issue 24
April/May 2016
Southern Trout CLOSE LOOK: Kentucky
www.southerntrout.com
Yep, it’s just that easy with Western North Carolina’s premier fly shop and guide service. Kevin Howell and his experienced staff have been fishing the surrounding 500 miles of prime trout waters so long, they know all the fish on first name basis. And they’ll be more than happy to make a few introductions.
PISGAH FOREST, NC
2 l April 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
GUIDE SERVICES | ONLINE & RETAIL STORE | LESSONS
Publisher’s message Are You Keeping Up with the Flow?
M
any of our most productive southern trout streams and rivers simply did not offer great fly fishing three decades ago. What southern trout fishermen enjoy now is the net result of a lot of work done by a lot of people who rescued and resurrected rivers and streams to conditions not seen in the region for a century. Considerable credit goes to fishery professionals on the state level where most of the yeoman work is done, and they are funded by license sales and excise taxes. If you are a license toting angler, you can say you did your part. Coldwater fishery improvements have been particularly productive thanks to the diligent work of the many Trout Unlimited and Federation of Fly Fishers chapters of the region. Their rank and file, boots on the ground approach to protecting and restoring the often vulnerable upper reaches of watersheds is making a big difference. It’s a bit ironic though that even cursory membership in these organizations only represents a very small percentage of the number of people who purchase licenses to fish for trout in southern states. One of the brightest developments has been in the number of local and region economic policies that recognize rivers and streams for what they can do for local businesses. Where I grew up in East Tennessee, there was raw tannery emissions dumped into the French Broad River in Newport. The Pigeon River was devastated by flow choking byproducts
from a large paper mill. Bemberg and North American Rayon Corporation in Carter County polluted the Watauga River, and another manmade fiber manufacturer, American Enka, caused more fish kills in the lower reaches of the Nolichucky River than Carter had liver pills. That’s a just a short list of the troubled waters that come to mind that were no more than an hour from my home. From the perspective of a publisher with a vested interest in the growth and participation in the region’s trout fishing, the return and improvement of southern rivers and streams is a solid indicator that the availability of great fly fishing brings outside dollars into communities. So called “green” businesses generate jobs in communities where three decades ago many young migrated to urban centers or stayed close to home to take often hazardous employment in mills and chemical factories of the Appalachians and Ozarks. The sharp rise in fly fishing guide services and fly shops is just the tip of the iceberg that is evident to our relatively small world of trout fishing in the South. Hiking/ paddling shops and those who patronize them account for a considerably larger group. Rock climbing and zip line operations can be found in many places. About the only thing you don’t see much of today that was popular in the 1970s is hang gliding. The Appalachians and Ozarks are bona fide tourist Meccas, and the heart and soul of much of the appeal they have is scenic, clean streams and rivers. Being a person who sincerely believes that the Second Coming is incredibly close at hand, my conservationist views are less
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 3
Southern Trout
Publisher’s message
(cont.)
in consideration of future generations than in the here and now. If three decades of work turned many streams and rivers from virtual drainage ditches to inviting venues for recreation, what good things for these and Publisher Don Kirk Assoc. Editor Regan Whitlock other waters could be accomplished in the in the next three decades? While trout fishermen have a right Managing Editor Leah Kirk Special Projects Dir. Adam Patterson to claim some of the credit for these improvements, more among us need to align ad support groups that Photographer/Writer Loryn Latham Editorial Consultant Olive K. Nynne work hard to protect watersheds in their entirety. The region has a number of organizations with outstanding record for protecting rivers. For example, Contributors the Friends of the North Fork and White Rivers is fighting the recategorization of a Norfork Tailwater Bill Bernhardt section from Impaired (Category 5) to Non-impaired Bill Cooper with TMDL – Category 1.b. The group understands Kevin Howell that these tailwaters’ history of poor dissolved oxygen Harry Murray (DO) conditions will continue to have a TMDL (6 ppm µg/L) standard that must be met. The TMDL standard is a minimum DO level for trout, not an optimum level. FIELD STAFF Mild degradation of the trout community occurs at this Bob Borgwat DO level and continues in severity of degradation with Columnist lower DO levels. Fish kills continue to occur at times Ron Gaddy due to low DO levels during critical periods. Columnist In addition, the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) Craig Haney Columnist organization founded in 1994 and is modeled after New Jimmy Jacobs, York’s successful Hudson Riverkeeper. Over the last Georgia Editor 22 years the groups has sought to create a focused Roger Lowe environmental advocacy initiative led by professional Columnist staff and committed volunteers. With funding from the Bob Mallard Turner Foundation and other local supporters, CRK Columnist has had enormous positive impact on this uniquely Steve Moore southern drainage. Columnist These are but two of the many similar organizations Tim O’Brien in the South that are committed to the protection and Columnist restoration of southern rivers and streams. Businesses like Sweetwater Brewing in Atlanta pull out all of the Southern Trout is a publication stops when it comes to putting their money where their of Southern Unlimited, LLC. mouths is. We here applaud everyone who is doing Copyright 2016 Southern Unlimited their share.
LLC. All rights reserved.
4 l April 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
THIS ISSUE
Publisher’s Message
3
Gearhead Get the Lead Out 12 Lead Split-shot Alternative New Fly Guy Packing Heat
42
26
Black Wing Olive Chronicles 40
12
The Intern
Fly Rod Review Thomas & Thomas
46
56
Fly of the Month 52 Little Yellow Stonefly Situational Fly Fishing in 56 the GSMNP The Upper Pigeon River System - Haywood, NC Other Trout 70 Maine’s Rare Arctic Char From Trout Fishing to a 82 Festival, Fanning County Reins as Georga’s Trout Capital
46 52
6 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
70
THIS ISSUE
40
114
CLOSE LOOK - Kentucky
92 Book Review Fly Fishing Kentucky 94 Featured Trout Town Burkesville, KY
130
142 Explorin the Daniel Boone National Forest’s Magic Trout Streams 114 Cumberland Comeback 130 Soc Clay: Fly Fishing’s Baron of the Bluegrass 142 Top Picks for Spring Fly Fishing in the GSMNP
142
148
Georgia’s Most Versitile Trout Stream
166
How Competitive Fly Fishing Benefits Recreational Anglers
94 www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 7
MAKE THE NEXT CATCH
LEGENDARY NO HUMIDOR NEEDED
Revolutionary packaging keeps these premium ha cigars properly humidified for more than 2 ye
DRIVE INCREMENTAL SALES
Now you can take the fresh-from-the-factory flavor our most iconic brands anywhere you go. Our new Humidity Pack is a special airtight, foil-lined pouch your favorite premium, handmade cigars as fresh a they were rolled for up to three years—all without a Look for this game-changing innovation behind the your local convenience stores and gas stations, and some of our most popular cigars
FIND A RETAILER AT: CIGARWORLD.COM/NOHU
Y
and-rolled ears.
of some of Locked-In that keeps as the day a humidor. counter of savor it on
UMIDOR/
gearhead
Get the Lead Out— Lead Split Shot Alternatives
Bob Mallard
H
aving spent most of my life in the left-leaning Northeast, I am not a big believer in government conspiracies. Can the government be a bit out-of-touch with reality, annoyingly arrogant, dangerously naïve, downright incompetent, damn inefficient, and even blatantly dishonest and corrupt at times, absolutely. But are they deliberately trying to mess with us—I don’t think so. But, I believe those who do are giving them far too much credit…
12 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
gearhead I also don’t believe that the federal government has the market cornered on ignorance, arrogance, incompetency, inefficiency, and corruption—in fact, I think the problem goes all the way down to the local level and there are times when it seems as though the lower you go the worse it gets. And when it comes to managing our fish and wildlife resources, this may be the best example. While not perfect—and they have historically made some huge mistakes—the feds may be the best-in-class when it comes to managing our fisheries resources.
I also don’t believe that the federal government has the market cornered on ignorance, arrogance, incompetency, inefficiency, and corruption—in fact, I think the problem goes all the way down to the local level and there are times when it seems as though the lower you go the worse it gets. And when it comes to managing our fish and wildlife resources, this may be the best example. While not perfect—and they have historically made some huge mistakes—the feds may be the best-in-class when it comes to managing our fisheries resources.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 13
gearhead
Where would our native trout be without federal intervention? How many unstocked and uncompromised native cutthroat waters would we have without Yellowstone, Teton and Glacier National Parks? How many wild brook trout streams would we have outside of Maine if it wasn’t for the White Mountain, Green Mountain, Monongahela, and Pisgah National Forests; as well as Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks? So here is where I throw the boss under the bus—the proposed ban on lead split shot in Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks that he recently ranted about is not part of some left-wing greenie conspiracy to end all fishing. In fact, it is sound science and management and long overdue. Like me, I am concerned that old Daddy Boy might have ingested a bit too much lead (among other things…) in his youth.. It appears to have clouded his mind…
14 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Lead is bad stuff—real bad. The term “Lead Poisoning” is well-known to all—and the last I checked, poisoning was a bad thing. According to Wikipedia, “Lead is a highly poisonous metal (whether inhaled or swallowed), affecting almost every organ and system in the body.” It affects the nervous system of humans. It can also weaken joints like fingers, wrists and ankles. In extreme cases it can cause severe damage to the brain and kidneys-worse than too much 'shine... Alternatives to lead-based products are referred to as being “non-toxic”. I think it is fair to assume that what we are replacing is by default “toxic”. Last I checked toxic was not a great thing—like toxic landfills or the Toxic Avenger. According to the folks at Merriam-Webster dictionary, toxic means “containing or being poisonous material… extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful.” So in my eyes, replacing something deemed toxic is not a bad idea.
gearhead
We took lead out of our gas years ago. It didn’t behave well with the big old V8’s of the day. My 302ci Ford pick-up motor sputtered and otherwise underperformed until they got all the bugs out. But we did it, made it work, moved on, and never looked back. In fact, it is so accepted now that many gas pumps no longer say “Unleaded”, just “Regular”, “Super”, etc. Here in Maine ingested lead is the cause of more loon deaths than anything else—and I suspect it is no better for ducks. It has been tied to deaths of bald eagles as well—and I suspect it has the same effect on ospreys, hawks and owls. The deal is that fish eat lost or discarded lead; other fish, birds and mammals eat the fish that ate the lead; and we eat them. Plus lead can leach into streams and the ground—and end up in our drinking water.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 15
gearhead Even if you struggle with the idea that lead is a bad thing, or even believe that this is part of some left-wing or government conspiracy to end all fishing, the real issue here is that there are viable alternatives—none of which represent that much of a sacrifice to the angler. I gave up lead almost a decade ago—personally and professionally----and I never skipped a beat. Most lead bans associated with fishing involve weights (in generic terms) and jig heads; and sometimes beads and wire used in flies, and even lure and fly bodies. When it comes to fly fishing, it is mostly about split shot. The most common alternatives to lead are tin and tungsten. In both cases they are usually straight substitutes that do not change the shape or size of the item in question. Both are denser and harder than lead. That means that they react to contact with surfaces more than lead, making it easier to feel your line as it bounces along the bottom—or detect strikes when you lose contact with it. They also make more noise than lead when they come in contact with other hard surfaces—and some believe that this can attract fish much like rattles in lures and flies. Anyone who nymphs—whether with an indicator or not—uses split shot to get their flies down. Split shot comes in lead, tin and tungsten. While tin is lighter than lead, tungsten is actually heavier than lead. Switching to a lead alternative is no big deal and in many states—like my home state of ME-it’s the law. Non toxic split shot is sold by companies such as Anchor, Boss Tin, Dinsmores, Orvis, and Wapsi under the Anglers Image brand. It comes in all shapes, sizes and colors-from round to oval, grey to green to black, and from #6 to AB… There are also putty-based alternatives to lead split shot such as Brass Head Soft Weight and Deep Soft Weight from Loon, Sink Putty from Orvis, and Tung Fu from Stone Creek. You use these as you would split shot by pulling what you need from the package—usually a small tub; rolling it up in your hand, and affixing it to your leader or tippet. These products are reusable and highly adjustable. They also do not damage your line—although some can leave a residue. 16 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
gearhead
Small Amadou based products www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 17
gearhead
18 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
gearhead
Again, I think this one is a no-brainer. I also believe we have much more important things to worry about—like water pollution, invasive species, angler exploitation, willy-nilly stocking, poaching, a lack of law enforcement, and poor funding of our F&G departments.
Pros:
Lead alternatives are good for the environment, and we humans as well—and this should trump all. Tin and tungsten are not as soft as lead, making them a bit less likely to get caught between rocks. Split shot based products transfer energy better which helps detects strikes while keeping you in better contact with the bottom. Puttybased products are highly reusable and easily adjusted.
Cons:
Tin and tungsten split shot can damage terminal tackle, leaders and tippet, teeth, and even rods. They are usually a bit more expensive than lead-based products. Direct hits on your rod tip when using tin or tungsten split shot can crack the blank.
Lead Alternative Do’s and Don’ts •Never try to crush tin or tungsten split shot with your teeth. This could lead to painful teeth cracks or breaks, costly dental bills or smiles that resemble an NHL player, pro boxer, or Alfred E. Newman of Mad magazine fame… •When using tin and tungsten based split shot either back your shot way up into the base of your forceps and avoid using the tips, or consider purchasing a heavy-duty pliers or a forceps made specifically for slit shot. Most so-called “barb crushers” will do the trick as well. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 19
gearhead
•Putty-based products can harden in cold weather and cold water. When this happens, simply place the putty in the palm of your hand, close your fist, and warm it up before trying to attach, adjust or tweak its size. •When using tin or tungsten split shot you should try to keep it away from your rod blank. This can be done by using a slight sidearm cast, or just paying a bit closer attention to your cast.
Conclusion: Anyone who fishes should move away from lead and into lead
substitutes. It’s the environmentally sound thing to do and it does not require any real sacrifice beyond possibly spending a bit more money. Note: I would like to thank publisher Don Kirk for being man enough, confident enough, and open-minded enough to allow me to write this article. How many people in his position would allow a subordinate to challenge them publicly? The answer is not many… This says a lot about the kind of man Don is.
