Fly Fishing Report

Tennessee Overhill Report and Forecast May 2008

 

Our tailwaters have fished very well for spring. As May rolls around everything becomes more predictable. Here is a snapshot for the next 45 days.

Hiwassee River - TVA will begin summer recreational flow schedules on the river beginning Saturday, May 24th. This means that we will begin drift fishing from the powerhouse to Reliance daily. This is our favorite section through the national forest and the quality fishing zone. All three of the major reservoirs that feed our river system are in great shape and TVA has told us to expect plenty of cold water this season. We are anxiously awaiting the start of the sulphur hatch. Our crystal ball says that the next few months should be very good here. Memorial Day through early August sees some of the best dry fly action of the year on the Hiwassee.

Cumberland River - USACOE is holding the reservoir at or near the constant level of 680 ft. They currently have the lake at the prescribed  level and we are now seeing good, fishable flows. We have begun drift trips here. We should see a lot of good flows throughout the rest of the year. If heavy rain events pass through the watershed, the Corps will release in an effort to keep the lake level constant, then return to low flows. The Cumberland is a world class trout fishery within driving distance of Atlanta and surrounding cities. Most of the fish have not seen any flies in six months. The fish are aggressive on large nymphs fished under an indicator, and streamers. The grannom caddis are in full swing and we are seeing some sulphurs and Blue wing Olives. We are set up with two boats to fish the river, permitted by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, and licensed by the USCG.

Holston River - The river is in great shape and is seeing good action from the Dam to Nances Ferry. Water flows have been cold and favorable for great daily float fishing. We're currently working all over the river as each section has it's own characteristics. We're seeing a good amount of bug activity ranging from midges in the morning to caddis, crane flies, and some mayflies in the evenings. Small flies work better in the morning, larger flies for the afternoons. Emerger patterns are best for rising fish. We fish them a few inches under the surface behind a visible dry fly.

Clinch River - TVA is giving us some windows with good flows here. The sulphur hatch is in full swing. This is the best month to catch fish here on dry flies. Larger fish are being taken on streamers when we catch the one turbine flow rates. The newly enacted slot limit is helping to protect this springs growing fish and we're expecting some really good days on the Clinch this coming season.

Dane Law, Southeastern Anglers 423-338-7368 or

770-655-9210. or 866-55TROUT.

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