Looking for fly fishing advice

[BetterDaniel]

I just got into fly fishing last fall and have only been once. Im looking for suggestions on flies, species, and rivers around the knoxville area to try out this spring. Anyone have any good suggestions?

 

[7mm08]

You are in the best place to flyfish east of the Mississippi. However this time of year stinks because TVA is lowering water on surrounding lakes thus the tailwaters are unwadeable right now. Winter fishing is great on the tailwaters with the water off and the rest of the year is phenomenal. The Smokies and Cherokee are great as well. 1000 miles of trout fishing within 1 hour radius of Knoxville.

so tie flies, and learn to cast now so that you can fish later.

whatever you do DON'T fish for stripers with a flyrod.......

a few pics over the past 10 years or so from several fishing friends and a couple from me. All released, all caught on flies

 

[BetterDaniel]

You are in the best place to flyfish east of the Mississippi. However this time of year stinks because TVA is lowering water on surrounding lakes thus the tailwaters are unwadeable right now. Winter fishing is great on the tailwaters with the water off and the rest of the year is phenomenal. The Smokies and Cherokee are great as well. 1000 miles of trout fishing within 1 hour radius of Knoxville.

so tie flies, and learn to cast now so that you can fish later.

whatever you do DON'T fish for stripers with a flyrod.......

a few pics over the past 10 years or so from several fishing friends and a couple from me.

Is tying your own flies advantageous over buying them? I've been rolling this around lately.

 

[7mm08]

Yes.
cheap vices tie just a good a fly as an expensive one.

satisfaction level that you fooled the fish

patterns for the spring comparaduns, pheasant tail nymphs, CADDIS pupae, and any kind of midge, scud, and sowbug

 

[WTM]

hmm, why not stripers?

 

[BetterDaniel]

Yes.
cheap vices tie just a good a fly as an expensive one.

satisfaction level that you fooled the fish

patterns for the spring comparaduns, pheasant tail nymphs, CADDIS pupae, and any kind of midge, scud, and sowbug

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Buzzard Breath]

Little River Outfitters in Townsend posts a fishing report every morning. It's a good place to learn some.
https://littleriveroutfitters.com/pages/fishing/report.htm
Size 12 & 16 Parachute Adam's with a little warm weather in February will produce some amazing dry fly fishing in the Smoky's.

 

[Safari Hunt]

I would take the time to fish the park. All wild fish as stocking ended in the mid 70s. One has the chance to catch rainbows, browns and brookies. I fished the Middle Prong of LR and got a Grand Slam- 5 'bows, 4 browns, 2 brookies on one day. Take time to visit Little River Outfitters, great bunch of folks who will get you started. Tying- part of the fun of fly fishing. One can tie established patterns or let your imagination run wild. I have found that I can fish from SE TN up to the park with only 6-8 patterns carried in two small boxes on my lanyard. Also check into a Trout Unlimited chapter in Knoxville or Maryville/Townsend; www.tu.org. Chapters offer loads of information plus free casting and tying lessons. A member of the Hiwassee Chapter told me about the MPLR.

 

[Hitit9999]

I grew up in Bryson City, NC, just across the mountain from Gatlinburg. Learned to fly fish in my yard when I was a kid. Some of the absolute best fly fishing in the world around there. This time of year, you just have to be careful and fish slow. Most times, it will take multiple casts to get a fish to bite. Use light leader, and right now try some type of midge or nymph pattern. Deep Creek is good, Nantahala is great, Cherokee is awesome (and stocked every week) and fishing the Tuckaseegee from Cullowhee down past Sylva is really good (its delayed harvest and loaded with good one.) When it starts to warm up, parachute adams are really good--or really anything with white wings, and then anything with a yellow body. Hope this helps.

 

[MickThompson]

You have some great smalllmouth streams too. Don't overlook them for trout, especially in the summer months when water temps may stress trout.

 

[7mm08]

hmm, why not stripers?

Lose your mind, wallet, and then you'll elevate that to saltwater!!!

stripers are like pot...... gateway drug!!! Ha!!!

 

[gtk]

Unless you are wealthy, I'd pick either hunting or flyfishing for a hobbie. I started fly fishing last year and it is 110% addictive and i"m always buying stuff to fly fish with.. I can't seem to stop :)

 

[Safari Hunt]

Stripers on Norris Lake. BASS had an article years ago about the TWRA netting a 60 lb. striper in one of the coves.

 

[BetterDaniel]

Unless you are wealthy, I'd pick either hunting or flyfishing for a hobbie. I started fly fishing last year and it is 110% addictive and i"m always buying stuff to fly fish with.. I can't seem to stop :)

I have too many hobbies as it is. Im already feeling it. Atleast fly fishing is cheaper than cars

 

[7mm08]

You have some great smalllmouth streams too. Don't overlook them for trout, especially in the summer months when water temps may stress trout.

Very true!!!