BOB MALLARD has fly fished for over 35 years. He is a blogger, writer and author; and has owned and operated Kennebec River Outfitters in Madison, Maine since 2001. His writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines at the local, regional and national levels. He has appeared on radio and television. Look for his books from Stonefly Press, 50 Best Places Fly Fishing the Northeast (Now Available), 25 Best Towns Fly Fishing for Trout (Spring 2015) and 50 Best Places Fly Fishing for Brook Trout (2016). Bob is also a fly designer for Catch Fly Fishing as well as the northeast sales rep for both Stonefly Press and Catch Fly Fishing. Bob can be reached at www.kennebecriveroutfitters.com, www.bobmallard.com, info@ bobmallard.com or 207-474-2500. 20 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
gearhead
Features twenty-five of the best towns in America to fly fish for trout. From historic Rangeley, Maine to modern Bend, Oregon. From quaint Grayling,Amadou Michigan(Courtesy to bustling Park City, Utah. Includes Asheville, North Carolina and Cotter, Arkansas. of Kenneth Nelson, Signed first-edition copies are available from www.bobmallard.com Nelson Amadou) www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 21
Is Swain County NC a Fisherman’s Parad Hundreds of miles of native mountain trout streams flow
through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park above Bryson City and Cherokee — freestone creeks with native rainbow, brook and brown trout. Most streams offer all three species.
Trout are also common in our four rivers – the Oconaluftee,
Great Smok Nation
Little Tennessee, the Eagle Chambers N Twentymile Hazel Creek Forney Creek Creek Creek Tuckasegee and the Creek Fontana Dam Fontana Nantahala, one of Fontana Cheoah Lake Lake Lake Lewellyn Trout Unlimited’s top Fontan Branch Fontana 129 Lake Boat Village A 100 rivers. And now, a 2.2 Cable Ramp Marina Boa Cove 28N Boat mile section of the Tuck Ramp Al Lemmons Boa Branch through Bryson City has Boat Ramp Stecoah 143 been designated delayed 19 Wesser 74 Needm harvest waters, and Road For more information, Nantahala River promises to have one of contact the Bryson City / the highest trout counts Swain County Chamber of Wayah Road (NC 1310) of any stream in the Commerce 800-867-9246. Upper Nantahala southeast. River Public Access
Public Access
rn on at Weste g in o g is g “Three ay “Somethin Lake that m rivers j a n ta n o F ’s ust ou na li ro a C p h o rt o tside A p N uth ular na o S e th in merica g in t h i s o fi t n u al park ’s most t r o to u a just send tro e t, suite are tee d id o o g a e b d t ming w for bot t migh angler ith h wad into orbit ...I n o s ry s B , in i a ng and y nd sur ta s to e c la p r floatin ounde best sc book you a g d by so ep in enery le s to e v a h m i ’t n n o e S d u o o f the uthern City so yo ber.” Appala If you h m e v o N in chia. ere aven’t fished your truck th produ t he qua ctive r int and ivers o Carolin f W e stern N a, you orth don’t k missin now w g.” hat yo u’re
Public Access
dise?
Upper Raven Fork
ky Mountains nal Park
Deep Creek
Indian Creek
Raven Fork Trophy Section
Lakeview Drive
Old 288 na Boat Ramp e Public Access Alarka at Dock Alarka Creek lmond at Park Alarka Road
Tuckasegee River
28S Little Tennessee River
Whittier Whittier Boat Ramp
EBCI Hatchery Big Cove Road
19
441 Tuckasegee River
Public Access
Conleys Creek
Heintooga Ridge Road
Blue Ridge Parkway Cherokee Indian Cherokee Reservation
19
Bryson City
Raven Fork
Oconaluftee River
Noland Creek
more d
Straight Fork
441 Clingmans Dome
You be the Judge.
Straight Fork Road
Bradley Chasteen Kephart Fork Creek Prong
74 Conleys Creek Road
Dillsboro
441
Visit GreatSmokiesFishing.com for profiles of all 26 Swain County fishing locations on this map. All are just minutes from Bryson City, NC.
Two mountain lakes The 30 miles of trout offer trout fishing streams on the The 29-mile long, Cherokee Indian 11,700 acre Fontana Reservation are the Lake and its smaller downstream neighbor Cheoah Lake both have strong populations of trout, particularly near the mouths of streams flowing out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cheoah is regularly stocked by the State of North Carolina.
longest privately-owned and stocked fishing waters east of the Mississippi. The 2.2mile Raven Fork Trophy section is home to the biggest trout in the Smokies. This specially regulated section is fly fishing only and catch and release.
new fly guy
N
ot concealed weapons, but something infinitely more important and precious – hot flies! Just as a pistol requires a unique size holster, different flies require storage containers with specific characteristics as well as an overall organization strategy. As a new fly angler, you undoubtedly fell victim to the subtle marketing associated with the sparkling display of hundreds of flies pristinely organized in an expansive exhibit designed to encourage high volume purchases. Now, where you put ‘em all?
Packing
26 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
g Heat
new fly guy
Steve Moore
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 27
new fly guy
This $11 box has spacious compartments to hold dry flies without compressing the hackle. Put nymphs in the foam.
28 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
new fly guy
The guidance on what type of fly goes in what type of box is fairly simple. Avoid putting dry flies in a small box that would crush the hackle. For dries, it is important the hackle remain exactly as it was tied to provide maximum buoyancy. Streamers tend to be large and require a box with enough room to hold the entire fly without the tail protruding over the edge and being crushed when the box is closed. Since nymphs are small and compact, they can go pretty much anywhere. With this in mind, a fly box with roomy compartments is the best approach for a dry fly. Foam is best for streamers while leaf boxes can store massive numbers of nymphs. When buying a partitioned box, look for one with compartments that are easy to open yet close firmly. Avoid any box lacking individual lids over each section unless it is magnetic. In other words, don’t grab one of the lure boxes you used for spin fishing and fill it with flies because sooner or later, you will trip and watch in horror as those expensive flies trace an arc through the air and disappear in the wind or water. Even if sure footed, a sudden, sadistic breeze may lift every fly from the box with similar results. This is the same reason you do not want to use the small boxes the fly shop provides to hold flies as you make selections from the display on the water. Transfer those flies to a real box.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 29
new fly guy
Perfect for holding numerous nymphs, swinging leaf boxes provide efficient storage. This box ($10) is too small for most streamers or dry flies.
30 30 l l December April 2016 2015 l Southern l Southern Trout Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com l www.SouthernTrout.com
new fly guy
It is hard to go wrong with a foam box as long as it provides enough open area between the foam and lid to keep the flies from touching. Dry flies can go in a foam box as long as there is plenty of room for them to spread out. Before putting flies in boxes, give some thought to streamside organization. Typically, you will have far more flies than you can comfortably carry or should take. How many boxes? That depends upon organization strategy. There are four basic choices: • • • •
Organize by destination/month Organize by fly type Organize by family Stuff and go
Destination: Use a hatch chart to determine the flies to take. For example, there is no need to have a box full of terrestrial patterns in the middle of winter or a bunch of bass poppers on a trout stream. Obtain a hatch chart from a local fly shop or search the Internet and only take the patterns applicable to the timeframe when you will be fishing. If dry flies are in the mix, be sure the box has the space for them. When following this approach, you only need one box – the compartmented box is perfect (nymphs or small streamers in foam, dries and larger streamers in compartments).
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 31
new fly guy
These swingleaf keepers ($14-$18) come in different sizes to accommodate any type of fly. The transparent cover allows you to see the contents.
32 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
new fly guy
Fly Type: Use one box each for streamers and nymphs. can go in the same box.
Dry flies and terrestrials
Family: This is a two box approach using foam boxes. Populate the first box with
flies representing different lifecycle stages of the insects – nymph, emerger, cripple, and dry. Take at least three different sizes of each stage for maximum flexibility in matching the hatch. The second holds streamers and any oddball flies that just look too good to leave home. While streamers are not insects, always have a few sizes in different colors to mimic small prey.
Stuff and go: No desire or patience for organization? and go fishing!
Heck, just stuff ‘em in a box
With the right flies in the right box, the final challenge is not to lose them on the stream. The best rule is to never place the box on the ground. Keep it in your hands, grab the fly, and immediately put the box away. For those whose mind might wander in excited anticipation of the next cast, consider using a zinger and velcro.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 33
new fly guy
Your eyes will cross putting tiny midges on foam. Use a specialty box with small compartments ($7).
34 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
new fly guy
Simply sew a strip of velcro to the inside of the pocket. Epoxy the opposing strip to the back of a small zinger and epoxy the zinger tab to the fly box. Can’t sew? Don’t use adhesive backed velcro since it will not last. Instead, cut two small holes in the back of the pocket (apply fabric tape first to stiffen/strengthen if you are willing to iron), thread string or a small cable tie through and tie the ends; forming a loop for the zinger. To use, attach the zinger to the pocket velcro or loop. When pulling the box out of the pocket, the zinger extends and the box is always secure. Believe me, after absentmindedly losing several boxes of flies, the “put it back in the pocket” habit is absolutely critical for financial security! One more thing…. write your name and phone number on the box. If all else fails, maybe some kind soul will find the box bobbing in the water and get it back to you! Many thanks to Fly Fishing Benefactors for the photos of fly boxes. Fly Fishing Benefactors is a unique company that donates over 97% of its net profits to good causes like Project Healing Waters and Casting for Recovery. Check out their boxes and more at www.flyfishingbenefactors.com. The Kayak Hacks and CatchGuide Outdoors YouTube channel (Youtube.com/ KayakHacksFishing) has videos aligned with the New Fly Guy articles for each issue of the magazine.
l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 35 35 l December 2015 l Southern www.SouthernTrout.com Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
36 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
p: Tal Roberts Cody Townsend
Once upon a hell of a time. Our 50 years of innovation has helped us perfect what really matters — amplifying the thrill of human experience. Smith ChromaPop™ lenses are the most advanced polarized lenses in the world. See true color and razor sharp definition. Introducing the Guides Choice.
The experience is everything.™
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l January 2016 l 37
Troutprostore.com The most realistic flies Perfect Fly brand fly rods Fly fishing DVD's Fly fishing accessories Hatch charts Trout fishing destinations Online trout fishing “classes” Blogs Facebook, Twitter, Youtube Troutprostore.com offers you everything you need to fish smarter! “The stone flies you sent me are the best imitation I have ever bought anywhere... I'll be back." (D.W., speaking of our Perfect Fly Giant Black Stonefly Nymphs)
Troutprostore.com
black wing olive chronicles
The Intern Olive K. Nynne
J
ust when it appeared to me that Daddyboy had hit rock bottom on scale of human competency, he showed up at the Compound with an intern. I was told that the intern was for me. I knew from the onset that I did not like this little bitch, and that nothing good could possibly come from it. So far my worse fears are proving to be well founded. The intern’s name is Babs. She is one-year old blonde lab who is a bit on the petite side and lot on the stupid side. To call her a dumb blonde would be giving the little bundle of trouble way to much credit. The irony of it all is that despite Bab’s total inability to do anything other than whine, she has old Daddyboy wrapped around her dew claw. When I say this dumb blonde could relieve herself on Daddyboy’s leg, and he would find it charming, I am relating to you what actually happened. Frankly, such displays of human behavior nauseate me. Ostensibly, the idea of getting me an intern was to take a little pressure of me. Following Daddyboy’s debacle about that dumb lion getting whacked in Zimbabwe and the ST newsletter responsibilities being put on me---well frankly, I have been one busy puppy. I’d like to believe that Daddyboy’s motive for bringing this frisky little blonde into the fold was to help me, but perish that thought. The way the old fool dotes over Babs—well let’s come right out and say it. It’s very disturbing. I’m not intimidated by working alongside younger females. In fact, at this point in my life I find their attention-getting antics somewhat amusing. It’s the utter incompetence displayed by this dumb blonde that drives me crazy. While I am teetering on the edge in trying to ignore her asinine antics, Daddyboy praises her. I probably shouldn’t tell this, but the curmudgeon can’t seem to keep his hands of her. Forgive me if it sounds like I am having something of a pity party for myself, but I worked my way up through the ranks of this company by proving my ability to perform. From a lowly beginning as a an abandon pup on my own in the haunts of Anniston, Alabama, I barked, fetched and clawed my way to where I am now at the world headquarters of Southern Trout Magazine. It’s wasn’t easy either in a
40 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
black wing olive chronicles somewhat toxic work environment where Daddyboy demanded unquestioned obedience and many times I literally had to get by on table scraps to avoid the need to eat cheap dog food imported from China that he fed me. Oh, Daddyboy seems committed to molding the dumb blonde into a working member of the team. I sense a little desperation on his part in that now he keeps a package of bacon treats in his pocket. Every time Babs does something correctly she gets a savory pork flavored reward. Hell, these days I barely get an “atta girl” from the old reprobate. I guess the straw that broke the camel’s back was the Gulf Shores affair. While he tries to keep it a secret from the world of trout fishing, the truth of the matter is that since relocating in Alabama (to avoid prosecution in Tennessee), he has developed a clandestine fascination with saltwater fishing. Of course few know about it as he does his best to conceal his betrayal of fly fishing for trout, and I would never had made this publically known were it not for the sordid little deal he pulled off last weekend with Babs. Last Saturday when I awoke midmorning at the Compound, Babs was gone. Secretly, I hoped she had run with that muscle bound pit bulldog who lives nearby. To my dismay though, Daddyboy was also gone, and upon further I found his humidor was ajar and his sticky fishing shoes were gone. I knew there was mischief afoot, but not even I was prepared to find learn that Babs and Daddyboy were in L.A. chasing redfish—chasing redfish on the side behind my back. This revelation devastated me. Frankly, were it not for Mommygirl, who incidentally sees right through that little blonde and does not really like her, I’d pack it, cash in my 401K and move to Florida with Aunt Carol and Uncle Randy. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 41
fly rod review
THOMAS & THOMAS WORLD’S FINEST FLY RODS
46 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
W
hen you pick up a Thomas & Thomas made fly rod, your expectations of its feel and performance are inherently high. After all, you are taking hold of a Thomas & Thomas made fly rod. The company was founded in the late 1890s by Fred E. Thomas, a master crafter
fly rod review
of split cane bamboo fly fishing rods and protĂŠgĂŠ of such great masters of his craft as Hiram Leonard, Eustis Edwards and Ed Payne. Thomas & Thomas prospered well into the 1950s and became the brand to which other American-made fly rods of the era were compared.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 47
fly rod review
In 1958 the company was sold to the legendary rod maker Clarence "Sam" Carlson. Unfortunately, a short time later Thomas & Thomas closed its doors soon thereafter, and was little more than a memory until 1999 when Carlson sold the company. Since then Thomas Rod Company has returned to its roots in the twin cities of Brewer/Bangor, Maine and has passed through the hands of a number of owners. The challenge facing the resurrected the Thomas & Thomas name and tradition was how to re-energize this legendary brand. Today’s owners of Thomas & Thomas know the company’s roots are bamboo fly rod making, but that the future of the company lay in meeting the needs of its patrons who prefer fiberglass and graphite fly rods. The result in recent years has been the release of graphite fly rod lines that met the high quality of standards expected from rods that bear the Thomas & Thomas brand. This effort has been led by CEO, Neville Orsmond.
