We certainly saw our share of inclement weather in the Carolinas this week. Heavy rain prompted several flash flood advisories and warnings mostly in the Pee Dee and coastal regions. Luckily, the Upstate probably saw a bit less precipitation, but rivers like the Chattooga did make a pretty good jump back on the 14th. Most Upstate streams have fallen back to around average, but things over here in the Pee Dee are a little different. The Great Pee Dee River itself is pushing nearly 20,000 cfs at one location and is still rising and should exceed its banks here shortly if it hasn’t already.
The good news is, if you’re looking to fish for trout this weekend, the weather looks fairly decent. Mostly sunny, highs around 80F. Not too shabby. And if that wasn’t enough good news, the SCDNR stocked over 12,000 trout this week. If you like fishing the hatchery supported water, there should be a few fish to choose from out there. Some of this week’s stocking included the Little Eastatoee, Little Canebrake, Rocky Bottom and the South Saluda.
I’d carry the usuals. Elk hair caddis, para Adams, stimulators, or the old trusty woolly bugger. 5x tippet should suffice, but don’t leave the 6x at home. Wild trout should probably do fine on para Adams sizes #16 to #20, as well some standard nymphs and such. As always, its fishing, so you may have to feel them out a little of course.