend to save the ones I have left for special situations as I don’t know where to order more and I don’t want to sand balsa sticks to make the bodies. OK, you’re right, I’m a lazy so and so, but I’ll probably make some when I lose my last fly. In the meantime, I like an ant tied with small foam cylinders and 2 turns of hackle. My other go-to ant pattern was created by Harrison Steeves, the TransparAnt. This sinking pattern has a translucency which is key to its effectiveness and is often fished as a dropper behind a hopper or sometimes in tandem with a different color TranparAnt. Steeves recommends tying it with silk thread rather than your usual tying thread to achieve a more appealing fly. Five-minute epoxy is used for the coating and hackle for the legs. This is just one of many innovative and effective terrestrials developed by Steeves. Many years ago, my buddy Greg and I wandered into a tackle shop on the edge of Cherokee just before closing time to get some tips and flies for the next day. The fellow behind the vise said the trout had been pounding a Japanese beetle pattern, but he was out at the moment and would come back

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in the morning. We were there when the shop opened at seven and Roger Lowe was true to his word with a bin full of Japanese beetles. We bought what we needed and headed to the Cataloochee where a couple of hours later a fat, ten-inch spec nailed my beetle like it was mad at the world. We caught quite a few trout that day on the beetle and the big spec is still my largest caught inside GSMNP.

so doggone many hopper patterns on the market now that I can’t remember all their names, but most of them do have one thing in common, foam bodies and wiggly legs. Foam bodies are nice because I don’t have to dress them with floatant, but while the hot, new hopper pattern of the season comes and goes, I’ve always got some Dave’s Hoppers tied with deer hair in my box. It’s not sexy compared to the new hopper patterns, but it Another terrestrial I will always have with me just catches trout and has done so for a lot of during the summer is the green inchworm. years. There have been several innovative variations created over the last few years, but none I’ve These are the terrestrial patterns that I carry tried have outfished the original one tied with and that work for me during the summer. Your chartreuse chenille. favorite patterns may be totally different. Doesn’t really matter though; they all catch Hoppers, hoppers and more hoppers. There’s fish. It’s terrestrial time and I’m getting antsy. www.southerntrout.com | June 2013 | Southern Trout | 21

gear review Sage European Style Nymph Don Kirk

uch of my early spring fly fishing this year was done in conjunction with testing out a fly rod loaned to be by the folks at Sage, who I might note obviously did not check out my well recorded past for breaking fly rods due to my inherent clumsiness. Indeed, I do consider myself to have been quite fortunate enough to get my hands one of Sage’s new ESN “European Style Nymph” fly rods. The one I laid me paws on was a 10-foot, 4 weight (they also offer a 10-foot 3 weight). Within injury to the rod, I played with it at the Hiwassee River and a couple of not to be named creeks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My overall impression was that the ESN is an amazing rod that I returned to its rightful owners with a long sigh that did not evoke pity from Mrs. Kirk. The Sage ESN 10’ 4 weight has a nice supple tip that will all but eliminate fish popping off as it is super forgiving yet strong enough to land larger fish with ease. The most amazing thing is the incorporation of Sage’s new Konnetic Technology graphite in this rod series which decreases the overall blank diameter resulting in a lighter rod. This makes a huge difference at the end of the day when you have been holding your arm out in front of you fishing nymphs. The brain child of Sage’s chief rod designer Jerry Siem, the Konnetic Technology featuring a thinner diameter blank resulting in a superlight European Style Nymphing rod that is truly amazing.

feel every little bump along the bottom while nymphing and the takes are well telegraphed. Trust me when I say that there is no doubting when a fish at the flies as the tip relays it quickly into the mid and butt sections of the rod. When setting the hook, the compound tapers of the rod buries the hook like a chap. When it comes to using European nymphing methods, most of what we southerners refer to as the traditional style of casting is pretty much nonexistent. In field testing the ESN 10’ 4 I was very interested to see how the rod cast in traditional fly fishing application. I was pleased to discover that the ESN 10’ 4 is a first class casting rod, but it also increases the ability to mend a ton of line due in part to the supple tip section and length. It took little or no effort at all to mend 25-feet of line on the water. The Sage ESN Fly Rod is a medium action with a compound taper mandral construction. Translation: with enough flex in the tip for a nuanced read of the underwater action and enough power in the butt for sturdy hook sets, the Sage ESN is the best of both worlds. Not to mention the lightweight design makes a day of high-sticking a breeze on your arm and a blast in the water. The bottom line is that Sage ESN does exactly what it was built for and does it with considerable style. If you enjoy fishing the European Style Nymping methods or just want a rod that give you more reach and flexibility, you owe it to yourself to at least try one of these incredible rods.

The ESN 10’ 4 is perfect for nymphing methods that are highly productive on southern trout waters, be it lobbing super heavy stonefly nymphs upstream to casting long (20’+) “Smoky Mountain Freestyle” style leaders. The most notable thing is how accurate the ESN is. The super supple action just seems to send flies where you want them to go. The supple tips on the Sage ESN rod enables you to

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Specifications • • • • • • • • •

Models: 2100-4 ESN, 3100-4 ESN, 4100-4 ESN, 5100-4 ESN Sections: Four Length: 10’ Konnetic Technology construction Fuji ceramic stripping guides Handle: High grade cork, custom tapered shaped half-wells Reel Seat: Cocobolo insert, Dark Nickel colored aluminum Action: Medium Price: $699 www.southerntrout.com | June 2013 | Southern Trout | 23

history of southern trout fishing Dixie’s Kephart/Rhead Connection

ne of the most peculiar stories in the annals of the history of fishing for trout in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and particularly the Great Smoky Mountains is the connection between Horace Kephart and Louis Rhead. Both men are renowned for their respective contributions: Kephart for his writing and efforts to see that Great Smoky Mountains became a national park, and Rhead for his writing about fly fishing and eclectic art career. For most southern trout fishermen, Kephart is the better known of the two men, although in his day, Rhead was the “Bill Dance” of the sport fishing world. Ironically, neither of these gentlemen were natives to the region.

Don Kirk

real life, this pioneer conservationist was of questionable moral constitution. After moving his wife Laura and their six children to Ithaca, New York, and after a stint as a librarian at Yale University, Horace flew the coop on marriage and fatherhood to take up residence Hazel Creek section of what would later become the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In his own words, “I took a topographic map and picked out on it, by means of the contour lines and the blank space showing no settlement, what seemed to be the wildest part of these regions; and there I went.” There is evidence that he and Laura never divorced nor had a legal separation.

Horace Kephart was born 1862 in Pennsylvania and raised in Iowa. He was the director of the St. Louis Mercantile Library in St. Louis, Missouri from 1890 to 1903. It was during these years Kephart began writing about camping and hunting. He wrote “The Hunting Rifle” section of Guns, Ammunition and Tackle (New York: Macmillan, 1904), a volume of Caspar Whitney’s well known American Sportsman’s Library. Later he authored Camp Cookery (1910) and Sporting Firearms (1912). An early tourist to the Great Smoky Mountains, Kephart had a great fascination with Southern Appalachian life and culture. Many regard his Our Southern Highlanders (published in 1913 and expanded in 1922) not only as Kephart’s best effort, but as the volume that defined the Great Smoky Mountains in the American psyche. By modern standards he would not be viewed as a prolific writer, but in his day he was regarded as such and was quite well known..

That Kephart liked to drink, which in those days in that neck of the woods meant the consumption of alcohol that was locally distilled, is a bit of an understatement. He also was an ardent hunter first, shooting enthusiast second, and angler third. What remains of his fishing tackle can be viewed at Western Carolina University. His companions afield and astream were the rough and tumble This is the Horace Kephart we read about locals who made up the Hazel Creek Fishing and marvel at because of the fact that Mount Club which included the colorful local figures Kephart was named in his honor. However, in as Uncle Mark Cathey and “Squire” Granville 24 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

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history of southern trout fishing

history of southern trout fishing Calhoun. These and a smattering of other locals were not choir boys. Louis Rhead was born 1857 in Staffordshire, England, immigrating to the US when he was twenty-four years old. A well-schooled artist, during the poster craze of the early 1890s, Rhead’s poster art appeared regularly in Harper’s Bazaar, Harper’s Magazine, St. Nicolas, Century Magazine, Ladies Home Journal and Scribner’s Magazine. By the late 1890s, Rhead turned his skills to book illustration. He illustrated many children’s books. The most notable Robin Hood, The Swiss Family Robinson, Robinson Crusoe, The Deerslayer, Treasure Island, Kidnapped and Heidi.

something of a mini-cottage industry. Particularly in Western Carolina there is no shortage of experts on the life, accomplishments, and human flaws of this icon. Actually, while many believe the man liked to fish and did so often, by most accounts it was not his first passion. Some self-proclaimed experts on Kephart contend that he did not care for fly fishing in the least, an assertion I personally find odd after rifling through his old fishing tackle a couple of years ago WCU.

In what remains of his tackle is found a battered Creek Chub 100 in Chub Scale Pattern. This is a large, wooden bait casting plug that would have mostly likely been used for catching musky from the local rivers, Rhead was an avid fly fisher and by his own or perhaps enticing strikes from really big account started fishing for trout in the U.S. smallmouth bass. There is also an Al Foss sometime between 1888 and 1890. In 1901 he Egyptian Wiggler. Later acquired by Wright became interested in angling art and much of and McGill, the Al Foss series of wigglers were his later published works deal with fishing and all metal spoon-like baits that were often used fly fishing. His most famous work is American in tandem with pork rinds cast to bass. Trout-Stream Insects (1916). At the time of its publication this was one of the first and most The WCU exhibit also contains a nondescript, comprehensive studies of stream entomology well-worn leather fly wallet. Fly wallets were ever published in America. Like Kephart, he used in those days for carrying wet fly and also was much published in Outings and Forest streamer patterns, which often sported snelled, and Field, the leading sporting journals of silk gut leaders. These flies could be stored that era. Today Rhead’s memory is kept alive between the sheep fur lined interior walls of a by a cadre of vintage tackle collectors who fly wallet, something you cannot do with dry covet the many flies this tackle company sold. flies, lest you compress their tender hackles. When examining the remaining content of In recent years much has been made of the Kephart’s fly wallet, I recognized a at least legacy of Horace Kephart, and rightly so. three of the patterns as being Louis Rhead The Mountain Heritage Center and Special made items. There is nothing in the Kephart Collections at Hunter Library, Western archives at WCU that gives any indication Carolina University have created a digitized that he knew Louis Rhead. However, after a online exhibit called Revealing an Enigma that little poking around which lead me to Louis focuses on Horace Kephart’s life and works. Rhead archives at Cornell University Library, Ken Burns’ multi-part documentary The I came upon a letter from Rhead to Kephart. National Parks: America’s Best Idea features Horace Kephart in the fourth episode (1920– It is not a big deal that Rhead’s flies were 1933), which was broadcast a few years ago. used so long ago in the waters of Southern Kephart is a character in Ron Rash’s novel Appalachian, or that Kephart knew the artist Serena, as well as Walt Larimore’s novels, at some level. It is important evidence that there was more intercourse between the old Hazel Creek and Sugar Fork. time anglers of the South and those of the Being “Kephart savvy” has evolved into presumably more advanced Northeast. In 26 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

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history of southern trout fishing

history of southern trout fishing other words, fly fishing in the South did not evolve in a vacuum as it often appears. I find it fascinating, which by being the publisher of this magazine automatically grants me license to blabber on about it as though it were relevant. I do find the ultimate demises of Louis Rhead and Horace Kephart to quite fascinating as well and worth sharing. Louis Rhead’s died from a heart attack at his retirement home in Amityville, Long Island. A portion of his obituary in The New York Times, Friday July 30, 1926: LOUIS RHEAD, ARTIST AND ANGLER, DEAD. Exhausted Recently by Long Struggle In Capturing a 30-pound Turtle. ...About two weeks ago Mr. Rhead set out to catch a turtle weighing thirty pounds which had been devastating trout ponds on his place, Seven Oaks. After the turtle was hooked, it put up a fight for more than half an hour. Although Mr. Rhead was successful in the end, he became exhausted. A short time later he suffered from his first attack of heart disease. Yesterday’s was his second. Horace Kephart had the good fortune of not only fishing these streams during their heyday, but also dying with this boots on some five years after Rhead’s passing. Kephart’s demise was

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closely associated with the consumption of moonshine, a speeding automobile, and a toughto-navigate-whil e-too-h appy curvy highway. If you are a true fisherman, there is a lot to be said about going with your boots on and not on the urine-soaked sheets of a hospital bed. Should we who fish these waters be so lucky to go out like real men as did Kephart and Hemingway. IV-free departures are a blessing. sportsmen who did not whither away on a mattress in some nondescript nursing home.

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book review Wade Fishing the Rapidan River of Virginia

ade Fishing the Rapidan River of Virginia by Steve Moore was published Calibrated Consulting in 2010. This 181 page guide book is a treasure trove of information about where and how to fish this well known southern trout stream. An extraordinarily in-depth volume, Wade Fishing the Rapidan River of Virginia is part of Moore’s well-known series of CatchGuide books that have made him well known and well received among southern trout fishermen. Steve starts the story of the Rapidan where it slams into the Rappahannock River at a bronzeback trout heaven known simply as “the Confluence” and ends above the old presidential retreat Camp Hoover high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The book details 18 different access points between those two locations that are open up over 34 miles of river. The book contains 248 pictures and 21 maps and 162 GPS coordinates the enable anglers to customize directions via the Internet and load them into a GPS receiver. Author Steve Moore is an avid, hardcore, self-professed terminally addicted fisherman who was ruined for life when his father introduced him to the sport at the age of seven while living in Norway as a result of military duty. Chasing trout on mountain streams left an enduring imprint and drive to find new water…something that tortures 30 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

Steve to this day. Of course this was preordained since Steven’s father was fishing a local bass tournament on the morning he was born. His father claims to have had permission to go, but Steve’s mother does not remember the actual facts matching that story. Wade Fishing the Rapidan River of Virginia is must-have book for anyone taking a serious look at fishing the Rapidan. The books is available from the author at www.catchguide.com as well as on Amazon.com

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performance primer The “Jim-E” Midge Shawn Madison The olive midge pattern is one of the most effective fly patterns for the Clinch River year in and out. Olive midges are prevalent on the tail water of the Clinch, and they comprise most of the midge hatches in the winter and spring. There are numerous patterns and styles for fishing olive midges. However, I have not found one that works as consistently and productively as a fly I named after my father. It is called the Jim-E Midge, and it is easily tied with commonly available materials.

performance primer

Tying Steps: 1. First, start by crushing the barb if applicable and putting the bead on to the hook. Fasten the hook in your vise and be mindful to not allow the hook tip to be exposed.

Base Pattern Materials: • #16-18 Emerger (Offset) Hook • 5/64 Black – Tungsten Bead • X-SM (Extra-Small) – Silver Wire • SM (Small) – Brown Wire • 6/0 – Light Olive Thread • Antron Yarn – Brown Olive

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performance primer 2. Tie in the thread behind the bead and add a few wraps behind the bead to bulk the thorax of the fly. For tying midges, I like to use fine thread to help keep the fly proportionate in size. I am using 6/0 light olive UNI-thread and tying on a size 16 emerger (Offset) hook. a. Note the gap position of the thread behind the bead. I prefer to leave a slight gap behind the bead to allow for the final tying steps of the fly and to maintain perspective. By doing so you will be able to tie in the pupa wings easier and it will prevent you from crowding the thorax of the fly when whip-finishing. 3. Next, choose about a 6â&#x20AC;? piece of silver wire and a 6â&#x20AC;? piece of brown wire. 4. Tie the in the silver wire first on the inside of the hook shank. 5. Then, tie in the brown wire on the outside of the hook shank.