48 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
fly rod review
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 49
fly rod review Neville hails from South Africa relocated in the United States. A successful entrepreneur, in 2014 took the helm at Thomas & Thomas. Neville jumped at the opportunity realize his lifelong dream of working alongside Thomas & Thomas founder Tom Dorsey, creating the world’s finest fly rods. Neville’s commitment to the tradition of Thomas & Thomas excellence and innovation to a new generation of fly rods that include the company’s Aeros and SSS graphite fly rods and the sweet casting Heirloom line of fiberglass fly rods. The Spire, the latest graphite offered by Thomas & Thomas is rated by many as the best yet. The Spire Series heralds a return to the classic “Thomas & Thomas Blue” color, with the company proprietary tough, translucent Low Friction Finish. The classic Thomas & Thomas blue blank is pleasantly accented gunmetal milled aluminum, up-locking reel seat and burled black ash spacer. Fuji stripping guides and Universal Snake Brand guides are applied with blue wraps with silver edging. Top it off with the western (or Full Wells) cork grip and you have in your hands a fly rods that is as sexy as graphite can be crafted by man. The Spire’s Low Friction Finish improves casting performance and looks great doing it. For many fly fishermen, maximizing time on the water means being able to effectively adapt to changing conditions with a versatile fly rod. The new fast action Spire series has a quick-dampening blank with a responsive tip and considerable reserve power. The Spire delivers a remarkable combination of finesse presentation and power casting.
50 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
fly rod review
Highly versatile, we were pleased that the Spire was equally adept at casting small dry flies to stripping a streamer. It also performed well as nymph drifting rig. Our observation was that the Spire series performs in every situation. The Thomas & Thomas Spire is available in several unique lengths and models designed to maximize performance and versatility. Each has an action tuned to deliver high line speeds with less effort. With an extended range of models, from a 7-1/2 foot 3 weight to a 10 foot 8 weight, there is a Spire capable of meeting the demands of any situation, from tiny mountain brooks to wind swept tailwater rivers of the South. It could be the perfect choice when you have room to bring only one rod.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 51
fly of the month Roger Lowe
Little Yellow Stonefly
L
ittle Yellow Stoneflies make up one of the most anticipated spring season hatches on southern freestone trout streams. Usually referred to as Yellow Sallies, are bright yellow insects start life as a dull brown nymph in the stream. They migrate across the stream bottom and crawl up on boulders in the middle of the stream or on dry areas along the bank to emerge. The emergence process of the Yellow Sally is a bit more arduous than that facing mayflies. These little stoneflies to emerge from their skin and their wings open where they perch of rocks to begin the nonaquatic portion of their life cycle.
Yellow Sally dry fly patterns work best when these insects return to water to deposit their eggs by dive bombing the water to sink their egg. When such brief periods of activity is underway, trout rise voraciously. Hook: 94840 Mustad Thread: Yellow Tail: Yellow Poly Yarn Body: Yellow Poly Yarn Wings: Yellow Poly Yarn Hackle: Ginger
52 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Roger Lowe's Fly Pattern Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains (8.5x11 inches, 40 pages, soft cover/full color is a perfect companion to Lowe's other book "Smoky Mountain Fly Patterns". If you are wanting to have color pictures and recipes for traditional Smoky Mountain fly patterns this book is a must have. It contains photos and recipes for 101 flies. Included are such flies as the Yellow Hammer (Yellarhammer), Thunderhead, Teillico Nymph, Tennessee Wulff and many others.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 53
situational fly fishing
The Upper P River System Haywood C Ron Gaddy
F
rom the confluence of the East and West Fork of the Pigeon River in Bethel, North Carolina, to its headwaters, the upper Pigeon River system offers up a very diverse fly fishing smorgasbord. The Pigeon River confluences may be some of the best, and maybe the most overlooked fly fishing destination in the Southeast. From Waynesville, take highway 276 south for about 6 miles. At Bethel, stay on highway 276 for the Big East Fork or take highway 215 for the West Fork, and Little East Fork. 56 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
in the great smoky mountain national park
Pigeon m, County, NC
East Fork Lower www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 57
situational fly fishing
58 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
in the great smoky mountain national park
The Big East Fork
From the confluence with the West Fork, the Big East Fork supports good numbers of wild Brown and Rainbow including trophy size fish all the way up to the Big East Fork Trail Head which is about 12 miles. This lower section of the East Fork is all privately owned, but for the most part is open for fishing. Please pay attention to posted signs and tree paint and respect posted land. The Big East Fork, although a pristine trout river is undesignated water all the way up to the Big East Fork Trailhead. In this section you will find plenty of deep holes, runs, cut banks and always a good opportunity to hook up with a brute. Lots of believable stories from locals of 30 plus inch brown coming out of this section of the Big East Fork and 16 to 18 inch Brown trout is fairly common. From the Big East Fork Trail head up the fish get more plentiful but smaller. Here you enter the Shining Rock Wilderness. As you get to the headwater confluences you will find some excellent brook trout fishing. If you like blue lining then your best access will be from the Blue Ridge Parkway. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 59
situational fly fishing The West Fork
From the confluence with the East Fork, fishing in the West Fork all the way up to Lake Logan Dam is marginal at best. This is due the design of the Lake Logan Dam being a spillover. During the summer months the cold, pristine and healthy trout water that enters the dam will warm up while in the dam and after it falls down the spillover it’s too warm for a good trout habitat. Trout that find themselves in the West Fork below Lake Logan in the spring when the water warms up will cling to any cold water springs or make their way up the colder confluences to survive. The section below Lake Logan to the first bridge is now designated as wild trout water but there are no wild trout here, except for an occasional brown trout. There are normally quite a few nice size rainbow in that section that get washed out of the Sunburst Trout Farm during high water events. The next section of the West Fork past the Lake Logan property is 1.2 miles of Delayed Harvest Water. This section is heavily stocked the first weeks of March, April, May, October and November. This section is divided by private land but posted well. There are three nice parking areas at the lower, middle and upper sections and fishing is normally very good, but you can expect to have plenty of company. 60 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
in the great smoky mountain national park The next section up is hatchery supported water from Queens Creek up a ways past the bridge at Sunburst Campground. This hatchery water is hard to reach from a hatchery truck so most of the trout go off the concrete bridge at the confluence of the West Fork and Middle Prong. As you enter the gorge of the West Fork the water is designated as Wild Trout Water all the way up to the head waters. The gorge is boulder laden and the water is very dynamic. The water is gin clear and being stealthy is a must. This is a good place to take along a good strong fishing buddy. The gorge section is 5 to 6 miles with a few pullovers to park and maybe a trail to slide down to the creek and if you are lucky you might find a goat trail back up to the road that might require a little bush whacking. The second bridge past the confluence of the West Fork and the middle prong is called the triple arch bridge. Past the triple arch bridge the terrain flattens out somewhat and there you will find a good population of wild brook trout. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l Mayy 2016 l 61
situational fly fishing Little East Fork
The Little East Fork is a smaller stream that converges with the West Fork about one half mile below Lake Logan Dam. The Little East Fork Rd. follows this stream for about 4 miles all the way past the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp. The first three miles of the Little East Fork from the West Fork produce exceptional numbers of good size brown trout for such a small stream and a few rainbows. There is some posted land in this section so please respect land postings. After driving through the Boy Scout Camp there will be Forest Service parking on the right by the stream. Upstream from here is about 2 miles of good fishing and the upper reaches will hold some beautiful brook trout. This stretch of creek is fairly tight and may hold the spookiest fish I’ve ever seen. Just sticking your head over the bushes to check out a hole will send the bookies’ swarming. If you have a cloaking device or a ghillie suit then you should bring it along.
62 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
in the great smoky mountain national park
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 63
situational fly fishing
Middle Prong
The Middle Prong of the Pigeon River is Wild Trout Water that enters the West Fork at the bridge right above Sunburst Campground. There is a dirt road that follows along the drainage although most of the time, not very close to the creek. This road normally has a locked gate a shorts ways up the stream except for during hunting season. The lower section of the Middle Prong will offer up some good numbers of small to medium size brown and feisty rainbow. This is another very clear and pristine stream that will require to you to be very stealthy. If you hike up the Middle Prong above the waterfall you will be in some good brook trout water.
64 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
in the great smoky mountain national park
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 65
situational fly fishing The Upper Pigeon River offers up some excellent fishing and hopping from one of these confluences to another is only a few minutes’ drive. The upper Pigeon can make for a good day of prospecting and if you are in the right place with the right stuff, a nice trophy trout could be in the cards. Fish Responsibly.
66 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
in the great smoky mountain national park
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 67
2441 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (865) 868-1000 www.bullfishgrill.com 5 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | Phone: (404) 237-3473
www.thefishhawk.com
other trout
Maine’s Rare
70 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
other trout
Arctic Char
Bob Mallard
Deep in the woods of Maine, and about as far north of the Mason-Dixon Line as one can get and still be in the good old USA, lurks the rarest native freshwater salmonid east of the Rocky Mountains. What I am talking about are Maine’s Arctic char— formerly known as blueback trout, and in one case Sunapee trout.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 71
other trout
M
ost of the nations rare native freshwater salmonids are found in the deserts of the Southwest (Apache, Gila and Lohantan trout), mountains of California (golden trout), rivers and streams of Montana and Idaho (bull trout and Arctic grayling), and backcountry of Colorado (greenback cutthroat trout). That an equally rare fish can be found less than a 10-hour drive from Manassas—or Bull Run as us Yanks call it--is actually quite amazing. Maine is the most southern-like state in the north. Folks from Maine, known as “Mainahs”, are more like Carolinians than they are Bostonians. They refer to the latter as being “from away”, yet I’ve never heard them apply the same name to southerners. By far the most rural state in the northeast, hunting and fishing is a way of life not a casual hobby. Confederate flags are not at all uncommon, and there is an old and well-established connection to bluegrass music that includes local bands and annual festivals. Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus oquassa, were native to Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont within the contiguous United States. They were also native to Alaska, Canada and Europe— mostly Scandinavia. The only ones remaining in the contiguous United States are now found in Maine—they are now extinct in New Hampshire and Vermont. Maine’s Arctic char are the southernmost populations of native Arctic char left in the world. They are also said to be the oldest strain of Arctic char remaining in
North America. Unlike the Arctic char most anglers are familiar with, Maine’s Arctic char are landlocked not anadromous. They are also adfluvial—living in lakes, not fluvial—living in rivers. Arctic char are found in just fifteen waters in Maine. Twelve populations are native, two are introduced, and one was just recently discovered; and while not completely clear, appears to be a remnant native population. All waters are open to fishing with the exception of Floods Pond in Otis, a municipal water supply for greater Bangor.
The only ones remaining in the contiguous United States are now found in Maine— they are now extinct in New Hampshire and Vermont One of the two introduced populations—Long Pond near historic Rangeley--is thriving. The other, Enchanted Pond near the remote outpost of Jackman near the Canadian border, is not. Two of the twelve native waters— Big Reed and Wadleigh Ponds--were recently reclaimed due to invasive smelts, and their status is unknown at this time. Several other waters have what the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife classifies as a “low abundance” of fish.
other trout
other trout
Arctic char are related to brook and lake trout. They can live two to three times longer than brook trout, but not quite as long as lake trout. While most Arctic char caught are less than a foot long, they can grow to over 20 inches in length. The current state record, a fish 25.4 inches long, was caught from Pushineer Pond in the Deboullie Region in 2008. Arctic char vary considerably from water to water in regard to appearance. While they always resemble brook or lake trout to at least some degree, some look more like the former than the latter, and some more like the latter than the former. Arctic char are not always easy to identify. But a tell-tale sign is the lack of blue haloes around the red spots, and to a lesser degree the lack of red spots altogether. They also have forked, not square, tails—and no vermiculation on their backs. While many people consider fall-run brook trout to be one of the—if not the--most beautiful salmonids, fall-run Arctic char are arguably even more dramatic. They turn an almost surreal orange—similar to that of a pet store goldfish--with ivory white edged fins. Maine’s Arctic char are for the most part a deep water fish. They enter shallow water in the fall to spawn, utilizing rock ledges like lake trout rather than dug redds like brook trout. They occasionally enter shallow water—or the upper water column—to feed. Juvenile Arctic char are planktivores, feeding primarily on zoo plankton. Adult fish feed on minnows, invertebrates, insects, and even snails. As they mature they become very piscivorous—relying more on small minnows. Arctic char have very specific habitat requirements. While Maine’s char waters vary in size from just 64 acres to over 3,100 acres; they are all over 50 feet deep—the deepest of which is 170 feet. Eight are over 90 feet deep—and five of these over 100 feet. So while deep and by default cold water is obviously a requirement, a lack of competition appears to be even more so.
other trout
other trout
Most populations of char that were lost succumbed to invasive fish, including both gamefish and baitfish. In the case of those found in the Rangeley Lakes of Maine, the culprits were landlocked salmon and
smelt which competed with the char for food and space, and preyed on them. In the case of Sunapee Lake in New Hampshire, it was lake trout which hybridized the char right out of existence. The two most recent
76 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
losses, Big Reed and Wadleigh Ponds in Maine, involved smelt only. Maine’s native Arctic char waters are often found in groups. Penobscot Lake and the recently discovered Foley Pond in northern Somerset County, and
other trout
Green Lake and Floods Pond in the Downeast Region are only 7 miles apart. Deboullie, Gardner, Pushineer and Black Ponds in the Deboullie Region are with 2 miles of each other. Rainbow and Wassataquoik Lakes
are just 15 miles apart. Bald Mountain Pond in the Kennebec Valley, and Big Reed and Wadleigh Ponds in the Allagash Region are however somewhat isolated from other char waters.
