How badly do you want to fish?

[nvr2L8]

Well, it was one of those days on Monday. I finally got away from the house around 9:15, headed for the West Prong of the Little Pigeon. Yeah, I know it's November but it was supposed to get up to 70 in the valley and be a nice, sunny day. Well, I got as far as Walland from Maryville and realized that I hadn't brought my camera. Since it was most likely the only time I would get to fish in November and I hadn't fished in over 6 weeks when I got my October One Fish Per Month, I turned around and went back for the camera.

After a stop at LRO for some nymphs, I drove on up to WPLP. As I was approaching the pulloff, I realized that I hadn't put my neoprene booties in the back (no, I wasn't planning on waders on such a beautiful, warm day). Well, I had my boots and some wool socks so I should be OK. Right?

Well, I pulled off above the gorge and when I opened the back of my XTerra, not only had I left my booties, I had left my boots. Well, I wasn't going to drive all the way back to Maryville (2 1/2 hours round trip) and I wasn't going to pass up the chance to fish since I had gotten this far, so obsession overcame common sense and I decided that my Keen sandles would just have to do. I know, I know, not smart.

So I got down to the stream and almost immediately had to make my first crossing. After the shock wore off and I got to the opposite bank, I decided that this just might work. Once the water ran out of my sandles, my feet either warmed up enough to be comfortable or they were numb, take your pick.

Well, once again WPLP didn't disappoint me. The water was up from all the rain we've had and the stream was just beautiful.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd70/nvr2l8_chuck/WPLP002-3.jpg

The fish were few and far between but worth the trip.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd70/nvr2l8_chuck/WPLP004-3.jpg

Definitely no lunkers but lots of fun. Well, it came time to leave according to my trusty Timex fishing watch so I took an early out from the stream and headed back to my vehicle. Once I got packed up and turned on the engine, I realized my watch was still on Daylight Savings Time and I could have gone for another hour. But I had gotten out without frostbite and without any major spills (sandal soles don't grip like felt) so I counted it a complete day and went on.

Beats working any day.

[gmreeves]

I always enjoy your reports. I know I've left home multiple times with out some of the "necessities" but that just make some of the trips more memoreable. I love time on the water and the blessing of some wild trout.

[pineman19]

Great to see you caught a few Charlie. Fishing in sandals, now that's dedication;). I agree with you on using waders. I hate using waders in the Smokies, early spring is the only time I wear them, I fished Elkmont 2 weekends ago, water temps were in the 40's, but air temps were in the 60's and sunny, a no brainer for me. Left the waders in the truck 2 days in a row. A lot of people were fishing and they all had waders on. I got a few comments and a few looks. Guess I am insane or maybe I was the only sane one:rolleyes:

Neal

[Payne102]

Nice report. Thanks for sharing.:smile:

[Knothead]

A good day on the water! As to the comment about no lunkers, the dictionary defines fish but doesn't make mention of the size. A fish is a fish! I have friend who wades wet even in the late fall.

[tire guy]

Charlie, you are not alone. I went to the Clinch today, got the waders on, boots on, got rod and reel together, went for new leader and they are all in my vest hanging up in my basement.
Trip was not a wash cause my backup reel was ready to go and my flies were in my ready bag. Caught a couple of small fish and enjoyed the pretty day.

[ALflygirl]

That sounds like something I would do, Charlie. That made for some cold toes, for sure. Love the pictures!

[nvr2L8]

Good to hear from you again, Rachel. Time to start another streak!

[ALflygirl]

I may work on another one in the spring. Fishing is dead around here right now. Had a good trip to the Caney in September. Good to hear from you as well.