[meh.meh.meh.meh.meh.]

So I have been perfectly content lately fishing my local warm water streams for sunfish and LMB with the occasional trip to the mountains for wild trout (no stockers for me please, I have standards). However yesterday it was too hot in the piedmont for being human and too hot for trout in any streams a reasonable distance from home. So my next option was smallmouth.

I had only been out for smallies once before and got skunked, so the idea was set on the back burner and from time to time I would give it a stir, but the moment had come and after too much deliberation of where I set my GPS to new waters.

I came to this lovely river, who's water start in the mountains of Virginia as it flows into NC crossing the boarder several times. Ruffles,Pools, deep runs, and cool water. Exactly what I needed on a hot day.

First 5 minutes yielded my premier smallie. He was a scrappy little guy who fought well above his class. This was a sign of good things to come for sure.

I continued working downstream with my purple bugger catching some random sunfish and a very hungry chub. I kept going. I fished every bit of water I thought might hold a bass. When my diligence paid off.

Whoa what a species. They aren't the purtiest fish in the holler but damn their beauty is in their spirit. She did not give up fighting. I swear she wanted to take my rod and reel just as a "screw this and you" sticking me with this hook. Only when I held her for a picture before letting her go did she calm down.

I headed back to the car from there and drove to anot her spot down stream. Great scenery but more sunfish and smaller bass, but a cozy bar with real beer.

Just when I thought I had some things figured out, I get introduced to the these bronze brutes. It's going to be fun

Squatch

 

[Batt B]

Nice! I can hear the cicadas and smell the humidity and the algae on the exposed rocks.

 

[meh.meh.meh.meh.meh.]

Nice! I can hear the cicadas and smell the humidity and the algae on the exposed rocks.

Pretty much. A lot of aquatic snails eating said algae too. It is supposed to be one of the cleanest systems in NC, and you can tell. Crayfish, clams, fish, birds. I also saw some wasp nests in the branches of the over hanging trees. I am very happy I did not thwack one with my back cast. That could have been a rude ending to the trip.

 

[madmike98]

That's pretty scenery. It's always nice to find another species to target close to home or at least close enough.

 

[meh.meh.meh.meh.meh.]

Close enough to get home at a decent time, but far enough there is no cell signal

 

[madmike98]

That's just the right amount of away.

 

[jersey]

So I have been perfectly content lately fishing my local warm water streams for sunfish and LMB with the occasional trip to the mountains for wild trout (no stockers for me please, I have standards). However yesterday it was too hot in the piedmont for being human and too hot for trout in any streams a reasonable distance from home. So my next option was smallmouth.

I had only been out for smallies once before and got skunked, so the idea was set on the back burner and from time to time I would give it a stir, but the moment had come and after too much deliberation of where I set my GPS to new waters.

I came to this lovely river, who's water start in the mountains of Virginia as it flows into NC crossing the boarder several times. Ruffles,Pools, deep runs, and cool water. Exactly what I needed on a hot day.
View attachment 122110 View attachment 122111

First 5 minutes yielded my premier smallie. He was a scrappy little guy who fought well above his class. This was a sign of good things to come for sure.
View attachment 122112

I continued working downstream with my purple bugger catching some random sunfish and a very hungry chub. I kept going. I fished every bit of water I thought might hold a bass. When my diligence paid off.

View attachment 122113

Whoa what a species. They aren't the purtiest fish in the holler but damn their beauty is in their spirit. She did not give up fighting. I swear she wanted to take my rod and reel just as a "screw this and you" sticking me with this hook. Only when I held her for a picture before letting her go did she calm down.

I headed back to the car from there and drove to anot her spot down stream. Great scenery but more sunfish and smaller bass, but a cozy bar with real beer.
View attachment 122114 View attachment 122115
Just when I thought I had some things figured out, I get introduced to the these bronze brutes. It's going to be fun

Squatch

Yup, you will want to connect with more... They are a blast to catch. The wet wading is also a bonus

 

[LCnSac]

I think up to about 16" smallies are often better fighters than trout, at least planters. Beyond that, the acrobatics decrease and they tend to dog you below like a LMB, but stronger and more fun. Smallies are near the top of my list for all time favorite fly rod fish.

 

[clarkman]

Smallies are near the top of my list for all time favorite fly rod fish.

me too....although right now, Muskies are sitting alone right at the top.

 

[PhilR]

Great report. Sounds like you're settling into your new home waters.

 

[meh.meh.meh.meh.meh.]

me too....although right now, Muskies are sitting alone right at the top.

Probably a good thing there isn't a lot of musky in NC.

 

[LCnSac]

OK you got me with the "don't read" and of course I had to. I always like to read these trip story blogs from fly fishermen who don't emphasize tying but actual fishing in non-exotic locations. I always learn from them. I enjoyed your relocation story, Squatchin.

 

[Eyejuggler]

Awesome report, I always dream of visiting your region just to sample that experience. Bravo!

 

[meh.meh.meh.meh.meh.]

OK you got me with the "don't read" and of course I had to. I always like to read these trip story blogs from fly fishermen who don't emphasize tying but actual fishing in non-exotic locations. I always learn from them. I enjoyed your relocation story, Squatchin.

That's a good reminder that I need to get on there add more stuff. It is easy to forget

@Eyejuggler if you ever wonder down here let me know!

 

[LCnSac]

We are planning a tentative trip to the area around the SoCar lakes in early October. I have no idea if the fishing is any good--those are big lakes. Ideas?

 

[Olive bugger]

Where smallies are involved it can never be bad.

 

[meh.meh.meh.meh.meh.]

No idea. Large reservoirs intimidate me. Should be good bass fishing and stripers in open water.

We are planning a tentative trip to the area around the SoCar lakes in early October. I have no idea if the fishing is any good--those are big lakes. Ideas?

 

[Olive bugger]

Great report. SMB is a great fish.

Trout can be fun, but spiny rays are a blast. I lean toward the bluegills on a 3 wt.

 

[meh.meh.meh.meh.meh.]

I made it back to this stream yesterday. We caught about 7 smallies all together. I think the best one was about 9 inches. They were all in fast water. Fishing was slow and we covered a ton of water for wading.
I may try floating 13mi this stream in october.

 

[Olive bugger]

Since I have never fished the front side of the Smokies, I have some questions.
1. I presume that you are fishing in the Smokies, and 2. does that stream carry
enough water in October to float easily. Not that it makes any big difference
but curiosity makes me ask. I guess I am just a nosey guy.