Regulations

There is a formal "process" for the public's affecting formation of the regulations governing fish and game.  If anyone is interested, give me an email and I'll shoot you a copy of the file.

While it would be nice to have certain changes in the regs, many are "out of our reach".  For instance, it is doubtful we could ever get DH water boundaries extended to include the now Hatchery-Supported section of Wilson Creek.  But, we might be successful in getting the regs changed so that DH waters are "fly-only", and/or do not open in June to "take" status.

I think this is worth pursuing.  I will speak about this in our next meeting.

March 26th, 2011

Next meeting April 4th to feature "CASTING" on the beach.  Bring your gear.  Let's attempt to meet as early as possible.  Come directly to the Dance Hall area and proceed to the beach.

Fishing very good trending to excellent.  The weather fluctuations are making the fish unpredictable (who cares?).  C-Bo, Alan, and John have been see stinging quite a few fish lately!  They look like they know what they are doing so I am leaving them alone (probably couldn't keep up with 'em anyhow).

Wet Woolies in brown or olive #12 followed by #12-14 BH Stone or BH Pheasant-tail working well in tandem rigs.  Some quill gordon hatching with BWO and soon caddis (down here working, anyway). 

I'll have pictures on the next posting.  Send me what you have if you want your mug out there.

Reminder - Gorge Clean Up on April 16th meet at Visitor Center 10am.

Striper Trip to Roanoke Rapids anyone?

I've got a guide friend keeping May 8 (leave in the am and fish pm) and 9 (fish am and leave pm) open for a fly fishing group, if anyone is interested.  The cost is about $200, depending on #.  We can get an additional boat, if needed.  3 max per boat.  I've made this an annual event and it is awesome!  A "must" trip of a lifetime.  Visit www.pamlicoguide.com and click Roanoke Rapids for more info.  We'd be fishing with Capt. Beckwith.

3/16/11

Need some help catching a BUNCH of 16-24" fish this weekend.  Who would like to volunteer?  Call me and I will give you details 828-394-0950.

3/15/11

www.thepetitionsite.com/1/protect-wilson-creek

Hatchery waters being stocked this week.  Closed til 4/2 opening day.  On DH, we had a busy weekend with lots of Yellow Hammer / Tellico combinations hooking up.  Many very big fish and high numbers.  Fish still down in the column more than I'd like.  Nymph fishing getting rather stale for my taste.  Forecast for 70s beginning Thursday so looking for this to start things off.  Light rain today.  Wish I could get off.  Should be a good day.


Please sign this petition if you haven't already and forward.

3/11/2011

Well, after a great stocking on March 2^nd in the DH section followed by several days of steady rain I am happy to report THE FISH ARE HERE, HAPPY, AND HUNGRY!  They are widely distributed throughout the entire DH section of the river.  We were fortunate to receive many extremely large fish in this stocking...some pushing 30”.  The water has now cleared and is reading 47 degrees down here, so the fish will be getting active.  Fishing was exceptional but predictable before the stocking...and it should be awesome now.  Fish are feeding well up in the water column and on top during the now daily stone hatch.  It’s not heavy yet, but a few warm days and it will be “ON” big time!  Flies working well include Yellow Hammer, Crystal Egg, Blue-wing Olive, Early Stones, Woolies, and Soft Hackles (sizes 14-18 seem best).  One other note, be sure to step up leaders and tippets!  These fish have some back and the waters running!

3/8/10

Rain is good, but I'd sorta like to see the sun.  A huge hatch is waiting.  I can feel it!

Fish of any numbers up in the column with wet nymphs and even some dry action.

I do not know the effect of Sat./Sunday weather on the recently stocked fish.  I suspect they were pushed into the holes we are all aware of.  Someone give me a report next time you are out, and consider sharing with other members and guests here.

3/5/11

"WOW!" Does it get much better than this?  I think this should be called "catching" rather than fishing.  Lots of big hungry fish and beautiful weather (a bit cold, even for C-Bo, for wet wading, though!).  Tippet thinks it's just fine.  Get to fishing before the bait chunkers arrive in April, I say.

Going to try some different stuff today.  Think I'll fish on top and see if I can get a rise or ten.  Many areas I scouted yesterday are holding lots of fish where usually thin.  Thanks to Kevin and Adam and the fisheries guys for spreading 'em out.  Suggestion - get hear early!!!!

Fish are either stupid or smart.  Feeding up in the column.  Wet nymphs working well.  Good presentations will score.  If you're not catching now you need to work on your casting.  It's definitely not the fishes fault.

Heather has a bog pot of chicken soup on today so save your appetite.  If I am not here I will be on the water somewhere. 

3/4/11

Folks - sorry so long since last post.  We have been busy.

John, many thanks for the nymph session.  It was great!  Cati had a wonderful time and is ready to go again!  She said "it was the best time in my life and I want to tie flys the rest of my life!"  Such is the simple joys of a child, but not bad, if you ask me.

The stocking on the 2nd was amazing.  Fish are really spread out.  Many, many huge fish in the 24-30 range.  Water temps are up and the fish are active.  Catch rates of 30-50 fish are common.  Daily hatches are slowly becoming a regular thing.  I'd like to see some more rain and hope the weather holds.  It is perfect.

Sale at the store is postponed until May sometime.  I'll keep you posted.  Some good stuff.  New stuf is slowly arriving.

Stream work here and more trout arriving.  Get to work!