Among the many myths and misconceptions about Maine’s Arctic char is that they cannot be caught on a cast fly. As a result most fly fishers do not target them. Fortunately, this is not the case. Most of the people I know who
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 77
other trout have set out to catch a char on a cast fly have done so—including yours truly. But char do not come easy and you will have to put your time in—and this could mean days not hours. And even then you could fail… . Maine’s Arctic char are an exotic fish living in a not so exotic place. They are a “bucket list” species, and the only truly rare freshwater salmonid east of the Rocky Mountains. They are a beautiful fish living in a remote and relatively unspoiled setting. Most importantly, they offer you the opportunity to do something most anglers will never do--hold a fish that exists in its wild and native form in only ten or so places in the contiguous United States. Unfortunately Maine’s Arctic char face many threats—most significantly the introduction of invasive fish species. This threat comes in the form of state-sponsored stocking, bucket biology, and the legal and illegal use of live fish as bait. We also know
far too little about these mysterious fish, including their population sizes and what impact angling pressure and harvest is and is not having on them. Considering what is at stake here, a state-wide C&R restriction would be prudent. Maine has lost two populations of Arctic char in barely a decade. Another population has been pushed to the brink by state-sponsored stocking of lake trout and other invasive species. Two more waters were recently found to contain invasive fish. Each population of Arctic char that is lost or compromised moves us one step closer to losing this rare and beautiful fish. If we want them to survive into the next century, we will need to do far than we are doing today. If not Arctic char what? If not us who? If not now when?
BOB MALLARD has fly fished for over 35 years. He has owned and operated Kennebec River Outfitters in Madison, Maine since 2001. Bob is a blogger, writer and author; his writing has been featured in newspapers, ezines, and magazines at the local, regional and national levels. He has appeared on radio and television. Look for his books 50 Best Places Fly Fishing the Northeast and 25 Best Towns Fly Fishing for Trout (Stonefly Press). Bob is also a fly designer for Catch Fly Fishing out of Billings, Montana; as well as the northeast sales rep for both Stonefly Press and Catch. In addition he is on the R. L. Winston Rod Co. Pro Staff. Bob can be reached at www. kennebecriveroutfitters.com, www.bobmallard.com, info@bobmallard.com or 207-4742500.
78 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Eastern Fly Outfitters LLC is East Tennessee’s one stop
fly shop, outfitter and learning center for all things fly fishing.
6209 Bristol Highway Piney Flats, TN 37686 - 423-538-3007 - www.easternflyoutfitters.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 79
&Unwind Relax
G
uests breathe easier here, and it isn’t just the mountain air. It’s the entire Eseeola experience: award-winning cuisine, exceptional service, and of course, first-rate fly fishing on the Linville River. Call Today for Reservations
175 Linville Avenue Linville, NC 28646 (800)742-6717 www.Eseeola.com
April 14, 15 & 16 Friday & Saturday
Sowbug Shindig Food, Live Music, Live Auction Friday Evening—Limited Seating,—Ask for details!
A Celebration of Fly Tying!
$5.00 Entrance Fee Good for all three days! Children under age of 12 admitted free!
Sponsored by North Arkansas Fly Fishers http://www.northarkansasflyfisher.org sowbug@northarkansasflyfisher.org
It’s a Celebration!
From Trout Fishing to a Festival,
Fannin County
Reigns as the Official Trout Capital of Georgia By Bob Borgwat
A
ll things trout fishing in Georgia, mind you, are found in few places in the Peach State and, perhaps, in one place only: Fannin County ‌ where highelevation headwater creeks in the southern Appalachian Mountains collect seeps and springs in woodland bottoms to sustain
wild brook trout before pumping life into a nutrient-rich tailwater dozens of miles downstream where brown and rainbow trout are commonly measured in pounds. The county seat of Blue Ridge, an idyllic tourism-based community situated just two hours north of downtown Atlanta,
82 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
rests at the epicenter of Fannin County, which was designated in 2010 by the Georgia state legislature as the Trout Capital of Georgia. For good reason. No matter your trout fishing preferences, trout fishing in Fannin County holds the interest of anglers of all kinds. Expert fly-rodders cast to rainbow and brown trout among plunges, chutes and shiny riffles while dodging the heavy canopy in the national-forest highlands on streams like Coopers Creek and Noontootla Creek. “Combat” anglers crawl through rhododendron thickets lusting for 6-inch brook trout on unnamed spring creeks. Cold-weather anglers
challenge the stocked trout in the statedesignated “delayed harvest” section of the upper Toccoa River. Fly-rod fishermen and spin-tackle anglers alike wade and float the 14-mile tailwater of Blue Ridge Dam (just minutes from downtown) for abundant rainbows and out-sized browns. Trophy-minded anglers pitch flies to trout as long as their arms on privately managed trout streams. And anyone who wants to chunk soft baits, crickets and worms in hopes of seasonally stringing a limit of trout for dinner will find what they’re looking for on many easy-access streams throughout the county.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 83
Celebrated Fishing Trout fishing in Fannin County also comes this year in the form a celebration festival. The first Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoor Adventures event opens April 29-30 in downtown city park in Blue Ridge. The weekend event – showcased among the ridges, peaks and trout waters of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains – casts special attention upon trout fishing in the cold-water streams and rivers of Fannin County, while reaching out to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds who enjoy unlimited opportunities to participate locally in outdoor recreation in the southern reach of the Appalachian Mountains. “Most importantly, it will be a lot of fun for trout fishermen and outdoor lovers of all kinds and all ages. Our goal is to attract fly-fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts to Blue Ridge and the ‘Trout Capital of Georgia’ to promote trout fishing and the responsible use of North Georgia’s natural resources, attract tourism, and raise funds for Trout Unlimited and its programs that benefit our community,” says Ralph Artigliere, education director
for Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter 696, which shares the presentation and concept of the festival with the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and Southern Trout Magazine. "We at Southern Trout Magazine,” says editor Don
84 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Kirk, “are excited to have an opportunity to sponsor of the Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoor Adventures event in Blue Ridge. Interest in trout fishing in the South has never been at the high level seen today. Blue Ridge – the ‘Trout Capital of Georgia’ – is the logical location for an
Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoor Adventures opens on the evening of April 29 with the Blue Ridge Trout Train – a special edition of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (www.BRScenic. com). The fundraising ride down the rails runs an hour and a half, winding along the beautiful Toccoa River. Passengers enjoy their choice of vintage, climate-controlled rail cars or open-air rail cars, while sharing complimentary adult beverages and snacks. Upon return to the station, a wonderful array of appetizers
and drinks will be served during a silent auction of five fantastic donations. Dinner is encouraged afterward at any of the wonderful restaurants in Blue Ridge. Local outfitters and fishing guides, fishing gear and tackle reps, kayak liveries, hiking clubs, mountain bikers/cyclists, whitewater outfitters and an impressive list of local experts in all things outdoor gather at the all-day BreakOut Marketplace, Saturday, April 30, from 9 am to 5 pm, in the downtown city park while live music provides
entertainment. Commercial vendors – such as Orvis, Simms and more –and local shops of outdoor recreation and gear will be on hand to share the latest outdoor products and services from Orvis, Simms, Scott, Thomas & Thomas, Rio, Sage, Redington, Columbia, Keen and more. Local fishing guides will share inside information on troutfishing in the North Georgia mountains, and the Kids’ Korner will feature hands-on, outdoor-oriented activities for young anglers, kayakers and hikers.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 85
Food trucks and a Beer Garden will satisfy
every appetite, too, while three Georgia music acts – Blue Blood, Dave Anderson Trio and Thomas Fountain – share the Beer Garden Stage. ‘’We have made extraordinary progress, and the festival seems to have sprung legs of its own. The exhibitor and sponsor responses from just word of mouth has been overwhelming,” says BRTF event chair Lynn Brincks. “A variety of organizations have worked together to bring this new event to Blue Ridge and the surrounding communities. We are excited to introduce the ‘Trout Capital of Georgia’ to fly-fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts and their families.” “The Chamber and Visitor Centers look forward to welcoming trout enthusiasts from throughout the Southeast to Blue Ridge in April to celebrate the trout fishing in the ‘Trout Capital of Georgia’,” says Jan Hackett, executive director of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. “Spend the day at the festival and enjoy our vendors, food and music. Or, perhaps, book a room or cabin for a day or more and find your way onto our trout waters before settling in at one of many of our fine restaurants for lunch or dinner.” 86 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 87
Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited also seeks to raise money to improve and expand its education for all ages on conservation and trout fishing, Artigliere says, while also exposing the local reach of non-profit exhibitors such as Project Healing Waters and Goodwill Guides (veterans’ associations), Georgia Women Fly Fishers, Casting for Recovery, Trout in the Classroom, BentonMacKaye Trail Association, Save Georgia’s Hemlocks, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, and more. For more information about trout fishing in Fannin County, contact local outfitter Reel Angling Adventures at 706-838-5259 or visit the guide team online at ReelAnglingAdventures.com. For more information about the Blue Ridge Trout Festival and Outdoor Adventures sponsorships, please visit BlueRidgeTroutFest.com, or find the festival on Facebook.
Contact: Bob Borgwat, event communications Lynn Brincks, event chair Email to: info@BlueRidgeTroutFest.com Phone: 706-374-2390 88 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
2016
CELEBRATE TROUT FISHING IN THE
TROUT CAPITAL OF GEORGIA!
BENEFITTING TROUT UNLIMITED ... CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, RECREATION PRESENTED BY
APRIL 29 ... RIDE THE TROUT TRAIN
Limited Seats! RailRiders’ Auction! Advance Tickets Only! Call 7063742390 or online BlueRidgeTroutFest.com VISIT THE
APRIL 30 ... BREAKOUT MARKETPLACE
DOWNTOWN CITY PARK Trout fishing in Fannin County with local troutfishing experts. Learning Center ... Flytying, flycasting, casting pond, Home Depot kids' buildit center and more! Your favorite vendors of troutfishing gear, clothing and accessories. Cast the latest flyfishing rods and reels. Discover hiking, kayaking and cycling in Fannin County. Locate cabin and lodging options in Fannin County.
