Cherokee NF Blueline 5/29-5/30

[Grannyknot]

My wife and I did a little backpacking this past weekend, and I strategically planned our trip around one of my favorite blue line streams . We somehow managed to avoid the rain until we got in the car sunday afternoon. No kidding, it started dumping rain 10 minutes after we left the parking area. The fish are always on the small side, but they are absolutely crazy about some dry flies. I even did well with a neversink caddis, which I have been known to cuss and call a farse on several occasions. Thought you might like to see a few photos....





Annabelle is getting old....6 miles nearly kills her these days.



A few fish...







This was the biggest stonefly I have seen in my entire life. The pictures don't do it justice. It landed on our tent at night and hung out until late the next morning.



Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.

[bones]

Looks like a Salmon Fly, saw one or someting similar on Walker Camp last year. I was told by a biologist in Kentucky last year that they can be found back east. He said the main reasons you don't see many of them was oxygen levels, pollution, and infertility in the streams.


Have a good 'Urn,
bones

[Grannyknot]

bones, that is what I thought of too, but I didn't know they were around these parts in any capacity.
It was definately a massive specimen...right at 2" from his head to his wing tips.

[gmreeves]

Definately a salmon fly. I haven't seen one in quite a while but I have seen them like you. They come in around camp at night when the fires are going and can still be seen in the morning. I've never bothered to fish a big dry that big but it would be interesting to see if you get any takers.

[JohnH0802]

Great pictures and a really nice spec. Thanks for sharing.

[Tarheelflyfishing]

Great pictures! That definitely is a salmonfly. You don't see them very often around here!

[spotlight]

Very nice speck, love the mouth on them.

[Carlito]

Looks like ya'll had an awesome trip as well! Annabelle looked wiped out! LoL

Thanks for sharing the pix

[Owl]

Beautiful fish! That pup sure does look beat! Nice photograph of the fly too!

[flyman]

Nice photos and trip report Granny. The stone fly belongs to the Pteronarcys family of giant stoneflies. They are actually fairly common in our streams. They generally emerge at night by crawling out of the stream onto rock or stream side vegetation. You will often see their shucks on rocks, trees partially in the water, and bridge pilings.