Fly Fishing in Asheville ~ November/December 2009
08.December, 2009
Fly Fishing Asheville ~ November/December 2009
The days have gotten shorter and the nights colder but the fishing still remains outstanding in our little corner of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the benefits of calling the southeast home is that our fisheries are twelve month a year fisheries. We, unlike our friends in the Rockies, do not have to trade our rods and waders for skis; we can have our cake and eat it too as we chase our finned friends even in the coldest months. What makes winter my absolutely favorite time of the year to fish is that you will rarely be fishing in a crowd which always makes the fishing better.
While Fly Fishing in Asheville and the WNC area, we do have to adjust our strategies when it comes to trout this time of year. With the nights growing cold the water temps are at their lowest temperatures first thing in the morning. For us this means that there is no longer any need to be out of bed and on the river in the wee early hours. The fishing gets better as the air and water temperature climbs throughout the day, so have that extra cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich, you can even sleep in…you deserve it.
On warmer days there will still be surface bug activity with mostly Blue Wing Olives, Little Black Stone Fly’s, Midges, and Some Sedge Caddis thrown in for fun. Under the surface is where more attention should be given as nymphing and streamer fishing will often yield better results day in and day out through the winter. Some of our favorite sub-surface patterns include Eggs, Winter Stone Fly’s, Caddis larvae, and various Midges. Trout this time of year slow down their metabolisms with the drop in water temperature so they are not as likely to move great distances to eat. Often on the coldest days the name of the game is drifting your fly as close to the trout’s mouth as you possibly can, making it an easy decision for the trout to eat your fly.
Streamer patterns include Wooly Boogers, Slump Busters, and Zonkers. Remember that trout often are keyed in on a particular color streamer, so if you are not seeing much activity in the form of follows and takes switch colors until you find the right one. I will often switch colors every ten to fifteen casts if I can see fish ignoring my streamer.
The whole key to winter fishing is persistence, keep covering water till you locate fish, cast to those fish until they eat or you go crazy, and then go find some more fish. You can repeat this process all winter and I promise that you will be much happier with the results than if you were to sit around all winter waiting for spring. Give us a call or come by the shop and let us get you acquainted with our trout winter wonderland here in Western North Carolina…you won’t regret it.
Fly Fishing Asheville in the Fall
15.October, 2009
By Chad Schmidt
Fall is a great time for fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and especially for fly fishing in Asheville, North Carolina. The crisp fresh air, the beautiful colors, and yes…LOT’S OF FISH! The North Mills and the Laurel River are both within 30 minutes of Asheville and they are just two of the local streams that are regularly stocked with Brown, Rainbows, and Brook Trout starting on October 1, they are referred to as Delayed Harvest (DH). There will be another round of stocking on November 1st and again in the spring for all designated DH Streams and this alone makes it very desirable to be a fly fisherman in Asheville. 
Fish that are stocked in these streams were born and raised in a hatchery. They tend to be less selective in what they eat as compared to their cousins that are born in the wild or carryovers from last year’s stockings. Because hatchery fish are raised and feed pellet-type food, upon release into the wild streams they tend to eat most anything, especially baits that are pellet shaped (i.e. the Y2K egg pattern). Fly Fisherperson BEWARE…there are some LARGE fish in there!!
Because I am fairly new to the sport of fly fishing and I was lucky enough to learn directly from the guides at Curtis Wright Outfitters, I have relied on their knowledge and experience to direct me.
On one of my first fly fishing trips I had Charlie, a CWO guide pictured above (THANK YOU CHARLIE!) ask me, “do you want to imitate natural bait or do you want to catch LOTS of fish”? Because I had been fly fishing several times before this trip with little success, I quickly jumped on the “LOTS OF FISH” bandwagon. Within minutes of arriving at the Laurel (only days after an October stocking) I hear a yell from around the bend, “CHAD …get over here”. Within a couple of hours and in less than 50 yards of water I had caught upwards of 30 fish, mostly off a Wooly Bugger.
