Heavy and frequent rainfall over the last two weeks in the tri-state mountain region of Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina has the streams and rivers -- yep, even the tailwaters -- running high and fast, with visibility running moderate a day or two after the rain quits. One such place is the delayed-harvest section of the Nantahala River. It tends to clear quickly, but anglers fishing the "Nanty" the day after some of the heavier thunderstorms have seen it stained. Nonetheless, the river fished well for browns, rainbows and brookies, but the takes required dark nymphs and streamer patterns (and a little "flash" in the pattern strongly tweaked the action in our favor).
Tailwaters are warmer than free-flowing streams, but water temps in the middle of winter are very cold anywhere in the region. When nymphing, you don't need to think big -- even in stained water -- just because the water is cold. Rather, make sure you dead drift in slow holding water and get down. If you're not occasionally getting hung up on bottom, you're not deep enough. Add shot to your leader several inches above your nymph (the lead nymph when fishing a dropper) until your indicator reveals you're tagging bottom.
The opportunity to fish dry flies might surprise wintertime anglers, too. Don't overlook midge and blue-wing olive emergers and dries if it's a pretty day, and especially on a tailwater, like the Toccoa River or the Hiwassee River, where water temps are likely not as cold as free-flowing streams/rivers. A little sun can turn on the bugs and the fish will be after them.
Experience ... Exposure ... Execution ... Engagement ... That's real fishing with Reel Angling Adventures!
Hook 'em!
Your Guide Team at Reel Angling Adventures
www.ReelAnglingAdventures.com
toll free: 866-899-5259
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