It's all running together!

Fishing is at full swing here as spring has busted wide open. The fish are literally throwing themselves on hooks and I'm in the water 6 days a week. It's all starting to run together. I can't seem to get enough time to post reports, so I'm combining a few.

I met up with KYflyfisher on Sat in Greenbriar in the Smokies. This is an annual pilgrimage for Cat and I. Fishing for me, wildflowers for Cat. If you have never been to Smoky Mountain National Park in late April- early May, you are missing one of the most incredible things experiences in the world! We arrived around 8am and I met up with James. Thankfully, he decided to go buy some felt soled boots, which made me feel a lot better, knowing the chances of me preforming CPR on him for busting his head on a rock less likely. We chatted a bit about the day and headed out to catch some fish.

We started out fishing some of the larger water on Middle Prong, working on skills and casting. Not being a fan of large water, I was anxious to move into the smaller tributaries. KY and I fished together til about noon and then it was time for me to meet up with Cat, who had been tromping all over Porter's Creek taking wildflower photo's and talking to random people. (Remember to watch out for that one eyed rattler back in the woods!) We had an EXCELLENT picnic along the creek, enjoying be out with each other on a beautiful spring day.

After lunch, I continued fishing Middle Prong up to the Ramsey Cascade trail head. The crack of thunder could be heard and it looked like rain was on it's way. Knowing we had plans for the evening with friends (swine was being smoked!), I decided to call it a day. Overall, fishing was good, not great, but good. Lots of sweet little rainbows were brought to hand, but nothing large. Another great day in the Smokies!



Yesterday, Adicus and I headed out to the our favorite little smallmouth river. Fishing was great. Tons of dink smallies were caught, along with with a few larger ones. Nothing huge, but a great day on the water non the less. Surprise of the day was a 16" rainbow that took my chartreuse roostertail, my first bow in this river. He was hooked deep and bleeding, so Adicus got a snack! And yes, I was using my spinning rod, I'm a lazy smallmouth fisherman in the spring!

Adicus struggled some in a new section of the river that we fished. The current was fast and the water was knee deep, he couldn't touch the bottom and was losing ground quick! I had to actually back up, grab him by the scruff if the neck and drag him upstream. I have never seen the look of panic in Adicus' eyes, but it was there as he paddled as hard as he could, making no headway. I really have no idea how many fish were caught, but it was a lot. I was taking 7" smallies off the hook nonstop. Where were the big boys and girls? Maybe they are starting to settle into their spawn? I know I have no interest in food when it's spawn time for me!

Smallie Smackdown!!

Went with Adicus down to my favorite section of my local smallmouth river today to see what was going on with the spawn. I rigged up my med action spin rod with a brown/ orange slash bait and hit the water. As is usual, I made a few quick casts into my "test" pool to see if the fishies were active. My second cast netted a solid 14" smallie that took the lure with out a second look.

The water is still high from the spring rains, so wading remained difficult if not still a bit dangerous. I moved down to a reliable hole that usually holds fish and began to do my thing while Adicus romped around on the bank. Fishing was easy today. Cast, work the pools deep, catch fish. Nice sized smallies in the 13"-16" range kept impaling themselves upon my hooks, bringing grins to my face. I always enjoy fishing for smallmouth here. I fish this section 50+ times a year, so I know it like the back of my hand. The best lays are known that regularly hold nice sized fish. I know in the spring, they're hanging out in bigger pools, moving into faster water and riffles as temps continue to rise.

I moved upstream to one of the most consistent pockets I know of. A small deep hole, I've caught as many as 5, 3lb+ fish out of it in one day. I made my cast with anticipation, fingers almost trembling, waiting for the whack of a big smallie taking the lure. Waiting, waiting, waiting, nothing. A couple of more casts and not even a hit. Disillusioned, I realized a high volume of water was moving through the run, so i began casting into the slack water to the left. One my second cast, while reeling it back, it just stopped. I'm thinking rock. I gave it a nice tug only to become aware that you can't feel a rock shake it's head.

As this realization hit, drag began to sing, as a very nice smallie began to take control of the situation. Bulleting into the faster water for leverage, this guy acted like this had happened before and knew what to do. Diving under rocks, running through rapids trying to throw the hook. I climbed up on a rock to gain some control back, since Mr. Bronzeback was 30 ft downstream through a fast current and big chunk rock. I was able to work him out of the fast water into the pocket behind the rock I'm standing on, slowly slipping my thumb into his mouth, claiming my victory. This was one hoss bass! I'm gonna say about 3lbs. give or take a few ounces. Thank you sir, you made my day!

The rest of the day continued as before. Walking between deeper pools and holes, catching nice bass out of each one. It was an absolutely beautiful day on the water. Spring has finally taken hold and things are begging to happen. Geese are on the nests and I think the river bass will be moving that direction soon. All together, I caught around 50 smallies today, 3 or 4 rockbass, and one lone brim. Great day.