Clinch Report: Nov. 20, 2011

[MadisonBoats]

Clinch Report from last Thursday.

Air Temp: 60 Deg.
Water Temp: 58 Deg.
Water Quality: 30% stained (light green)
Hatch:
-Early [very slow and limited]
-Evening [Very heavy adult midges]

Action:
The trout are active; but, their feeding habits seem to be a little slower than normal. I found that I had to adjust my presentation rate down to slight twitches with anything other than midges. Also; big-heavy midges on longer drops will help you get down to the fish holding in the feeding lies.

The fishing has been pretty good. Most of the fish I have been catching are fairly average in size and I have not hooked anything above 13-15" in a couple of weeks. However; I think you could do well with some streamers or larger flies.

Be care wading; most of the substrate rock has been covered with a new layer of mud and it will take a few dry out days/generation cycles to clear them up.

[77punk]

i went up to the clinch for a few hours friday afternoon and a hatch was on. around 430/5 pm i stopped at peach orchard and it was like watching an upside down snowstorm. i have never seen anything like it. i had no clue what they were, and had nothing that small to offer. is it likely these were those midges also?

[Flat Fly n]

Without a doubt. unless it was scuds practicing for the Nutcracker and the trout were all over them!

[77punk]

cool. i didn't know if midges come off in numbers like that. still learning here, one day i'll be useful enough to help one of y'all out. i would pay to see the scud nutcracker ballet being eaten by trout. i do like some tchaikovsky now and then

[MadisonBoats]

Originally Posted by 77punk

cool. i didn't know if midges come off in numbers like that. still learning here, one day i'll be useful enough to help one of y'all out. i would pay to see the scud nutcracker ballet being eaten by trout. i do like some tchaikovsky now and then

I love listening to some of the classics on headphones while fly fishing. Just be extra self-aware.

There are plenty of different midge hatches in the winter. You can throw dry or emergent midge patterns if you are working a hatch and a rise. The main colors I use are black, tan, burnt orange, and olive drab.

As for scuds dancing; seems like most of them were doing that in Sept/Aug. A good active scud pattern is the 'Trout Crack' version. Search the NET; for the recipe. It is an easy tie.

[Flat Fly n]

If you're really really bored this winter and it's really cold out and you're wishing for those dry fly hatchesof the spring. Wait for a cloudless day and bright sun to be out on low water for about 3-4 hours and go fish a midge rise!

[MadisonBoats]

Originally Posted by Flat Fly n

If you're really really bored this winter and it's really cold out and you're wishing for those dry fly hatchesof the spring. Wait for a cloudless day and bright sun to be out on low water for about 3-4 hours and go fish a midge rise!

Phil,
I usually take any chance I can get to watch a hatch. My biggest problem during those swarms is not swallow any midges. Not to mention when the gnats get fired up and try to land in my ears, nose, and mouth.

[troutmanbrook]

Great report Shawn. I am just now getting my account fixed so I can post.

[MadisonBoats]

Originally Posted by troutmanbrook

Great report Shawn. I am just now getting my account fixed so I can post.

Man, I have been looking for you on here. You have a great passion for our sport and I have seen you progress immensely this year. Also; you are a great ambassador this sport and someone that I enjoy fishing with...

Ok, you know were to send the check to...

[troutmanbrook]

Originally Posted by MadisonBoats

Man, I have been looking for you on here. You have a great passion for our sport and I have seen you progress immensely this year. Also; you are a great ambassador this sport and someone that I enjoy fishing with...

Ok, you know were to send the check to...

Thanks for the compliments! I can honestly say, without knowing great anglers like yourself, It would have taken me much longer to get to where I am today. Thank you for sharing your trade secrets, and always being willing to drop everything you are doing, to lend a hand to a struggling greenhorn.

Dude, the check has been in the mail for like a week now, should arrive tomorrow.