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performance primer

6. Slowly wrap the thread down the shank of the hook and maintaining a tight profile with the wiring to the hook shank. 7. Wrap the thread about 1/3 down the hook gape. 8. Slowly wrap the thread back up the shank of the hook add extra wraps to create the tapered look of a midge body. 9. Critical: tie in a whip-finish behind the bead and let your bodkin hang.

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performance primer

10. Next, start wrapping the brown wire forward to create ribbing. Add a few tight wraps behind the bead and busy the wire free or cut.

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performance primer

11. Then, wrap the silver wire forward, but pull it up next to the top of each of the brown wire wraps. This is the juxtapose process and is key in creating a segmented look of the midge.

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performance primer 12. Add a few tight wraps behind the bead and busy the wire free or cut. 13. Apply some cement to the body.

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performance primer

14. Whip-finish behind the bead and let your bodkin hang.

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performance primer

15. Cut a 3â&#x20AC;? segment of antron and tie it in behind the bead with a figure 8 method.

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performance primer 16. Apply some cement to the thread and whip-finish the fly and cut the thread.

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performance primer 17. Next, pull the antron segments upward and trim closely to the fly body. 18. The end results should look like small wing buds.

When tying these, use lighter thread colors and to allow for the shading effect from the cement application. When choosing wing buds, mix some of the darker or lighter in colors to create a realistic effect. No matter what technique you use, always remember to find the joy in your fishing and life!

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guide profile

guide profile Clint Wilkinson, Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures

he Razorback State is known worldwide for its unparalleled fly fishing for trophy size trout. Mere mention of the White, North Fork or Little Red rivers among fly fishermen calls for a moment of awe and silence. It is not surprising that the best fly fishing for trout in the world has its share of the world’s top fly fishing guides. High on the list of these agents of angling is Clint Wilkinson of Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures. He offers guided fly fishing trips on the White River (Bull Shoals Tailwater) and North Fork River (Norfork Tailwater) in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.

a decade and has established a reputation as one of the top guides in the area. Clint is a skilled caster, tyer, instructor and works well with fly fishers of all skill levels from beginner to expert. He is patient, enthusiastic and every day on the water with him is a learning experience for all. Clint is also a board member of the White River TU chapter and is responsible for coordinating important conservation projects. He has appeared numerous times on The Outdoor Channel, Versus and has been featured in several outdoor magazines including being listed as the Arkansas White River’s “go to” guide in Fly Fish America magazine’s annual travel guide.

Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures is a full service fly fishing outfitter that not only provides the best guided fly fishing trips, but couples it with first class accommodations well suited for corporate groups, fly clubs and of course individual anglers. Wilkinson Outdoor Adventure’s excellent reputation has earned the business a long list of repeat clients. While much of the success of Wilkinson Outdoors Adventures goes to its friendly, knowledgeable guides, some credit also has to be given to the world class rivers where they offer trips. These waters are home to four species of trout: brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brook trout, all of which can be caught in a single outing. World record brown trout and high numbers of fish per mile make this area a dream destination for fly fishers of all skill levels. Expert casters looking for the trophy brown trout of a lifetime or beginners looking to learn the great sport of fly fishing will find these waters productive and enchanting. Clint Wilkinson has been guiding fly fishers on the White and Norfork Rivers for well over

This “free flowing” stream near Harrison, Arkansas meanders for miles through the Ozark country side until it meets the White River downstream of Cotter. Certain stretches of Crooked Creek hold excellent populations of bronzeback trout as well as largemouth bass and rock bass. Wilkinson has exclusive, private access to over a mile of this beautiful stream near Pyatt, Arkansas.

Because water is drawn from the same levels at all times, water temperature changes little from season to season. As a result, trout grow fat all year long on the abundant scuds, sowbugs, midges, crawfish, sculpins, minnows, and other forage fish. Insect hatches can be great in the spring when they see caddis, crane flies and sulphur mayflies. Although the fish do not depend on these food sources, they will look up and slurp if there is a hatch. This adds some variety to the to the productive nymph fishing that we normally do. Wilkinson also offers guide fly fishing trips to Crooked Creek, one of the premier Arkansas bronzeback trout (smallmouth bass) fisheries.

His guide trips are done on the tail water stretches below Bull Shoals (The White River) and Norfork (North Fork River) Dams. These trout waters have become world renowned for both the numbers and size of the fish they can support. These rivers have produced countless state and world record fish. Four species are available to fly fishers; rainbow, brook, brown, and cutthroat trout can be caught in the same day to achieve the coveted “Arkansas Grand Slam”

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Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures offers riverside accommodations at the White River Trout Lodge. This three level A-frame is located approximately three miles above the Wildcat Shoals access area, on the banks of the White

River. The lodge caters to fly fishers and may be rented by the level, or as a whole. It is the perfect choice for groups or individuals. Owners, Bill and Joanna Smith, provide luxury and comfort at a very reasonable price. Among the greatest features of the lodge is its view of the White River and it’s bluffs from the three thousand square feet of deck space. For more information contact Clint Wilkinson, 336 Stephanie, Gassville, AR 72635 870-404 – 2942 email: cwflyfish@gmail.com Web site: www.whiteriver-flyfishing.com

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fly of the month Lowe’s Little Yellow Stone Roger Lowe

If you enjoy matching the hatch for some great dry fly fishing be sure to try these in June and July. Roger’s book, “Roger Lowe’s Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains” is a fly tying and identification guide. He also has a tying video, “Smoky Mountain Fly Patterns” it shows how to tie a lot of the Smoky Mountain Patterns. And he has a hatch book, “Smoky Mountain Fly Patterns”. It is a guide so you will know which patterns to use each month.

une and July are very active months as far as hatches and topwater action on southern freestone trout streams. At this time of year many different mayflies and stoneflies hatch during the late evening and fill the air above mountain trout streams. Most of these emerging insects are yellow in color. These hatches often trigger create a feeding frenzy for the trout during the last couple of hours of fly fishing.

In our southern mountain trout streams stoneflies make up a ma jor portion of the diet of the trout found there. The little yellow stonefly, or Yellow Sally as many refer to them, are the most dominant in our southern waters. Little yellow stones begin hatching in May and hatch through out late summer when just about all of the other ma jor hatches are gone. Southern trout streams hold many species of stoneflies and their hatches often occur at the same time. Where others hatch only evenings

stoneflies hatch and crawl throughout the day before surfacing late evenings. With this in mind, it is wise to try stoneflies almost anytime of the year, and especially during summer. My favorite imitation is Lowes little yellow stonefly dry fly. These are tied mostly sizes 14 and 16. The tail wing and the body are tied with bright yellow poly yarn with a ginger hackle. These float well fished in the edges of the swifter pools on a tight line. Best tippet size for these are 5 x and 6x.

Recipe Hook: 94840 Mustad Tail: Yellow poly yarn Body: Yellow poly yarn Wing: Yellow poly yarn Hackle: Ginger

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featured outfitter Smoky Mountain Angler

featured outfitter Gatlinburg, Tennessee

pretty good argument could be made that Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the capital of fly fishing for trout in the Great Smoky Mountains. Over a thousand miles of trout streams and rivers are but a short distance from this bustling tourist Mecca. In recent years, a number of outfitters have sprung up who offer guided fishing trips in and around the national park. However, none of these folks have been around as long nor have the experience level found at the Smoky Mountain Angler. The Smoky Mountain Angler is the oldest authorized fishing guide service for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fishing guides operating out of the Smoky Mountain Angler have a well deserved reputation for assisting even the most experienced fisherman to have a trip to remember for a lifetime. These guides also have the expertise to direct beginner fly-fishing enthusiast to waters where they will catch fish. With a reservoir of years of experience from fly fishing in the Smokies, the guide team from Smoky Mountain Angler teaches the techniques needed to catch wild mountain trout in the park or to hook into stocked rainbow and brown which are generously planted in the local waters that course through the middle of Gatlinburg. In addition to fishing excursions in and around the freestone streams of the Great Smoky Mountains, the shop also offers half-day and full-day drift

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and jet boat trips for trout on nearby tailwater rivers and for trophy bronzeback trout. The Smoky Mountain Anglers’ guide team is headed by Chad Williams who grew up in Newport, Tennessee located about 30 miles east of Gatlinburg along the northern tier of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In his 20s, Chad was looking for a hobby that could accommodate his love for hiking and camping, and he came across fly fishing. He picked up the fly-fishing bug and has been fishing ever since. As of now, he has been fly fishing for over 15 years, and he has been a guide in the Great Smoky Mountains for 11 years. Along with his fly fishing hobby came an extra bonus hobby of being an award winning fly-

tying expert. He enjoys tying flies for the shop and for his guided fishing trips where he teaches people how to catch the spooky wild fish of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

waterways with both fly and conventional tackle and is a USCG Licensed Captain. He has worked for the Smoky Mountain Angler for five years and has guided throughout that time for those wild mountain trout. Also, starting this year, Tyler is offering guided smallmouth bass trips in a jet boat, but he is not available on weekends because he is working on getting a Master’s Degree.

Guide Brad Atwell is a native of Mooresville, North Caroline where he grew up fishing for bluegill, crappie, catfish and flounder. After attending Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina, Brad found his passion: trout fishing the Blue Ridge. Chasing trout occupied as much time as did his college studies. Now, 30 years later, his passion is his career. This is his 6th season with Smoky Mountain Angler where he enjoys sharing his love and knowledge of fly fishing the Smokies. In 2012, Brad built his own drift boat and has started guiding on the tailwaters for both trout and smallmouth. Guide Tyler Jenkins is a Tennessee native who from the time he was six weeks old was in his father’s arms fishing. Tyler enjoys pursuing everything that swims in Tennessee’s

Guide Travis Williams was born and raised within a few miles of Gatlinburg. He has been fly fishing for 15 years and working for Smoky Mountain Anglers for four years. Travis is also a City of Gatlinburg Police Officer and enjoys guiding on his days off. Guide Nocona Allen grew up in Cosby, Tennessee and has been fly fishing for five years. He has worked for the Smoky Mountain Angler for two years.

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featured outfitter Nocona loves to fish dry flies, so you will see Nocona chasing the hatches just about every evening. Nocona is also a great banjo player and plays at several local events. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountain Angler is a well stocked fly shop complete with all of the right patterns and sizes of flies to use since effective patters change seasonally. Their fly bins brim with the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best selection of locally hand tied and commercial flies. The shop also carries everything you need for a successful fishing

trip in the Smokies. They feature quality fishing gear from Sage, St. Croix, Redington, Echo, Ross, Simms, Abel, Scott, and Temple Fork Outfitters. They are a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency license agent and carry rental equipment. Smoky Mountain Anglers is located at 466 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738; telephone 865- 436-8746; www. smokymountainanglers.com.

Over 200 entries for only $2.99

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featured fly shop South River Fly Shop

outh River Fly Shop is the Shenandoah Valley’s newest fly shop, specializing in the South River Special Regulations Areas. Shop owners Kevin Little and Tommy Lawhorne provide expert advice on fishing local waters and also provide full guide service and instruction on fly casting and fly tying. Both know these and other nearby waters as well as they know the back of their hands.

Prior to opening South River Fly Shop, Kevin Little was a guide for over 20 years, starting with flyfishing in the remote mountain areas of West Virginia. “I’ve had the good fortune to guide in some of the best areas in the nation, including Montana, Idaho, Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee. I am also a full-time rodmaker. Since I guide the same rivers and streams that you will be fishing, I know what a rod is required to do and which tapers are suitable. Let me design and build the rod you’ve waited for your whole life.” Tommy Lawhorne grew up on Stoney Creek in Nelson County and started fishing for trout at age 4. He progressed to fly fishing as a teen and began guiding and teaching in 1990. The South River in Waynesboro has been his home waters for the past 20 years. An active conservationist, in 2005 he was elected president of the Shenandoah Valley Chapter

featured fly shop Waynesboro, Virginia of Trout Unlimited and continues to serve in that post. He knows where every big trout is on the South River, Jackson River and Mossy Creek. He and Kevin offer half and full day trips on these waters as well as float trips on their 16ft Cataraft on the Shenandoah River and Maury River. South River Fly Shop is a full service, wellstocked establishment where you can get everything you need for successfully exploring local waters including locally tied flies. Popular brands of tackle and gear found at the shop include Korkers, G. Loomis, Temple Fork Outfitters, Float Master, Echo, Caddis and Ross Reels to name a few. Others include Elkhorn Rod and Reel, custom bamboo fly rods by Kevin Little, Chota, Airflo and Scientific Angler fly lines, vest and packs from William Joseph and Solitude Fly Co.,; fly tying materials and tools from Wapsi, Peak, Dr. Slick, Ultra Thread, and Ray Rumpf; as well as clothing with Tundra Tech by Drift Creek Outdoors. In addition to being the go-to guys for fishing tips, Little and Lawhorne exude a sense of community. They have patience for beginners and enjoy sharing their stories and taking time for questions. Also, they are participating in outreach programs such as Trout in the Classroom and Casting for Recovery.

Also in alliance with Trout Unlimited, South River Fly Shop is giving back to the natural habitat by donating 5 percent of all fly sales to the Shenandoah Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited for South River Projects. Casting For Recovery is a program in which women at any age and stage of breast cancer treatment and recovery are invited to participate in a retreat where they can learn the basics of fly casting, catch-and-release fly-fishing, environmental issues, entomology, and knot tying skills. The idea behind it is to give each survivor a respite from their everyday surroundings and routines and to provide a fun experience where women can gain self-esteem, make new friends, and learn a new skill at no cost to the participants. The program holds a special place in both men’s heart, and they do their best to spread the word about it.

what’s hatching, what’s biting, and what you can do to optimize your fishing experience. The shop is located at 317 West Main Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980

South River Fly Shop is a full-service fly shop, providing guiding, instruction, fly fishing, fly Phone: 540-942-5566 casting, and fly tying lessons and classes. Little Web: www.southriverflyshop.com and Lawhorne have the latest information on

Trout in the Classroom is a program that Trout Unlimited has conducted for several years in the area where the kids actually raise trout in their classroom. They hatch the eggs, they raise them up, and then they have a field trip where they go to a stream and they release them. Through the course of the program, students learn about the natural habitat and get to see growth of an organism. A tank of trout is even in the store to enlighten others about the program and to invite people to make donations for the program.

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featured lodge Eseeola Lodge

he traditions and history of fly fishing for trout in the South run far deeper and date farther back than most modern anglers dare consider. One of the most interesting examples of this is Eseeola Lodge in Linville, North Carolina. For well over a century this ma jestic old lodge has been a Mecca for fly fishermen seeking the best Dixie Highlands have to offer. While better known these days as a golf destination, now as then, the fishing around the lodge is world class in more ways than one.

featured lodge Linville, North Carolina

Founded in 1888 as a prospective timber and mining town, Linville owes its existence as a resort area to the industrialists’ wives. Citing the allure of the land’s natural beauty, they convinced their husbands to build a charming town of streets lined with cottages clad in chestnut-bark shingles. Several of Linville’s finest homes were designed by architect Henry Bacon, who is best known for designing the Lincoln Memorial, and as a leader of New England’s shingle-style movement.

In 1891 when Harvard professor William James first visited here, he wrote that he had found the most “peculiar” and “poetic of places” in Linville Valley. A year later construction was completed on his new inn that opened for business. Named after an Indian word meaning “river of cliffs”, Eseeola Lodge is tucked between Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge mountains. It is a special place that allows you to experience time in reverse.