Whether you are an experienced fly fisherman or a beginner who just wants to enjoy the outdoors, Delayed Harvest Streams are a great place to have fun. So grab your gear and head out because the fish are ready to supply the entertainment. If you don’t have any gear, don’t worry, call Curtis Wright Outfitters and book a trip because all gear and flies are included in the trip cost. Click the CWO logo below for more details and trip information.
The guides at Curtis Wright Outfitters have created a Delayed Harvest Fly Box selection which I highly recommend you get before your next trip to the stream. The fly box includes the Wooly Bugger, San Juan Worm, and the Y2K patterns, just a few of the “must have’s” according to most any local guide. For more information on what parts of which streams are designated Delayed Harvest or to stock up on the flies you will need, contact any Curtis Wright Outfitters location or click on the picture below to purchase our DH Fly Box.
If your budget is a little tighter this year? Wanting to stay a little closer to home? Whether you enjoy the culture, art, music, of a vibrant downtown or the color of the mountains in fall, take a trip to Asheville and yes…make fly fishing in Asheville a high priority.
Fly Fishing near Asheville, North Carolina on the French Broad River
21.October, 2009
In the summer, when the thermometer starts to rise and I can’t make a dash up the mountain to the higher elevation trout streams, I start thinking about the French Broad River and bass…Smallmouth Bass!
I leave my 3 and 4 weight fly rods in the closet and pull out my 6, 7 and 8 weights. These are needed to toss heavier sink tip lines and weighted flies. A pair of good wading sandals, nylon shorts and a comfortable long sleeve shirt is all I need. Ten different fly boxes, containing hundreds of different fly patterns are also left at home. The Smallmouth Bass is a predator and will take just about any baitfish or crawdad pattern that comes their way.
I like to look for structure when targeting these fish. In slower moving water I look for log jams, large rocks, anywhere that these fish can use as a hiding spot to ambush their prey. In faster water, I fish the same as I would for trout. The head and tail of large pools, and deep cuts, where water pushes through slots in rocky shoal areas are two of my favorites.
This type of fly fishing is all about feel. Let that fly bounce along the bottom and hold on. The take can be subtle, but then again it’s usually vicious. A 10 inch “smallie” will put up a fight as good, or better, than an 18 inch trout.
The French Broad River flows right through Asheville and is just minutes from anywhere within a 30 mile radius of downtown. If you don’t own a kayak, canoe or a drift boat, it doesn’t matter. Some of the best spots for Fly Fishing in Asheville are easily fished by simply wading. Give this unique fishery a try this summer. You won’t be disapointed and it sure beats sitting at home waiting for the fall stocked trout season to start. Add Fly Fishing in Asheville for Smallmouth Bass to your list of things to do!
Stop by or call any of the three Curtis Wright Outfitters stores for directions to the river, fly patterns that are sure to work, or maybe even a guided float trip if you wish.
Fly Fishing Yellowstone 2009. Ready for a trip in 2010?
17.September, 2009
So all I can say about Day 1 in Montana is, “WOW!” Talk about action. Talk about dry fly action. Pitchin 2″ Hoppers followed by size 12 trudes equals a phenomenal day on the Yellowstone River. We started off our trip by doing something a little different for us, hiring a guide and floating the big and mighty Yellowstone River.
We went to the local experts Parks Fly Shop, and hired head guide Walter Wiese and set off on our 11 mile journey from Brogan’s Landing through Yankee Jim Canyon.
Fishing and catching started immediately after launch and continued through out the rest of the day.
We caught Cutthroat, Cutbows, Rainbows, Browns, and the other native species the Whitefish. We were fishing pocket water near the banks, and bubble lines following the banks with great success, but we were often surprised by fish rising in the middle of the river in 10′-50 ‘ of water. We were fishing 7.5 ‘ 4x leaders with about a foot of 4-5x tippet between dry flies.
The catching was hot most of the day with an occasional lull. The largest fish we boated was about 17″ and most were in the 12″-14″ range. Numbers were the order for the day with us probably boating at least 70 fish (all on barbless hooks). The fish were absolutely beautiful and feisty and were rivaled only by the beauty of where we were.
