By James Lackey
Spring is almost here and usually by mid-March warmer weather brings warmer water and a change in seasons. The streams and rivers begin to warm; insect life and trout start to become more active. The trout’s metabolism increases as the water warms, insects begin to hatch and trout start to feed and move more.
Springtime in the Southern Appalachians can be unpredictable. You may have days in the 70’s or 80’s and then you may have days in the 40’s or 50’s with cold nights. Spring weather for the fly fisherman can be unpredictable by adapting to these changes can be challenging and rewarding.
Water temperature during these times plays a key role in a fisherman’s success. Always have a stream thermometer and learn the boundaries of temperature and how important it is. When you see water temps in the high 40’s to low 50’s fishing should be good because aquatic insect hatches occur when water and days begin to warm.
Trout usually feed on what is most abundant. Usually midges, mayflies and stoneflies are always present in most streams and rivers but they may be present in different sizes, colors and different stages in their life cycle. Figuring out patterns that are consistent can be challenging. Remember, I said consistent. It’s not a pattern where you catch a fish every cast or every other cast. If you are getting fish to the fly the catching will come and your probably close to where you need to be with your set-up and your fly selection.
One important tool that is rarely used is the stomach pump. With training and practice, it’s very simple to use and it does not hurt the fish in any way and it tells you what the trout are eating and that’s great information.
A dry dropper set up usually 5X fluorocarbon is a good standard. 7 ½ or 9 foot leaders is all you need for length. Fly selection can get confusing, viewing Instagram will make it worse, but your elk hair caddis with a pheasant tail dropper size 16 or 18 consistently will produce. Search patterns like a yellow Chernobyl with a rainbow warrior dropper may produce and don’t be afraid of the midges especially the Zebra midge (black or red) especially if fishing slows.
Spring is an exciting time for Fly-fishermen, do your homework, slow down and remember your presentation brings it all together and is the most important tactic you have. Good Fishing!
Jimmy Lackey has been a Guide for 11 years for Hunter Banks Flyfishing, 704-477-9856 Jameslackey9856@gmail.com