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The Eseeola Lodge opened in 1892—a rambling shingle-style building with statuesque gables and the popular chestnut-bark siding. An immediate hit among summering families from Wilmington, Charlotte, Nashville, Birmingham, and beyond, the inn grew in the Roaring Twenties to include a rustically elegant annex with large rooms, luxurious baths, and private porches. Hard times hit with The Great Depression, and disaster struck in 1936 when a fire destroyed the original lodge. Before that, the annex across the street had only a double row of rooms. But it was transformed into the main lodge with the addition of a large living and dining room. Within the cavernous living room, crackling fires glow in huge stacked-stone fireplaces on chilly mornings and evenings, inviting guests to settle in to cozy chairs. In the dining room, meals featuring brook trout and vegetables from local farms recall those enjoyed by Eseeola’s first guests. The most direct link to the old inn’s history, however, can be found just by leaning back in a wicker chair on your own private porch, and breathing deeply of the fragrant air.

go fishing) why not treat your better half to a wine and cheese welcome, a romantic treat or floral bouquet to memorialize the moment. The cost is minimal and the response is pure happiness on the part of those with but a casual interest in your angling addiction. Allow your better half to choose one of spa packages that include Ashiatsu Oriental Bar therapy, stone massage, scalp refresher, aromatherapy, or paraffin treatment. Beside fly fishing and golf, you can partake of a game of tennis, croquet, canoeing, climbing, or sporting clays-an English shotgun shooting game. Both group lessons and private lessons are available if needed when signing up for the fly fishing packages, canoe trips, or sporting clays.

Eseeola Lodge is open from midMay to October. There are 24 guest rooms and one private cottage available for single or double occupancy. The nice thing about the accommodations is that the price includes both breakfast and dinner. Reputed for having a spectacular dining facility, the Eseeola Lodge promises fine dining, world class wines, and memorable meals of which, tales be told, will last way beyond your stay. In addition to your room, guests may partake of the library, lounge, bar, spa and fitness center besides enjoying the beautiful grounds, golf and highly recognized fly fishing for trout.

Beyond what Eseeola Lodge has to offer, there are additional attractions in the area, such as the Appalachian Summer Festival, the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, and various activities hosted by the High Country. Known as the “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina”, the Linville Gorge is the third largest wilderness area in North Carolina and one of the only two wilderness gorges in the Southern United States. The Gorge was formed by the Linville River many years ago. The Gorge lies inside the Pisgah national Forest and is popular destination for There are a great many amenities to choose hikers and tourists. The Gorge features one of from at the lodge. If you are coming to Eseeola the few remaining old growth forests in the for a special occasion (such as you getting to Blue Ridge Mountain range. The Linville Gorge

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featured lodge trip on private sections of the Linville River. Includes fly rod rental, waders, flies, and rod fee for stream access—plus tips on improving your roll cast and more.

Wilderness Area served as the backdrop to the popular film Last of the Mohicans.

Full-day float trips are offered for two anglers to the South Holston or the Watauga River for a beautiful day of tail-water fishing. Includes all equipment, a shore lunch, beverages, and transportation. Fishing equipment and other accessories will be available to members and guests of The Lodge on a daily or multi-day rental plan. Rods and reels as well as other fishing gear are available for purchase on a special-order basis. Whether you seek basic casting instruction, knot tying, fly selection, and catch-and-release how-tos, to more advanced techniques such as improving casting distance and accuracy, instructors at the lodge can help, including guidance to mastering alternative casts, advanced knot tying and fly presentation.

Fly fishermen are hosted by Alan Burchell, Eseeola’s Director of Outdoor Programs and a Wulff-certified fly fishing instructor. He can help you hone your trout fishing or fly casting skills—whether you’re an avid or casual participant. In addition, and take you float You can reach Eseeola Lodge at 1-800-742trips that are offered throughout the summer. 6717. The lodge offers a four-hour guided wade

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Bed & Breakfast

featured bed & breakfast

featured bed & breakfast Waynesboro, Virginia

The Speckled Trout

ly fishing a trout-laden creek nurtures all five senses. We deeply inhale the mossy smell of the leaves, we taste and feel the water spray over rocks and pools, we hear the cacophony of the peace of nature, and we thrill at the quiver of a newly tight trout line. Yet, much to our chagrin, our ecstasy can be lost on our spouses and significant others. Who hasn’t clinched a jaw in preparation for a chastisement for time that should have been spent together? We at Southern Trout intimately understand, and we have your solution—The Speckled Trout Bed and Breakfast in Waynesboro, Virginia.

The Speckled Trout is the “baby” of Jim and Kay Heafner, two of the most delightful people we have encountered in our fly fishing travels. The Speckled Trout is not their first bed and breakfast venture. The couple first became inn-keepers when they operated the Country Gardens B&B in their Anchorage, Alaska home. Adventurers at heart, Jim and Kay have fly fished all over Alaska and as far south as Patagonia. Jim is a bit of an oddity in the world of fly fishing and inn-keeping in that he is also an avid big game hunter who took advantage of being in Alaska when hunting seasons opened. The interior of the Speckle Trout has no shortage

Don’t stop reading at the mention of a B&B. Unlike any other we’ve experienced, the Speckled Trout caters to trout fisherman. In case you read too fast, I’ll repeat. They cater to trout fishermen. While you are soaking in the ambiance of the Lefty Krey library room, your spouse can enjoy tea in the elegant, personable sitting room. While you trade fishing stories with fishermen (who often stop by), your spouse can relax in one of the four poster beds available to guests.

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of big game heads on the wall, and in the Lefty Krey library room, you will find the a rug made from one of the largest tundra grizzly bears ever taken.

Youthful treks in the Appalachian Mountains ignited Jim’s outdoor passions, and he’s been engaged in outdoor education, and guiding mountain and river expeditions

ever since. Fly fishing, he finds, makes a worthwhile distraction while mentoring at-risk boys. After 30 years of wilderness adventure in Alaska, their Virginia roots called them back. Jim and Kay enjoyed their Alaskan B&B experience so much that they opened their Shenandoah Valley home in Waynesboro, Virginia to guests. They love the beauty of the expansive, historic estates nearby, which convey warmth and charm through a grand tradition of hospitality and enjoyment of the outdoors. Hospitality is Kay’s field. As well as the B&B, she owned a floral design and event planning business. Extraordinarily gregarious, Kay is known for her gracious smile and enthusiasm, and welcomes searching farmer’s markets for wonderful fresh goodies. Breakfast at the Speckled Trout is better described as an event than meal time. We were dazzled not only by the

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featured bed & breakfast preparation of breakfast during our stay, but also simple elegance and atmosphere of the Speckled Trout. If your spouse likes being pampered in a warm, inviting environment while you ply your passion for fly fishing, this B&B is must addition to your bucket list. Your fly fishing forays will never have a more satisfactory rating by the “Chairman of the Board.” Accommodations at the Speckled Trout are impeccable. Each guest room is airconditioned and tastefully decorated with antiques and period furnishings. Two rooms with private baths are available. A third bedroom is available (sharing a bath) as a family suite or companion suite for folks traveling together. There is nothing like queen-sized four-poster beds with high-quality linens and pillow top mattresses to ease the body and soul after a day of fly fishing. The hall bath has two pedestal sinks and large marble shower with rain forest shower head. This bath is available for either the Royal Coachman room or the Grey Ghost room—or both, when shared as a family suite. Breakfast is an essential part of any stay at a B&B, and here the Speckled Trout got an A+ where a southern style gourmet breakfast is served with flair, flavor and finesse. A Speckled Special is the spicy warm historic apple cake with maple sausage and peaches arrayed in orange scented crème Anglaise to pay homage to the history of this lovely piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Of course, it would be remiss to not mention the inn’s blueberry sourdough cobbler with pepper crusted bacon, smoked salmon eggs Benedict, or ham and eggs beside a steaming baked apple with a cheddar cheese melting over it. Jim and Kay also serve up hot international treats that include French apple apricot torte, Finnish kropsu popover filled with Mascarpone cheese, cream and berries, and served with eggs Florentine. As noted, breakfast is an event at the Speckled Trout.

featured bed & breakfast Waynesboro is the place to be if you enjoy festivals. It hosts the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival in April, one of the largest Soap Box Derbies in the nation, the Virginia Fall Foliage Festival and the Shenandoah Antiques Expo. Wine Country and Waynesboro is in Wine Country! World-class vineyards, many with tours and tasting rooms, are a short drive away. Jim and Kay would be happy to help you create your own wine trail itinerary.

Ridge Parkway plus a smorgasbord of antique shops. At the Speckled Trout B&B, you are only five minutes from Exit 96 or 94 off I-64 for an easy interstate commute to Staunton, Charlottesville, Lexington or Harrisonburg We saved opportunities to fly fish for brook, rainbow, brown, and bronzeback trout for last. The Shenandoah Valley is well known for its flyfishing and boasts a diversity of

Learn more by watching a video about Virginia Wines from their website. The town is only a stone’s throw from the Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail and the Blue

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trout streams ranging from freestone mountain creeks to limestone streams to spring creeks. The Shenandoah National Park holds the best stock of wild brook trout in the southern Appalachians. Fly-fishermen can fish the Valley’s small streams holding brook, rainbow and brown trout. The Speckled Trout B&B has partnered with three of the

finest fly-fishing shops in the area (South River Fly Shop, Albemarle Angler and Mossy Creek Fly Fishing) and can arrange for both fly-fishing instruction and guiding services. Your innkeeper, Jim Heafner, who is also a serious fly-fisherman, can assist you with directions to the area’s best fishing. The South River is only a couple of blocks away from the B&B. Private waters are also available. Fly-tying equipment and materials can be made available upon request. We heartily recommend this establishment, and its owners, Jim and Kay Heafner. The Speckled Trout Bed and Breakfast is located at 607 Oak Avenue, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980; telephone 540-946-4899; www. thespeckledtroutbb.com, and email info@ theSpeckledTroutBB.com. If you contact them, please give Jim and Kay our warmest regards.

Pictures from the Southern Trout visit are available online here.

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wanderings of the creek freak

Losses ...

our losses started out small, albeit because your gear list was shorter than your time on the water. Just a few weeks have passed since you walked out of the local fly shop with the first of what would be an ever-fluid stock of bugs, leaders, forceps, nets, sunglasses, gloves, rods, reels, and much more. You got used to it.

Bob Borgwat

You made a fine transition from flogging to casting, from casting to catching, and you realized, indeed, you would need to do your best to keep your losses at a minimum. Alas. Flies were always the first to go, on any trip you took, at any time in your chase. You dropped ‘em when you reached into your boxes. A gust

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wanderings of the creek freak of wind lifted ‘em off the palm of your hand. You forgot about the ones you laid down on the tailgate. You broke ‘em off on rocks, bushes, trees, logs, in your shirt and in your shoelaces, maybe on a fish or two. And every break took several feet of tippet with it. You got used to it.

and pockets, you lost bugs time to time to the aforementioned gusts of wind while trying to pull one from another in the thread-andfeather cluster that twisted like a dust-bunny in the palm of your hand. Not anymore. The whole damn box is gone because you rushed into the cast for a rising fish, the box grew legs of its own, and it jumped from your unsecured pocket. You got used to it.

The rod collection you amassed impresses me. Loomis, Sage, Scott, Winston, Thomas & Thomas...even more, including the vintage HI Leonard split bamboo Catskill rod recovered from your dad’s attic. Every one of them as fine a rod as any flogger can own. From 2-weights to 8s, those rods represented your growing As your cast character. From snatching brilliant brookies improved, so went out of an Appalachian trickle, to leaning into your approach to a heavy tailwater ‘bow, to tackling green trout your accessories. in a grassy cane brake, you found each had a Gone are your purpose in your hands. You also found out each n i c k e l - p l a t e d and every one of them could break beneath forceps. They lie your stare of gratification. Tossed in the bed at the bottom of of your pick-up. Stretched under the thwarts a 10-foot-deep of a canoe. Extended through an open car hole. The gold- window. Lifted under your living room ceiling tipped pair you fan. Dunked as a depth finder. Floated (or not) replaced them with through a waterfall. You got used to it. swung safely on a retractor from I have fished with you for 20 years, and your chest pack eventually, I got used to it, too. But still your (upgraded from complacency amazes me. I bitch about it often. that ratty vest) I even rant. Once, especially pissed off, I drove and they just look you 35 miles back to riverside in hopes your cool. (You said!) wading boots still stood in the roadside pullout Until the chord where you pulled them off before you broke on that retractor the Catskill cane rod leaning it in an open car m y s t e r i o u s l y door. We laughed when we found not only the snapped and your boots, but also a pair of gold-tipped forceps auto-reach for the forceps came up empty- and a chest pack. handed, you got used to it. As your gear collectively developed a personality, colorful slotted foam-lined fly boxes replaced the opaque open-binned containers that mercilessly tied flies to flies. Before the fanciful sachets blessed your packs www.southerntrout.com | June 2013 | Southern Trout | 63

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new fly guy

Filling your Fly Box the First Time Steve Moore

here they sit, quietly organized in small cubbyholes, full of muted promise. But is that fly designed to catch more anglers than trout? After all, the purple, gold ribbed beadhead nymph with a flash of red sure looks good to the human eye! New fly guys must resist the temptation to sample everything at the buffet and stick to a narrow selection of productive flies until experience on local water dictates change.

At first principles, the effective presentation of any fly overwhelms type, size or color. Time spent practicing will produce a higher catch rate than blowing your paycheck on an extensive collection of flies in every make, shape and color. If you have more than 2 fly boxes (one for dries, one for nymphs with streamers mixed in) to hold all your flies, you probably have some that you will never use. Granted, there are exceptions to everything, and if you hit that window on the stream when trout feed on a particular insect at the exclusion of all others, you may wish that you had carried the entire selection from the fly store to dump into the stream and see what works. For 99% of your encounters with trout, a small selection of fly patterns in different sizes will do just fine. As you gain experience and familiarize yourself with the guidance contained in Hughes’ Handbook of Hatches or Meck’s Matching Hatches Made Easy, broaden your perspective and the contents of your fly box at a pace that matches your budget. It goes without saying that you should chat with the experts at the fly shop on what generic patterns work best in your local water. If there is no fly shop in your area, check on fly fishing online forums to get advice from other anglers. Even those who will not offer a location will freely comment on what worked. For most purposes, grab these essential patterns in sizes ranging from 12 to 20:

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Dry flies:

Nymphs:

• Mayfly Patterns: Adams, Blue Wing Olive, Light Cahill • Caddis: Elk Hair Caddis in tan, olive or brown • Terrestrials: Hopper, Ant • Griffith Gnat • Mosquito • Humpy for rough water situations • Streamers • Wooly buggers in green, brown and black

• Prince nymph • Pheasant tail • Hare’s ear

Once you stock your fly box, the most important thing to pay attention to is to match the size of the fly with what is actually hatching. Later, as you gain experience in the nuances of your local water, expand your selection to include wet flies, emergers, spinners and various specialized nymphs as appropriate.

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Flyfisher’s Guide to™

TENNESSEE Don KirK

AVA I L A B L E F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 3 The 37th book in our best-selling Flyfisher's Guide series CONTENT Flyfisher’s Guide to™ Tennessee By Don Kirk

Just a 3-hour drive from Atlanta!

Guides for first-time to experienced anglers -and everyone in between.