On the agenda for tomorrow is the Gardiner and then over to %&?<: creek for some more BANG BANG action. What you thought we were going to give away all the secrets? Better yet book the Yellowstone trip for next year and we will show you! To check out details on the rest of the Yellowstone trip, visit our Destination Fly Fishing Blog.
Curtis Wright Outfitters has a 2010 trip in the works! For more information visit the Destination Yellowstone Page on our website or call us at 877-450-3474.
Fly Fishing in Asheville
15.June, 2009
The Delayed Harvest Blues
If you didn’t know, North Carolina’s wonderful program of Delayed Harvest (DH) streams has expired for the year, and the harvest is in full swing. A lot of guys and gals have been coming by the shop with the scoured look of defeat on their faces. When I ask them why the sour face they inform me that they have no idea where a fun lovin’ fly flinger can go during the dog days of summer to pursue our finned friends. I am here to tell you that around Asheville the great fishing does not go out the door with the Delayed Harvest streams. With three thousand miles of trout designated water within in a 90 minute drive of Asheville there are still plenty of options for chasing trout that don’t involve the letters “D” or “H”.
Tailwaters:
The tailwaters of Tennessee give anglers an outstanding opportunity to float or wade and stalk large trout in large water. This is the closest experience you will find to the famed waters of the Rockies east of the Mississippi. Every day on the Tennessee tail water’s has the possibility of producing a trophy sized trout over 20”. Many of these trout were born and have lived their entire lives in these rivers. No fresh stockers here, these trout will make you work for them but in the end they will provide a tremendous reward to those anglers willing to push their comfort zone to bigger water. The other benefit that these dam controlled waters offer is that the water in these rivers stays consistently cold all year long due to bottom dam releases. This all makes for very happy, healthy fish all summer long. 
Wild Trout Waters:
Fly fishing in Asheville and the surrounding area for wild trout has really come in to full swing here in the last few weeks. These waters are full of beautiful native rainbows, browns, and brookies that are more than willing to eat a well presented fly. These waters often lie off the beaten path which makes for a little adventure to go along with your fishing. Find a blue line on the map and go see if it has any trout, most likely the answer will be yes.
Cherokee Trophy Fly Fishing on the Ravens Fork River:
The Cherokee Reservation set aside a 2.2 mile stretch of the Ravens Fork River this year for fly fishing only. They have populated this stretch of water with an abundance of trophy sized trout. More 5+ lb. trout have come out of this stretch of water than anywhere else in the state this year. There are quite a few folks out there that have walked away from these waters with broken 5 weights that are more than willing to attest to the sheer slab like qualities of these fish. These waters remain open all summer and will hold fish all summer as the entire stretch is strictly catch and release and heavily monitored by law enforcement.
The Davidson River:
A lot of folks have a love hate relationship with the Davidson River. They love it when they catch the brown trout of a lifetime but often walk away hating the river for doling out another spanking. The fish in the Davidson are all they are cracked up to be and more, and even better is the fish stay in the river all year long due to strict catch and release regulations. This leads to a lot of flies passing their noses over the course of a year and a lot of frustrated anglers. There are some specialized techniques that every angler should have in their bag of tricks when they go to the Davidson. Give us a call or stop by the shop and we might even let you in on a few of them. Here is a picture of one of our guided trips fly fishing the Davidson River. These folks were first time fly fishers…though you wouldn’t know it by the fish!
Visit CurtisWrightOutfitters.com to see our Davidson River Fishing maps and Fly Box Selection package to help catch your next trophy
Private Water:
I am going to let all of you in on a little secret. Curtis Wright Outfitters has retained the rights to guide on a fine piece of private water that shall remain nameless. The rod fee is the lowest you will find anywhere in the state and the fish are definitely worth it. Give us a call and we can tell you more, just don’t tell anyone I sent you.
These are just a few of the great summer options we have at our fingertips in the Asheville area and this list doesn’t even include the unbelievable warm water fly fishing we have in the area. Give us a call or stop by the shop and let us prove to you that great fly fishing in Asheville doesn’t expire with the Delayed Harvest season.
