July 17th, Southeastern Tailwaters Report

Our heatwave has passed and we're now seeing more normal summer time weather patterns. Morning lows around 65 and afternoon highs in the upper 80's. We've been getting some beneficial rains in the southeast. Usually spotty afternoon showers but we saw some area wide soakings last week. This should be our pattern for the next few weeks, but then again....I'm just a fishing guide.

The fishing has been great. Several of our favorite locations are giving prime conditions for guided fly fishing everyday. With prime flows comes hungry fish. Here's what's happening and where.

Clinch River The Clinch is flowing at a great level for float trips. Not too much water and not too little. As always, the Clinch River is the coldest tailwater around. Water temps seem to range between 48 degrees and 56 degrees, depending on where the pulses of water are on the river.

The bug action hasn't changed much since my last report. Still seeing the small black caddis. Fish are still taking the emergers better than dries. Good old indicator fishing with a variety of nymphs is working well. Best results are on #18 - #22 patterns. #20 Pheasant tails have been pretty hot. We've also had some luck hopper fishing during higher flows. Good fish will sometimes take advantage of a big offering.

Hiwassee River The Hiwassee is still seeing our normal minimum flows as per the TVA Recreational Releases. I personally wouldn't mind seeing a little more rain in this watershed. The releases were seeing are still cold and the fish seem to be active and healthy.

The fishing action on the Wass' is perfect for anyone looking to get a bent rod. The fish are actively eating dry flies, wet flies, and nymphs. They are also very forgiving to a drag presentation. I'm fishing isonychia dries almost exclusively. Lot's of small browns in the upper river. Plenty of better fish throughout. Great pick right now for easy action.

Cumberland River We're seeing great flows for guided drift boat trips on the Cumberland every day. Currently, USCOE is generating a little in the early morning hours, then a little more in the late afternoon. Falling water is fishing best. Flows are still fairly cold, measuring around 58 degrees. I'd expect USCOE to start their constant sluice in the next few weeks. This will also be a good flow.

Fishing is best in the faster water and runs. Look for fishing in the riffles, and current seams along the bank. Some fish are holding in deeper pools but they seem very slow to react to flies. Best flies and techniques right now are focused on nymphs. Hopper/dropper rigs are producing a little, with an occasional big fish. The hopper fishing should get better as summer wears on.