GEAR! FOOD! FUN! LIVE MUSIC! More info ... BlueRidgeTroutFest.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 89
book review
Fly Fishing Kentucky
Fly Fishing Kentucky, a self-published a handful of remote mountain streams book by authors J. Thomas Schrodt and in Kentucky harbor self-sustaining brook Valerie L. Askren introduces to readers the trout populations, and that an outstanding overlooked fly fishing for trout available in stocking effort on the part of the state the Bluegrass State. It is the first book to sustain the vast majority of Kentucky’s ever give a comprehensive overview of fly trout waters. Fly Fishing Kentucky profiles fishing for trout in that southern state. The many of the Bluegrass author team has done State’s lesser known a great job. trout streams such as Schrodt is including Trammel Creek, professor at the Casey Creek, Floyds University of Kentucky, Fork, Otter Creek and College of Engineering others. For example, (Department of interesting information Chemical and is plentiful such as Materials Engineering) notations like the East where his research Fork of Indian Creek Areas is the viscosity located within Daniel non-idealities, kinetic Boone National Forest mechanisms. Askren near the Red River is an accomplished Gorge Geological Area scribe who past works and is easily accessible include Hike the off Forest Service Road Bluegrass that was a 9B, receives four rainbow well-received book. trout stockings annually Fly Fishing along with one stocking Kentucky is a great resource guide that of browns.Particularly useful in Fly Fishing goes beyond the where-to-go and what-to- Kentucky was the detailed directions do-when-you-get-there approach of most to the trout laden reaches sections of fly fishing destination guide books. The smaller creeks first part of the book is dedicated to tackle, Fly Fishing Kentucky is wellknots, casting tips and techniques, the researched, well-written and nicely state’s trout species, entomology, matching illustrated title anyone with a hankering to the hatch, reading the water, license fly fish for trout in the Bluegrass State will requirements, creel limits and more. It’s find essential. The book retails for $17.95. really quite comprehensive. For more information contact Schrodt and Schrodt and Askren reveal that only Askren at FlyFishingKY@gmail.com. 92 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
there’s nothing
like fishing in a mountain stream…
1-800-984-1543
www.mountaintopga.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 93
close look - kentucky
Featured Trout Town: O
ne of the most interesting aspects of trout fishing in the southeast is the incredible amount of cold fishing in states that exist often only for local anlers. While Kentucky has more miles of streams and rivers coursing within its boundaries, compared to North Carolina, Tennessee or the Virginia’s, the trout offerings of the Bluegrass State may not appear to be impressive. While brook trout are not native to the streams of the Bluegrass State, the highland rivulets found in the northeastern corner of Kentucky offer outstanding fly fishing for brown and brook trout. If you are looking for heavyweight trout fishing, the Crown Jewels of the state is wide ranging Cumberland River. Insiders familiar with this large river compare it favorably with the White River in Arkansas and the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Despite its growing reputation as a great fly fishing destination though, the Cumberland River rarely gets a lot in terms of ink and publicity. The Cumberland River is the major waterway found largely with confines of the Bluegrass State. It winds almost 700 miles and drains 18,000 square miles southern Kentucky and north-central Tennessee. Before emptying into the Tennessee River the Cumberland is joined by such well known major tributaries as the Obey, Caney Fork, Stones, and Red rivers. The Cumberland 94 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
River system has been extensively developed for flood control, with major dams impounding both the main stem and many of its important tributaries. Its headwaters rise forth in Harlan County and Bell County. Downstream it snakes its way north through the mountains to Baxter then turns south where it rumbles over Cumberland Falls, a 68foot fall that is one of the largest waterfalls in the southeastern United
Burkesville, Kentucky States. Downstream the river is impounded by Wolf Creek Dam to create a deep reservoir that is more than 100-mile reservoir is one of the largest artificial lakes in the eastern US. The 75-mile Kentucky portion of the Cumberland tailwater is home to the state record 21-pound brown trout and a 14-pound, 6-ounce rainbow trout. The first 16 miles of water from Lake Cumberland’s Wolf Creek Dam to Winfrey’s Ferry is a great place for canoeists, kayakers and owners of small johnboats to float and fish. A few mildly challenging shoals exist in this stretch, perfect water for beginning canoeists and kayakers to hone their skills. Floaters who wish to fish hard without a lengthy shuttle may launch at the Kendall Recreation Area ramp, located off U.S. 127 below the dam. The takeout is the old Kendall www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 95
close look - kentucky
Ferry landing located at the end of Ray Mann Road, just off the road to the recreation area. This makes for a float of approximately 1.75 miles with a shuttle of just a few minutes. This section includes the hatchery creek outflow, a good
place to fish. Boyd’s Bar, a productive wading shoal for rainbow and brown trout, lies at the end of Ray Mann Road. Like most southern tailwater trout rivers, the Cumberland traces along a rural noted for lack of tourism business, rather
96 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
than over-development as has occurred along many such southern rivers. A fishing trip here is akin to going back to the 1970s, and most of the fans of the Cumberland River relish its low profile. However, the word is out about the fishing, especially since
Wolf Creek Dam has been mended. Fishing pressure is increasing on the Cumberland, and nothing is hotter than the fly fishing on this gentle giant. Smack dab in the middle of all of this incredibly good trout of all of this great fishing
is the sleepy hamlet of Burkesville. Home to just over 1,500 souls, Burkesville has been settlement even before the Iroquois Indians officially sold the land in 1768 when it originally known as Cumberland Crossing. Downtown Burkseville
has a quaint, 1920s town square that splits and forms a circle around the town court house on Main Street. Two streets branch off perpendicular to Main: River Street runs straight toward the Cumberland River and provides access to the town's only public boat ramp, while Hill Street immediately begins scaling the Alpine Hill that towers over the city. This road was the only access to the city from the west for many years until Highway 90 was built. A fly fishing trip to Burkesville can easily be expanded to a very interesting family vacation. The little town is surrounded by things to do besides casting flies to trout. The top tourism base to headquarter a visit to Burkesville is the Alpine Motel, a Bavarian style motif lodge with an excellent reputation for its tasteful dĂŠcor, wellmanicured grounds. One of the most popular side trips from Burkesville is the excursion rides on the historic Fork Scenic Railway. Just over an hour away is the opportunity to take a very interesting
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 97
close look - kentucky old-time train ride through beautiful South Fork Recreation Area that include a stop in an old mining camp. Another side trip is SeventySix Falls, popular family picnic area. Contrary to popular belief, SeventySix Falls was never 76 feet high, and it did not get its name from its height. The falls were between 83 and 84 feet high until the formation of Lake Cumberland in 1950, which reduced it to its present height of about 44 feet. Also nearby is Mammoth Cave National Park. The world's longest cave system with over 400 miles of explored caverns, Mammoth is exactly the right name for this attraction. Loads of tours and plenty of nature-loving things to do in the huge National Park System. Covering 52,830 acres of forest and rivers, Mammoth Cave Nation Park has great stream fishing and some of the best hiking trails around. While in Burkesville, be sure to make the short drive to the Daniel Boone National Forest. You’ll want visit Yahoo Falls, which a 113 feet is Kentucky's tallest water fall. The falls sit in one of Kentucky's most scenic parks. Rhododendrons, mountain laurels, hemlocks and other flora are abundant in this gorgeous park. There are hiking trails and beautiful picnic areas as well. Just getting there offers a great scenic drive.
98 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 99
close look - kentucky
100 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Burkesville has better than usual small town dining. Jones Restaurant on Main Street, is a family style restaurant has wonderful Friday and Saturday night dinner buffets. Our favorite is the Kountry Junction Family Restaurant - Home of the "Gut Buster" and some of the best burgers in the world. Mikes Landing Restaurant at Sulphur Creek Resort has a floating restaurant with delicious home-style cooking, a dinner buffet, and friendly service. Burkesville is a trout town you may never have of, but will not forget once you discovered it.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 101
close look - kentucky
Exploring the
Daniel Boone
National Forest
I
f you enjoy ferreting out little-known and lightlyfished freestone trout streams, then the Boone National Forest in Kentucky is custom designed for you. Scattered like acorns under a big white oak tree, the little streams and run of these federally owned lands offer an incredible variety of fishing for trout from regularly stocked to self-sustaining trout fisheries. Trout fishing here is almost akin to geo trekking.
104 l Southern l www.SouthernTrout.com 104 l l December April 2016 2015 l Southern Trout Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
The Daniel Boone is the only national forest found completely within the boundary of the Bluegrass State. The forest was named after Daniel Boone, a frontiersman and explorer in the late 18th century who contributed greatly to the exploration and settlement of Kentucky (not to mention a popular television show in the 1960s). It was originally named the Cumberland National Forest when created in 1937. Located in the eastern third of Kentucky, the original plan was for the national forest to encompass roughly 2,100,000 acres, which would have it holding four times larger than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Due in part to World War II, funds for land acquisition were curtailed in the early 1940s. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l January www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 2016 ll 105 105
close look - kentucky Today, the Daniel Boone National Forest consists of 706,000 acres that are owned and managed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Substantial acquisition efforts to enlarge the holdings of the Daniel Boone National Forest did not resume until the mid-1960s. The lengthy cessation of land acquisitions resulted in today what can only be described as a highly fragmented, often confusing ownership pattern. Fortunately, most of the national forests’ best trout streams are contained on public land. Trout are not native to any of the waters found with the Daniel Boone National Forest. Trout fisheries there are a result stockings over the years. A number of streams have wellestablished wild populations of brook, rainbow and brown trout. Many fly fishermen unschooled in the ways of trout fishing in the Bluegrass State are surprised to learn the state has four brook trout streams under catch and release regulations that are flies only. These are Dog Fork Creek and Parched
Corn Creek in Wolfe County, the headwaters of Poor Fork in Letcher County, and Shillalah Creek in Bell County downstream from the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. Daniel Boone National Forest is divided into ranger districts. Although headquartered in Winchester, you are better off checking with district offices of the Daniel Boone National Forest for detailed information in respective ranger districts. These are the Cumberland Ranger District headquartered in Morehead; the London Ranger District headquartered in London; and the Redbird Ranger District headquartered in Winchester. Additionally, Kentucky trout streams are rated based on a score of 1 (excellent), 2 (good), 3 (fair), or 4 (poor) for each of six parameters: 1) trout utilization (if previously stocked), 2) fish population structure, 3) water quality, 4) habitat, 5) fishing success, and 6) aesthetics. A mean score of 1.0 to 1.4 is excellent, 1.5 to 2.4 good, 2.5 to 3.4 fair, and 3.5 to 4.0 poor for each stream.
106 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 107
close look - kentucky
108 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
The Red River Gorge is the heart of trout fishing in the Cumberland Ranger District. The district includes nearly 183,000 acres of national forest lands spread across several eastern Kentucky counties. Just north of the Red River Gorge flows Indian Creek, a tributary of the Red River. Indian Creek is a great little trout streams with lots of rock ledges, boulders, gravel bottoms, sandy bottoms, muddy bottoms, and the occasional fallen trees and jams. The water was crystal clear; the holes are blue-green and easily visible to the bottom. The streams are stocked with brown and rainbow trout and catch and release only in the winter through March 31. If you want the challenge of catching brown trout around the Red River Gorge, consider little Chimney Top Creek. The stocked with 8-inches long brown trout by the state and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, easily waded Chimney Top Creek boasts a fantastic holdover. Brown trout grow quickly here, often reaching the 12-inch minimum size limit for browns. According to angler reports, fish up to 18 or 20 inches are caught regularity. Another mixed bad trout stream coursing through the Daniel Boone National Forest is Bark Camp Creek in Whitley County. It holds rainbow and brown trout that have a reputation for often being very picky. This a very clean, classic southern highlands freestone stream that is flanked with massive hemlock trees and tangles of thick rhododendrons lining the banks of the stream. Its course is awash with big grey back boulders and lots of pools that are 3 to 6 feet deep. Five hundred brown trout are stocked annually in Bark Camp Creek (usually in March). The streams receives stocking of rainbow trout in March, April, May, June, and October. Bark Camp Creek stream is part of the delayed-harvest program for seasonal catch-andrelease. All trout must be released between October 1 and March 31. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 109
close look - kentucky An often overlooked stream in the Daniel Boone National Forest that can really turn on this time of year is Rock Creek. Located in southern Kentucky and originating in Pickett State Forest in Tennessee, Rock Creek flows through Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky and is a Kentucky Wild River. It is stocked annually with 9-10" rainbows and a few fingerlings. The lower sections hold the larger Kentucky bass, smallmouth, and other species in the slow, deep pools. Trout can be found anywhere from the White Oak Junction upstream to the headwaters, but the majority seem to hold in the smaller upper stretches near the Bell Farm Horse Park and Hemlock Grove. This fertile little creek is home to several mayfly species, caddis and stoneflies. Spring hatches can be surprisingly prolific.
110 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Float Wade Trek
Experience Exposure Executon Engagement Georgia-North Carolina-Tennessee Guided fly-fishing and conventional fishing for bass, trout, stripers, panfish and more across the waters of the southern Appalachian Mountains
www.ReelAnglingAdventures.com Toll Free: 866-899-5259 www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 111
IT COSTS NO MORE T O G O F I R S T C L A S S ... America’s #1 Trout Fishing Resort is Gaston’s. Our White River float trips for lunker trout are legendary from coast to coast. We do the work. All you do is fish – in style and comfort. Then there are the extras that make “resort” our last name. First-class lodging. One of the South’s finest restaurants, featuring a spectacular view. A private club. Tennis and a pool. A nature trail. A conference lodge for your group meetings or parties. Even a private landing strip for fly-in guests.
1777 River Road • Lakeview, Arkansas 72642 (870) 431-5202 • E-Mail gastons@gastons.com Lat 36 20' 55" N Long 92 33' 25" W
www.gastons.com
Highlands 6th Annual
Limited to 50 Teams
Guided & NonGuided Competitions
April 28 - April 30, 2016 for Men & Women of All Skill Levels More than 2,200 Miles of Public Water Available to Fish During the Competition Teams will fish one native, one hatchery supported and one delayed-harvest stream
Just $500 Per 2-Person Team Register by March 15 for Early Bird Fee of $450. This fun weekend for the whole family includes Lunch Both Days, Opening Night Reception, Closing Night Winners’ Dinner With Food, Prizes and a Fishing Goody Bag.
Charter Sponsors:
Entry Fees Payable to the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund are 100% Tax-Deductible For more information, contact Hilary Wilkes at hilary@highlandhiker.com or (828) 526-8673. Funding for the Three River Festival is due in part to an Advertising Partnership with the Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center.
close look - kentucky
Cumberland Michael “Rocky” Cox
T
he Cumberland River has long been considered one of the finest trout tailwaters in the eastern United States. The fishery has even been compared to many of the famous western brown trout fisheries, and for good reason. It’s location in south central Kentucky is isolated and often forgotten about. I like to call it three hours from everywhere as its three hours to Lexington, Louisville, Nashville, and Knoxville. The Cumby is considered a large river by most standards, especially when comparing it to other southern
114 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Comeback
tailraces. Lake Cumberland is one of the largest man made reservoirs in the eastern United States, with a capacity of 6,100,000 acre feet. The super cold water discharged by Wolf Creek Dam (US Corps of Engineers) supports a tailwater trout fishery that stretches over 80 miles. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) manages the entire tailwater under quality regulations to promote a large holdover population. All the ingredients for an excellent tailwater were there. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 115
close look - kentucky Problems arose over the years when areas of seepage were discovered in the earthen sections of the Wolf Creek Dam. A series of small repairs and fixes were only marginally successful and the threat of dam failure became a distinct possibility. Considering the potential for a catastrophic event like the USCOE suffered in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina, the decision was made to employ a more permanent fix for Wolf Creek Dam. The project began in 2007 and required Lake Cumberland to be lowered over 50 feet from its traditional summer pool. River operations were also altered to maintain a constant level that would alleviate excessive pressure on the dam.
These changes had adverse effects on the tailwater. Concerns of high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen in the lower tailwater sprang up immediately. These conditions were followed up by several drought years which only compounded the issue. Sluice gate releases were used to help with the dissolved oxygen issues, and it did help some. Unfortunately, over the course of the 7 year project, anglers saw the tailwater reduced from its 80 mile legacy, to just over 35 miles. Quality fish could still be found, but it seemed a lot more like work to find them than before. There was no doubt that the Cumberland fishery had changed with this project. The dam remediation project was successfully completed in 2014 and anglers crossed their fingers that the Cumberland could return to its former glory. Now, two years post-project and operations at Wolf Creek have returned to normal. Lake levels are being maintained at traditional levels throughout the year and favorable tailwater releases have resumed. Conditions in the upper 30 miles have returned to pre-project conditions and the rest of the tailwater seems to be improving quickly as well. In fact, it may be hard to see any lingering impacts on the fishery after another year or two. The river is full of bugs and fish that will only grow larger now that the Cumberland is coming back. 116 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 117
close look - kentucky
I
recent decades one of theanother most Thentailwater fishery also received interesting changes in flytofishing recent improvement unrelated the damfor trout in the Southern Highlands remediation project. A new tributary nowhas beeninto thethe explosion in theand number of flows Cumberland, it’s going to be a very place.fishing Hatchery Creek private troutfishy stream opportunities has been expanded andcatch improved for those seeking to reallyafter big trout a jointdon’t project withpaying KDFWR, and mind forUSCOE the privilege. and private contractors. The federal fish To one degree or another it is occurring hatchery below Wolf Creek Dam has but in all of the southern trout states, always offered fishing areapopular below nowhere has ait small become more its coldwater discharge. There was some than in the mountains of northern handicap access and about enough room Georgia. for two or three people to fish before Managed on strict catch-andthe stream disappeared into a tangled releaseof bases, a handful of before rivulets thicket briars and poison ivy that course the Peach State’s emptying intothrough the Cumberland River. The Blue Ridge Mountains valleys this harbor Hatchery Creek project expanded thousands of bit and brown small discharge intorainbow a well-manicured andtrout that easily exceed 20-inches, and1+often carefully designed trout stream. This half stream again longer than this.under Costs vary mile will be managed catch and onlyrod regulations and istoslated fromrelease a simple fee of $100 $300 a to open April 2016. day (or inhalf day), and first timers to these waters usually want a guide, which a
One of my favorite aspects of the Cumberland River has always been its rural country charm. The river flows through miles of rolling hills and steep rock bluffs. The banks are lined with large farms, forests and the occasional mountain. The clean, country solitude of southern Kentucky has always been a big part of the Cumberland experience for me. Burkesville Kentucky is the only real town on the river and it’s just big enough to find a place to stay, a meal and a current fishing report from the guys at Strange Bait and Tackle.