Destinations include high elevation mountain streams,

scenic tailwaters, private water for trophy trout, and intense summer-time smallmouth bass trips. We take several backcountry trips a year to the remote and scenic Hazel Creek in GSMNP, which is an experience every Southern fly fisher should try at least once. Brookings’ also hosts some incredible destination trips to places like Patagonia (Argentina), Belize and Montana. We are simply eaten up with fishing and will go anywhere to find the best for our clients. Lodging | Fly Fishing Guide Trips | Angling Equipment Cigars | Apparel | Books | DVDs 828-743-3768 | info@brookingsonline.com BrookingsOnline.com

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Brooking’s is licensed to guide in Nantahala and Pigsah National Forests, Panthertown Valley, as well as Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Softcover 6 x 9 inches 380 pages, 40+ maps 50+ B&W/color photos ISBN: 978-1-932098-96-9

UPC: 8-09206-98969-6 Retail Price: $29.95 Case Quantity: 16 Available February 2013

Tennessee has long hosted some of the United States' best big-brown-trout fisheries, yet somehow it has managed to stay under the radar. Until now. Longtime writer and flyfishing guide Don Kirk covers everything in his all new guide book the Flyfisher's Guide to Tennessee. Productive tailwaters like the Clinch River, South Holston River and Watauga River are covered in full detail, as are their tributaries and reservoirs. And Kirk goes well beyond the major drainages, deep into the Cherokee National Forest uncovering some gorgeous gems that will give up trout for days. From brook, brown and rainbow trout to bass and panfish, Kirk covers all the gamefish. Hatch charts, detailed maps, recommended flies, specialized techniques, accommodations, sporting goods and fly shops, restaurants and all other relevant information is included. Kirk gives you tips from a lifetime of flyfishing in Tennessee in this comprehensive volume. If you're ready to give the tailwater pigs a shot, or even if you just want to pluck some brookies from an idyllic mountain brook, you'll want this book. Tennessee is the next great destination - get in while you can. AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM AMAZON.COM, FLY SHOPS, BOOK STORES OR DIRECT FROM PUBLISHER.

Wilderness Adventures Press, Inc. Order Toll Free: 1-866-400-2012 Fax: 1-866-400-2013 Email: books@wildadvpress.com 45 Buckskin Rd. Belgrade, MT 59714 http://store.wildadvpress.com www.southerntrout.com | June 2013 | Southern Trout | 69

Adriano Manocchia

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feature

n the art community and among professional artists, you will often find artists who have managed to capture their subjects entirely. They grasp the color, the texture, and in the case of animals, they capture the musculature and movement. Among the many characteristics an artist can capture, it is rare that you find an artist who can also capture the spirit of his subject, and one artist who has surprised not only the art community, but also the wildlife community, is artist Randy McGovern. McGovern grew up in New Orleans, the heartland of Louisiana, and in his fourth grade year, one of his teachers encouraged him to pursue art lessons which he did across the city every Thursday. In 1964, the year McGovern began pursuing his art lessons, he won a city wide contest and that first contest was enough incentive to continue his artistic studies. At 21 years old, McGovern left the University of Southwestern Louisiana with his B.A. in advertising and a degree reading “Magna Cum Laude.” Instead of joining the work force associated with the fascinating subject that is advertising, McGovern instead launched a fine arts career and began doing his work professionally full time. McGovern’s technique and talent is very recognizable as his paint strokes do not simply brush across the canvas, but instead they tumble down and up and over into a twisted maze of camouflage and minute details that will keep an audience staring for hours, and with each tick of the minute hand they will see something else hidden in the brush strokes. While examining a McGovern painting, it is more than just analyzing and critiquing. It is almost like a game. “I paint on a very smooth canvas,” McGovern begins, “which enables me to get great detail and makes my paintings unique. I’m also known for hiding hidden creatures in my backgrounds for a free conversation piece. However, some of my fish paintings don’t have any hidden critters, but many do.

Almost all of my wildlife paintings have hidden critters. The challenge is to make the hidden critters well defined so they are recognizable while making them wellcamouflaged so you would never see them unless you were told to find them.” McGovern chooses to work exclusively with oil paints, one of the more complex mediums to master. When asked what he aims to accomplish in his artwork over all he replied, “My initial goal is to draw a composition that works, playing perpendicular lines off of each other. My second goal is to ‘glorify’ the fish or animal, highlighting their most noble features and poses, and painting the ideal with great fur and great iridescence portraying their best colors. My third goal is to paint a background that works with colors that work well together.” It is through his masterful hand and eye and his intimate and specific goals when painting that McGovern manages to make the animals in his compositions come alive and almost spring off the canvas.

Renaissance Man of Trout Art Loryn Patterson

Along with being an artist, McGovern is an avid outdoorsman and nature lover. When he is not laying out a beautiful painting, he does enjoy walking through the woods or fishing and capturing nature’s beauty with his camera. What draws him back to places is the nostalgia--perhaps of that one big fish he caught and never got a picture of or the first time he ever snapped a line. McGovern currently resides in the town of Acworth in the Atlanta area with his wife, Cheryl, and his three children. When he is not painting, he is guiding his company, consisting of ten employees, and when he absolutely needs to get away, you can find him in his log cabin in the country, observing the wild life or fly fishing. Being a man of great talent and notoriety, there is always the question of what words of wisdom he could give to another artist.

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Page 71 - Top - Rolling on the River Page 71 - Bottom - Stream Buddies Page 72 - Top - Rainbow Delight Page 72 - Bottom - Streamers Page 73 - Upward Mobility

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“Start drawing things you like.” McGovern advises, “If it’s dogs, start with your dog. If it’s fish, start with your gold fish. But just get started. Eventually you can start painting which is much harder than drawing. But if you do it enough, you’re own unique style will emerge. You can eventually get known for a small sliver of subject matter.” Among being ranked first in the world for the Google search “famous wildlife artist,” he has been artist of the year for Louisiana Ducks Unlimited and National Quail Unlimited. He has also been featured on the covers of Waterfowl U.S.A., Waterfowl & Wetlands, Outdoor Life, Quail Unlimited, and many more magazines. McGovern can be reached and his prints seen on www.fishprints.com and www.mcgovernwildlife.com.

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feature

ost artists use their work to break away from everyday life. They use their work to explore untapped emotions, to violate their day-today lives in an attempt to break from their normality and push themselves not only to create but also to separate themselves from what they see every day. This, however, is not the case for Nate Karnes, Knoxville native, avid fisherman, and artist. Karnes’s artwork is a passion within a passion, having been inspired by fishing trips to the Smoky Mountain National Park or anywhere in his current Missouri home where he can catch a smallmouth. Art, Karnes tells Southern Trout, is something he has been doing his entire life, and his recent leap into the world of a professional artist was a long time coming. “Even as a kid,” Karnes begins, “I was constantly drawing pictures of anything that came to mind. In school I was either getting in trouble for drawing during class, or my teachers were getting me to draw something for them.” Having only recently begun pursuing a career as an artist, one would wonder why so suddenly and why now. Karnes explains that his current home town of Joplin Missouri was affected deeply by a tornado that passed noisily through in May of 2011. “The tornado brought a lot of things to the surface in my life.” While Karnes and his family were spared the destruction if the storm, he explains that everyone in the town was affected in one way or another. “Going through that kind of thing makes someone reexamine his or her life, and as we helped the city rebuild, I did some soul searching.” Karnes realized in the wake if this tragedy that he had neglected a gift that he had been blessed with and that gift was a water balloon hitting a patch in his life he could only describe as “dry.” This epiphany led Karnes to pursue a work of art he had put on the back burner for years, finally completing his most notable artwork “Appalachian Native” in September 2012. “As I worked on that piece,” Karnes

says, “something was lit inside me. I loved working on it and as I did, more ideas came to my mind of other creative things I could do with wood and stain. From there, my journey to doing art professionally began. That one piece had rekindled the fire for art that has always been inside me. After many conversations with my wife and family, I decided I was going to go for it and give art as a career a shot.” After his revelation, Karnes decided to pursue a career as an artist, doing his work full time and devoting himself one hundred percent to his passion. It is obvious in his work that his favorite subjects are fish; his ma jor inspiration being just that as he is an avid fisherman. While most fishermen are overly concerned with the size of the fish they managed to catch, Karnes is more concerned with how beautiful and unique said fish is. “Their markings and color are just absolutely stunning.” Says Karnes when asked about his choice of subject, “Trout typically live in beautiful and wild places, too, and the combination of their beauty and the splendor of their environment has been an inspiration to artists and non-artists for years and years.” Karnes seems to justify his infatuation with the colors and patterns on a fish by explaining that as a fisherman, he would always rather be fishing. This can be said for many fishermen regardless of day job or profession.

Letting the Chips Fall Where They May Loryn Kirk Karnes’ works tirelessly on his pieces of art and even through the pictures featured on his website, it is obvious that these compositions are collections of great thought and an extensive process. Karnes pulls these pictures out of his mind and throws them onto paper where he examines

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Abstract Brown Trout - 24”W X 24”H - Made from 7 sizes of Oak dowel rod ends that have been stained

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Appalachian Native - 78”W X 42”H - Stained and Painted Oak.

Striped Bass Scales - 20”W X 18”H - Oak scales cut by hand, stained & painted.

Abstract Cutthroat Trout - 24”W X 12”H - Oak and Stain.

Brown Trout !! - Oak, Stain & Acrylic Paint 78 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

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Abstract Rainbow - 24”W X 36”H - Stained Oak Dowel Rod Ends 80 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

Brown Trout Super-Fly - 24”W X 24”H Oak Panel stained the markings of a Brown Trout with a 16” Hand-Tied Bead Head Prince Nymph mounted to it.

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feature

Salmo Trutta - 30”W X 18”H - Oak, Stain & Acrylic Paint

Sparkling Brook - 32”X X 18”H - Oak, Stain & Acrylic Paint

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Abstract Golden Trout - 24”W X 12”H - Oak, Stain & Acrylic

Somewhere Over a Rainbow - 20”W X 18”H - Acrylic on Canvas

Texas Fisherman’s Fla- 30”W X 20”H - Oak and Stain - Texans love this thing!

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them and critiques them before putting them to wood and creating what could only be described as breathtaking artwork. When, on the rare occasion that one is in the company of such an artist, one has to ask what such a talented person could offer to admirers. Karnes answers confidently, “More than anything I’d say paint what stokes your fire. Your art has to mean something to you before it means anything to anyone else”

Nate Karnes can be reached by emailing nate@scalefishstudio.com or visiting the website www.scalefishstudio.com.

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maryland

ig Gunpowder Falls, also known simply as “The Gunpowder,” stretches from southeastern Pennsylvania through Gunpowder State Park in Maryland and zigzags across the Free State until it eventually empties into the Chesapeake Bay. What lies in between is some of the most picturesque scenery you can imagine. When you’re on the Gunpowder, it’s hard to believe that you’re 90 minutes from the nation’s capital and only 30 minutes from downtown Baltimore. Close to ma jor cities, the Gunpowder feels worlds away— as though you’ve stepped back in time into some undiscovered country. Giant hemlocks and oaks line the riverbank with outstretched branches as though they are holding hands to keep out the sun—or trying to snatch patterns from anglers who pay little attention to their backcasts (yes, I’m guilty as charged).

Rising Smoke and Brown Trout on Maryland’s Gunpowder Falls Beau Beasley

The Historic Gunpowder Most southern fly anglers have probably heard of the Gunpowder, but few realize just how unique the fishery really is or the events that shaped it. Big Gunpowder Falls contains no waterfalls and most likely got its name from a nearby foundry that produced guns during the Revolutionary War. The river was also the site of a copper foundry. In fact, the copper used on the Capitol dome after the war of 1812 was extracted from here. The river has an interesting fish history as well, perhaps best described by Charlie Gougeon, fisheries biologist from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a man who has watched over the Gunpowder for decades. “The Gunpowder Falls tailwater is by far the best wild trout fishery in Central Maryland, he says, “and is one of just a few wild trout streams in the entire state of Maryland.” The development of what is now the pride of Maryland’s wild trout fishery began in the early 1980s when Maryland biologist Howard Stinefeld sought to determine if the Gunpowder could support trout year round. Stinefeld faced an uphill battle: Even if he could somehow plant fingerling trout in the river, low water levels meant that their future was bleak.

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By 1986, two events serendipitous for Gunpowder Falls trout had occurred. First, the Maryland Chapter of Trout Unlimited reached an agreement with the city of Baltimore to provide a minimum release of water from the bottom of Prettyboy Reservoir, which serves as the source of the city’s drinking water. Prior to the release, the river would get far too low for trout to hold over, and the water that did enter the river was warm spillover from the top of the dam—hardly ideal for trout habitat. Second, fish were transplanted from Jones Falls, a small creek that is a tributary of Lake Roland. Adult brown trout were captured and were stripped of their eggs and placed in holding tanks. By this time in the process, Stinefield had an eager young apprentice named Charlie Gougeon who really wanted to see the project become a model of success for the state. Not satisfied with just planting fingerlings that they had grown in tanks and then released, Stinefield and Gougeon arranged to have brown trout eggs from the famed Bitterroot River transported to Maryland to supplement their stocking. Stinefield and Gougeon even simulated natural reproduction in the Gunpowder by digging reds by hand and then transplanting the eggs with plastic tubes as though they had been deposited there by adult trout. According to Gougeon they had some pretty tough standards for success: “We didn’t consider it a complete success until we had significant natural reproduction, which was realized in 1992. And we have had no stockings since then for 17.5 miles, which ranges from Prettyboy Dam down to Loch Raven Reservoir.” To make sure that the population was not relegated to one class of fish, adult browns were stocked in the late 80s. Since that time, however, only Mother Nature has added trout. The River in Thirds Although the Gunpowder is nearly 53 miles long, most fly anglers concentrate on three sections covering about 17 miles. Each of the three sections is distinctive and has its own character and charm. The first section,

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maryland stretching from Prettyboy Dam to Falls Road, is entirely catch-and-release and may be fished by traditional anglers as well as fly rodders. Recently a new trial was dedicated

here to fly fishing icon Lefty Kreh which bears his name. The Lefty Kreh Fishing Trail stretches just over six miles and overlaps the first 7.5 miles of the river which is catch and release only. The rest of the river has creel limits that range from 2-5 fish per angler per day depending where you are on the river. Blowdowns are plentiful in the first section, and pocket water is abundant. Anglers need to pay strict attention to their patterns, as strikes will not only come fast, but the trout seem to know that running below the limbs of submerged trees provides a sure release from careless anglers. Another word to the wise: Hiking into and around the river here is a must. Despite the nearby parking lot, this

maryland section’s grading is best left to people with good knees who take their time making their way to the water. If you like being able to see where you are putting each step you might

No matter which section you fish, the Gunpowder is simply lovely—elves and gnomes would feel right at home in this foggy fairy glen. Seeing steam rise off the river during the hotter months of the year is not uncommon. The cold water released from the dam above combines with the hot air and it creates an interesting effect to say the least. I stood at the edge of the river eagerly watching for rising fish as the aforementioned haunting mist, like white smoke, rose off the top of the water and eventually vanished.

5,000 trout per mile, rivaling even the best rivers out west for fish per foot. Although the typical trout here is 9-10 inches, 18-inchers are not unheard of. By and large, however, the successful angler is the one who lands over a dozen fish in a single outing. Remember that these are wild fish and they don’t suffer rookie anglers lightly. For this reason, I suggest hiring a guide for your first Gunpowder trip.

