March 8 , 2004 east Tennessee Fly fishing report

The water temps on the small streams have been cold from the snow melt, and so the fishing has been tough. They have now warmed into the low fifties, and are starting to fish better.

The South Holston has been great for the past few weeks, with a lot of BWOs and blue quills. We have had some of the best winter fly fishing, using dry flies, I have seen in years. The BWO hatches have slowed a little and the fish are eating midges in the surface film, and nymphs sub-surface.

The Watauga River has been nymphing well. We have had to fish it deep and slow, since the water from Stoney Creek and the Doe River has been cold. There are a few blue quills and midges, and we are looking forward to the upcoming caddis hatches.

We have had several wade-ins and float trips this year. Depending on the weather and water conditons, we usually decide where to fish the day of the trip. We have had several great days, already this year. We have had a few tough days also, but we have not been skunked.

Remember, your Tennessee fishing license expired the last day of February. So now is the time to purchase a new one. You can do this online, right from our links page.

April and May are booking up fast. If you have a date in mind, let me know so we can get you on the calendar. We look forward to seeing everyone again this year.

Eddie Wyatt and Ben Walters have opened up a great new fly shop, off Highway 11E, here in East Tennessee. If you are in the area, stop by the shop and tell them that Jason sent you.

Fly Shop of East Tennessee, Inc.
102 Willmary Road
Johnson City, TN 37601
423-928-2007