Sucker Run

[Aeronikl]

I had a trip to the river below Beaver ruined one spring when the runs in the trophy area below the dam were filled with suckers. Since I'm not a sucker expert, I didn't realize they were in the Taneycomo trophy area in the fall, since my fall trips have always been from late October into early December. From the chatter in the forum the last week, it is obvious they have taken over the upper mile, pushing the trout out. Will this last much longer? I have a trip planned starting October 15th hoping to fish some during the day but mostly at night. I don't want to come if the fishing will be as bad as I am hearing. I'll wait until the end of the month, if I have to. Any suggestions? Leonard, do you still want to meet us for night exercises?

Gary

[Leonard]

Sure... lets do it!!!

as for as the suckers go...

Yes there is quit a few there... But I dont think its effecting the fishing,

Besides when the bigger browns really start to come in... Im sure there will be just the right size for a snack

[Aeronikl]

Thanks, Leonard. I know they affected the fishing below Beaver, since they literally covered up the runs where I usually caught fish. My number of hook-ups was probably 10% of what I would normally experience. I plan to fish every night, starting Sunday, through Thursday, as long as the weather is not horrible any given night. I'll contact you as we get closer.

Gary

[Phil Lilley]

I don't think they push any fish out. And the browns will come no matter what.

Don't let them get to you...

[Terry Beeson]

I have to relate this story in lieu of what Phil said...

I was fishing Sunday with a few 12-13 inch 'Bows stacked up just below me, a couple in front of me, and one 15-16 incher kissing my boots... literally... Just before I had to leave, I noticed a couple of big suckers cruising up to me. Both of these were in the 12 inch range and I'm sure were not alone.

The 'Bows never winced... They just kept hangin' in there and feeding at my feet. I'm like Phil... I don't think they affect the trout that much. Maybe that's what brings the big Browns in... SUCKER SNACKS!!!

[Aeronikl]

Thanks, everyone, for the encouragement. Still looking forward for my next trip. If they are still there, I'll ignore them. Does anyone tie a "sucker" streamer. I've use mouse and lemming flies, but never a sucker immitation.LOL

[Steve Smith]

On the subject of suckers... if the trout aren't cooperating, flyfish for those suckers. Use a Clouser crawdad pattern in tan or light brown. My size 10 work best for me. You want to fish shallow water with little current so you can sight fish them. Suckers for the most part won't hit and run, so just let the clouser drift to the bottom. When a sucker swims over the clouser, you have to guess if it has sucked up the fly. Lift the tip of your rod, and if you feel weight, set the hook and hang on. A two pound plus sucker will make your day. As a plus, browns like the clouser crawdad too.