Earth, Wind , and Fire Season

September can be a hit or miss month in the Smokies. It is 100% up to the weather for this time of year. Is it going to stay warm or are we going to get significant drops in temperatures? If it is going to stay warm continue seeking higher elevation streams with colder water. If the temps start cooling off, road side will start picking up also.

We recommend dry dropper rigs this time of year. Dries : Yellow Sally Patterns, Beetle patterns , and your classic attractor patterns such as Parachute Adams and Stimulators. Nymphs: The best droppers to use are ant patterns, pheasant tails, copper johns, and many types of perdigones! We are dropping our nymphs 18”-24” below our dry flies.

The prime fishing times are from around 730am-1pm and 5pm-Dark .The fish seem to be turning off around the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. Most rivers in the park have been flowing at near normal levels and temperatures for this time of year. Fishing lower elevations can be good this time of year if the water cools down, the water will typically be a little warmer in these areas. So until those low elevation temperatures drop head up!

Gatlinburg stocked water has also been fishing extremely well due to the fantastic job our new Hatchery Manager Travis Williams has done! The stocked fish are seeming to prefer more natural things like Pat’s Rubber Legs, Jig Buggers, FB Pheasant Tails.

Chad F