Summer Is Here!!!

Hey Everyone,

I apologize for being inconsistent this year on the blog. Just know I try to keep up with this stuff, but have failed miserably the last few months. Im sure you all have missed my awesome grammar, and spelling these past few months. Ill give a little recap of our Spring Then get on with the new transition period we are entering.

This year was exciting as always. Hatches were very early by a month, but that didn’t change much for the fish. We also had some incredible Striper fishing as well as the pre spawn Small Mouth Bass. Trout fishing was probably the best year I have seen to date. I say that in the most truthful way possible. There are talks of fisheries not being as good as they once were in Pisgah National Forest. All I can say is “book with us if you believe that”. Lazy angling will get lazy results please remember that. We believe in teaching people how to approach fish, cast, fight and land them. Once these things are taught the angler will become more successful on the water they are fishing. To say we have added a few new fisheries yearly to offer more to our guests is an understatement. We have truly enjoyed showing everyone different types of fishing for different times of the year.

The South East has so much more to offer when it comes to species, for fly and conventional fishing.

This Summer is going to be pretty good in my opinion. We had a very dry Spring which up until this week had our rivers running low, but now it’s raining a lot, which should make fishing great for weeks to come. We need rain, and to have a day off is ok in my book as long as the fish enjoy it.

Pisgah Forest wade trips will be half days for the most part due to our region constantly having to battle warmer water temps in the afternoon. We will run full days if the water temps are safe for the Wild Trout.We don’t guide anything higher than 65 degrees just due to not wanting to harm the fish long term. We are hooking them in the face for fun, but we're not trying to kill them. The Davidson River has seen water temps in the almost 70 degree range as well as the French Broad River. Please remember Summer just began today. Im guessing we could see low 70s this year, and thankfully there is a gage to prove that. The trout will survive, but we have to be mindful. This is a sign to start early, and leave early. Fishing in the morning is great! The beetle fishing this year has been amazing as well as our famous Inch Worm hatch. Caddis are still around, and probably will be around in the early morning hours of light. Book soon as these trips fill up fast this time of year.

Small Mouth Bass Fishing is in full effect! With 6 rivers to fish for these bad boys, we have plenty of water, and time to get you out here to enjoy the Summer Festivities. These fish are our staff favorite just due to the places we fish them, and the fight they give the angler. We float for these fish, and are happy to get you on them from now until the Fall. Top water bite will remain strong with the fly, and finesses fishing with conventional gear is always an option for anglers not wanting to cast all day. We have plenty of ice, water, food and sun block in our boats. Just bring yourself, and well take care of the rest!

Striper fishing is something we don’t talk about much. Just know they are around, and we enjoy chasing after them.We look forward to having y’all out to feel the power these fish have on a fly rod.

The Tailwaters continue to produce great hatches for dry fly fishing, as well as nymphing. Sulfers have been great in the evenings, and will continue for the next couple months. Beetle fishing here remains strong as well. Both rivers have begun to run water for these fish from the dams which was much needed. This water is cold, and the fish absolutely love it.

Summer is all about the terrestrials. Grass hoppers. Cicadas, beetles, inchworms, damselflies, dragonflies are all part of the South East Food Plate for most of the fish we fish for. High Sun days can get tough, but it's all about how you approach the fish. Our water will get low as we get deeper into the Summer, but approach will be key as it always is a Hare's Ear Fly Fishing.

We are on record for our busiest year yet, and all I can say is thank you guys! I never wanted this company to grow fast, and we have continued slow growth from day 1. Our Guides work hard for clients, and that will remain till we are gone. Also, stop by Dodson Fishing Company in Travelers Rest for any, and all gear. They have a great staff that know the game, and continue to grow there inventory weekly.

One Cool Adipose