Feb. 17, 2011

We had an "event" yesterday that was amazing to watch.  At 10am, the water began to come alive with millions of tiny stoneflies!  It was really cool to watch!  It was synchronized perfectly.  Just one tiny example of God's amazingly perfect creation.  God's feeding program!

There is a meeting Thursday, March 31st in Asheville you might want to attend.  It is at the Biltmore Church of Christ at 7pm.  It will be a presentation of the NCWRC 3 year study on smallmouth bass.  42 different streams were studied.  Some familiar rivers, and some new waters that are teeming with fish.  I plan to go if anyone wants to ride with me.  The study should be available on-line shortly, too.

Trout stocking is scheduled for March 2nd and if you want to volunteer to help give me a shout! 

2/16/11

Countdown begins for me at HAACs.  I am eager to see April 2nd arrive but dread the seemingly inevitable crowds of folks who think Wilson Creek is for pillaging and leave their sign everywhere.  "Leave No Trace" is a good way to live (and hide!), but some just don't get it.  I get very blistered sometimes when the abuse is blatant.  We had a several "situations" this week.  The process of educating and enforcing is never-ending.

Fishing has been outstanding.  The fish are taking on top and dry is happening.  The standards are all effective as the fish are enjoying the abundance of food appearing in the water with the rising temps.  This week the fishing should continue to be hot.  I know of several 24+" fish that are waiting to tug a line!   

Feb. 11, 2011

Beautiful day!  Temps are climbing.  Saw some nice rising fish today.  They are getting active.

Got a bunch of new flies in the store yesterday and eager to try them.  One, a BH Copper John Rainbow Legs in chartreuse!  The fish might not like it but you never know til ya try! 
DH and HS to get stocked 1st of March.  Plenty of fish here now so should be awesome.  Where are the fishermen?  Nobody's on the water!  I'm closing up and goin' fishin'!

Feb. 8, 2011

Reminder-Gorge Clean-Up days are 3rd Saturday of the month.

Also, volunteers needed for next stocking March 1st

Saturday

Water has receded and is clear.  Typical Wilson Creek.  Fish have been active.  Nice catches reported today on a variety of flies.  Fish are hungry and more active.  Temps are up a notch or two.  Forecast is for mild overcast.  Should be a nice day on the water tomorrow.  Fish are moving up and down...where they were yesterday may not be there today.

Report

Rain really brought the water up around 0 yesterday.  Lots of kayakers in the gorge area.  Water murked up a bit... fish less skittish.  Still need 6-7x, though, and excellent presentations.  Weather warm with strong front approaching.  Perfect.  Should be very good for a few days.  Fish very hungry with large catch rates reported.  Flies are still nymphs mostly.  Rainbow Prince Flashback #16 really strong fly in tandem with BWO lead fly.  Fish healthy and fat.  Some 23-24" being reported regularly, but most still 14-16.  Fish have moved south a bit to deeper water in search of warmer water and new food.  Try south end of mill area.

Feb. 1, 2011

"What do you want from the Fishing Club?"
  Learning was unanimous answer.  Here are some suggested topics:
Biologist to talk about the river, fish and wildlife, and programs
Trapping
Entomology of stream
Knots
Fly-tying (John to tackle nymphs at next meeting)

Photography
Casting (on the beach)
Water quality (Friends of Wilson Creek test every month.  Let's get results)
Join Friends of Wilson Creek
John Crockett (April)
New Technology
Taxidermy
Smallmouth fishing (Scott Cunningham)
Catch and release
Poaching (speak to John Crockett)
Trash (3rd Saturday of every month)





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