Brown Trout Nirvana If you’re a big fan of brown trout, then the Gunpowder is your river. Though you may catch rainbows and brookies, the overwhelmingly ma jority (about 95 percent) of the Gunpowder’s fish are browns. They usually run 8-10 inches in length, but don’t be surprised if you pull out the occasional beast. The Gunpowder boasts an unbelievable population of wild trout ranging from 3,500-

the owner of Backwater Angler and his shop practically sits on the river. Theaux is one of those guys that always seems to be a in a good mood, and loves to introduce folks to the river. Phil Gay of Trout and About Guide Service and Mike Watriss of Great Feathers Fly Shop also know the Gunpowder well. Gay, a former Navy Captain who commanded an aircraft carrier in his former life, is a superb guide and one of the best casters I’ve ever

There are several guides that will assist you in taking on Gunpowder Falls should you want a bit of an edge. Theaux LeGardeur is

want to fish further down; the fern cover is so thick here that you often can’t see your own wading shoes even standing on the bank. The second section of the river runs from Falls Road to York Road and is the classic trout river anglers dream of: runs, riffles, the occasional long pool, and no need to be part billy goat to move around. Yes, the walking is easier, but there is a bit less cover, and the fish can be easy to spook. The third frequently fished section of the river stretches from York Road to Bluemont Road and is deeper and much slower. The last two sections of the river are popular with canoeists, though you’ll probably only spot canoes on weekends.

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maryland Doing Battle on the Gunpowder Selecting the correct rods and lines for the Gunpowder is pretty much what you might expect for your typical trout stream. I recommend 6.5-to-9.0-ft, 4wt- through 5-wt rods, though a 3wt will do in a pinch. If you do however tag into one of the larger browns, you’ll wish you’d brought a larger rod. Weight forward floating lines are all you’ll need here with leaders running from 7-12 feet depending on conditions and range from 3X-7X. When fishing the Gunpowder it pays to come prepared and you may have to try everything in the book to bring the resident browns to hand. Do yourself a favor and stop by one of the local shops on your way to the water to get the latest intel before hitting the river. This is always good advice, but especially so on this river since it doesn’t give up its trout to the uninformed. For further information on fishing the Gunpowder contact one of the following fly shops or guides. Backwater Angler (410-357-9557) www.backwaterangler.com, Great Feathers 888777-0838 (www.greatfeathers.com) Tockertman’s 410-327-6942, Phil Gay (www. troutandabout.com) 410-472-0740.

seen. According to Gay, “There are days on this river where you can be skunked and then there are days when you can literally land 50 brown trout in a single day. I know, I’ve done it. You just have to have a plan when you come here and invest time in the river.” Mike Watriss, has fished the Gunpowder for nearly four decades and agrees with Gay’s assessment, but goes one step farther. “The biggest mistake newbie anglers make coming here is being in too much of a rush and walking right into the river”. Watriss believes many anglers are wading where they should be fishing. A better approach according to Watriss is slowing down “I suggest anglers take their time and really be observant before getting into the river. Just take an extra moment and see what’s hatching, or where fish might be feeding before you go all in.”

Black or Brown Wooly Bugger in sizes #6-#10, and #6-#8 Olive Buggits. Other good choices include #12-#18 Brassies and Green Weenies. Another productive pattern on this river is an old Maryland favorite: Charlie Gelsoe’s Little Black Stone Fly in #14-#16. If you get stumped, sulphur parachutes are a good choice as well.

The Gunpowder is one of those rivers that you need to see and fish for yourself. It stands as a testament to what can happen when local and state governmental agencies, as well as conservation groups like Trout Unlimited, work together for the benefit of all parties concerned. Now nearly two decades after beginning work on the Gunpowder, Charlie Gougoen and Howard Stinefield’s dream of having a top rate wild trout fishery for the state of Maryland is a reality. The scenery alone is worth the trip to the Gunpowder; the Anglers can fish the Gunpowder year-round; fishing is a sweet bonus. the best times, however, are April through July and September through late October. For Beau Beasley (www.beaubeasley.com) is an spring fishing, try #12-#14 Hendricksons and investigative journalist who specializes in Red Quills. Also watch for the Gunpowder’s covering river access and use issues. He’s the terrific sulphur hatch at this time of year. author of Fly Fishing Virginia and Fly Fishing When the river’s finicky trout refuse to come the Mid-Atlantic and serves as an editor at to the surface, try Bead Head Nymphs in sizes large for Southern Trout Magazine. #8-#14, #12-#18 Copper Johns, the occasional 90 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

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bamboo for you

bamboo for you Then came the lemon. I bought an old Montague nine foot six weight rod from a guy in Michigan. The photos looked like the rods I previously purchased. Typical restore rod. No guides, cork in bad shape, reel seat missing a part or two. I bid on the rod and won at an amazing price and started thinking of color schemes for the wraps, whether or not to use single foot guides or snake, what type wood I would use for the reel seat.

and in some parts it had gathered into huge knots that threatened to peel off parts of the bamboo when flexed. As if all that were not enough...the butt section was to a different rod altogether. All three parts were Montague, but at some point the business ends had been swapped or something likes it. At this point I had begun thinking that perhaps this one was a tomato stake for the garden. Then my oldest daughter Rebecca enters the picture.

Then the rod came.

At the time I bought this clunker, Rebecca was about four years old. She had persistently The rod was three sections and came in a urged me to take her fishing for months, and I rod sock that was so small that at least a had put her off in a variety of ways until it was quarter of each section jutted out of the cloth to the point that she could be stable enough as gawky as a cowlick. The finish looked like to venture into the Smokies with the old man. someone had mixed motor oil and crazy glue, I made up a song and taught it to her.

The Lemon and the Princess Marc Payne

hen I became interested in restoring bamboo fly rods, daily visits to EBay were not uncommon. I would scroll through rod after rod looking for something that was functional yet affordable. To have a Garrison, Leonard, or Powell rod obviously out of my price range, I kept on the lookout for the blue collar rods, bamboo that could have been owned by anyone. Heddon, Granger, Montague, Horroks-Ibbotson were good rods and some could even be found in poor enough condition to be cheap but complete enough to bring back to life.

on a photo of a rod you have never cast that in most cases is at least fifty years old. A photo will not identify that click you feel on the back cast that lets you know the ferrules are loose, nor will it reveal any structural flaws other that basic cosmetics in the bamboo itself. To make a purchase of a cheap bamboo with a known name, you have to resign yourself to the fact that it is going to require some elbow grease to get it stream worthy. This was part of the attraction for me. I wanted those beat up old work horses. I wanted to give them a look over, make notes as to what needed to be done, and roll up my shirt sleeves and get started. I bought a bunch of rods, and Buying a bamboo rod online can be tricky with each one I was able to eventually do a though. You are basing your buying decision complete restore on each one.

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bamboo for you Me and Becca’s goin fishin, Me and Becca’s goin fishin, Me and Becca’s goin fishin, As soon as the flowers come out. I taught her that song in early January, and now it was hitting mid March/early April. The flowers were coming out and I found that the memory of a four year old when it comes to quality time with the old man is strong. So I promised her that we would go fishing and that I would take her to the store and buy her a little Cinderella fishing rod and reel combo just for the trip. “No Daddy, I wanna fish one of your fishin’ rods.” And the light bulb finally found enough wattage to glow.

trip to the river with a child is a success. Including the trout. So there we are at Metcalf Bottoms, the two of us standing in what was nearly shin deep water for her. I tie on a weighted soft hackle, hold her hand through the roll cast, and instruct her to just let the fly dangle in the current which not only set her to fishing, it freed me up to do a little casting as well. She was a real trooper and watched as the line snaked left and right on the surface of the water. Thankfully for me, a trout decided to play. Rebecca caught her first trout on a bamboo that her Daddy made. She got her wish, I got mine, and a treasure of memories was stored away.

Perhaps they will want to bring the old rod out of retirement, and maybe teach the next generation of my family a song about Daddy, fishing, and waiting with anticipation for the flowers to come out.

With maybe two weeks till I was sure that the flowers would be blooming, I took the top two sections of the lemon, stripped them down to bare bamboo, ordered a small cork grip and reel seat, and set out to build that little girl a six-foot bamboo rod. Mechanically it was far from perfect because I had converted the tip and mid section of a six weight rod into a six foot four weight. Not an ideal scenario, but it would work for her which was the most important thing to me. And in full disclosure, I used the butt section also. I cut it down and That trip, as hard as it is for me to believe used part of it as a holder for my X-Acto blade. now, happened nine years ago. But that isn’t the end of the story on that rod. Rebecca Finished on time and modestly close to under has two sisters and a brother and all but my budget, she and I strung this rod up and spent youngest has traveled with me to Metcalf several afternoons in the front yard getting Bottoms as soon as the flowers come out. The the basic mechanics of a roll cast down. littlest in the bunch will be five in May...and Basic mechanics should probably be read as that little lemon of a rod will be ready and damage control because basic mechanics waiting for her. to a four year old is much like putting tape on the bottom of a cat’s feet. They walk, but But what then? What happens when all the Lord do they look funny doing it. kids have had their swing with the rod? With each first trip, I have written their name and the Metcalf Bottoms, for those of you who have date on the rod. After my youngest, that rod never been, is a perfect place to take kids will be put in a place of honor above the table fishing in the Smokies. Level ground, an easy in my tying/building/writing room. And there wade, bathrooms and picnic tables. It has it will reside until such time as the children, everything you need to ensure that the first grown and with lives of their own have children. 94 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

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feature Sulphur Heaven

feature the success of these submerged aquatic plants. The presence of Talbott-Bradyville soils that form limestone uplands and ridges on surrounding pastureland (e.g. Hickory Tree Bridge, Weaver Pike, Rock Hold Rd., and Dry Branch Rd. areas) leads to above average water pH (7.5-8.0+) and more alkaline water chemistry. It is also very possible that rock types within the river itself are also rich in calcium, which is indicative of limestone rich substrata. Ground water springs entering the South Holston Tailwater can also be spotted with American Watercress (Nasturtium officinale). This perfect combination of aquatic plants, consistent cold water temperatures, limestone rich soils

Matthew Green

n the early 1960’s, Charlie Fox and other limestoners residing in central Pennsylvania began to popularize the practice of identifying spring creek insects and understanding their respective life histories. Early work published in Outdoor Life Magazine by Fox and his spring creek colleague, Vincent Mariano, strengthened the notion that understanding insects leads to a basic understanding of predator behavior and increased fishing success. One of these insects, the Sulphur Mayfly (Ephemerella invaria), was part of a suite of insects responsible for the initial success of the spring creek golden age—the second golden age of American fly fishing. May emergences of the yellow bug, some lasting well into midJuly, drove big names like Ernie Schwiebert, George Harvey, Ed Shenk, and others to places like Letort Spring Run in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Truth be told, the Sulphur gained much notoriety by being mentioned in the same breath as Hexagenia limbata (the Summer Hex) and Tricorythodes spp., but its predictable emergence, spectacular super spinner falls, and palpability as a food source for trout placed its emergence into an event category all to itself. Over time, urbanization, agriculture, and pollution caused a noticeable decline in spring creek insect populations that led to a shift to newer, manmade river sources for fly fishing opportunities. The modern age of fly fishing is witness to the new-age spring creek (i.e. the tailwater river) that is the product of reservoir formation and deep water hypolimnetic releases that provide ideal trout habitat. Most tailwater rivers, especially those here in the southeastern United States, are used for power generation and flood control. Thus, the flows of these tailwaters are dependent on the reservoir’s

generational cycle and seasonal water retention time schedule. During a generation, water levels rise (usually 3-4ft) and water temperatures drop, ultimately keeping the tailwater between 50-55°F. In 1991, the TVA (the tailwater’s regulatory agency) underwent several tailwater improvement projects to raise minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations to benefit trout and aquatic insects. A labyrinth weir dam was built across Osceola Island to aerate downstream river sections and the TVA installed autoventing turbines to create many small air bubbles at the outlet of the turbine gates. Interestingly, tailwaters are usually nutrient poor at their dam outlet but quickly gain productivity further downstream from Fontinalis spp. (bryophytes), Chara spp. (musk grass), and various species of macrophytes, and diatoms that take advantage of the open and exposed canopy. Several physical characteristics of the area surrounding the South Holston Tailwater contribute to

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of Sulphurs that exist in North America which include Ephemerella dorothea (Eastern Little Sulphur Dun), Ephemerella dorothea dorothea (Western Pale Evening Dun), and Ephemerella dorothea infrequens and Ephemerella excrucians (Western Pale Morning Duns). However, aquatic entomologists generally agree that Ephemerella invaria is currently recognized as a species complex where multiple species likely exist within multiple populations. Each species within the genus Ephemerella has its own respective coloration and size that also varies between males and females. Therefore, being able to distinguish between different species of Ephemerella and properly identifying Ephemerella invaria in the South Holston can have positive effects on your fishing success by allowing you to choose the right color and size of the nymphs and adults you plan to imitate.

“From the Bottom of the Stairway to Heaven’s Gate” and sediments, and dam improvements have made the South Holston Tailwater a destination fishery and an insect factory. The presence of human influence on freshwater habitats in the South Holston is forever pertinent, but our lasting affects have created a beautiful, successful experiment that anglers call the best trout fishery in the Southeast. Classification Generally speaking, the Sulphur Mayfly is a member of the order Ephemeroptera (mayflies) and found within the family Ephemerellidae (spiny crawler mayflies) and the genus Ephemerella (includes the Sulphurs, PMDs, and Hendrickson mayflies). The genetic identity of the Sulphur Mayfly has long stirred debate amongst South Holston Tailwater anglers. After identifying thousands of nymphs, I can attest that the only “Sulphur Mayfly” found in the entire tailwater is that of Ephemerella invaria. Certainly there are a few different species

General Morphology of Ephemerella invaria in the South Holston Tailwater Sulphur Mayfly nymphs in the South Holston Tailwater are larger than Sulphur nymphs of adjacent freestone streams. Most anglers find the nymphs to be quite impressive once they reach their final nymphal instar (developmental) stage. Early instar nymphs are usually greenish in color and sometimes are light tan or yellowish. These nymphs are those that are developing very quickly and their greenish appearance is indicative of molting and shedding their exuvia (exoskeleton). Early to mid instar nymphs range from 4-7mm and should be tied on a size 20-18 hook. Late instar nymphs are very different in their appearance. Most, if not all, late instar Sulphur nymphs are solid black in color, 10-15mm long (size 16-14 hook), and have golden or yellow spots and stripes on the dorsal (top) side of their abdomen. The thorax of these late instar nymphs often appears to be bulging as it houses the wings of the insect and eventually splits open

