Spring Is Almost Here
Here are a few tips for catching more trout this spring.
- Remember that hatches progress more or less regularly upstream. If you fished a good Quill Gordon hatch on Metcalf Bottoms yesterday, then the hatch may be farther upstream today.
- While the big Quill Gordons are the popular choice, Blue Quills will hatch much longer and generally get the attention of more fish.
- Little Black Caddis are around in good numbers at the same time as the early season mayflies. Pupa imitations in sizes #16-#18 will catch a lot of trout.
- With the higher flows of spring, remember that you can normally get closer to trout than you would other times of the year. Take advantage of that to get good presentations and quick hook sets on a short line.
- Remember that the best fishing will generally be in the low to mid elevations but don't overlook the brook trout streams either. Sometimes you may be surprised at how well they fish.
- High stick weighted Wooly Buggers in #8-#12 in a tandem nymph rig with your favorite nymph pattern. The larger fly will account for some nicer browns and rainbows.
Here are a couple of articles from back in 2011 that highlight some fantastic early spring fishing on Little River in the month of March. The dry fly fishing is one of the reasons I love March and April so much.
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