Smoky Mountain Trout Day 1, 2019

Mountains make the best rivers. And the Smoky Mountains make some beautiful trout streams. Here are some picks from a nice 3 day adventure trout fishing there. It is nice some times to change gears and do something different and less intense. Tennessee does a lot right with their trout program. For example all stocking is done on Thursday and no fishing is allowed on any trout streams on Thursday. The fish have a chance to acclimate and spread out some. 

Microbass Morning- April 11th, 2019

Before heading off to Tennessee Jerry and I hit Moumtain Valley Lake at daybreak. I got off to a quick start catching a limit of fish on the Ned rig. I switched colors and moved around some bit steadily caught fish until 10:30 when the wind picked up and we headed South. 

Total Fish = 13

Biggest Fish = 13.75”

Best Five Fish = 63.75”

Minutes per Fish = 14.89

Persistence - April 10th, 2019

Jerry and I kicked off a five day run of fishing by floating 10.6 miles on the New in Virginia. The water was up some and the water temps were around 56 degrees. All the bites we got were on finesse near big current. It took us a long time to figure that out. I did not get my first bite until 10:00am. The highlight of the day was Jerry and I doubling up on a 19.25” and a 20.25” pair of smallies. Both fish maked up as pretty as any you will find. 

Miles floated = 10.63

Total Fish = 8 each 

Best 5 Fish = 68.75”

Biggest Fish = 19.25”

Minutes per fish = 85.6

First Smallies on the New for 2019 - April 6th, 2019

I floated 3.71 miles on the New with Jared and Tanner at daybreak. The bite was slow but I did manage 4 quality fish. All deeper on a Ned rig, the water was 53 degrees but the fish were still in winter mode. Jared had one bite and missed it and Tanner landed 3 fish by cranking a flat all 12” or less. 

Miles Floated = 3.71”

Total Fish Caught = 4

Biggest Fish = 17.25”

Best Fish Fish = 62.25” (4 fish) 

Minutes per fish = 62.5”

The Tri Color Change Up - March 30th, 2019

I found the fish pretty quick, had a good first three hours then the wind took over. I caught 11 in Ned rig, alternating between three different colors. Every time the bite slowed I would alternate colors and catch a couple more. Once the wind picked up too much to finesse fish I caught two more on a LC Poimter jerkbait. A good day and some quick fish but no monsters. 

Total Fish = 13

Biggest Fish = 15.5”

Best Five Fish = 68.75”

Minutes per fish = 15.15

Return to the River March 29th, 2019

I made my way back to the river for the first time on a long time. I fished three hours with no bites. Jerod caught one 16.25” fish on a tube. The water was still in mid 40’s. I threw Ned, tubes, jerk baits and tubes. 

Fast and Furious - March 27th, 2019

I got on a really great daylight bite this morning. I landed 11 fish in 90 minutes all > 12”. I had two over 16” and three over 15”. The bite died as it got brighter and I picked up two more on a lucky craft pointer jerk bait. It was a great day. 

Total Fish = 13

Biggest Fish = 16.75”

Best Five Fish = 78.75”

Minutes per fish = 23.3

Cold Morning - March 17th, 2019

It was a cold but productive morning . Air temps in the 20’s and water temps ay 45z I caught all my fish early. Wind picked up and fish stopped hitting at nine or so. I caught all my fish relating to wood, with deeper water nearby. I caught a nice limit quickly, saw some awesome nature, abut failed to land any monsters. Still yet it was a fun morning. 

Total Fish = 8

Minutes per Fish = 24.6

Biggest Fish = 15.25”

Best 5 Fish = 73.0”

March Snow Bass - March 9th, 2019

Post cold front bass are tough. Catching bass during a cold front is even tougher. I fished 2 hours today at Moncove before the wind and mid 30’s temps ran me off. I wish I had stayed longer. But at least I did not get skunked. 

Fish Total = 1

Fish Lenhth 14.25”

Minutes per fish = 120