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feature during emergence exposing the insect’s bright yellow thorax and light blue/grey wings to would be predators. The coloration of the Sulphur subimago (or dun) varies between sexes. Female Sulphur subimagos average 14-17mm in length and are typically a little smaller than the males, have a stout thorax, light blue wings, light yellow bodies, and black, beady eyes. Males, on the other hand, have larger bodies measuring 1722mm in length, a more slender thorax, greyish wings, yellow bodies, and orange, bulging eyes. A size 16 dry fly hook would be perfect for imitating both females and males. Sulphur imagos (spinners) are slightly larger than subimagos for both sexes. The only ma jor morphological differences between the subimagos and imagos are the development of clear wings, longer forelegs in the males, and longer cerci in both sexes. I would strongly recommend a size 16 or 14 dry fly hook for Sulphur imagos with a small pin head sized orange egg sack tied in below the cerci of female imago imitations. Imagos are generally 1-3mm larger than subimagos and I have often found that a size 14 hook is easier for both the angler and trout to see as the daylight fades. General Habitat Requirements Sulphurs inhabit the quick riffles and runs of the South Holston and hold tight in Fontinalis spp. (bryophytes). Hundreds of nymphs can be found in only a few strands of Fontinalis spp. and nymphs are hardly present in Chara spp. (musk grass). Amphipods (scuds) and aquatic isopods (sow bugs) are more likely to call musk grass home than the Sulphur Mayfly. Looking underwater, Fontinalis is made up of long strands of dark green submerged aquatic plants with a reddish tint and is extremely abundant in riffle habitats where Sulphurs are also present. Gut dissections of the Sulphur Mayfly indicate the presence of bryophyte stalk material in the foregut providing evidence that Sulphurs find Fontinalis to be a palpable food resource and also explains their strong affinity for the plant. Conversely, Chara spp. is generally restricted to slower areas of the

feature river adjacent to the river’s riparian zone. Therefore, it is important to fish Sulphur nymph imitations in riffle and run habitats as compared to flats where musk grass is found in greater numbers. Sulphur Mayfly nymphs are unlikely to be found in high abundances in flats because these habitats do not reflect habitat conditions that are conducive for Sulphur survival. In my experience, fishing a nymph in its proper habitat initiates more strikes from trout since your fishing methodology is a close reflection of the insect’s biology and habitat needs. It is important to note that middle and lower river Sulphurs hatch from eggs and develop into 1st instar nymphs in October, develop into late instar nymphs by early-April, and emerge into adults from mid-April to midMay. The development of the upper river Sulphurs is year round with nymphs and adults being available to trout as food items from January-December. The development of multiple generations of Sulphurs in the upper river is truly remarkable as it makes the South Holston a solid year round trout fishery. Emergence Behavior Prior to shedding its final nymphal exuvia to become a subimago, the Sulphur Mayfly leaves its home of Fontinalis and begins to migrate to the river’s surface. This is where the real magic happens. Unlike most mayflies that take only a few seconds to shed their exoskeleton, Sulphurs can hug the river’s surface for upwards of 15 or 20 seconds before emerging leaving them vulnerable to trout. Here, soft hackle imitations, wet flies, and floating nymphs fished on a tight line are the most effective techniques for fishing Sulphurs. Also, it is important to acknowledge when trout have switched from consuming emerging nymphs

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preference of South Holston trout to receive imitations that are mimics of the correct life history stage of the insect they are eating is one key to fooling them. South Holston trout hate dun patterns that sink when they are eating all duns. In this case, put the emerger patterns away and give the fish exactly what it wants.

and duns to just duns. If trout are not eating all duns, it may be in your best interest to keep fishing soft hackles, floating nymphs, and emergers until the switchover occurs. Be careful though, the switchover to duns can occur in less than a minute and can catch you completely off-guard. Cripples are effective patterns in some fishing situations (after rains or during small emergences of short durations) but are inefficient floaters as dun imitations. These flies will tend to sink leading to rejections by South Holston trout. Most Sulphur emergences on the South Holston are large and last 3-7 hours, especially during a generation period (dam hydropeaking). Hence, an insect imitation with a CDC wing that completely covers the entire fly abdomen will keep the terminal end of the fly from sinking into the surface film when trout are taking duns on the water’s surface. Mr. Terry Melvin, originator of the “Dwayne” and who lived near the Hunter Bridge Access of the Watauga River Tailwater, created a fly that does just that. The Dwayne not only moves in a similar fashion to the real insect while on the water’s surface, but it also stays afloat cast after cast. Understanding the

Water generation on the South Holston is an important player in your fishing decisions and shaping nymphal behavior. High water dislodges Fontinalis and encourages nymphs to drift prematurely initiating inflated, yet impressive emergence periods that trout recognize instantly. Single Sulphur nymphs will often attach themselves to other single nymphs while drifting during a generation. This behavioral response to stress is similar to “phoresy” in the Coleoptera (beetles) where phoretic mites ride the backs of scarabaeidae beetles to disperse to new habitats. It is not unreasonable then to tie Sulphur nymphs on top of each other to imitate this high water behavior with the fly. I call my own personal pattern that mimics this behavior “the sulphur double nymph”. The Upper SoHo Super Spinnerfall I am not sure if any angler in the history of fly fishing has coined the term “super spinnerfall”. However, a case can certainly be made for the South Holston, where mayfly spinnerfalls are so impressive that bridges are commonly littered with the shrunken bodies of female imagos from the evening before. Many southeastern anglers are perhaps so unfamiliar with the concept of the spinnerfall that fishing it on the South Holston is more like a trip to the interior of Alaska than to Weldon, NC during the Striped Bass run. Fishing the Sulphur spinnerfall is the easiest dry fly fishing that one can find and can easily open the eyes of any angler. In the early summer, subimagos can emerge until 5 or 6 PM with a two-hour break before the spinnerfall occurs. At 8 PM, things change and the river comes back to life at every riffle upstream

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of River’s Way. In the late summer, nymphs can emerge into subimagos right up until the spinnerfall occurs with only a 10-minute break in between life history stages. For this mayfly, only the females make a return trip to the water, the males being left in the trees with a few falling into the river from the riparian. Sulphur female spinners are large insects with some measuring 17+mm. They have clear wings, long cerci, an erratic flight pattern (similar to that of a paper airplane falling), and display an orange egg mass at the end of their abdomen. Trout then gather at the heads of riffles eager to pick off the falling insects. Surface feeding activity, even during a small spinnerfall, will always be prevalent in low water. High water spinnerfalls in the upper river can be met with varying success but most often produce a few fish. Using a tight line technique to fish spinners on the South Holston is always a good idea. In fact, most South Holston trout

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would prefer to have the fly fed to them as opposed to being led to the fly. When the spinnerfall is almost complete, (indicated by successional decreases in spinner activity) I like to fish a “spent spinner pattern” that imitates a shriveled female imago that has formed into a perfect “j shape”. This pattern can usually take any of the remaining feeding fish and allows you to target some of the largest feeding fish of the spinnerfall. Impressive spinnerfalls will produce a significant amount of these spent spinners and large trout will hang back in the slower water downstream of riffles and feed on imagos and spent spinners that smaller trout have missed. These large trout are perfect test dummies for some of your most coveted selective trout spinner patterns. South Holston spinnerfalls are something to truly behold and I believe that one day they will be something of southeastern legend.

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Sulphur Heaven I often refer to the upper South Holston Tailwater (or the upper SoHo) as sulphur heaven, named after the keystone species that gives it life in late April. This section begins as the staircase to heaven originating at the bottom of the metal grate above the South Holston View Dam Bridge and ending at the heaven’s gate pool below the Hickory Tree Bridge. The stairway technically ends at the spinner island (the first large island down from the upper river put in) and demarks the beginning of sulphur heaven. To anyone unfamiliar with the South Holston River Tailwater, these poetic attempts to name river stretches and to personify a mayfly may seem to be a tad much. But to SoHo anglers, even these mild characterizations of our intimate relationship with this great river are somewhat incomparable to how we really feel. The Queen Bee will never be anyone’s Saint Vrain but rather it will always be everyone’s Henry’s Fork. That is perhaps the best compliment that a trout river can receive. During the first week of June, the largest

Sulphur Mayfly spinner fall in eastern North America occurs on the upper stretches of the South Holston River Tailwater. At 8 o’clock, when an early summer fog begins to form on low water and the sunsets behind the million dollar farms, female imagos bring SoHo anglers the best dry fly fishing of the year. Sometimes, while standing on the spinner island at the entrance to sulphur heaven, masked in the glory of a sea of fluttering wings, you can’t help but look to the sky above and say wow. You truly are knocking on heaven’s door.

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feature Parachute Secret Weapon Fly Pattern

Ron Gaddy

ost any seasoned Fly Fisherman that grew up fishing around the Great Smoky Mountains will tell you that the Secret Weapon is one of the best year-round productive nymphs in their fly box. The Parachute Secret Weapon is a top water suggestive pattern that is as productive on top as the Secret Weapon is down below. The peacock hurl body and golden pheasant tippets seem to be a winning combination for a hungry trout.

Hook: Mustad 94840 size 16 to 12 Thread: Black 8/0 Tail: – Golden pheasant tippets Rib: – Very fine gold wire Body: – Peacock hurl Parachute Post: – White poly yarn Hackle: – Brown

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n a bend in the Tuckasegee River sits this elegant Smoky Mountain bed and breakfast lodge built with 100 year old hand-hewn logs taken from old barns and cabins in the Smoky Mountains region. The River Lodge is rustic elegance at its best. From the massive stone fireplace to the handmade twig beds to the gourmet breakfasts, everything about The River Lodge is a delight to the senses. This is mountain lodging that's away from town but close to everything that's great about Western North Carolina — the mountains, streams, waterfalls, trails and the never-ending panorama of spectacular scenery.

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hrough the years I have been fortunate enough to fish around the world. During these trips I have encountered every condition known to man from low water to flooding, freezing rain and extreme heat. Of all the conditions that I have encountered, trout fishing in the Southern Appalachians in late July and August can be some of the most difficult fishing you can experience anywhere. During the summer, stream flows in these mountains can dwindle to mere trickles. Generally, the less water and current there is in a stream, the spookier trout become. They are not the most vulnerable then to

feature predators, but they are in an environment where it is easier than usual for them to keep an eye on what is happening around them. While fishing is tough under these circumstances, it is not impossible. There are techniques for successfully fly fishing low water mountain streams during the summer.

Southern Trout in the Summer Heat Kevin Howell

Mountain trout, like most other animals, are reluctant to feed in times of warm water or low water. These fish are very focused on just trying to survive in such conditions. At this time, your best bet for catching creek trout is to try to draw a reaction or impulse strike from these fish. The flies which produce best usually are those that have â&#x20AC;&#x153;extra life addedâ&#x20AC;? to them such as patterns tied with rubber legs, soft hackles, Emu feather gills and such.

The more life like a fly has in the water and the more annoying the motion of the fly, the better your chance of getting a reaction strike. It is essential to understand that most of the time, trout will not move a great distance in low warm water to feed. The presentations of your flies must be almost perfect in placement and then progressed free of drag. This may require more sight fishing and/or multiple casts to the same area. Stealth is also essential at this time of year. You must be exceptionally careful of running waves in slow or shallow water. To your fish, this will spook them quicker than an errant cast. The best approaches are slow and deliberate, so if you are used to covering a lot of water rather quickly, you must really curb your

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speed. Keeping a low profile is always important when fishing these streams, but it is particularly important during times of low water. The most consistently productive water is where you can find fast currents. For this reason at this time of year, I concentrate on higher gradient streams. The more fast water there is the better my catch rates is. I really concentrate on fishing in the riffles and at the head of plunge pools as this is where the trout find oxygen and food in low water. The better fish will lie directly under the fastest part of the flow where the most oxygen is located. This requires that you fish flies that are weighted heavier. Your flies should sink to the bottom rapidly and stay there and tumble along like an injured or a

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wounded piece of food. During the summer, it is helpful to understand how feeding patterns of trout have changed since April and May. Never underestimate the power of the terrestrial pattern, and often times, the larger the pattern you cast the better the results you get. There are some large land born insects that get blown or knocked into the river, or maybe it is how bugs commit suicide. Regardless of how they got there, they are an easy meal. Not only are the trout lethargic in the summer heat, some days they are just trying

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to survive to see tomorrow. The thing to remember is that we as anglers have an ethical responsibility when fishing low warm summer water. To help the fish survive in the summer, you should use as heavy of a tippet as you can get by with so that you can land fish as quickly as possible. If you can not land a trout in under two minutes, break him off so that he can live to fight another day. Spend as much time reviving the fish as you spent landing him. Skip the photo shoot with the fish, a summer photo shoot for a fish is like you running a marathon and then having your head held under water until you catch your breath.

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Here are the top 10 summer low water patterns. The Bug size 10-12 Hot Creek Special size 10-12 Inchworms size 8-14 Attract Ant Size 12-18 Fat Albertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6-14 Loco Beetle 10-16 G. Neil Daniels 10-12 Soft-hackle Pheasant tail 16-20

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situational fly fishing in the great smoky mountains weekend due to the fishing pressure. In these small Smoky Mountain streams, it’s not very productive fishing behind Bigfoot. The weather is another factor and maybe the most important consideration in choosing a productive fishing day. Days that call for a 40 to 50 percent rain event can be very productive if it’s more of a shower event than a downpour. The percentage of trout feeding is always relative to the food available in the creek. Trout won’t get out in the feeding lanes unless there is something for them to feed on. When the weather brings out the bugs and hatches, the trout are sure

with a little color might be the best choice. A hatchery supported or delayed harvest water normally tends to have a little more color then wild trout water, and these streams still hold plenty of wild trout. Always have a secondary fishery in mind if the first one doesn’t pan out. Fish productive water During different times of year and due to water temperatures and the amount of water oxygenation, trout tend to feed a little differently. In the summer when the creek warms up, you will find trout dining in the more oxygenated swifter water in the shade. Trout also tend to pod up in the winter in the larger pools and the slow deep runs. Winter is the time to skip the faster water and spend more time fishing the deeper pools and slower runs in the sun. At any event, pay attention to the conditions that are producing strikes and

Fly Fishing Time Management

ow you manage your time when you get that opportunity to spend a day on the creek can make the difference from having a very productive day or just a mediocre day of fishing. I’ve heard the cliché many times that goes something like, “It was good to be out on the creek, even though the fish weren’t biting.” Well, the truth is, I’ve said that a few times myself, and it is fun to be out on the creek, but those days you come home smiling because you just set a new personal record on fish count or wrestled a five pound Brown into the net are the days you are sure to remember. So let’s not kid ourselves. Catching fish is what it’s all about; being out on the creek is just icing on the cake. Here are a few tips on fly fishing time management that can improve your productivity in the creek.

to follow. Also, if you’re planning a fishing vacation, you should plan it when the moon is dark. I normally catch about half the number of trout when fishing around a full moon.

Choose your fishery wisely This is the little issue that keeps me up at night. The fishery you choose to fish can make all the difference. In the winter when the water temperature is running in the 40s, you should choose the warmer fisheries in the lower elevations. In the summer when the water temperature starts reaching 70 degrees in the lower elevations, you should choose a colder fishery in the higher elevations or tail water. Keep in mind, a Planning If you have the luxury of picking your day to smaller fishery in the low fish, here are the things to consider. Choosing summer water can mean a weekday is always a better option then a spooky trout, so a fishery 112 | Southern Trout | June 2013 | www.southerntrout.com

plan your fishing early or late in the day. From December through March, nymph fishing is the way to go. From April through November, fishing with dry flies about two hours before dark can be very productive. Gear Organization Prior to your fishing trip you should go through your vest or gear bag and make sure you have everything you need and it is in the right place. I always put things in my vest in the same place and have them easily accessible. My glasses, pocket knife, leader, tippet, fly boxes, and about 10 pounds of other junk are easy to get out and put back up. Your net system should be easy to reach and reconnect. You can waste a lot of time looking through your vest for something or chasing you net down the creek when you should be fishing.