The best fishing on the Cumberland River comes during periods of little to no generation from the dam. Low water levels accommodate both wade fishermen and recreational boaters. Most wading anglers will focus their
118 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
time on the numerous gravel bars, while boaters drift the banks, casting to dead falls. You can be successful using many techniques and types of flies and tackle. Spin fishermen do well with all forms of hardware and plugs, while numerous insect hatches keep the fly fishermen happy. Stonefly nymphs have always been a standard in my box, fished with smaller caddis and mayfly nymphs as dropper flies. The river also boasts strong populations of scuds and sow bugs. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 119
close look - kentucky My absolute favorite time to fish the Cumberland is during the summer and fall. Don’t get me wrong. Great fishing is available year round, but it’s the terrestrials of summer and early fall that I love to fish. Oh yea, the brown trout love them too. Terrestrials are insects that are born and live on dry land. Things like grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, ants and cicadas are all considered terrestrials. They live on land, but often end up in the drink and the trout take advantage of these easy meals. Large, trophy trout will lie in wait along the bank and in submerged dead falls, only to explode out of nowhere when a twitching hopper floats overhead. Most fly fishermen prefer to fish dry flies when they can. Because it’s just more fun when you see the trout attack your fly. Well, fishing terrestrials is like dry fly fishing on steroids. Say goodbye to those small, elegant, hard to see dun patterns and pull out the foam. Large foam patterns are all the rage these days and with just cause. High density foam comes in many colors and it floats high and dry. These patterns also incorporate rubber legs and wiggly eyes to help entice large trout. Very realistic foam terrestrials can be found at most any fly shop across the country. Pick up a variety of hoppers, beetles and cicadas to cover you in most summertime situations.
120 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 121
Pull out your goat rope. Leave your 5x and 6x dry fly leaders at home. Instead, tie on a 2x – 3x nine foot tapered leader. A lighter tippet might result in more strikes but I’ve found it’s better to have the heavy line when the big predatory browns eat and run to cover. Nobody wants to lose a trophy fish once it’s on the line, and a solid 2x leader will land a lot of big fish. Monofilament leaders and tipper work great for this application so you can also leave the expensive fluorocarbon on your tying desk. The best accommodations can be found at the nearby Lake Cumberland State Park. They have a nice restaurant and offer cabins, cottages and motel rooms. Lodging, food, fuel and supplies can also be found in the nearby towns of Burkesville and Russell Springs. 122 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
John Deere Hopper. Simple pattern and very effective on Cumberland fish. Tiemco 100 #8 #10 Body. Green 2mm foam doubled over. Ribbing. 140 yellow thread. Legs. 1 white and 1 clear sparkle rubber legs Wingcase. Yellow 2mm foam Eyes. Black sharpie dot coated with a bulb of clear cure goo. This pattern rides low in the water and is a fish favorite. Fish it with a splat and twitch. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 123
Volume 1 . 2016
SOUTHERN
FARM&GARDEN
For Subscriptions: southernfarmandgarden.com For Branding Contact Abby Jackson @ (706) 947-3474
™
Georgia Trophy Fly Fishing At It's Best
P.O. Box 2555
Clarkesville, GA 30523
For Availability and Reservations Call: 706-947-FISH (3474)
info@blackhawkflyfishing.com www.blackhawkflyfishing.com
Trout only live in beautiful places.
Fly Fish the Trout Capitol of Georgia. With over 550 miles of beautiful rivers and trout streams, Blue Ridge and Fannin County have the richest, most diverse all-season fishery in the state.
For a free Visitor’s Guide, call 800-899-mtns
BlueRidgeMountains.com
“PERHAPS THE BEST TROUT FISHING IN THE EAST...” — Lefty Kreh
All-inclusive Flyfishing packages 5,000-6,000 trout per mile Wild brown & rainbow trout Year round fishing Luxury riverside accommodations Outstanding local cuisine World class guides 1509 Bullock Hollow Rd. Bristol, TN 37620
877.767.7875
SouthHolstonRiverLodge.com
39 South Public Square Cartersville, GA 30120 www.cohuttafishingco.com 770.606.1100
Guided Fishing Trips | Fly Fishing Schools | Destination Fly Fishing Travel
southern trout history
Soc Clay: Fly Fishing’s Baron of the Bluegrass Don Kirk
In 1978 I made my first “writer’s junket” to Fontana Lake Village where I meet a couple dozen other writers whose names now escape me, that is except for one. It was the first of many times I was around a colorful scribe named Soc Clay. Over the years we became friends, and he has always been a mentor for me who I not only greatly respect, but has provided me with some pretty dog gone good advice. While Soc is widely known as a superb writer and perhaps the best fishing photographer in the country, he also is one of the top fly fishermen in his native state of Kentucky. Before going into Soc’s background, please indulge me with a brief account of the first time I encountered him on a trout stream. The year was 1978 and was just getting daylight. I huffing and puffing my way up Hazel Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains we I arrived at the Sawdust Pile where I saw Soc and Don Groves pouring from a big green thermal bottle. Walking over, I commented that I wish I’d brought coffee on that chilly morning. 130 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 131
southern trout history “Coffee!” Soc laughed in his rich baritone voice. “Hell first, do you think we’d lug coffee all the way up here. This is Kentucky bourbon---coffee?” It was the first of many drinks we have shared over the years, the last being a bit of genuine moonshine we partook of in Cherokee, North Carolina a couple of years that Mrs. Kirk has not quite fully recovered from trying. Soc has the sort of magnetic personality to which many, including me, are drawn to. While he is unsurpassed as a writer and photographer, he is without question the best story teller I have ever been around. Anyone who knows him will confirm this. The only thing I avoid talking to him about is politics. He is a direct descendent of the Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay, and I suppose by birth was schooled in the disciplines of the Democrat Party. However, I overlook this flaw and must point out that there are/were a couple of Democrats in my family. “I grew up a small hillside farm that had one horse and a hillside plow,” says Soc. “My family didn’t own an auto. Those were hard times. The Great Depression and WWII kept my family in desperate straights. The farm allowed us to keep food on the table. Our tobacco patch provided a few things for my siblings and (2 brother, 2 sisters), mom and dad.” “My earliest mentor and the person who helped me begin fly fishing at about 7 or 8 years old, Watt Watson “WW” Walker. WW lived in a small log cabin at the head of Slash Branch in Greenup County. Soc’s family escaped the 1937 flood by being rescued by WW when floodwaters swept our house away. “My friend WW who had been an adventurer, starting in 1900 by going to Alaska to join the Gold Rush and who later worked as a lumberjack in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains, took me under his wing and attempted to teach me some thoughts of the outdoors,” continues Soc. “WW also hand-made a crude flyrod from a straight bamboo sapling, a guide or two and a piece of horsehair fly line. He tied his own flies and loaned me one now and then.” 132 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 133
southern trout history
134 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
“WW, no doubt instilled in me a love of fly fishing at a very early age,” notes Soc. “With his assistance, I caught my first fish from a small stream in eastern Kentucky. An used fly fishing outfit was the second piece of fishing tackle I purchased. It was a three-piece cane with an automatic reel and an old line. It cost me $5.00 and I still have it. WW was the only pure fly fisherman I ever met in Kentucky. Hard times kept anglers from traveling to places where fly fishing was more popular because the mountain streams of eastern WV and western VA contained populations of native brook trout. My first encounter with fly fishermen was two brothers, John and Bob Phillips on northern KY, who became very expert at the craft.” In the outdoor writing business, one question that always comes up is, “what prompted you to seek such a career?” Soc says that he was an avid reader. Starting about 19 years old, he ready every issue of the Big Three (Outdoor Life, Sports Afield, and Field & Stream) from the archives of the Portsmouth, OH library until about 1955. He was enthralled with the writings of Jason Lucas, Cory Ford, John Jobson and Erwin Bauer. That when he started fishing seriously, almost every day. “In the beginning I had no thought of ever becoming an outdoor writer,” notes Soc. “I was very interested in all things outdoors and became very active in local sportsmen organizations and was an outspoken critic of most local fish and wildlife management. There were no one writing any kind of outdoor coverage in our local papers. In fact, there were only two outdoor writers along the entire 1,000 mile reach of the Ohio River which I grew up by. I complained to a local editor and after a heated discussion, he finally offered me the job as outdoor columnist. Pay was $2.00 for each column.” Soc began his freelance writing and photography career in the mid 1960s as a columnist for the Portsmouth Daily Times and the Greenup News where he pinned the award-winning Ramblin’ With Soc column for 13 years. He later worked for the Lexington Heraldwww.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 135
southern trout history
Leader, Kentucky Publishing Co. Dayton Daily News, Cincinnati Enquirer and several major newspapers throughout America as a freelance contributor. He would eventually become one of America’s most noted outdoor photojournalist earning a position on the mastheads of magazines that include Outdoor Life, Sports Afield, Heartland USA, Bassmaster, Fishing Facts, Bassin’ Magazine, Ohio Fisherman, and Kentucky Game & Fish while contributing to magazines, books and periodicals world-wide. He as a founding member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) which is considered the finest regional outdoor writer group. He also single handedly formed the Kentucky Outdoor Press Association (KOPA). Soc has received more than 100 awards for excellence in writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Hall of Fame and the Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame. Soc is the only outdoor writer I know who has even been honored with the title of Poet Laureate of Kentucky, which in itself is an interesting. Jesse Stuart, the poet laureate of Kentucky was a “knock around” buddy of Soc’s father and later Soc. A lifelong resident of W-Hollow, Kentucky’s. Quite renowned, at the time of his death in 1984 Stuart was known as the “American Robert Burns,” and his home place is now a state Greenup County. Shortly thereafter the Kentucky Legislature named Soc Clay the state’s poet laureate. “Outdoor writing changed the direction of my life completely,” says Soc. “I took me from a farm and working in a steel mill to the headwaters of the Amazon. Writing, especially freelance writing, has allowed me to travel much of the world in search of the best fishing holes on earth. The myriad people I’ve met here and around the world has increased my personal knowledge tremendously. I am a much wealthier person because of the experiences I’ve had over past half-century.”
136 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
“My bread and butter has always been writing about fishing in Kentucky,” says Soc. “Kentucky is home for the first double-multiplying gear ration fishing reel in the world. George Snyder of Paris, KY produced his “fishing instrument” about 1810. The big impoundments like Kentucky Lake and Lake Cumberland that produced tons of bass, panfish and other species made fishing success handy and successful for every pocketbook. The old Muskie Hunters like “Muskie Joe,” Elmer Claxon and the Lost Creek Muskie Clan and many others who can be counted as the salt of the earth in sport fishing, continues to intrigue readers all over the world.” One of the true ironies of Soc Clay is that he is probably best known for his sour dough bread business. “My love affair with sourdough is a continuation of wonderful memories I have from my youth,” explains Soc. “WW was a genuine sourdough and he baked and fried some of the best food I have ever eaten, using the magic qualities of a sourdough starter. I remember those wonderful breads, those pancakes dripping with pure maple syrup we made on the farm- eating in the old cabin was a trip to Disneyland!” “I didn’t save WW’s starter but I was given one of the same ancestral age by the late Sam Robertson o Nobelville, Tennessee, who in his own right was a pure blooded sourdough still living in the 21^st . Century. I’ve spread a lot of writings and sourdough starters around North America in my time. It increased my appreciation for simple but delicious foods and I hope the sourdoughs of today has as much fun and enjoyment from that old starter that I have.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 137
Fly Fishing the Smokies Guided Fly Fishing in the Tennessee and North Carolina Smoky Mountains (828)-488-7665 or flyfishingthesmokies.net Wade Trips, Float Trips, Hazel Creek Camping, Beginner Lessons, and Fly Fishing for Kids. Est. in 1999, one of the oldest and most experienced Guide Services and Outfitters in the Smokies. Wade or Float for Trout and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Muskie, and Carp. We offer guided fly fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, Tuckasegee River, Little Tennessee River, Ravens Fork, Pigeon River, and Fontana Lake
For reservations call (828)-488-7665 or book your trip on the web at; flyfishingthesmokies.net
142 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Top Picks For Spring Fly Fishing in the GSMNP Regan Whitlock
North Carolina
The Southeast Appalachian Mountain range is home to some of the most diverse streams in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountain houses many of these beautifully secluded streams, each unique and worth pursing. Wild trout, stocked trout and smallmouth bass each have their specific appeal to the fly fisherman, and healthy populations are found almost anywhere. This spring, resolve to catch more fish than ever. Here are a few tips about local fisheries guaranteed to help make each trip a little easier.
