Wet Enough?

The one prevailing wind blowing through the Tennessee side of the Appalachians isn't really a wind at all, it's rain. To think, this time last year, on the heels of two years of drought, this would seem like a blessing. And it is! Don't get me wrong, but with the watershed at peak, any amount of the wets brings high water and murky bottoms. Not an altogether unpleasant day fishing, but it makes things interesting, to say the least.
Fish are there, and the browns are big. Our local fly shop, Little River Outfitters (http://littleriveroutfitters.com/) reports that many old locals are pulling in some hawgs. Which brings me to this: Never ask an old timer or a local to tell you how! One of the constant mysteries to fishing the Eastern Mountains is, if you're not from here, if you're a novice, you won't get into the pigs. It's a secret that's left to those of us who call this area home and see, in some cases, too many people fishing what we consider our water. Now I know that's a loaded statement, it's EVERYONE'S water, but realistically, it's in our backyard, we pay the taxes, we've seen our land and farms bought for pennies on the dollar for larger for pre-fab communities, and we can get a bit testy over the idea of anyone other than a neighbor pounding our trout to death. We're nice, though, and we won't say a lot about it to your face. We'll even share some patterns and some "not so great, but good enough" places, and shake your hand wishing you well. It's just how we are. But don't ask us how we pulled a 22 inch brown from an ankle deep run while you're catching fingerling bows in beautiful pools. That's one secret we'll never let go.

Now, if you're reading this and want to fish with me. Let's go. I'll share some secrets and put you on some nice fish. Because I know, if you fish with me, you're a person I like and respect... but too I probably know you won't be back with a hoard of friends every weekend.

Note: the water temps are rising along with the CFS. It's time to catch some pigs and down a brew or two. And if you're an angler like me, the brews can redeem any slow day on the water.

Keep it rural,
Griz