David
If you would like some detailed information on where to go on your next trip Fly Fishing Asheville and the surrounding area, contact CWO for all your needs…we’ll put you on the fish!
Fly Fishing on North Mills River
14.May, 2009
Fishing Report for North Mills River in May
It has been raining in Western North Carolina, and we have water in the streams. It looks like Fly Fishing in Asheville on the North Mills River is in great shape with the best flows we have seen in several years. We hiked in at the Trace Ridge trailhead and fished the upper end of the delayed harvest section (Delayed Harvest – catch and release single hook artificial lure / fly from October 1st until the first Saturday in June). The big pool at the base of the dam was our starting point. The fish proved to be very cooperative. The morning fly selection consisted of stonefly nymphs and woolly buggers fished deep. At first we fished them deep and slow; and as the morning progressed, we changed to twitching the nymphs and stripping the woolly buggers more aggressively. We worked our way downstream to a beautiful pool surrounded by Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels. The fishing here was also superb. Fish were taken out of hard to reach pockets with stonefly nymphs fished deep with a good bit of weight and with dry flies from the tail of the pool. Teasing the dry fly (Royal Wulff) proved to be a very productive method. Brooks, rainbows and browns were all taken with these methods with the most predominate species being the brook trout. The largest fish taken was a 16” brook trout with second place being a close 15 1/2” brook trout. Effective fly patterns were olive and black Woolly Buggers, Golden Stonefly nymphs, Caddis pupae, Elk Hair Caddis (olive and tan), Royal Wulff, and MadamX fished on 5X and 6X tippet. Remember to twitch those nymphs and dries; don’t be shy, give them some action. Spring is here, there is water in the streams – get out and fish.
The photo above was taken by Jeff Curtis during a guided fly fishing trip in the Asheville, NC area. Thank you…CWO
Destination Fly Fishing Missouri?!?
08.May, 2009
FLY FISHING MISSOURI? YES MISSOURI!
By David Grossman
When first approached by our new found friend Kyle Kossovich, of Long Boat Outfitters, to make the trek to Missouri to fish and film I was more than a little skeptical. I mean I know the N. Fork of the White River in Missouri is just a hop, skip, and a jump to Arkansas where the trout fishing is incredible, but Missouri? Yeah, I thought I was being sold a bill of goods, and that swamp land in New Jersey never quite worked out as promised. But we loaded up the truck and the boat and set out on a cross-country voyage that I nay say would leave me a changed man. Not really changed so much as in desperate need of a shower, and shave but we’ll get to that later.
The first day-and-a-half of the trip would involve smallmouth bass, goggle-eyed bass, and numerous other warm water species. We worked our way down river popping some nice bass and other various species along the way. The real treat of this float is that the upper sections of the river lie in the Mark Twain National Forest and therefore gravel bar camping and multi-day floats are the preferred methods to get the whole wang dang doodle experience.
We got into camp around 4pm. We had only been on the river for three or four hours but it already seemed like we had checked into the Hotel Wilderness. The gravel bar we camped on reminded me of something you would see on the Flathead or the Smith up in Montana but definitely not the Midwest. Just goes to show you, you are never to be old to be surprised.
After we had set up all the proper accouterments, we had a great camp-cooked meal and settled into that great campfire game of musing on the ways of women, money, and trout. A good night sleep was had by all.
The next day was much anticipated as about halfway through our float, Rainbow Spring started dumping millions of gallons of cold water into the river, which means that my favorite fish would be making an appearance sometime today. I had done my research on the river and there haven’t been any rainbows stocked in years. Browns are stocked but hold over pretty well as the spring dumps cold water into the system year round much like a bottom released tailwater. The magic happened over a two-hour period where Ryan, Kyle, and my man Chris stuck the three best fish of the trip. When it rains it pours. Ryan was first; I didn’t see the take as I was in the boat behind him. I did almost run him over, not once but twice trying to net the fish from the boat as he was fighting the thing in a wicked current. He eventually reeled in a nice bow despite the multiple factors working against him. Chris and Kyle doubled up on their giant rainbows and we all had smile for the rest of the day. The remainder of the trip was spent throwing large streamers to large fish and even hooking a few of them.
After this trip I can definitely say that Missouri has a serious trout fishery in the N. Fork of the White River and needs to be respected. Keep an eye out for a CWO sponsored trip to Arkansas and Missouri next year to chase some of the monster trout that live there
Fly Fishing the Watauga River
21.April, 2009
Title: Run Don’t Walk to the Watauga River Immediately!
by David Grossman
If you are interested in Fly Fishing around Asheville, North Carolina, the Watauga River Tailwater, in East Tennessee, has quietly become one of the best year round trout fisheries in the southeast, and right now the fishing is at it’s absolute best. The long winter is over and the big black caddis are hatching. When I say big I mean a size 12…that is not a typo….really a size 12. No more squinting to see size 28 midge dry flies, these bugs are big and easy to see. On sunny warm days the caddis are joined by their mayfly friend the sulfur in sizes up to 14, as well as Blue Wing Olives, and the ever present midge hatches. With this much bug activity every fish in the river is looking up and ready to eat. On the right day with the right presentation 30-50 fish a day are not only possible, but extremely possible. To illustrate this claim, I was Floating and Fly Fishing the Watauga River trophy section recently with some friends on dreary rainy day with temperatures in the 50’s. Not your typical good caddis weather, but we still boated in the neighborhood of 60 fish on a single black elk hair caddis with a sparkle pupa dropper. The fish were eating both on the dead drift and skittering the dry fly across the current at the end of the drift (a truly deadly technique if properly done). If the weather had been better we might have cracked the century mark. I know this sounds like I am exaggerating, but I assure you the fishing is this good. If you are interested in Fly Fishing in the Asheville area, wading or floating the Tailwaters such as the Watuagu trophy waters might be your ticket. But don’t delay, the giant black caddis won’t be around forever so give Curtis Wright Outfitters a call and let us tell you or even better show you just how amazing the fly-fishing around Asheville, NC is this spring. Call us toll free at 877-450-3474, we have guide working in all of our shops to answer your questions or book your next trip.
Fishing for Wild Trout in Western North Carolina
By Rich Witt
Trout fishing season is in full swing! Many trout fishing enthusiasts in Western North Carolina experience almost as much excitement for trout fishing this time of year as the Lewis and Clark expedition did upon seeing the Pacific Ocean after two years crossing the continent:
Meriwether Lewis wrote: “Oh the Joy!”
The leaves are on the trees, the Rhododendrons are in bloom, the wildflowers are at their peak and yes the trout are rising everywhere. The aquatic insect hatches have reached there peak as well with Light Cahill and Sulphur Mayflies, Olive Caddisflies, Little Yellow Sally Stoneflies, and the large and elusive Eastern Green Drake all hatching as you read. What a great time to go spin or fly fishing in the Asheville, North Carolina area.
There are many streams to choose from to fish for trout in Western North Carolina. For those familiar with fly fishing in the Asheville, North Carolina area, there are over 3000 miles of trout streams within an hour radius including; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee Trophy Waters, and the Pisgah National Forest. These locations are just a few this area has to offer to catch the three species of trout found in the Eastern United States.
Brook Trout, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout are abundant in this part of the country. Brook Trout or “Specs” as they are referred to locally, are the only trout truly native to North Carolina. Brown Trout were introduced in the mid 1800’s from Germany and Scotland and Rainbow Trout were introduced in the early 1900’s from the west coast of the United States. Brook trout are found in higher elevations usually above 3000 feet. Browns and Rainbows share the remaining waters lower in elevation.
The equipment used to fish for these beautifully colored fish could be a very light spinning rod outfit with Rooster Tails and Mepps spinning lures or the preferred method of fly fishing with dry flies, nymphs and streamers. I suggest an 8’6” to 9’ five weight fly rod outfit for general waters but would use a smaller three weight rod for the Brook Trout.Waders and wading boots are a necessity for fall, winter and spring but for the summer months wet wading (wearing wading sandals and quick dry pants) is a wonderful way to fish and keeps you cool in the warm weather. Curtis Wright Outfitters can help you with your gear selection…just give us a call.
