Photo Essay: Spring in the Smokies

[ZachMatthews]

Hey guys -

Daniel, Byron, I think you might enjoy this:

Fishing is starting to pick up in the Smokies. I've been banging around a few trails and seeing several of the mayflies starting to come off (March Browns, BWOs, maybe some Quill Gordons or Sulphurs). We had a big rain event as most know and it dumped water in the creeks; but warm water.

Thought I'd share a few pictures:


Caesar Stair on the Middle Prong of the Little River.


Old rod rack on the back of one of the abandoned cabins near Gregory Bald.


Warm sun in Cades Cove.


Copper Johns have been slaying the rainbows when hatches are off.


Case in point.


Guides are working, now, too.


Hard to beat cane in the Smokies; even in the last snow of the year.


Just four weeks ago it was snowing.


Remember, April 15 is the end of the 30-odd year moratorium on brook trout fishing high in the Park. In all likelihood these guys will be stunted and some taking will be advised, but there's the odd chance of some bigger fish as well if the predictions prove wrong.

Zach


Modified by ZachMatthews at 2:50 PM 4/10/2006

[Kytroutbum]

Sure are pretty pic's. I had to leave the park Wednesday and head home, I'm ready to do a return trip after viewing your pic's.

[bamafly]

wow.........please post more.........

[lauxier]

Great pics--makes you long for,whatever-it-is that makes the Smokies so special.Liked the dog shot--It looks like something out of a John Ford flick.

[moflyer3]

wow, that first pic is great. Can i get a copy of that?

[Byron Begley]

Zach,

I got on your site again. It's better than ever. Like I told you in the PM, when you become a practicing attorney I'm going to hire you for probably $300 per hour for photography lessons. Great job buddy.

Byron

[Caneybuff]

Wow! as usual Zach.... what gift you hae there .. thanks for sharing.

Dan