I ran across Grant Murray the other day, who, by the way, is not related in any manner that either of us can establish. Grant asked, “How’s the fishing been lately?” through a broad grin under his mustache.
“Tough,” was my reply. “But I’m working on an idea that may improve things. I think I’m going to substitute ice skates for my wading boots. It should improve my mobility in these conditions and it might bring back some good dry fly action.”
“How’s that?” he asked.
“Well, if I spot a place where a rise is likely,” I grinned back -- without a moustache, “I’ll skate round and round in a tight circle ‘til I’ve cut a hole in the ice; slide off a few yards and cast to the open water.”
Things of late have been pretty tough for the folks that wade while they’re fishing and we might as well laugh about it. Crying won’t help. In fact it’ll probably add to the icecap.
As long as peak daytime air temperatures remain below freezing, mountain streams will be unrewarding. Water temperature in mountain streams correlates directly to air temperature. Even if you own a vehicle that will get you to one, the trout there will be relatively inactive. When water temperature remains near freezing throughout the day, trout metabolism drops to a level that precludes active foraging.
Tailwater trout in our region are a different matter entirely because the water temperature below South Holston and Watauga dams stays well within a range that keeps them alert and hungry.
During generation both of these dams release water from the deepest portions of the lakes they impound. Water in a deep reservoir arranges itself into basically three layers. The upper two layers have temperatures that vary throughout the year in relation to air temperature. The bottom layer, known as the profundal zone, maintains a relatively stable temperature in the neighborhood of 50 degrees.
That neighborhood is optimal for trout. It’s cold enough to carry the oxygen they need to feed actively and warm enough to support foraging activity. That’s why you may see a nice hatch of mayflies coming off in the dead of winter and trout rising to take them on Watauga and Holston.
Right now the problem is accessing the tailwaters on your own two feet. A six-year drought has ended with annual rainfall well above normal. TVA is generating at an unprecedented level for this time of year. In fact they say they’re dealing with water levels in the Tennessee River System that haven’t been seen in their seventy year history.
I may have to trade my skates in for a pair of oars and a drift boat.
ffadvice@aol.com
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement