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.

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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.

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.

SC Trout Stocking and A Slight Break From The Heat

 Fly Fishing  No Responses »
Jul 142012
 

The weather continues to prove itself quite interesting. We have recently emerged from a rather hot spell, with many locations reporting highs in the triple digits for several days. Luckily temperatures have dropped back closer to normal, which is still fairly hot. Not sure you can tell much difference between 95 degrees and 101 degrees. Probably more psychological than anything.

Anyhow, with a break in the heat, came a lot of rain this week. Upwards of 6 inches here at HQ, and streams in the Upstate SC area are running well above average. If you’re going fishing this evening or Sunday, I would expect high and rather off-color water if not out right muddy. That could lead to poor fishing, but some big browns may get and move around some over on the Chattooga. I’d be thinking heavy flies this weekend. Beadhead or conehead buggers and other large streamers. Smaller water may be a little easier and beadhead nymphs with some split shot or another weighted dropper nymph might work out. There is still a chance for thunderstorms the rest of the weekend, so keep and eye out for those.

The SCDNR did stock over 5,000 trout this week into the likes of the Little Eastatoee, Little Canebrake, Rocky Bottom, Chauga River, and Chattooga River. There are fish out there to be caught, and of course there’s always the wild trout water.

SC Trout Stocking Report and Intense Heat

 Fly Fishing  No Responses »
Jun 302012
 

The SCDNR did stock quite a few trout this weekend in the Upstate, but the heat is going to be killer this weekend. If you normally catch and release, especially the wild trout, this would be a better weekend to either go ahead and keep them or don’t fish at all. They probably won’t make it with highs over 100 degrees and very low water levels.

If you do go out, drink plenty of the appropriate fluids, and monitor yourself and anyone else with you. 6x and 7x tippets will likely be the best, and I’d consider fishing subsurface flies in deeper cooler water for stocked and wild trout if you so choose.

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