This time of the year, anglers can anticipate successful nymphing using large flies, particularly with BWO trailer nymphs trailing. Streamer fishing is becoming increasingly productive, making it worthwhile for those seeking the thrill of catching sizable trout ranging from 20 to 30 inches. Some days, consistent streamer activity can yield impressive numbers, providing opportunities for anglers in pursuit of “the one.” However, aside from streamer fishing, dedicated nymph anglers investing time and effort stand a good chance of landing a 20-inch trout. (See pictures from last weekends trip down the Watauga River in east Tennessee!)
For enthusiasts of dry fly fishing, blue-winged olive hatches continue to occur daily. Afternoons present opportunities to dry fly fish to rising trout, with many of these fish proving to be substantial in size. A recent weekend outing resulted in the netting of an 18-inch rainbow trout that delicately sipped a BWO dry fly, and another encounter with a brown trout nearing 20 inches. Trout in these hatches are often more selective, compared to the famous South Holston Yellow Sulfur hatch in late Spring so make sure to change your fly often if getting denied.
Some anglers have inquired about the optimal time to wait for trout to become active again in the high country areas near Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, and West Jefferson, NC. The response is, there’s no need to wait! The winter climate alternates between cold and warm weeks, and our fish are only dormant during consistently cold periods. During warmer weeks, Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout can be observed feeding actively. Additionally, local Delayed Harvest waters like the Watauga and N. Toe rivers are abundant with healthy and happy stocked trout (Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout). Anglers often enjoy catching dozens of trout, relishing the solitude of having the river to themselves. Our wade fishing trips to these stocked waters are ideal for novice or first-time anglers eager to experience trout fishing with a fly rod, even in the winter months. Remember, we have fisheries that yield results year-round in NC, VA, and TN.