The flies have fun and interesting names like Boss Hog, Skinny Nelson, Royal Stimulator, White Zonker, Wooly Bugger etc… Dry Flies are meant to float on top of the water to simulate adult flies, Nymphs are made to fish underneath the surface to represent the juvenile flies and Streamers are used under the surface as well to emulate minnows and leeches. The local Southern Appalachian patterns have some interesting names as well. These patterns, in my opinion, are some of the most beautiful flies in the world. The Yallerhammer and Tellico Nymph are two of the most popular flies from this area. Other flies such as Charlie Whomper, Pink Lady, Thunderhead, Hazel Creek are also popular to name just a few. These and many other flies are offered at any of our 3 shops in the Asheville area.
Personally I like to fish away from the roads into the backcountry although there are many streams and rivers easily accessible from the road. I like the places the rivers and streams lead me as I fish them upstream towards the headwaters. The best part of trout fishing for me is where the fish live. Waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife are abundant in the backcountry. After focusing all day on flies and fish I’ll stop for a break and suddenly realize that I am in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. All my troubles vanish. This is my release. “Oh the Joy!”
Rich Witt works as a fly fishing guide for Curtis Wright Outfitters and is also the manager of the fly shop at #5 All Souls Crescent in Biltmore Village in Asheville, North Carolina.
Curtis Wright Outfitters offers guided fly fishing wade and float trips as well as fly fishing and fly tying classes.
For more information feel free to contact Rich at 828.274.3471, visit our web site at www.CurtisWrightOutfitters.com, or stop in the shop for a visit.
Destination Fly Fishing for Peacock Bass
08.April, 2009
Kick @ss Peacock Bass
by Kelly Bandlow
I’ve long been an advocate of fly fishing for small mouth bass in a river setting. As a matter of fact, when it gets down to brass tacks, I perfer it to fly fishing for trout. You take a 12 inch smallie and it will give you a battle worthy of any 17-18″ trout. Then there is the almighty large mouth. Nothing gets my blood boiling like seeing a large mouth bass come from behind a grouping of lilly pads and simply explode on a mouse or popper pattern skated across the top of a pond or lake. An attack of this nature is totally animalistic and most brutal. This is the closest I’ve come to seeing “jaws” in person.
But how about fly fishing to a bass that:
Takes you into your backing (several times!) before it’s landed.
Makes your 6 weight rod double over like it’s a noodle of a light 3 weight bamboo stick. Is a brilliant piece of artwork attached to the end of the leader when pulled from the water. These fish are a kaleidescope of neon orange, yellow, black, red and sometimes a teal green. As an added bonus for sleep-in anglers, these bass do not bite early in the morning, or at night.
I’m talking about the Butterfly Peacock Bass. It is so named for the “peacock eye” marking near the base of its tail.
This bass strikes a fly like lightening, is as strong as a linebacker, and puts on twisting acrobatic displays worthy of an olympic gymnast. Most anglers that target this fish consider it the hardest fighting freshwater species there is - on any form of fishing tackle. In my opinion, someone will have to go a long way to disprove this notion. Another great aspect of chasing Peacock Bass with a fly rod is that 90% of the time you are sight casting to them. No special equipment is needed, a simple nine foot 5 or 6 weight works just fine. A short, 10 to 12 pounder leader, capable of presenting a weighted fly will get the job done.
Many people think that the only way you can find a real trophy Peacock Bass is to travel to the jungles of South America. Drifting through the coffee colored waters of the Amazon would be the trip of a lifetime, but for those of us with limited time and resources, a trip to south Florida makes much more sense. The urban jungle of Miami may not be the most beautiful spot in the world, but when you are posing with a six to seven pound Peacock Bass (the world record is 12 lbs.), who would notice?
Does this sound like something you might like to try? Especially when all your fishing buddies have put away their equipment until spring arrives because of freezing tempatures. If so, give Curtis Wright Outfitters a call 877-450-3474 and ask for Kelly, or click on the CWO logo link below. We’ll be happy to talk with you about this, or any other dream trip you might have.
