Brian, Fishing Report, Please

[Mark]

We know you've been out lately. Help a fella out. Is the water still up? How are conditions?

[Brian Sloss]

Hey guys, sorry no reports recently, but I have not been out much latley. That said, I will fill you in on what I have done lately and what I've gathered from others. I took an inexperienced fly fisher out in less than good condititions (high off color water) a couple of weeks ago and frankly had a tough time of it. We got a couple trout, but they were hard to come by. Got out a couple of days ago at graveyard hallow and the water was still high and I fished for only 45 minutes and stung a small trout. I'm not too worried about that as that little stretch ussually starts to slow down going into the springtime. I'm sure I could have had more success at other spots, had I had more time to get to them. The water is getting to the good level pretty soon. It is at about 3 ft (1ft above normal) and 1100 cfs, which is high, but plenty fishable. As the river continues down, the fishing should get better, but like I said, you should be able to get into some fish now, particularly between Greer and Turner. I put a couple of guys out in a canoe overnight on Sun/Mon and about half way down to Greer from Cane Bluff they starting catching the occassional trout. In the evening they fished island 1 on the opposite side from Graveyard (which is the better water down that way) and one of them pegged a 19 incher. The next day they caught a few while "causually" fishing their way to Turner Mill. I just talked to the MDC guys about the White Ribbon area and they said they have not stocked down there since the end of last year and they will start again the 2nd or 3rd week of this month. Of course they never say exactly when. I have talked to guys who have been catching fish down there this winter though. But it will be better soon. Smallmouth have been waking up lately, but they will start peaking probably toward the end of the month through April and into May. The warmer it stays, the sooner they will get hot. Hope that helps.

[superfly]

Brian,

Thanks for the info. Superfly

[Mark]

Thanks, Brian, good report. I figured the water was up and cloudy a little yet from following the river gauge on here - looks like things will be in great shape for our annual Easter trip. I'm anxious to see how all the high water this winter changed the river, shifted gravel bars, etc., (although I'm hoping our couple of secret spots haven't changed, nice soft sand for setting up a tent!!).

I can't wait for some fresh fish for supper!!!

[snap]

but you know Mark, if I am not going to make it Easter, you might want to bring some bologna!!! (just in case)