Smokies Fly Fishing November 2011

[wisenber]

I just read some horrible intel on Deep Creek in regards to fishing quality..

"For reasons I don't pretend to understand, and other fishermen who spend a lot of time in the stream completely agree with me, Deep Creek has declined appreciably in recent years--it is especially noticeable in the last five or six. I've noticed it most in the lower regions but the situation prevails everywhere. I participated in a Park stream survey on the lower end of Deep Creek for two days back in August, and Matt Kulp sent me the results just last week. They pretty much mirror findings from a 1985 survey, but I know that for me fishing is infinitely less productive. Other locals such as Jim Estes and Jim Mills echo my thoughts on this. Maybe I've lost much of whatever ability I ever had, but given the fact I don't seem to have trouble elsewhere, that really isn't likely the case. All I know is that it is troubling and that I'm not the only one who has noticed the decline."

That post was from Jim Casada...the guy that wrote the guidebook on fishing in the Park.

I'm going to see if I can get a reply from him today.....

[MedicineMan]

Honestly you know I'm not coming for the fishing....still trying to see if I have a right or left hand rod type fisherman, though I might get lucky, def. will get some pointers from Wisenber and other real men o'fly.
And knowing me is to realize I'll probably get to saturday with 16 hours of sleep since Tuesday-alas my circles of life and work and per past mini-hangs will sleep most of the weekend away.
I go to be in the Park-a just goal, to hang with my brethren of the suspended cloth, and to be where I can't hear the phone ring or some house project cuss me.
Fishing is tertiary if not lower on the priority list.

[wisenber]

It's official. The plan for site 57 has now been moved to the non-reservation site 74. That reflects a move from Deep Creek to Forney Creek for better fishing. The hike from the trailhead to camp is about 3 miles on rolling terrain about 2000'.
If you want to tag along, feel free. You'll need to self register at the trailhead kiosk (bring a pen). We're still staying 11/4-11/6.
A basic map can be found here, although I highly recommend TI 229.

This area is located just NW of Bryson City, NC.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. It looks like we presently have 5-6 folks showing up with a couple of different groups carpooling.

Fish on!

[wisenber]

Just a reminder. We will be staying at campsite 74 at the mouth of Forney Creek outside of Bryson City Nov. 4-6.
The new location does not require reservations but does require that you get a free permit at the kiosk.

Confirmed attendance thusfar:
Wisenber
Medicineman
Poof
Detail Man
Roche
D Ring??

The weather looks to be wet tomorrow with highs in the 50's. The rest of the weekend looks to be drier with lows in the mid 30's and highs in the 60's.

[wisenber]

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

A BAND OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN AND RAIN SHOWERS WILL CROSS THE
NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS TONIGHT. LATE TONIGHT...HIGHER ELEVATIONS
MAY SEE THE RAIN MIX WITH OR CHANGE OVER TO SNOW. AREAS ABOVE 5000
FEET COULD SEE 1 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW ON GRASSY SURFACES...WITH
MUCH LESS SNOW AT LOWER ELEVATIONS...IF ANY AT ALL. IT IS POSSIBLE
THAT A FEW ROADS WHICH CROSS THROUGH THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINS GAPS
MAY BECOME SLICK TOWARD MORNING.

Our camp is at around 2200' and the days following will be warmer. However, if you're driving over Newfound Gap, the road may be bad or closed Firday morning.

[Roche]

Thanks for the heads up. Detail Man and I will most likely take the scenic tour via the Dragon.

[wisenber]

Thanks for the heads up. Detail Man and I will most likely take the scenic tour via the Dragon.

Google actually says the Dragon is shorter. I have to swing by Little River Outfitters on the way, but I may double pack to the Parkway.

[Peg-Leg]

If I recall correctly, CS 74 is a very large flat site. The river there is open and you can cast easily without the worry of overhanging trees. There is also the large remains of an old ccc camp there.

The fishing is good up to the next CS, we waded the river between both and had good luck a couple years ago in June.

Have fun!!!

[wisenber]

If I recall correctly, CS 74 is a very large flat site. The river there is open and you can cast easily without the worry of overhanging trees. There is also the large remains of an old ccc camp there.

The fishing is good up to the next CS, we waded the river between both and had good luck a couple years ago in June.

Have fun!!!

Thanks for the heads up.

I figured it would be a big site since it is on the lake. I also wanted to make it an easy hike from the trailhead so that we could spend more time fishing than carrying a pack this time around. The rain we are getting tonight might make for some high water levels tomorrow. If that's the case, we can hike up to a feeder that's already drained out and wait for the water level to drop by Saturday. The water temps should be pretty low Friday, but hopefully it will warm up some by Saturday. My guess is nymphs in the morning then maybe some dries later in the day once it has warmed up.

Hiking, hanging, fishing and visiting friends...it's all good.

[Roche]

Hiking, hanging, fishing and visiting friends...it's all good.

Plus an extra hour to lollygag - fall back at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 6.