Road to the Smokies: Little Fish, Big Sweat
By Tom Chandler on May 1, 2007 in Tennessee
It’s after 11:00 pm and tomorrow we’re meeting Ian early for a float trip — which is my way of saying this is going to be brief.
Today, after running errands (license, backpacking goodies, etc), Rich and I drove, hiked, sweated, hiked, sweated some more, and hiked again — all to fish a small brookie stream.
Rich Margiotta fishes a small plunge pool. This was the easy part.
Located near a heavily trafficked trail — which for informational purposes we’ll call “Hot Babe Trail” — it was more work than we thought it should be, and the fish were pretty small.
Do we regret it? Don’t be silly.
We started by hiking 1.5 miles up a steep trail (wearing rubber pants) on an 80 degree day, bushwhacked our way up a steep, brushy streambed, climbing over rocks the size of Volkswagens.
You can do your own Return on Investment (ROI) calculation, but for some reason (possibly related to brookies and hot babes), I was pumped.
Less thrilling was our evening stint on the Little River; we fished a couple spots and didn’t land a single fish between us.
The hatch? A short one of the smorgasboard variety. I never figured it out.
Tomorrow we fish one of the tailwaters with Ian; the next day my backpacking trip begins. Forecast calls for 40% chance of rain during most of the trip.
This, I think, should prove interesting.
BTW — today I fished the 7′ 3wt Diamondglass rod that Rich just built me, and wow — perfect for that little stream. Smooth and fun, it’s testament to the suitability of fiberglass for fly rods.
Rich went with a 7.5′ 3wt T&T Heirloom glass rod that he emphatically states is the best 3wt rod he’s ever used (and Rich has used a lot of them).
As always, see you on the river, Tom Chandler.
A really bad picture of a real pretty Brookie. Bad camera!
[tags]fly fishing, fishing, smokies, smoky mountains, gsmnp, brook trout[/tags]
hawgdaddy | May 1, 2007 | Reply
Glad I’m not the only one who’s had trouble with Little River’s educated trout. For a Smokies stream, it can be really tough. Have a good trip. I’ll try to be happy for you while I’m stuck at the office,
Hawgdaddy
ijsouth | May 1, 2007 | Reply
A bad picture is better than no picture…my camera went for a swim with me last week…I have (or had) tons of gorgeous pictures of some of the brookies I caught last week, but it’s time to pull the sheet over it.
Actually, compared to most of my pictures, that was a pretty good pic. And, by now I wouldn’t bother with hippers - just wade wet. As for the hatches - they’re hopelessly confused now. I counted at least 4 different types of mayflies, plus the yellow sallies. Anywhere but the brookie streams, no fish were rising to hit them. Good luck the rest of the trip…wish I was back up there.
Tom Chandler | May 2, 2007 | Reply
The stretch of the Little River we wanted to get on (the bit that I know) had several fly fishers on it. Apparently the bugs aren’t the only ones who have arrived.
As for wading wet, that would have been fine during the day, but still uncomfortable in the evening…
ijsouth | May 2, 2007 | Reply
Maybe I should join a polar bear club…even after getting dunked, I wasn’t that cold, and that was pretty late.
Next time I’ll be up there, it will be June, so it won’t be an issue anyway.
Sully | May 2, 2007 | Reply
The brookie picture is more impressive once you realize that TC is 12-inches across the palm.
Will | May 2, 2007 | Reply
As a proud and hairy Italian, I have not bought waders…yet…
I was able to stand the Upper Sac near Cantara on Halloween. I actually didn’t think it was any worse than early June’s snowmelt on the Sac, but it sounds a little crazier.
I’m thinking about trying the Fox River in Michigan’s UP later this summer. I might cave and spring for waders then. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks, Will
Smellslikefish | May 2, 2007 | Reply
Two mentions of “hot babes” in the post, yet not one picture to prove it. Hope to God you weren’t referring to Rich (and I hope only half as much as he does…).
It’s been how long since the last gratuitous bikini shot? Brookies are cute and all, but just how do you hope to keep your audience with pictures of fish and rivers and men all the time?
Kent | May 2, 2007 | Reply
It all sounds wonderful, and the little brookie is georgeous! Enjoy. Have you fished the 4wt?
Mike W. | May 3, 2007 | Reply
My wife and I just got back from a glorious week of brightly colored fish, Phillips 66 slaw dogs and cold beer . I wish were back there now. Enjoy the backcountry you lucky bastard.
Tom Chandler | May 3, 2007 | Reply
I’ve only got a second. Thanks for all the comments! I’m bringing the hollowbuilt 4wt into the backcountry, and sadly, no slaw dogs yet — those will have to wait until next week.
Clay | May 3, 2007 | Reply
Will, if you have not fished the Fox before or would like some tips, Maybe even some locations to fish it let me know. I live in Michigan and know most all rivers in the state, U.P. included. Last summer we caught our fill of 14″-16″ Brookies. You just need to know where to go to get away from everyone else! Also if youre up there you may want to try the East branch north of Seney. Big Browns reside there and Last year I got an (almost) 16″ Brookie about 2 miles down from the bridge. Send me an email if you so desire. rctabor@comcast.net.
Beaverkill | May 4, 2007 | Reply
Dont overlook the Middle Prong and some of its tribs.. Beautiful Stream.. Loaded with brookies and some browns..Not quite as crowded as the main river or the East Prong..I close my eyes and can picture it now..Thanks
Good Luck!
Clay | May 4, 2007 | Reply
The whole state of Michigan is beautiful and great fishing, (out side of Detroit and that southeast part). We will be leaving for the upper Pigeon in 3 more weeks. Great centralized location for the AuSable, Black, and Sturgeon (all excellent trout streams). And don’t forget all those little tributaries of the Fox are loaded with Brookies as well and vastly overlooked. And if you feel adventurous try some exploring and try to find “Trophy Brook Trout Lake”, it is not listed but is there off some old county roads and RR grades. 16″ minimum and artificials only. Will, I expect a report when you return!