We are being blessed with great weather this winter, temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s and the TVA is giving great flows on the Watuaga and South Holston Tailwaters. The closed spawning sections on the South Holston will re-open on Wednesday and with the weather calling for low 60’s it will be a great day to float and check out these sections.

When floating on high water and throwing streamers, you need to follow a few simple techniques that will give you better chances for success. Having the proper fly rod & reel matched to the appropriate fly lines and leaders for the situations you are fishing is step one. Have good casting accuracy is number two, step one helps you become a better caster when the rod system is balanced. Step three is where your memory comes into play. We use a series of depth counts and strips to see where the fish are in the water column. When a fish takes your presentation you will need to remember the depth and retrieve you were using and this usually will work for the majority of your fishing trip unless river or weather conditions change. The final part is enjoying the fight and landing the fish. Have a great drag on the reel, again back to step one, equipment, will make sure you have the best chance at landing your trophy. These are just a few helpful hints that will help you when going after trophy fish with streamers.

I will be giving a presentation on February 8th to the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club, this meeting is held at Manuel’s is located at 602 N. Highland Avenue, near the Carter Center. I look forward to seeing you there.

Then be sure to mark your calendars for “The Fly Fishing Show in Raleigh”, I will be splitting my time between the Temple Fork Outfitters and Chota Outdoor Gear booths. Be sure to stop by and say hey.

Hope you have a great week, get out there and get some tight lines and screaming reels.