Clinch River Report: [June] Wrap-Up

[MadisonBoats]

The Clinch has been fishing well for most of June. I am still seeing a few adult sulphurs hatch sporadically. Also; there have been some great small-black caddis hatches on the upper end of the river on cold mornings.

Water temps are consistent:
(My favorite temp. zone for fishing breaking out of their feeding lies is 55-60)
48-49 Deg. Upper Tailwater - until the fog burns off.
55 Mid-Tailwater
*Not sure about the lower end.

I have produced consistently on:

• #18 black thread/copper wire midges with 3/32 gold tungsten beads
• #16 Chimarra Caddis Larva [Simple Larva] (Honey Colored Body+Clear Rib Body, Auburn Head). Very similar to this pattern- http://vimeo.com/35720004
• Just about any #14-16 wet fly
• Of-course, streamers are fabulous during pulses and water movement.

*Some points to remember.

• Small/Simple knots are key during slack-water presentation of small flies. I like to tie up several flies with tippet and put them in a leader wallet. Saves on time and helps by tying the knots at home.
• Fluorocarbon Tippet earns its keep this time of year.
• Limit false casts and extend your drifts. Also; slow drag your retrieve before recasting.
• I have been fishing most of the time without indicators and using tight-lining to control the presentation. Also; I add a few slight bumps of the line (1-2") slight tugs to illustrate the midge swimming and to entice strikes.
• If you are fishing shallow water ~1-2'; squat down in the water and present closer. It will open the fish up and keep them from getting edgy. You will notice a difference if you give this a solid try...

Hope this helps some of you have a more enjoyable experience on the water...
Blessings,
SM