Deep Creek, NC Deep Creek, located near Bryson City, North Carolina, is one of the most heavily visited and fished streams in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Despite the amount of daily visitors and our tube floating comrades, Deep Creek still produces fish at an astonishing rate. The lower .7 miles of stream, from the trailhead to the Indian Creek intersection, is available to tubers and can be hard to fish in this prime season of the year. During these heavily trafficked months, distance is a fisherman’s best friend. Follow Indian Creek Trail or the main trailhead above the first campsite for the best results. Here, a simple size 14 Parachute Adams or Stimulator will work almost all day. The bottom 2 miles of stream can also produce fish in the morning and evening hours. A double dropper of some large stonefly, or tungstenbeaded nymph, anchoring a size 16 soft-hackle can produce 20� fish with slight regularity. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 143
Cataloochee, NC
Cataloochee Creek is one of the more unique streams in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Most mountain streams have great elevation changes, keeping with the steep gradient of the area. Cataloochee, on the other hand, can be extremely wide and slow flowing. Big brown trout inhabit the stream in abundance, and are consistently seen feeding in the larger pools. Small terrestrial patterns, such as Dave Whitlock’s Bright Spot Beetle or Hopper are extremely effective near sunset, even in the spring months. The lower sections are perfect for long, 10ft leaders and delicate dry fly presentations. Focusing on line size and being delicate is crucial here. 6x tippet should be the maximum size, and lines should constantly be checked for knots or fray. When speaking of Cataloochee, it is sinful not to mention the scenery. The Catalocchee Valley is one of the more beautiful places in the South East, and Elk are plentiful in the region. A trip up Cataloochee to a tributary stream, such as Lost Bottoms Creek, can also produce beautiful brook trout with minimal effort. 144 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Occonaluftee River, NC
The Occonaluftee is quite different than Cataloochee Creek in size and remoteness. The Occonaluftee flows directly through Cherokee, NC, and follows the popular Highway 441 towards Clingmans Dome, trickling out in the upper reaches of the mountain range. Though the nearby car traffic may be heavy, the river is one of the most diverse in the park. The stretch within the city of Cherokee can produce sizeable stocked and wild fish in the early mornings. Attempting to fish this stretch at noon in the spring will only create a population migraine. Further up the mountain, once the GSMNP begins, the stream holds an amazing wild population of rainbow, brook and brown trout. The first few pull-offs on highway 441 in the park hold relatively large (1016”) brown and rainbow trout, with stories of 23” and above behemoths. Several miles above this stretch, brook trout are eager and abundant. A “hopper-dropper” using a size 16 Pheasant Tail or Zug-Bug nymph as the dropper should work in every section. The final pull-off of highway 441 before the ascent to Clingmans Dome is a wonderful stretch to boulder hop for brook trout. An attractor pattern, such as the Stimulator or Madam X in a size 14 should fool the colorful specks. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 145
Tennessee Abrams Creek, TN Abrams Creek is one of the more publicized streams in the Southeast. Abrams is located at the end of gorgeous Cades Cove, a day of sights in its own right. Abrams is also one of the only Southeastern trout streams to contain nutrients of both Freestone and Limestone watersheds. This provides the stream with a different look than most streams in the area, though it can also be the most slippery to walk in. The riverbed acts as a sanctuary for the fisherman’s boot among all the slippery rocks. Giving this stream publishing worth are the Eastern Green Drake hatches of spring. These insects provide the Southeastern Angler something not seen in many other areas, extremely large flies being eaten. The Green Drake is commonly found between sizes 8-12, and is often engulfed by large rainbows. The trout hit these flies hard when they hatch, and can create a trip of a lifetime if timed correctly. 146 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
South Holston River, TN The South Holston is the largest of the streams I will cover, and not surprisingly home to the largest trout. The river flows southwest from the bottom of the South Holston Dam all the way to Boone Lake near Sullivan County. Wading can be an issue in this river, considering its massive size, so a float trip is recommended. Notable for this river are the incredible brown trout. Stripping large streamers, like Kelly Galloup’s Sex Dungeon or any articulated-shank streamer, can locate brown trout eclipsing 25”. These browns try to knock the rod out of the angler’s hand when striking, and the fight is unforgettable. The river is also famous for humongous Sulphur and Blue Winged Olive hatches. Throughout the spring, it is common to find clouds of these hatching dry flies and a sea of sipping trout waiting on them.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 147
148 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Middle Prong of Little River (Tremont), TN The Little River basin is one of the most heavily populated with trout in the entire country. This huge basin contains many miles of stream, but no better than the middle prong, known locally as Tremont. Tremont follows the road from the exit of Townsend Tennessee, to a hiking trail at its headwaters. During the hotter portions of spring, the further up the hiking trail an angler walks will hold better fishing in the rather low elevation creek. The low elevations do provide the opportunity for nice sized smallmouth bass in the lower reaches. For the upper reaches, above the paved road, size 16 March Brown and Yellow Sally dry flies are extremely affective. The Little River is known for its massive dry fly hatches, so a diverse fly box is needed. In the lower stretches, Kent Edmonds’ Stealth Bomber in size 12 will fool quite a few nice smallmouth. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 149
Just a 3-hour drive from Atlanta! Destinations
include high elevation mountain streams, scenic tailwaters, 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 Argentina’s Patagonia, Belize and Montana. We are simply eaten up with fishing and will go anywhere to find the best for our clients.
Brooking’s is licensed to guide in Nantahala and Pigsah National Forests, Panthertown Valley, as well as Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
We carry brands such as Orvis, Simms, Scott, Sage, Columbia, Smith Optical, Hardy, True Flies and many more!
Guides for first-time to experienced anglers and everyone in between.
Lodging | Fly Fishing Guide Trips |Angling Equipment Fly Tying Supplies and Lessons |Cigars | Apparel | Books | DVDs
828-743-3768 | info@brookingsonline.com BrookingsOnline.com
Friendliest fly shop in Cotter!
Natural State Fly Shop is located within walking distance of the fabled White River, just up the road from the Cotter boat launch and public access. A full-service retailer and outfitter, Natural State Fly Shop offer flies, tackle, rental driftboats, shuttles, guided float trips on the White and Norfork Rivers, and guided wade trips on Dry Run Creek. Featuring products by Winston, Ross, Galvan, TroutHunter, Catch Fly Fishing, and many more; Natural State Fly Shop offers everything that the visiting fly fisherman needs. Natural State Fly Shop Shop: 870-471-9111
3392 Cotter Road Mobile: 870-706-0820
Cotter, Arkansas
www.naturalstateflyshop/home.com flyfishcotter@gmail.com
Georgia’s Most Vers Jimmy Jacobs
M
occasin Creek is a headwater stream of the Tallulah River in northeast Georgia. The medium-sized, freestone stream is situated in the western edge of Rabun County and flows into Lake Burton. Due to the regulations that apply to the creek, it provides a varied fishery that can accommodate everyone from disabled anglers and children to the hardiest backcountry fisherman.
Beginning at its mouth on Lake Burton the first couple of hundred yards upstream run between the campground at Moccasin Creek State Park to the east and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Lake Burton Trout Hatchery to the west. A yellow marker pole on the shore of the stream just above the lake’s high water mark is the feature that adds the versatility to this fishery. 156 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
satile Trout Stream
www.SouthernTrout.com Trout 2016 ll 157 157 www.SouthernTrout.coml Southern l Southern Troutl March l May 2016
158 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
From that pole upstream and under State Route 197 to the dam that diverts water into the hatchery, Moccasin Creek is open for fishing to only children under 12, adults over 65 or disabled individuals. Most of the shore through here is clear, with a walking trail on the campground side. Two pools on this portion of the creek also have fishing platforms protruding over the water that are wheelchair accessible. The outflow pipes from the hatchery empty into the creek at the platforms. At least once per week from spring through fall brook, brown and rainbow trout are released through those pipes into the creek. Along the creek from the lake up to the highway are several signs that point out the restrictions on who can fish, but they are a bit general, not stating it’s only within the state park that the rules apply. Most folks seem to assume all the creek is off limits to other anglers. However, upstream of the hatchery dam the creek courses down from what was once the Lake Burton Wildlife Management Area. A few years back the Georgia DNR gave up management of the property for budgetary reasons. Today the area is simply managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 159
160 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
This upper portion of Moccasin Creek is open to fishing under Georgia’s general trout rules, with no special regulations. Though it receives no stocked fish, the creek has a healthy population of wild brown and rainbow trout. Above the hatchery dam the creek is paralleled by the Wildlife Trail on the western shore. The a bit upstream the eastern side is part of private Camp Winfield. Once past the camp the creek is totally on public land to its headwaters. This first part of the creek runs through a relatively flat valley with low gradient. But, it does hold fish and gets very little fishing pressure. Andersonville Lane is a gravel road that follows the creek upstream from SR 197 past the old DNR checking station, ending at a parking area at the start of the Hemlock Falls Trail. This trail continues to follow Moccasin Creek upstream for several miles. From here upstream the creek gains altitude, with many waterfalls, plunge pools and deep runs. The trail follows the bed of an ancient logging railroad, often 40 feet or more above the water. The steep access to the water is another deterrent that cuts down on fishing pressure. At 1.2 miles upstream the trail crosses the creek on a footbridge and a half mile farther reaches a large pool at the foot of Hemlock Falls. The trail becomes less used upstream of the waterfall as it makes a big bend to the east around Pigpen Ridge, then turns back west with Pigpen to its southwest and York Ridge to the northeast. After passing through the gap between the ridges the trail reaches the junction of the South and North Forks of Moccasin Creek. Both forks are formed by feeder branches originating to the west and north along the Appalachian Trail around Deep Gap. Anglers in good shape willing to make the hike up to the North Fork have a shot at catching some native Southern Appalachian brook trout. Though most of the trout in upper Moccasin Creek are going to be rainbows of 6 to 9 inches, bigger fish are definitely present. The number deep pools along the creek provide plenty of places for bigger fish to hide. And, regardless of size, the colors on these wild fish are worth the trek to where they live. www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 161
Introducing
The Mountain King by Tycoon Tackle The Mountain King by Tycoon Tackle was Specifically designed for use on mountain streams in the Appalachian Mountains where tight quarters, a stealthy Approach, and the need for laser like accuracy are the norm. This mountain trout rod will deliver superb performance anywhere, Especially mountain streams and technical spring creeks.
For more information visit:
www.tycoonoutfitters.com
NEW FROM JIMMY JACOBS From
YOU KNOW HIM AS THE AUTHOR OF GUIDEBOOKS TO TROUT FISHING IN THE SOUTHEAST. NOW EXPERIENCE THE OTHER SIDE OF JIMMY JACOBS’ WRITING. THE CERDO GRANDE CONSPIRACY IS A NOVEL THAT TAKES YOU ON A WILD RIDE FROM ATLANTA TO KEY WEST, FLORIDA. The Cerdo Grande Conspiracy was born in a tale related to me by a reserve officer with the Monroe County Police Department that serves the Florida Keys. It revolved around an escaped pig on Stock Island that becomes amorous with a motorcycle in a convenience store parking lot. The owner of the bike and the pig's owner ended up in a fight as the biker attacked the pig. While it sounds surreal, locals have good reason to call the city at the south end of U.S. Highway 1 "Key Weird." Anything is plausible in this slice of paradise. And if it hasn't already happened, it likely will. Admittedly, some liberties have been taken with the original tale, but that's what fiction is all about. From that incident the story of the conspiracy to save the porker took root. Hopefully, you'll find that it grew into an entertaining romp along the southeast coast down to the American tropics. And, should you ever visit there, you just might recognize some of the locales in the tale. Jimmy Jacobs Kindle Edition $4.99 Paperback $9.99 AVAILABLE AT WWW.AMAZON.COM/AUTHOR/JIMMYJACOBS
16th A n n u A l
• Located at • Admission • Extensive c • Boy Scouts • New “kaya
2016 SPEAKER
Lefty Kreh • George Daniel • Bob Clouser • Beau Bea Ed Jaworowski • Dusty Wissmath • Steve Vorkapich • Co Walt Cary • Capt Gary Dubiel • Cory Routh • Jon
Daily Admission $20 • 9am - 5p
April 9-10, 2016 Doswell, Virginia
t Exit 98 off Interstate 95, near Richmond, Virginia includes wine tastings from Virginia’s best vintners children’s program with free instruction s can earn their Fly Fishing Merit badges ak testing pond.” Try before you buy!
RS
asley • Wanda Taylor • Blane Chocklett olby Trow • Harold Harsh • Patrick Fulkrod n Bowden • Mike Smith • Kiki Galvin
pm • www.vaflyfishingfestival.org
®
How Competitive F Benefits Recreatio T By: Mark Longmire, Syndicate Fly Fishing here is a growing collective of fly anglers making a valuable contribution to the wide array of tactics and tools being used to catch trout both recreationally and competitively, where fly fishing is concerned. Where competitive fly fishing means competitions between teams of anglers fly fishing for trout; competition drives both innovations in fly fishing products and angling techniques.
166 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
Fly Fishing onal Anglers
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 167
168 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
When Don Kirk asked me if I would write an article on competition fly fishing and how it influences and reflects the fishing techniques of many recreational fly anglers, I was at first really flattered and then wondered internally if I was the right man for the job. After all, I am not a former world champion or well-known competition angler, nor am I someone who considers themselves a writer. Having grown up in Southern Appalachia with a fly rod in hand, being inspired along the way by the wise words of people like Don, I don’t necessarily feel any different than anyone else that shares a passion for fly fishing. I am potentially a crazy businessman who left his big boy job, and along with his potentially crazy business partner, took a leap of faith plunging headlong into an industry with flat or declining sales. Collectively we are however a young, growing company which has cut its teeth within the competitive niche of fly fishing. We are in fact a syndicate, or group of people that includes owners, staff, and customers with aligning goals.
