WPLP is back in play!

[Westslope]

Charlie,

Thanks for the reply, my wife (Regan) and I are also staying at the Mary E. Ilium campground, so if we can bump into each other there, that would be great. I'll give you a call while we are there. Also, here is my phone and e-mail--808-573-1333, iainemmons@yahoo.com, if you want to get in touch with us too.

Sorry to hear that about the San Miguel last year, hopefully the river and runoff conditions will be more accommodating this year...how was the festival last year?

Iain

[nvr2L8]

Thanks for the info. I'll drop you a line and tell you about the Telluride when I get back from Merlefest this weekend (Doc Watson's bluegrass festival in Wilkesboro, NC). You will love definitely Telluride, fishing or no. BTW, the river runs right by our campground.

[Stonefly]

Originally Posted by nvr2L8

tell you about the Telluride when I get back from Merlefest this weekend d.

Dang Charlie, you're quite the bluegrass guy! Me too, wish I could hit some of the festers...

sb

[Hammy]

Charlie B and Iain,

just moved out to Knoxville from Fort Collins, CO. Could be a pretty huge year for runoff again, especially with over 7 feet of snow coming in late March and April.

Hope you get some good fishing while at the festival, should be a grand time with or without fish!

Nick

[nvr2L8]

Nick,
I'm taking my fly rod this year just in case - you never know when you might find a quieter tributary.

Stonefly,
My best friend growing up and my first cousin that was more like a brother have been to Merlefest for the past 5 years and wouldn't miss it for the world. Telluride was supposed to be a once in a decade experience last year until my wife encouraged me to go again this year (and who am I to argue? ). The only bad thing about going this weekend is forgoing a trip to WPLP - things should really be hopping in the gorge!

[MaryvilleJim]

Don't miss Bela, Emmylou and Todd Snider. Bela turned the banjo from an annoyance to a gift.

"Friends don't let friends play banjo"

[JohnR]

Say, Charlie, that must've been you that bumped into my wife and me Friday as you came back down to the picnic area. Must say its an absolutely gorgeous area! First time I've hit that spot.

I'm still a hack/amateur/newbie at fly fishing... so I caught trees and not fish. But, I'd still do it again!

Best,
JohnR

[nvr2L8]

John,

Glad to put a name with a face. Keep it up - I've had something of a dry spell this spring but looking forward to better. Hope springs eternal with those who stand in the river waving a stick.

[GrouseMan77]

I fished WPLP yesterday for the first time in a while. Caught lots of rainbows, some were very nice. When I finally made it up to the Brookies I noticed that they seemed to be a little on the small side, even for Brookies.

Is this the norm for that stream?

I decided to stop by Metcalf Bottoms area on my way out to pick up my first Park grand slam. I had never seriously pursued the slam before. I had, in the past week, caught browns in the section that I decided to fish. Several nice drifts produced a sucker and a very nice bow that gave the fight of the day.

Any suggestions for the browns?

[Rog 1]

Try the LR just below Elkmont....up to the campground