Ron Gaddy

spend your time casting in productive water. Fish the most productive time of day During the spring and fall months when the water temperature is optimal and there is plenty of food in the creeks, you may find trout feeding all during the day. A rain event may also bring trout out for an all-day feeding event any time of year, but during the winter months you should be fishing in the warmest part of the day. Using a stream thermometer can be very beneficial in knowing when to start slinging your winter flies. This will normally be from around 1 to 3 PM and after the water temperature starts climbing above 45 degrees. In the summer you should

Also, “changing the oil” in your vest from time to time will force you to empty out your vest and evaluate what needs to go back. Nothing compares to carrying empty water bottles and candy wrappers around from the last five fishing trips. And whatever you do, do not forget to take an extra fly rod. Driving an hour to your favorite fishery on your only day off for a month and then shutting the car door on your only available fly rod may result in anger management issues. Knot Proficiency Know all your fishing knots and be proficient at tying them. Whether it is a surgeon’s loop, perfection loop, blood knot or whatever knots you use, you should be able to re-rig your leader, tippet, and flies at warp speed. I’ve witnessed fishermen sitting in one place for 30 minutes trying to get a rig tied on. The creek is not the place to learn your knots. Practice them at home while you’re watching that boring TV show that your wife likes and

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situational fly fishing in the great smoky mountains spend more time in the creek fishing then fiddling with your rig. Change Flies Often If all the fishing conditions seem to be good, and you’re not catching fish, then you should be changing flies every 15 or 20 minutes. Wild trout are normally very selective, and if they don’t see what they are looking for, they won’t budge. If trout were not selective then you would only need one type of nymph and one type of dry fly. I have fished through most of my fly boxes many times before finding the right fly. There are times when trout will bite most anything, but most of the time they are looking for one or two of the most available and most visible food sources. The faster you figure out what that food source is, the more fish you will catch. Pre-tied leaders A few pre-tied leaders can save you some

time if you get up in the squirrel habitat like I sometimes do. Normally, if you tie your own leaders, the tippet end will break and you just have to add more tippet, but there will be times when the nail knot will break and having a pre-tied leader can mean tying two knots as opposed to four or five knots. Another benefit of tying your leaders in advance is having the time and the right environment to get them tied just right. For me, having a leader a little too long or too short is very annoying. The dropper loop rig Using a dropper loop or a perfection loop at the end of your leader with your favorite flies already tied on tippet to a perfection loop can allow you to change flies at warp speed without any knot tying in the creek. Whether you fish two flies or one, you just unloop the square knot and reloop with your next fly choice. If you avoid changing flies because

you don’t want to take the time, then you might want to give this a try. The limb puller This little trick can save you a lot of flies and a lot of time tying on rigs. When I get a rig caught on a limb just a few feet from my reach, I pull out my limb puller. Just get a small bullet weight and tie on about 20 feet of mason line or cord, wrap it up on a card, and put it in your vest. You may even forget you have it until you rig hits in that tree branch hidden just above your hat brim. Just pull your limb puller out and throw it over the limb to retrieve your flies.

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Conclusion These are some of the tips and tricks on flyfishing time management that I have learned over the years from the school of hard knocks and spending time with some of the best fly fishermen in and around the Great Smoky Mountains. If some of these tips can make your fishing experience a little more enjoyable, then I have achieved my goal. If you need more information on any knots or rigs mentioned in this article, please visit my web site at www. jonathancreekschoolofflyfishing.com Fish Responsibly.

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georgia

Catching and Releasing In North Georgia

and Fish Commission in 1962. That ended a process of reclaiming the trout waters of the area that began with fish shipped in at the behest of the legendary Barefoot Ranger Arthur Woody in the 1930s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;40s.

Jimmy Jacobs

For more than 40 years, the creek and its tributaries on public land have been managed under virtual catch-and-release regulations. Additionally, only artificial lures have been allowed on the stream. Anglers are only allowed to harvest one fish per day, and it must be 16 inches or longer. These regulations allowed the trout to age and grow wary. Very few keeper fish are ever taken from the creek. Back in the 1990s, some local anglers complained to the Georgia Wildlife Resource Division that the creek had too few trout and requested new stockings. When shocking crews sampled the stream in response, they found a good population of 13- to 14-inch rainbows. The size of the stream and its nutrient base simply precluded most trout from growing larger. And the fish in the creek were simply harder to catch than the stockers many anglers were used to pursuing. Noontootla is a place for using fine leaders, small flies and a healthy dose of stealth. Combine those properly and the effort can be rewarded with some 9- to 12-inch rainbows dressed in hues that can dazzle.

oontootla Creek is one of the more storied trout waters flowing through North Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chattahoochee National Forest. From its headwaters in Winding Stair Gap near Springer Mountain, the creek flows to the northwest to empty into the Toccoa River near the village of Dial. Along that 11-mile stretch, it offers just about anything an angler could ask for in terms of mountain trout action in the Peach State.

On Public Land

Noontootla officially begins at Three Forks on the Appalachian Trail. The main branch above there is Chester Creek which is joined by Long Creek from the west and Stover Creek from the east. All three of these branches are excellent, though tiny wild trout streams. Stover, in particular, even harbors a population of native brook trout.

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Once combined, the flows create what is a medium-sized free-stone stream by Georgia standards. Measuring from 10-to 20-feet in width, it plunges around and over boulders, carving out holding water in which rainbow and brown trout hide. On this upper portion of the creek in the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area all of these trout are wild and stream bred. In fact, the last stocking of Noontootla was by the old Georgia Game

As with any mountain stream where brown trout are found, there are some larger members of that species in the creek. One early April day a few years back I spent an entire morning watching and trying to fool a brown pushing 20 inches that I discovered in a Noontootla tributary. Just two seasons ago, a similar episode played out with an 18inch class rainbow on another of the feeder streams. In both instances, the fish proved the more adept at the battle of wits. Making all this even better is the fact that the special regulations mean Noontootla Creek is rarely crowded with anglers. Most fishermen seem more inclined to go looking for easier

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georgia

georgia fish on other nearby waters.

Blue Ribbon Private Water

As the stream exits the WMA, it takes on a different character. It course, it is through the flat valley on the 1,500-acre Noontootla Creek Farms that the Owenby family calls home. The deep bend pools separated by riffle water are idyllic and hold the promise of bigger trout. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bargain the creek more than fulfills.

Getting In On The Action

For more information and regulations regarding Noontootla Creek on the Blue Ridge WMA, go online to georgiawildlife.com/fishing and click the link to Trout. For details on fishing Noontootla Creek Farms, visit the unicoioutfitters.com and click the link for Trophy Trout.

For a rod fee, anglers can challenge the fish on the farm, but must have a guide along and are restricted to fly-fishing only. The payback for the effort is the opportunity to do battle with multiple fish in a day that stretch to 20 inches or longer. Most of these fish were privately stocked in the creek and are fed, but there are some wild browns mixed in that take advantage of the largess of free food. The most surprising facet of the angling is how natural the fish act. They will take dry flies, they jump when hooked and there are even days when they can be as persnickety as their wildest cousins.

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te Sta ! i r T ion Reg

Georgia -- Tennesssee -- North Carolina

Trout -- Bass -- Striped Bass -- Panfish

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! ing ! h s i g F Fly- Fishin n Spi

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feature A Philosophy for Fly Selection Bill Bernhardt

few months ago, the editor of this magazine asked me what my philosophy was concerning fly selection, and actually, that’s a rather interesting question since my views are often counter to conventional fly fishing wisdom and the plethora of published literature on this subject. Thus, my opinions are likely to upset at least a small part of “The General Consensus of Fly Fishermen Everywhere.” But, since I was asked, I feel that I have an obligation to answer honestly. So, to start with, I am just going to go ahead and get it over with and say that I tend to prefer Streamers over all other fly patterns. Now, at this point, I am certain that at least some of you are wondering if I’m daft or just plain crazy! However, I assure you that there is method to my madness, and that reason is a little lecture that I present to all of my novice clients called “The Food vs. Energy Equation.” The gist of it is that in order to grow larger, a Trout must gain more energy from the food it eats than it expends in obtaining said food. So, if you were presented with the choice of a free McDonalds Cheeseburger or a free 20 oz. steak dinner, which one would you choose? Personally, I would choose the steak dinner. So, when a trout is presented with a size 8 or 10 streamer pattern that looks like a Chub, a Dace, a Sculpin, or a Crayfish, instead of a size 14 or 16 dry fly or nymph imitation, it tends to think steak dinner instead of cheeseburger. So, although I often don’t catch quite as many trout using streamer patterns as I do using dry flies, the ones I do catch are generally quite a bit larger. Plus, I happen to like fishing with streamers because of all of the different ways I can present them to the trout. However, if you read the prevailing literature on fly fishing with streamers, it leads you to

believe that the only way to fish streamers is to find a large pool or glide, cast the fly as far as you can, and then place the rod between your legs and strip the line in with both hands as fast as you can. However, streamer fishing can be so much more than that because streamers can also be fished upstream and either dead-drifted back to you or retrieved a little bit faster than the current. In addition, they can also be fished “across and down” by casting the fly across the current and allowing it to dead-drift downstream and then retrieve it back upstream in an erratic pattern to simulate a small fish struggling against the current which is like casting a huge sign into the water that says “Eat Me!” to a large, predatory, trout. Plus, you can also cast them “across and down” and allow them to drift with the current until they reach a specific lie where you can suddenly halt the fly’s downstream progress and cause it to swing across the current in front of the lie, thus simulating a Sculpin changing positions on the stream bed. Last, you can do something I like to call “teasing” where you suspend the fly in the current directly downstream of your position and then slowly raise your rod tip to swim the fly upstream and then slowly lower your rod tip to allow it to drift back downstream and then repeat this action several times. Thus, with a little experimentation and practice, fly fishing with streamers can easily become a very fascinating and productive method of fly fishing. Dry flies, on the other hand, are a dangerous and addictive peril for the dedicated fly fisherman. Take my word for it; I know this from personal experience! In fact, I can think of very few thrills that are greater than the one I get from making the perfect cast with

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my favorite dry fly rod and then watching my dry fly drift drag free downstream while anticipating the strike of the granddaddy of all trout as he lunges to the surface to snatch my delicate, helpless, little Dunn before it lifts off from the surface of the water and escapes him. Wow! It gives me chills just thinking about it! In fact, the lure of this particular thrill, which is known only to fly fishermen, is so powerful that many strong men have succumbed to it so completely that they have literally spent years exploring the secrets of fly fishing with dry flies to exclusion of all other types of flies (of course that couldn’t possibly happen to me!) For instance, pondering such questions as how to choose the perfect dry fly pattern for that particular day, or how to obtain the perfect drag-free drift in difficult current situations, or the relative merits of a double taper fly line vs. a weight forward fly line design have been known to drive fly anglers into a fervor which causes them to spend countless hours on the stream ignoring petty work that needs to be done at the office and the numerous, but seemingly not so urgent, calls on their cell phones. So, fly anglers beware and enter these murky waters at your own risk because dry fly fishing is so much fun, I am surprised it is not illegal! Then, there are Nymph patterns. Here again, “The General Consensus of Fly Fishermen Everywhere” seems to have swallowed hook, line, and sinker the allegation that trout obtain up to 90% of their food from the subsurface drift because most of the literature says so. However, at the risk of further damaging my precious professional reputation, once again I disagree (I believe that’s strike two now!) In fact, it has been my observation over fifteen years of guiding and instructing professionally

that most of our local aquatic insect hatches are nocturnal occurrences, and that the few that do happen during the daylight hours are erratic and unpredictable at best. Thus, it seems to me that if most of the nymphs are drifting and hatching during the twilight to dawn hours, then the trout are not obtaining most of their food from subsurface drift since they are generally diurnal feeders until they reach the size at which they become sexually mature. Consequently, instead they must be obtaining the ma jority of their food either from the surface drift or sub-surface sources such as Chubs, Dace, Sculpins, juvenile trout, and Crayfish. On the other hand, I have actually personally witnessed small schools of trout actively rooting nymphs out from between the rocks in the bottoms of pools during the middle of the day, and I have also observed then plucking Periwinkles (small snails) from the rocks. Consequently, nymphs are not one of my favorite patterns to fly fish with. Part of the reason for this is that I can’t see my nymph drifting in the current like I can a dry fly and sometimes a streamer, and thus, I have to use a strike indicator which seems to me to be a fly fishermen’s equivalent of bait-fishing with a bobber, and to make matters worse, I often have to attach a weight of some sort to my leader in order to get my nymph down near the bottom of the water column. Thus, it reminds me far too much of my first few years as an adolescent spincast fishermen sitting on the bank or in a boat waiting on the fish to decide to come along and take my bait when, what I wanted was to do, was go hunt them down. Also, I absolutely hate trying to cast the ungainly and God forsaken rig created by attaching a highly wind resistant strike indictor to my leader followed by a heavy lead weight along with a weighted fly.

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feature In fact, back in the day of slow action bamboo and graphite rods, we used to call this type of fly fishing “chuck and duck” because you had to literally lob the rig in a high, parabolic arc or it would hit you in the back of the head. Plus, I have read many times that if your nymph doesn’t get hung up on the bottom every once in a while, you are not fishing deep enough. But, I absolutely hate having to wade right into the middle of a killer riffle while spooking every trout within 50 yards just to retrieve a fly that got stuck between the rocks. So my philosophy on fly selection is that

Streamers seem to catch the largest fish while Dry Flies are the most exciting fly pattern to fish with and fly fishing with Nymphs just plain sucks! However, I am also aware that people’s experiences and preferences differ greatly (as they should) and thus, you are welcome to disagree with me if you would like. Bill Bernhardt Guide & Instructor Harper Creek Fly Fishing Company www.nc-flyfishing.com

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arkansas Jeff Samsel (www.jeffsamel. blogsport.com), a Clarkesville, Ga.-based free-lance writer, photographer and editor, who attended along with his son, Nathaniel, said, “As always, the Gaston’s media event was huge fun and very productive. Nathaniel and I consider it a real privilege to be a part of this event and we’re very appreciative of the generosity of Mr. Gaston, the hospitality of everyone at Gaston’s, and the hard work of Larry to make everything come together.”

LAKEVIEW, Ark. – Six years ago in a casual conversation with Jim Gaston, owner of Gaston’s White River Resort, we talked about putting together an annual gathering of selected media to help spread the good news about this amazing destination. “Sounds like a good idea,” Jim said. “Let’s do it.” Since then, the annual Gaston’s White River Resort Media Gathering has become one of “the” places to be for outdoorsrelated communicators. It is a chance to not only experience the White River’s world-class trout fishing, but also experience all of the resort’s other amenities. For the first five years, the Media Gathering was held on the first Monday in March. In 2013, it was pushed back a week to not coincide with a ma jor tourism event in Little Rock and to allow Jim more time visiting with the media.

winning web site (www.bradwiegmann. com), who said, “What a great event. The food is fabulous and fishing awesome. Your hospitality was exceptional during our media event. The staff’s cheerful and helpful attitude makes being there feel right at home. Gaston’s is truly a special place in the Ozarks.”

Participants usually check in on Monday, fish on Tuesday and Wednesday, and check-out on Thursday after breakfast. The two days of fishing include Gaston’s famous shore lunches, allowing anglers to feast on part of the morning’s catch along with baked beans, fried potatoes and, my favorite, Dutch oven cobbler.

See, I told you–it’s not only the fishing that brings folks to Gaston’s. There’s also the restaurant, perched over the icy cold waters of the White River and known for not only its food, but also the collection of hundreds of antiques, including countless numbers of bicycles hanging from the restaurant’s ceiling.

Yes, fishing is at the heart of this event, but food comes in a close second.

Rob Simbeck of Nashville, whose work has appeared in such publications as The Old Farmer’s Almanac and wildlife/conservation magazines in 20 states as well as in Country Weekly, Guideposts, the Washington Post and many others, thanked Jim Gaston “for the chance to stay at your magnificent facility and enjoy the company of one of the finest group of people it’s my privilege to know. Your generosity of spirit in providing this time for us and this sharing of your corner of the world is truly magnificent.”

That’s not me talking, though I could go on and on about Gaston’s. I’ll let some of the media folks who have taken part in the Gathering tell it like it is. We’ll start with Brad Weigmann of Springdale, Ark., who writes for a number of outdoor magazines and has an award-

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Capt. Pat Kalmerton of Wolf Pack Adventures, who guides clients from around the world on Lake Michigan said he was honored to be part of the 2013 Media Gathering. “I enjoyed myself to the uppermost capacity one individual could possibly endure, not only fishing but also just getting to know everyone and hearing their stories. The resort is second to no resort I have ever been to. I was impressed. This was a very enjoyable event and is on the top of all media events I have been a part of.” Steve McCadams of Paris, Tenn. (www. stevemccadams.com), an outdoor writer and professional guide and 2007 inductee into the Outdoor Legends Hall of Fame, said, “Your crew of employees and guides always seem to display a pleasant environment. I am always glad to write about your resort as I know folks will be treated well once they arrive.” Glynn Harris of Ruston, La., an outdoor writer and broadcaster, said, “I feel honored and blessed to be included on the guest list for this annual event. Thanks to Jim Gaston for providing all the amenities we enjoy each year. Gaston’s is the premier fishing/dining/ exploring spot on the White River.”

