The hard winter has set in, thus limiting the number of guided fishing trips the past month. However, we love taking advantage of  decent weather and great fishing when we get a chance. The long, scenic float trips on the Nolichucky River have produced some awesome rainbow trout action. We have connected on some great fish by twitching big streamers, swinging wetflies, and nymphing large attractors. Some sections have iced up, but a stretch of >40 deg weather should allow access this remote, beautiful, and productive water for the remaining winter and into spring. As the weather warms, we will see a transition to smallmouth bass, only enhancing the trip experience.

The S. Holston and Watauga tailwaters will continue to fish productively all winter, as the dams consistently pump water temps in the mid to high 40’s.  You can expect good midge and blue wing hatches on both tailwaters, and a decent “post spawn” streamer bite with the right water flows. While the brown trout spawn is about finished, the rainbows are preparing for their yearly ritual.

In between the fishing, Justin has been working his Brittany on ruffed grouse in the high elevation mountains of NC.  While not for the timid hunter, these exciting hunts are producing multiple flushes on most half day walks.  With the increasing population numbers, and further polishing of our bird dog, we hope to put some clients on these birds in the fall/winter of 2016-17.