Little River Outfitters in Townsend posts a fishing report every morning. It's a good place to learn some.
https://littleriveroutfitters.com/pages/fishing/report.htm
Size 12 & 16 Parachute Adam's with a little warm weather in February will produce some amazing dry fly fishing in the Smoky's.

this box is a must learn and EASY to tie, and will catch fish all day in the Smokies. And yes I tied these

 

[Buzzard Breath]

You have some great smallmouth streams too. Don't overlook them for trout, especially in the summer months when water temps may stress trout.

^^^^^^ This

Keep in mind, you'll probably be driving right by some good smallmouth fishing just to get to trout water. Before moving out of East TN, I pretty much quit trout fishing and fished only for warmwater fish. You can also catch bass and panfish at any of the parks around Fort Loudon Lake. Small wooly-buggers in black and white will catch about anything you can think of.

 

[MickThompson]

I have too many hobbies as it is. Im already feeling it. Atleast fly fishing is cheaper than cars

Take up tying. Then when you go hunting, you're simply gathering tying material for your fly fishing hobby

 

[Setterman]

I just got into fly fishing last fall and have only been once. Im looking for suggestions on flies, species, and rivers around the knoxville area to try out this spring. Anyone have any good suggestions?

Welcome to hell, haha. Just kidding fly fishing has taken me to places all over the world and without it I would never have even heard of some of these places.

In terms of flies here in the east. I'm super simple and literally fish one or two patterns on the tailwaters, mountain streams, and smallmouth.
Tailwaters- keep two sizes of pheasant tails, and a midge pattern of your choice.
mountains- never sink caddis and a pheasant tail
smallmouth- chartreuse popper, white conehead zuddler

people love to carry a billion patterns on them when they fish, ive found right or wrong that around here, out west, on the saltwater flats, or wherever keeping it simple is key. Present a fly properly and what that fly is rarely matters. It's all about the presentation and mood of the fish. I say this to help you not get overwhelmed by starting out with fly boxes full of flies you have no idea what they represent or when to use. Those I list above look a little like everything a fish will eat, around here, and will work 9/10 days.

Rivers:
Clinch: always moody, always challenging, but also rewarding. Access points for wading Millers Island, 61 Bridge (Baptist Church parking area), or above to Weir. Although on the weir you need to be as tall as @7mm08 in some areas haha
Holston- Nances Ferry is about the only good access
Smallmouth- More than I could list, but a great place to start is the Little Pigeon in Sevierville. Access point vary but I like the area around the Fair grounds the best
Mountains- unlimited options, but I hate the streams that are easy access. Hiking in or fishing small tributaries will be more enjoyable and far more productive

 

[Dbllunger]

Lose your mind, wallet, and then you'll elevate that to saltwater!!!

stripers are like pot...... gateway drug!!! Ha!!!

I can quit anytime! I just don't want to!!

 

[7mm08]

Welcome to hell, haha. Just kidding fly fishing has taken me to places all over the world and without it I would never have even heard of some of these places.

In terms of flies here in the east. I'm super simple and literally fish one or two patterns on the tailwaters, mountain streams, and smallmouth.
Tailwaters- keep two sizes of pheasant tails, and a midge pattern of your choice.
mountains- never sink caddis and a pheasant tail
smallmouth- chartreuse popper, white conehead zuddler

people love to carry a billion patterns on them when they fish, ive found right or wrong that around here, out west, on the saltwater flats, or wherever keeping it simple is key. Present a fly properly and what that fly is rarely matters. It's all about the presentation and mood of the fish. I say this to help you not get overwhelmed by starting out with fly boxes full of flies you have no idea what they represent or when to use. Those I list above look a little like everything a fish will eat, around here, and will work 9/10 days.

Rivers:
Clinch: always moody, always challenging, but also rewarding. Access points for wading Millers Island, 61 Bridge (Baptist Church parking area), or above to Weir. Although on the weir you need to be as tall as @7mm08 in some areas haha
Holston- Nances Ferry is about the only good access
Smallmouth- More than I could list, but a great place to start is the Little Pigeon in Sevierville. Access point vary but I like the area around the Fair grounds the best
Mountains- unlimited options, but I hate the streams that are easy access. Hiking in or fishing small tributaries will be more enjoyable and far more productive

Listen to this KID! If it swims , including in a fish bowl , he's caught it on a fly. This crap about being Setterman..... I ain't ever seen him with a setter, but then again he's part goat and I'm not.

 

[7mm08]

I can quit anytime! I just don't want to!!

Stripers
Carp
Tarpon
Redfish
Flats boat
Bay Boat to replace flats boat
House in BEAUFORT now
A BUNCH OF DOLLARS SO FAR!!!! I'd say it's cheaper than crack cocaine, I guess!!! Ha!

 

[BetterDaniel]

Welcome to hell, haha. Just kidding fly fishing has taken me to places all over the world and without it I would never have even heard of some of these places.

