| Tennessee Overhill Fishing Report - Early Spring 2007 |
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| Saturday, 03 March 2007 | |
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I consider the spring trout fishing season to begin in the Southeast round late February or early March with the first warm days and the first caddis of the year. It ends around Memorial day with the onset of predictable weather, consistent flows, Isonychias and summertime. The spring season of 2007 is here now. There is something special about spring season. I guess it has to do with the fact that most of us haven't been out much for few months and are itching to cast an angle. As a guide, it means that better meals and new tires are just around the corner. Spring certainly has its challenges. Due mainly to uncertainties. Uncertain temperatures, wind, rain, generation schedules. Murky water, low water, high water. With all the uncertainties that spring has, it does hold two truths that I know to be certain. All of our monster trout are caught in the spring, and there is a hot smoked chicken just around the next bend.
Hiwassee River - TVA is currently filling the reservoir. Water temps are mid 40's to 50 degrees. The flows are low. We are currently wading from the powerhouse to Reliance and drifting one of the sections from Spring creek to Patty bridge. Fishing is fair to good and improving daily. We are seeing the last of the winter stoneflies and anxiously awaiting caddis. We have consistent BWO's from Conasauga creek to Patty bridge. We are catching quality fish while wading. The fish are in deeper water. The bite is a mix between streamers, nymphs, and mostly dries in the afternoon. Toccoa River - TVA is currently filling the reservoir. We have seen 125 cfs for ten straight days. This is the flow we like for our favorite stretch here. Water temps are low 40's to 47 degrees. The fish are not in the shoals yet. The difference in the bite between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. is undeniable. The few degrees of warmth makes a huge difference. Both tan and black caddis are starting, and the black stoneflies are winding down. Dry fly action seems to start early in the day. Once we drift into the zone, I tend to favor dark streamers for better fish. The next 90 days will be the best time to fish here.
Cumberland River - USACE has made the decision to hold the lake level at 680 ft for the entire 2007 season because the dam is considered a high risk. 680 ft is well below normal operating guide. The lake was at the desired level until this last weather system came through a few days ago and added several feet of water to the lake. The Corps is now generating 22000 cfs to get rid of the additional water. I think this will be the scenario all year. During periods of dry weather, we will see consistent low water flows, which will be good for fishing the tailrace. As the area receives additional rainfall, they will generate to reduce the pool to 680 ft. As our season moderates, this should be a fairly predictable situation with a lot of long fishable windows unless the area has above average rainfall for spring and summer. I remain very optimistic about this fishery for this season. We will be on the river for the first low water window in March. Dane Law, Southeastern Anglers, 866-55trout |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 03 March 2007 ) |
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