Mark

WNC Fly Fishing Expo

Fly Fishing, Uncategorized No Responses »

Oct 312012

Its that time again. The Western NC Fly Fishing Expo is coming up this weekend, and should be a great event if you can make it. All the information is listed below.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The 4th Annual WNC Fly Fishing Expo kicks off on Nov. 3 at the WNC Agricultural Center. Western North Carolina is blessed with altitude, clean streams, wild trout and consequently, an abundance of people who love to fly
fish. The WNC Fly Fishing Expo is a two-?day fly fishing extravaganza providing anglers a forum to learn the very latest news and innovations in their sport. “This event appeals to fly fishers of all levels,” said expo organizer Frank Smith. “Whether you are an advanced angler looking for the latest gear, or a beginner who is ready to get their waders wet, there is something for everyone at this show. And we have brought in a new group of experts who will host a variety of fly fishing related programs.”

Over the years there has been no shortage of things to see and do at the WNC Fly Fishing Expo, and this year will be no different. The lineup for the 4th Annual event features even more exhibits and speakers than previous years. For those who want to learn more about fly fishing, a distinguished roster of experts will hold
programs and presentations throughout the weekend (visit www.wncflyfishingexpo.com for moreinformation.)

Kelly Galloup is this year’s celebrity presenter. Kelly claimed notoriety with his two books, Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout and Cripples and Spinners, and has numerous DVD’s on tying and fishing. He has over
fifty nationally recognized fly patterns that are sold world wide. He is also a rod and line designer for St Croix rods and Scientific Anglers. Kelly has been published in nearly every major fly fishing periodical in the
country and is one of the Editors at large for Fly Fisherman magazine. He also hosts Fly Fish TV with Kelly Galloup.

Other presenters include; Advocate Tim Landis, an instrumental figure in protecting wild fish on the South
Holston River; Professional fly fishing guide, Randy Ratliff will be demonstrating Tenkara style fishing. Ryan Dunn, a pro at sight-?fishing for carp will share his expertise and professional outdoor photographer, Trent
Sizemore will give a presentation to help you with your outdoor photography. Pair these top notch programs with
fly tying and casting demonstrations from expert instructors, and attendees have the opportunity to learn just
about everything there is to know about fly fishing.

Nationally known manufacturers such as Orvis, Sage, Simms, Winston, Scientific Anglers and Fishpond will showcase the newest gear. Area fishing lodges and guide outfitters will give advice about where to fish; organizations dedicated to protecting trout waters and habitat will discuss current issues and initiatives; and
fly shops from all over WNC will have every piece of gear imaginable for sale. The show opens on Saturday at 9
a.m. and runs until 5 p.m., then continues on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the door
and are $10 for adults and free for children under 15.

Saturday features a local beer tasting with Asheville’s own Highland Brewing Company. The tasting lasts from
2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Moe’s BBQ will be on site for lunch for the event, cooking up barbeque for hungry expo attendees.

Looks Like A Decent Weekend Coming Up

Fly Fishing No Responses »

Sep 142012

The weather forecast doesn’t look too bad for Upstate SC this weekend. A chance of thunderstorms does creep into the picture, but not a significant threat. The biggest chance is on Sunday. Highs around Pickens, SC look to be in the mid 80s with lows in the low 60s, and should be a little cooler if you head up towards Bad Creek and the Whitewater River.

Water levels for the time being have dropped back below normal a little for now. Of course that could change if some storms do develop. Below average most likely means clear water and the trout will be a little on the spooky side. Wild fish more so than the stocked trout, but nevertheless, they will be somewhat spooky as well. Keep your tippet light and movements minimal and calculated. Speaking of stocked trout, the SCDNR placed just over 3,000 fish into a combination of the Chattooga River, Chauga River, and Brasstown Creek.

Its still relatively warm, so terrestrials may draw some action as well as dry flies. Stimulators, Olives, and Adams all stand a pretty good chance of working. Nymphs are always a good choice. Prince, Pheasant Tail, Copper Johns, etc.

Let’s Talk SC Trout Stocking

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Sep 072012

Well, as luck would have it, there’s really no trout stocking to talk about in the SC trout waters this week. Figures, now that I’ve found some some time to try to get back into the swing of things. That does leave a few things fishing related we can talk about though, like water levels, weather, and flies.

Water levels in the Upstate are exceptional right now, with most streams running right around average. Levels do seem to be on the decline for now, so that should mean relatively clear water and excellent fishing. The weather may make a few more adjustments to those conditions on Saturday, however. There’s a 60% chance of thunderstorms throughout SC, so local conditions could very a bit. Heavy rains could turn some water muddy depending on how things really play out. Highs will be around 80 degrees with lows in the 50s, so other than the rain chance, it should be really nice out there.

I guess that leaves fly selection. Most of your typical dry flies should still be doing well right now. Para Adams, Light Cahill, Caddis, etc. I would expect terrestrials to continue to do ok for the next two or three weeks as well, especially on stocked fish. The wild trout water should still fish fairly similarly, but like I always say, I like to scale my fly sizes down a bit on wild water. #16 and #18 flies should be fine on both wild and stocked water really. You can always turn to the venerable woolly bugger also.

Check the weather radar and forecast before you head out, and keep an eye and an ear out too once you’re there.

Just A Little Photography

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Aug 022012

Its amazing how using the flash on a camera can make a big difference even in moderate lighting conditions. I took the photos below a week or so ago, one with the flash and one without.

: Flash On

: Flash Off

SC Trout Stocking Report and Summer Pattern Continues

Fly Fishing No Responses »

Jul 282012

The weather for the Upstate SC area looks about like your typical summer pattern. Highs in the 90s with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Doesn’t get much more typical than that. Water levels in the region are basically a little low, but not to the extreme. I would expect clear water unless a storm cell stirs things up a bit. Recheck the forecast before you head out. You know how the weather is.

The DNR stocked over 8,000 trout into our waters this week. Some of these included the Lake Hartwell Tailwater, Little Eastatoee, Little Canebrake, Rocky Bottom and South Saluda River. We’re still in the fairly easy fly choice season. Nearly anything “buggy” stands a pretty good chance of working, especially on stocked trout. Parachute Adams, stimulators, woolly buggers, light cahills, and terrestrials etc. Wild trout should take about the same flies, although I prefer to size it down a little. A stocked trout might rise to #12 or #14 dry fly, but a wild one might think twice. If you hit some wild water, try #16s and #18s, or maybe #8 or #10 buggers, or nymphs in the #14 to #20 range.

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