Anglers have been reeling in rainbows at Noland Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) where water levels have been ideal due to steady evening rains. This good fortune should remain throughout the weekend in all Western North Carolina (WNC) hatchery-supported streams.
Afternoon temperatures will warm up the lower-elevation waters, so start fishing early and bring along your Red and Yellow Wulffs, Purple Hazes, Olive Midges, and Black Stoneflies (#16). Pink Squirmy Worms have also been popular with the trout. Just for kicks, we tried poppers and landed some smallmouth bass! There’s nothing like fighting a bass on a fly rod!
There’s still time to register for the Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament in Cherokee scheduled for Saturday, July 9 to Sunday, July 10. The registration deadline is Friday, July 8 at 11:59 p.m. For $32 ($15 registration fee; $17 two-day permit), anglers will compete for $10,000 worth of tagged fish which can be redeemed for a range of monetary prizes. While in Cherokee, stop by Rivers Edge Outfitters at 61 Big Cove Road. They’ll have whatever gear you need.
Have wonderful weekends!