Nathanel, 14, who has joined his dad on several of the Media Gatherings and is among the nation’s youngest outdoor communicators, said, “It was so fun to be back at the event this year. It was great getting to visit with you and as always your Pickin’ and Grinnin’ songs were spot on.” That’s right–there’s picking and grinning at the Media Gathering. We couldn’t do the Media Gathering without a Tuesday night picking and grinning session in the resort’s conference center. Nathaniel is a master at playing the dulcimer (I think he owns 12 or 15). Harris brought along his bass guitar to go along with Simbeck, Glenn Wheeler and Corbet Deary. Phillip Vanderpool, a member of the Hunter’s Specialties pro staff, came over from Harrison, Ark., to join the group that also included Gaston’s guide Frank Saska. The 2013 Media Gathering was missing two of its regular members–Ron Wong of Memphis and David Gray of Lee’s Summit, Mo., owner of Carbon X Fishing Rods. Both missed the event due family health issues. Wong’s mom and Gray’s dad were seriously ill. In fact, Gray, who donates rods as event prizes, received a call less than an hour away from Gaston’s that his dad’s health had taken a turn for the worse. Still, he took

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arkansas

arkansas Taylor said. “They absolutely love it and they make memories that will last forever.” Glenn Wheeler, outdoor photographer/author from Harrison, Ark., and a past president of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, usually brings his son, Zane, to the Media Gathering, too. “It’s always special when I see LT (Taylor) and Wheeler with their boys on the river at Gaston’s,” Harris said. “That’s what it’s all about; they represent the future of fishing and hunting for all of us.”

time to deliver several rods to the resort before returning home. “The family got to spend several days with dad until he passed away the evening of March 14,” Gray said. “We got to relive a number of great family times and many good fishing trips. It is times like these when you realize you would give everything you have to just make one more fishing trip together. I really missed the Gaston’s event. It is a great resort and absolutely the best people ever in your group.”

A newcomer to the 2013 Media Gathering was Tommy Akin of Greenfield, Tenn., whose company, Akin Promotions, has promoted many of the area’s top businesses over the past four decades. He traveled with McCadams to the Media Gathering. “It was really nice being on the receiving side after 40 years of hosting hundreds of

these events,” Akin said. “Lots of times I think the writers forget about how much effort goes into an event like this to make it good for them. I can’t write an article or do a radio show on Gaston’s Resort, but I will sure tell everyone about it that is interested in catching a trout.” Harris wrote: “I feel honored and blessed to be included on the guest list for this annual event. Larry, you da man! Thanks for putting this all together and thanks to Jim Gaston for providing all the amenities we enjoy each year. Gaston’s is the premier fishing/dining/ exploring spot on the White River.” By now, you’re probably asking, “Well, we know they ate some great food, but did they catch fish?” You bet, we did, including lots and lots of rainbows and several good-size browns with the biggest browns measuring 21 inches. Brandon Butler who is the director of outdoor markets for Callis and Wiegmann caught 21 inch browns on the first day. Some guy who puts this thing together (me) landed a 21-inch brown on Day 2 thanks to the great work of guide Ron Armagost and my boat-mate, Mike Checkett, Duck Unlimited communicator biologist, who ended up catching several browns in the

15-17 inch range and proved to be a great photographer of our two days under Armagost’s expert guidance. Other members of this year’s Media Gathering were Gary Garth, Louisville, KY, a Courier Journal outdoors reporter/ columnist; Mike Masterson, correspondent and columnist for the Arkansas DemocratGazette; Bryan Hendricks, outdoor editor for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Kenny Keiser, free-lance writer and author from Kansas City; Jim Shepherd of Birmingham, whose Outdoor Writer e-mail service has more than 200,000 daily subscribers; Ed Javorsky, a radio show host based out of Fayetteville, Ark.; Corbet Deary, a freelance outdoor writer/photographer from Hot Springs, Ark.; and Jill Rohrbach, a staff writer for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and free-lance writer and photographer. Like, I said, this is a tough ticket. There’s already a waiting list for 2014. For additional information on the Gaston’s White River Resort go to www.gastons.com. - Larry Rea

PRADCO, based out of Fort Smith, Ark., has been part of the Media Gathering since it started thanks to the work and participation of the company’s fishing media director, Lawrence Taylor Alma, Ark., who usually brings along his sons. “The annual Gaston’s trip is second only to Christmas as far as the boys are concerned,”

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contributors

contributors Beau Beasley, Virginia Editor Beau Beasley is a well-known name among readers of fly angling magazines. His work has appeared in nearly every ma jor 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 MasonDixon Outdoor Writers Association for his investigative piece “Where Have All The Menhaden Gone?” He’s also the director of the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival www.vaflyfishingfestival.org and lives with his wife and children in Warrenton, VA.

Bill Bernhardt 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 specialize in small streams, wild trout, and back county, remote access, walk/wade trips into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Consequently, his freelance outdoor articles along with his nature photography focus specifically on the exceptional beauty and excellent trout fishing opportunities available to fly fishermen in western North Carolina. John Berry Located in Cotter, Arkansas, “Trout Capital USA,” John Berry provides wade and float trips on the White, Norfork, Spring, and Little Red Rivers for trout and Crooked Creek for Smallmouth Bass. A retired CPA, he has been a professional fly-fishing guide in the Ozarks for almost two decades. An active conservationist, he has taught fly fishing and fly casting at a long list of colleges and events. Bob Borgwat, Columnist 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 & Fish Magazines, Primedia and Intermedia Outdoors, and is an active member of the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association. David Cannon David was previously a full-timer in the outdoor publication world, having worked for such titles as American Angler, Gray’s Sporting Journal, Fly Tyer and Georgia Outdoor News and Alabama Outdoor News, but he is now a global missions pastor and photographer in Walton County, Georgia (betwixt Atlanta and Athens). He is also the author of the book Fly Fishing Georgia: A No Nonsense Guide To Top Waters. He and his wife, Stephanie, successfully spawned this past winter and are expecting their first fry - a baby girl - this fall. When he’s not working, David enjoys tearing his own ligaments, sprouting new grey hairs and making new people who will eventually replace him. For more, visit CannonTTL.com.

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William “Bo” Cash A native of Morganton, North Carolina, Bo Cash was taught trout fishing by his grandfather at the age of three in 1952. He earned a B.S degree in biology with a concentration in ecology from Gardner-Webb University and began tying flies in 1970, rod building in 1976, and opened a Table Top Angler fly shop in 1980. In 1998, he “retired” from building rods after having completed well over 500 and in 2001he retired from teaching high school biology. He is the owner of the Table Top Angler fly shop, a life member in Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers, and as had articles published in sporting journals. His first book, Water Under the Bridge, was published in 2011. Bo is married Novah Wall, who accompanies him on many of his trips. Soc Clay Soc Clay was first published in Field & Stream and Outdoor Life magazines in the 1950s. He was one of the first members of the SEOPA, served as director for the OWAA, founded the Kentucky Outdoor Press Association, an inductee of the Freshwater Fishing Hall, and he is a poet laureate of Kentucky. A lifelong resident of South Shore, Kentucky, Clay is also known as an outdoor photographer. His photography has graced the covers of scores of magazines including in one year 11 of 12 issues of the fabled Bassmaster magazine. His latest book Soc Clay’s Mad Trapper Sourdough Baking Book, portrays the romantic history of the use of sourdough starters and recipes used to sustain rugged prospector during the Alaska Gold Rush. It is the authority for the use of sourdough in baking in the world. (www.WhitefishPress.com) Dave Ezell Dave Ezell grew up fishing on East Tennessee rivers and lakes and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Lucky enough to make a living in sales and as a scribe for business publications, he also has enjoyed fishing a variety of waters from steelhead on the Sol Duc to tarpon off North Captiva, Florida. Dave is one of the sparkplugs in the Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, he has been intimately involved with Troutfest since its inception. Currently he finds himself just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Maryville, Tennessee. Ron Gaddy Ron Gaddy grew up in Waynesville, North Carolina and started fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains at an early age. He grew up fishing Cataloochee, 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, Virginia. After retiring from DOD in 2009 he returned to Waynesville, North Carolina 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 or building fly rods.

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contributors

contributors Daniel Brent Golden Native East Tennessean Brent Golden’s interest in photography began while studying for his fine-arts degree at the University of Tennessee. An avid flyfisherman, his passion for the outdoors is the focal point of his photographic interest. His specialty is shooting large panoramic landscapes of North America’s flyfishing waters. A recent interest in the invisible light of infrared (IR) photography has inspired him to capture his local waters in this unique way.

George Grant 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 tailwaters to be his mistresses. 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. Craig Haney, Editor-at-Large 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 ma jority 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 / Haney-Mullins 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. Kevin Howell Kevin Howell fished 38 states before college. In 1997 Kevin took a job as Manager of 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’s Custom Tackle while remaining the Manager of Davidson River Outfitters. In 2000 Kevin purchased 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 FlyTying 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.

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Jimmy Jacobs, Georgia Editor Jimmy Jacobs is with Game & Fish Magazines. He also is the Outdoor Columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper and online Atlanta Outdoor Travel Writer for Examiner.com. Jacobs has authored five guidebooks to fishing in the southeastern United States, including Trout Streams of Southern Appalachia; Trout Fishing in North 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. Jeff “Owl” Jones, Columnist Fly Fishing Film Maker Owl Jones is a something of polarizing figure among the fly fishing community. He first came on the scene during the messageboard craze of the mid-90s. Since the late 90s, he has been banned from most of the larger forums due to his ability to ruffle the feathers of fellow anglers and state wildlife agencies alike. In late 2010 he started his own blog which is now called “OwlJones.com” where he has not yet been banned. Owl currently lives in Gainesville, Ga., with his lovely wife and their invisible dog “Snickers” who always does what he’s told and never barks at night. His goal is to get famous, and to take over the fly-fishing world.

Dr. Todd Larson, Columnist A dedicated fisherman and college history professor, Dr. Todd Larson writes and publishes everything related to the history of fishing, including the history of baits, (lures and flies), rods and reels, techniques, and people important to the history of fishing (Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, etc.) As an owner of Whitefish Press, Dr. Todd is dedicated to publishing a wide variety of works on fishing history and fishing tackle. Founded in 2006 by Dr. Todd, The impressive Whitefish catalog includes some of the finest in fishing history. He also writes and publishes a fine blog called Fishing for History: The History of Fishing and Fishing Tackle. More recently, he acquired ownership of The Classic Fly Rod Forum. Roger Lowe Roger Lowe is the owner of Lowe Guide Service & Outfitters, located in the heart of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains in Waynesville, North Carolina. The area offers some of the best fishing in the eastern United States. Being a native of Waynesville, he spent his childhood summers camping and fishing with his father and grandfather in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. He learned about insects indigenous to local streams and the trout’s feeding habits. Roger developed his own technique for tying effective imitator patterns and became a master at catching the wild and wary mountain trout. He has been tying for forty years and fishing all his life. Today, as a professional guide, his fly patterns are used extensively by local fishermen. Roger’s book, Roger Lowe’s Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains is a fly tying and identification guide. He also has a tying video, Smoky Mountain Fly Patterns. It shows how to tie a lot of the Smoky Mountain Patterns. He also has a hatch book, Smoky Mountain Fly Patterns which is a guide to the patterns to use each month.

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contributors

Harry Murray Harry Murray was born, raised and still lives on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River in the village of Edinburg, Virginia where he owns and has operated Murray’s Fly Shop for over 40 years. He has published eight books on fly fishing, including Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park; Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams; and Murray’s Fly Shop Exclusive Fly Patterns. His articles can be seen regularly in many national fly fishing magazines. Harry conducts “on the stream” fly fishing schools each spring and summer out of his fly shop. He has designed over 50 fly patterns and provides guide service in the Virginia area. Steve Moore A native of northern Virginia, 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 Steve was born. Steve has published five books on fishing in Virginia 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. Oak Myers Native West Virginia resident, Oak Myers has been a full time trout fishing guide for decades. His company, Cranberry Wilderness Outfitters (wvoutfitters.com, 304-651-3177) is based out of the mountain town of Richwood. A talented writer and fly fishing instructor, Myers is best known for helping his clients use bicycles to access the bowels of the rugged Cranberry Wilderness. Marc Payne Marc is a Knoxville, Tennessee based fly fishing enthusiast. His popular blog, The Perfect Drift, has been up and running since 2019. Riverdale Classics Bamboo is a one man company Marc started seven years ago. His first stab at bamboo rods was purely economic, as he says that he could not afford a bamboo rod but wanted one badly. So he read on techniques, took a couple of gratuitous classes with rod makers, and bought several old rods to restore. From there, he began repairing and restoring old rods for friends, and as word of his skills grew, he began building for others. Now he is repairing, restoring, and building new rods for folks from all over the country. His email address is riverdaleclassicsbamboo@gmail.com Larry Rea, 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).

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Scott Spencer Scott Spencer is a freelance writer who was born and raised in Alabama. An avid hunter and fisherman, he learned about fly fishing nearly 40 years ago when he first picked up the flyrod at the age of 12. He was tutored in the art of casting and fly fishing using my father’s 1952 Phillipson bamboo flyrod. A banker by profession, he has hunted across the United States and has done both television hunting programs and hunting DVD’s. A passionate fly fisherman, Spencer frequently fishes the streams and tailwaters of North Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He is married with three children.

W. H. Bill Stuart, Jr Bill, a fourth generation Floridian ES (ES stands for Endangered Species), was born and raised in Bartow, Florida. He is a retired businessman, the former owner of Bagley Bait Company, and the former director/curator of the Museum of Fishing. Bill is the principal author of Florida Lure Makers and Their Lures which, so far, is up to six volumes of history and identification. He is a past president of the Florida Antique Tackle Collectors and was selected as an Honorary Member by the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club and by the Florida Antique Tackle Collectors. In addition to collecting Florida lures, he is also a collector of fly rod lures. Bill and his wife, Nancy, have two grown daughters and five grandchildren. He is active in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Rotary International and the E. B. Kennedy Scholarship Program at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. Benjamin VanDevender President of Team Dead Drift, Georgia’s Competitive Fly Fishing Team, Benjamin VanDevender, fell in love with fly fishing and chasing trout across Georgia. In recent years he has won accolades and awards for his fly-fishing expertise. Ben started fly fishing competitively a few years ago. Through competitive fly fishing, Ben learned more advanced tactics than some have ever thought possible. Already a fan of fly fishing for trout, his entry into its competitive side has given him a new appreciation for all aspects of the sport we call fly fishing. Greg Ward, Tennessee Editor Greg Ward lives in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, where he has been a full-time hunting and fishing guide since 1989. He owns and operates Rocky Top Outfitters, a hunting and fishing guide service specializing in stream fly-fishing, spin fishing, and guided turkey and bear hunts. His articles have appeared in numerous newspapers and outdoor magazines. He is the co-author of the Ultimate Fly Fishing Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains. Greg has hosted several radio shows and has been a popular presenter at Pigeon Forge’s annual Wilderness Wildlife Week. He lives in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with his wife and daughter.

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