In terms of flies here in the east. I'm super simple and literally fish one or two patterns on the tailwaters, mountain streams, and smallmouth.
Tailwaters- keep two sizes of pheasant tails, and a midge pattern of your choice.
mountains- never sink caddis and a pheasant tail
smallmouth- chartreuse popper, white conehead zuddler

people love to carry a billion patterns on them when they fish, ive found right or wrong that around here, out west, on the saltwater flats, or wherever keeping it simple is key. Present a fly properly and what that fly is rarely matters. It's all about the presentation and mood of the fish. I say this to help you not get overwhelmed by starting out with fly boxes full of flies you have no idea what they represent or when to use. Those I list above look a little like everything a fish will eat, around here, and will work 9/10 days.

Rivers:
Clinch: always moody, always challenging, but also rewarding. Access points for wading Millers Island, 61 Bridge (Baptist Church parking area), or above to Weir. Although on the weir you need to be as tall as @7mm08 in some areas haha
Holston- Nances Ferry is about the only good access
Smallmouth- More than I could list, but a great place to start is the Little Pigeon in Sevierville. Access point vary but I like the area around the Fair grounds the best
Mountains- unlimited options, but I hate the streams that are easy access. Hiking in or fishing small tributaries will be more enjoyable and far more productive

Thanks, this is a lot of good stuff to work from. Thank you for the details.

 

[scn]

Whatever you do, don't EVER let anyone bushwhack you into a fly fishing trip for tarpon. It is the closest thing in fishing to just shooting it into your veins. I don't think there is a cure.

 

[Setterman]

Whatever you do, don't EVER let anyone bushwhack you into a fly fishing trip for tarpon. It is the closest thing in fishing to just shooting it into your veins. I don't think there is a cure.

Haha, that is the truth. I'll add do not even consider going to the Carribean in the winter to chase bonefish. It really sucks being in 85 degree weather in places that are like postcards chasing a fish that lives in ankle deep water while your friends back home are huddled around a fire.

 

[TN Song Dog]

Been a while, but this should work or be close.

et some bead head pheasant tail nymphs. #12 probably be fine. Use strike indicator.

Clinch River
Check the generator schedule first. Be safe. Water rises fast when they turn them on. Go north of Knoxville. Take Racoon Valley Rd exit to hwy 441 and to the millers island boat ramp. Wade out and to the left. Fish different spots until you find a good spot. Movig water is good. Ripples. Near bigger rocks they stack behind. Enjoy!

 

[BetterDaniel]

Been a while, but this should work or be close.

et some bead head pheasant tail nymphs. #12 probably be fine. Use strike indicator.

Clinch River
Check the generator schedule first. Be safe. Water rises fast when they turn them on. Go north of Knoxville. Take Racoon Valley Rd exit to hwy 441 and to the millers island boat ramp. Wade out and to the left. Fish different spots until you find a good spot. Movig water is good. Ripples. Near bigger rocks they stack behind. Enjoy!

Thanks for the advice! Im not far from the clinch River.

 

[BetterDaniel]

Been a while, but this should work or be close.

et some bead head pheasant tail nymphs. #12 probably be fine. Use strike indicator.

Clinch River
Check the generator schedule first. Be safe. Water rises fast when they turn them on. Go north of Knoxville. Take Racoon Valley Rd exit to hwy 441 and to the millers island boat ramp. Wade out and to the left. Fish different spots until you find a good spot. Movig water is good. Ripples. Near bigger rocks they stack behind. Enjoy!

What time of year did you find was best?

 

[TN Song Dog]

Thanks for the advice! Im not far from the clinch River.

Welcome.

The weir dam area used to hold some big fish in some deeper pools, but I always had more volume of catches near the millers island in the quicker moving water.

Also spend money on good 100% fluorocarbon tippet or tapered leaders. I would use a tapered leader and then replace any break offs or cast offs with tippet. My method was self taught, crude, and probably not the best... but I caught plenty of fish. Again, be safe out there. If water starts rising and you are a ways from the ramp, just head towards the bank somewhere (not the island) to get out. Dont risk trying to wade the whloe way back.

 

[TN Song Dog]

What time of year did you find was best?

Time of year didnt seem to matter too much. Water was always the same temp, regardless. Whats most important is timing of the generators. When they are running multiple, you can't wade. Do some research on that part. I can't remember if running one generator was still wadeable or not... maybe someone else will chime in on that.

 

[Pilchard]

Haha, that is the truth. I'll add do not even consider going to the Carribean in the winter to chase bonefish. It really sucks being in 85 degree weather in places that are like postcards chasing a fish that lives in ankle deep water while your friends back home are huddled around a fire.

The Caribbean fishery is cheating! Take a trip down to Biscayne Bay and fish for the ones that are educated

The biggest bonefish I've ever seen was caught while we were chumming for tarpon in Key West Harbor. The guy I was with hooked the fish and tried to give me the rod since he was sick of catching tarpon... I said no, you hooked it, it's your fish. It was probably 13lbs and it ate a piece of shrimp trash on 80lb leader!