News From Little River Outfitters
Spring finally arrived and it is nice. The valleys are painted with vivid colors of green, pink, purple and white. The colors are gradually moving up the mountains. Soon it will be more Spring-like in the higher elevations. Fishing is excellent in the Smokies. Mayflies, caddis and stoneflies are active in the water. The fish are too. Dry fly anglers are happy about that.
The same is true in the Cherokee National Forest. Those streams there are very similar to our selection of trout waters around here. The water is clear and clean, wild rainbow, brown and brook trout thrive and the scenery is beautiful. It’s hard to find a prettier river than Tellico or Citico.
Fly fishing on the lakes in our area has been very good too. Smallmouth bass have moved into shallow water as they prepare to spawn. They are not spawning yet but it won’t be long. The smallies are active in the smaller and larger rivers that meander through the valleys on their way to the Tennessee River. Ponds are getting attention. Daniel fished on his favorite yesterday and caught some big bluegill. He said they were not hitting on top but taking small wooly buggers.
The tailwaters are fishing very well. Close to us are the Clinch and Holston Rivers. A little further away are the South Holston and Watauga tailwaters. All are doing well for fly fishers who are seeking trout or smallmouth bass.
So, now begins the best of fishing in East Tennessee. We’ll have months to enjoy our sport. After a winter like we have had, Spring 2010 is special.
“Good news about Cades Cove”, it is going to re-open almost one month earlier than expected. The entire eleven-mile loop road was removed, ground up, laid back down and covered with new asphalt. This multi-million dollar project began in March and was expected to be finished in late May. Thanks to good weather and a motivated contractor it is all but finished now. Next week there will be an official tour for some people. Then around April 24th it will be open to everyone again. Tourism officials have a big smile on their face. We all do. This is excellent news for the prosperity of our valley. The road is supposed to last for 35 years. When I’m 95 years old they will have to do it again.
In this issue read about Troutfest 2010. This is an event of a lifetime and you will want to be here. We have all been working hard to make this event happen for you.
It’s time for you to be here now.