Competition fly fishing is nothing new; it has long been woven into the fabric of fly fishing in Europe. Perhaps out of necessity to some extent. It is; however, a relatively new concept here in the States. It is important to realize that those fortunate enough to live in America have an advantage of not having to join a syndicate or club in order to have the privilege to fish a designated beat or small section of water. There is no need for people in America to make appointments for scheduled sessions on private rivers to try and pluck trout from a scenic stretch of water. In other countries where nearly all fisheries are private and fishing is done at a club, one pays to join. It is perhaps human nature that competition arises between local fishing clubs. The same can be said for the groups of anglers representing their countries, internationally, out of a sense of national pride and love of fly fishing. Compete is what we humans do. Competition fly fishing shares similarities with many other competitive sports here in America, in that regional teams are typically not for
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 169
profit entities comprised of unpaid team members that compete for bragging rights, trophies, charity benefits, and occasionally maybe even a small monetary award or sponsored prizes. Like competitive soccer, it is organized into competing clubs including youth teams at the grass roots level. Many teams compete in leagues such as Trout Legend, where they travel to and fish in tournaments to accrue points which are collected and totaled to determine team and individual angler rankings each season. At the National level there are Fly Fishing Team U.S.A. and the FFTUSA youth team. Ideally the National team is comprised of the best competitive anglers in the country. Certain sanctioned tournaments determine eligibility for the international teams. Our National teams compete all over the world each year leading up to a World Championship. National teams and international
competitions are governed by FIPS Moche much like FIFA governs international soccer competition. Competition fly fishing is not without its critics. Mostly because of a lack of misinformation on what a fly fishing competition looks like and how it impacts our fisheries. You won’t find any high speed sparkle boats, or groups of professional anglers displacing the local public on any given fishery. Regardless of how one feels about competition fly fishing here in America, it is undeniable that it has made contributions to the products and techniques being used by many recreational fly anglers today. Just one such example is often referred to as European Nymphing and is growing in popularity with recreational fly anglers at all skill levels today. As anglers discover the effectiveness and efficiency of which this technique and the equipment designed for it lend to putting trout in the net, it spreads quite rapidly. The technique
170 l April 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com
which forgoes the use of a floating indicator and requires little or no slack between an angler’s flies and the reel during a drift, has led to a growing number of 10’ plus, light line fly rods being offered by many rod companies within the industry today. I am not sure who invented the various techniques referred to by names like Euro, Polish, Czech, French, and Spanish nymphing. In fact I am not sure that the techniques were ever being used exclusively or originally in the countries for which they are named. I typically use the term tight line nymphing interchangeably with Euro nymphing. Regardless, country names do commonly refer to varying but closely related techniques which fall under the Euro or tight line category. They are related because they are all nymphing techniques which forego the use of an indicator and are most efficiently done with relatively long, limber fly rods designed
to present nymphs on light tippet to wary trout. They vary because, each of those names reference differences in the way terminal tackle is rigged and/or flies are presented. None of them involve the long, romanticized traditional fly line casting techniques and are admittedly not as pretty to watch.
and less line sag between the fly rod’s tip top and the flies in the water, fly line is best left on the reel or left out of the rigging all together.
The growing popularity of competition fly fishing, especially with millennial anglers, also serves to secure the future of the sport we all share by being one more avenue that Most tight lining techniques generates participation. are best done without any Participation is not only fly line between you and important to industry your flies during the drift. businesses, but is also FIPS Moche governed imperative because it events do however now generates interest and require that you have fly action where environmental line on the reel and limit and fishery conservation leader lengths if you are are concerned. For many competing. Otherwise, young anglers it is the no one would be able to competition that brings sell a “euro nymphing” or them to a sport which may “competition” fly line, which otherwise go unnoticed. A are kind of just pricey, healthy fly fishing industry nearly level leaders coated is one which provides us to look like fly line in order participants with innovative to skirt competition rules. new materials and Because a long, tapered, products that open up new hand tied monofilament possibilities and methods. and/or fluorocarbon leader A healthy industry not is still physically lighter only seeks to preserve than any competition fly the traditions of a coveted line, and therefore cause pastime, it also strives to less drag on drifting flies evolve and introduce new
products to suit the variety of styles and techniques which fall under the fly fishing umbrella. Therefore advances in fly fishing require a continual influx of new anglers. I would recommend that Southern Trout readers interested in adding new tools and techniques to their fly fishing arsenals remain open minded where things like competition are concerned, and take advantage of what it adds to the pastime many of us enjoy on a more personal and recreation level. As these things grow in popularity, there are more books, videos, classes and equipment becoming available every day. Of course, for those that like the idea of competing, there is no faster way to learn the tricks of the trade than by joining your nearest competition team and fishing with and against some of the best anglers in the country and even the world.
www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l May 2016 l 171
Building a Monument to the Rich Heritage of Fly Fishing in the Southern Appalachians
“Our heritage is rich in personalities that fly fish. They tie their own flies, guide others, do the science to manage and improve the fisheries and even form the private clubs that ultimately protect our resources. In the same way we work to preserve our precious cold water resource, the trout and the stream, we must also preserve the stories about those that walked on the stream before us. The stories must be told and passed on.� – Alen Baker
For Inquiries or to make a Charitable Donation to the Museum Please Contact:
(828) 788-0034 516 Tsali Blvd, PO Box 1838 Cherokee, NC 28719 info@cherokeesmokies.com
CONTRIBU Bob Borgwat, 55, leads the team of Reel Angling Adventures at ReelAnglingAdventures.com as owner, administrator, Webmaster, and guide. His freelance writing, editing, and photography covers fishing across the US, but his daily piscatorial adventures take place with fly-rod in hand just outside his doorstep in the southern reach of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. He is a former senior editor for Game and Fish Magazines, Primedia and Intermedia Outdoors, and is an active member of the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association.
Ed Mashburn, Editor of Southern Kayak Magazine, lives in Bay Minette, Alabama, and previously lived in the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri where he spent much time on the White and Little Red Rivers neglecting school work and home chores in pursuit of rainbows and browns. He has published three books and several hundred magazine articles. When not fishing or writing about fishing, Ed Mashburn builds wooden kayaks
Virginia Editor Beau Beasley is a well-known name among readers of fly angling magazines. His work has appeared in nearly every major fly fishing periodical in the country. He is the author of Fly Fishing Virginia. Recently he won the TalbotDenmade Memorial Award for Best Conservation Article from the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writer’s Association for his investigative piece, “Where Have all the menhaden Gone?” He is also the director of the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival, www.vaflyfishingfestival.org, and lives with his wife and children in Warrenton, VA.
TORS A native of northern VA, Steve Moore grew up fishing in a fishing family. Steve’s father, much to his mother’s chagrin, was fishing in a local bass tournament the morning that Steve was born. Steve has published five books on fishing in VA and Maryland including Maryland Trout Fishing, Wade, and Shoreline Fishing the Potomac River for Smallmouth Bass. Wade Fishing the Rappahannock River and Wade Fishing the Rapidan River. Steve provides frequent updates on fishing these waters and others on his popular blog at www. CatchGuide.com.
Craig Haney has spent a lifetime chasing trout on the streams, headwaters and tailwaters of the southern Appalachians and elsewhere. After graduating from Auburn University with an animal science degree, Craig has spent the majority of his career in the outdoor industry as a manufacturers’ rep for fishing, boating, camping and hunting gear as well as operating partner of Riverwoods Outfitters / HaneyMullins Orvis for eight years. He has taught fly tying and fly casting at his shops and community colleges. Additionally, he has written on fly fishing and other outdoor subjects for a variety on national and regional magazines. Craig and his wife Lynn live on Shades Mountain in Hoover, AL in the southern Appalachian foothills.
Harry Murray was born in Edinburg Virginia in 1939. He did his pre-pharmacy at Virginia Tech and his pharmacy degree at the Medical College of Virginia. He started Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg Virginia in 1962 and started conducting fly tying and fly fishing schools and guided trips shortly thereafter. He has written 15 books and produced 2 DVD’s on fly fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. He has developed over 50 flies for both trout and smallmouth bass. Today Harry conducts about 30 schools on fly fishing and fly tying and employs 5 guides for fly fishing trips. Harry lives in Edinburg Virginia where he has his fly shop.
CONTRIBU A Clinch River, fly-fishing fanatic, Shawn Madison is also a passionate entrepreneur and experienced boat builder. Using his vast experience in design, engineering, and manufacturing in the boat building industry, Shawn is currently finalizing the production plan for a Southern Style Drift Boat. An avid photographer, fly-tyer, and inventor, he also maintains The Clinch River, TN Facebook page that promotes one of the East Tennessee’s greatest resources. His goal is to help promote the sport of fly-fishing, increase conservation, and to help others find the joy of tricking trout. Watch for his current project soon, a book titled Find the Joy of Fly Fishing.
Roger Lowe was born in Waynesville, NC and now lives in the nearby town of Cashiers. He has enjoyed fly-fishing the waters of the Southern Appalachians all his life. He first began tying flies and fishing them at a very early age. Roger has his own fly shop for twelve years and has been guiding full time for twenty-seven years. He can most often be found at Brookings Angler in Cashiers where he guides daily or works in the fly shop where is signature patterns are available. He is also a fly tying instructor. He is the author of Roger Lowe’s Guide to the Great Smoky Mounatins, and he has a fly tying video, Smoky Mountain Fly Patterns, that shows how to tie a lot of the Smoky Mountain Patterns.
Ron Gaddy grew up in Waynesville, North Carolina and started fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains at an early age. He grew up fishing Chattahoochee, East and West Fork of the Pigeon River, Little East Fork of the Pigeon River, Nantahala River, and Jonathan Creek. Ron left North Carolina at age 24 for a career with the Department of Defense at Charleston, SC and Norfolk, VA. After retiring from DOD in 2009 he returned to Waynesville, NC to be close to all the great trout fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains. Since retirement, Ron has consistently fished in the Smoky Mountains for trout. When not fishing, Ron is tying flies for building rods.
TORS Bill Bernhardt, 52, is the owner of and guide, instructor, and custom rod builder for Harper Creek Fly Fishing Company (www.nc-flyfishing.com) located in Lenoir, North Carolina. In addition, Bill is somewhat unusual in that he specializes in small streams, wild trout, and backcountry, remote access, and walk/wade trips into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Consequently, his freelance outdoor articles along with his nature photography focus specifically on the exceptional beautify and excellent trout fishing opportunities available to fly fishermen in western North Carolina.
Kevin Howell fished 38 states before college. In 1997 Kevin took a job as Manager or Davidson River Outfitters. He was also helping his father run Dwight and Don’s Custom Tackle. After his father passed away in 1998, Kevin took over the operation of Dwight and Don’t Custom Tackle while remaining the Manager of Davidson River Outfitters and combined the operation of the two businesses. He is also a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor. Kevin is also a nationally known fly-tyer and is currently the fly-tying editor for Fly Fishing the Mid Atlantic States. He has also had several of his original patterns published in various magazines as well as being produced by some of the national tying companies.
Georgia Editor Jimmy Jacobs is with Game & Fish Magazines. He also is the Outdoor Columnist for the Atlanta JournalConstitution newspaper and online Atlanta Outdoor Travel Writer for Examiner.com. Jacobs has authored five guidebooks to fishing in the southeastern US, including Trout Streams of Southern Appalachia: Trout Fishing in Northern Georgia, and Tailwater Trout in the South. His writing and photography have earned Excellence in Craft awards from the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, Georgia Outdoor Writers Association and the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association.
CONTRIBU Jason Sparks is the founder of Southern Appalachian Tenkara Anglers, A growing community of fishermen that embrace the elegant simplicity of the traditional Japanese method of fly fishing.. As an ambassador in promoting Tenkara across the South he often conducts clinics, instructs techniques and speaks to groups on the subject. A Navy Veteran, he has fished the world in waters from the Azores to the Appalachians. Now living near Banner Elk, North Carolina, he is recognized by Tenkara USA as a Certified Tenkara Guide and a leading instructional resource in the Southeast for inquiring anglers and fly-fishing clubs.
George Grant lives in Johnson City with his wife and earnestly wades upstream through his sixth decade. Mountain streams large and small are his first love, but he regards the South Holston and Watauga tail waters to be his mistress. In addition to actually fly fishing, he enjoys the history and the craft of fly tying, especially “resurrecting” patterns that have passed from common use. For many years Grant worked in local fly shops. He also wrote columns about fly-fishing for a local sports magazine and for the Bristol herald Courier.
Living in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Bill Cooper has experienced the magic of the long rod from the Allegheny in the East to the Yellowstone in the West, and from the Quetico in Canada to the North to the Yucatan in the South. With an MS in Outdoor Education, his experience as a park superintendent and teacher of outdoor skills at Bass Pro Shop’s Wonders of Wildlife School has served him well ashe serves as a tourism consultant to Campeche State, Mexico and Maya Amazing Outfitters. He is the author of the Outdoor Celebrities Cookbook and his writing experience spans writing for Cabela’s Outfitter Jornal, Bassprolsours.com, Game and Fish, Trophy Whitetail World, Turkey Country and Union Sportsman.
TORS Jim Mauries is the owner/ operator of Fly South, a full-service fly shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Jim was born and raised in Colorado, and it was there his flyfishing addiction took root. Jim started tying flies pro- fessionally during his college years to support his fish- ing habit. That was the steppingstone into working for a fly shop, which in turn led to guiding and instructing fly tiers and fly fishers. Jim has guided and taught fly fishers in Tennessee for more than 20 years. Jim pioneered fly fishing for many different species in the Middle Tennessee area, but trout remain his first love.
Joel DeJong Ernerst Hemingway once wrote “Write what you know.� Artist Joel DeJong took that advice to heart when it came to his paintings. When he is not sketching out fly patterns or working on a custom watercolors of trophy fish you can find him fishing remote Carolina streams, fishing hexagenia flies in Michigan, or tracking big brown through Montana. There is no doubt that Joel DeJong knows his subjects and it shows in his artwork and his love for all types of fish.
Bob Mallard has fly fished for over 35 years. He is a blogger, writer and author; and has owned and operated Kennebec River Outfitters in Madison, Maine since 2001. His writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines at the local, regional and national levels. He has appeared on radio and television. Look for his books from Stonefly Press, 50 Best Places Fly Fishing the Northeast (Now Available), 25 Best Towns Fly Fishing for Trout (Spring 2015) and 50 Best Places Fly Fishing for Brook Trout (Fall 2015). Bob is also a staff fly designer for Catch Fly Fishing. He is also the northeast sales rep for both Stonefly Press and Catch Fly Fishing. Bob can be reached at www.kennebecriveroutfitters. com, www.bobmallard.com, info@bobmallard.com or 207474-2500.
h a nd cr a f t e d t o pe rf ec t i o n
est
19 6 9
T H E R O D YO U W I L L E V E N T UA L LY OW N Our craftsmen’s hands may not win any beauty contests but the rods they produce sure as hell should. Beautifully handcrafted, we strive for perfection and uncompromising performance in every rod we make.
www.thomasandthomas.com HANDMADE IN AMERICA