By Karl Ekberg
The “Dog Days of Summer” have reached us here at Chattooga River Fly Shop. The rivers have received a good amount of rain, although summer temperatures have been a little warmer than we would like to see. The great part of a good amount of rainfall and good river levels is that the trout have plenty of water to seek thermal refuge from the rising water temperatures. Many fish are being caught, although, you must like being on the waters at daybreak when the opportunities are great for catching fish. As the temperatures rise, move to casting nymphs in the deeper runs of the rivers.
The rivers are loaded with a large amount of small nymphs. While fishing, take a minute to turn some rocks over to find these and do not hesitate to tie on a nymph resembling them, trailing behind a larger stonefly. Tying these smaller nymphs on behind a larger stonefly nymph pattern will allow the flies to get deeper in the water column, where the fish are holding. Don’t hesitate to pinch a small piece of split shot on your line to get deeper, if you’re not catching.
Terrestrials have also been productive. Casting these towards the over-hanging foliage, and a dead-drift and twitch method, will produce for you. These patterns will continue to work throughout the remainder of the summer.
If the trout are being a little tough to catch, a great day on the rivers can mean Bass and Panfish. Lower sections of the river are fishing well now. Top water and streamers seem to be the big hit for a successful day. Wet wading is an enjoyable way to beat the heat of summer. A small pack, plenty of fluids (to keep hydrated), a small fly box, a good pair of polarized sun glasses, and exploring waters you might not normally fish…what a way to spend a summer day, and did I mention, catching fish on a fly rod.
While out for your day of fishing, expect afternoon thunderstorms, and the river level to rise slightly. Although it may not be raining where you’re fishing, the river level may start to rise as rain may come over the river upstream, so keep an eye on the water level around you.
Let’s all pray for a little cooler weather and some rains to keep the rivers cooler and the water levels up. We look forward to a great fall season, as the temperatures start to fall off from the summer heat. We also look forward to seeing everyone out on the rivers around us here at Chattooga River Fly Shop, and please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.
Karl and Karen Ekberg are Co-Owners of Chattooga River Fly Shop, located at 6832A Highlands Hwy, in Mountain Rest, SC 29664. Give them a call at (864) 638-2806 or look them up on the web at chattoogariverflyshop.com