Early Winter Escapade

[Lone Wulff]

The weatherman said it was supposed to be close to 70 degrees in Charlotte. I don’t know how much more prodding I needed. When Sunday rolled around my gear was already packed and I was ready to go. I went to a stream that, based on elevation and latitude, is at the extreme edge of trout habitat. The fish don’t grow big here, but they are plentiful and colorful. What they lack in size is made up for by the natural beauty of this watershed. It is a classic southern Appalachian stream consisting of pocket water, runs, pools and cascades, encased in rhododendron as it weaves its way down hill. It’s a great place to go to have some fun.
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Occasionally one would fall to the dry, but most came on the dropper.
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The best one came from a small, gentle eddy off to the side of a cascade. I tossed my flies into the foam and let them casually rotate. Suddenly, the dry went under when an 8 inch ‘bow took the nymph.
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I did battle with a 10 incher from another lazy eddy at the head of a deep run, but we parted ways prematurely. I can’t complain though – it ended up being a 35+- fish day, and a great day to be on a small stream in the mountains.

[ksbioteacher]

I can almost hear the sound of those cascades. Thanks. Very lush.

[Brooktrout]

beautiful stream and nice pics of it's fish. i have seen those types of streams in NE GA and know what you are talking about. nice!

[ofuros]

It's been so long since my last outing.....thanks for reminding me,
what I'm missing out on.

.....via tapatalk.

[Satoshi]

Thank you for posting. Your pics and story stimulated me to tie flies for the next season.

[bigmac]

it's the middle 9almost 0 of our season here in south africa and i've only fished once. this reminded me of what i'm missing and now i've got to get off of my b***side and do something about having fun. thanks for sharing