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Yellowstone National Park Fishing Streams

Posted Wed, 02/03/2010 - 15:52 by jmaslar

We have been very busy during the abnormally cold snowy weather here in Charlotte, North Carolina. We have added detailed descriptions of several fishing streams in the Yellowstone National Park including the Madison, Yellowstone, Lamar, Gibbons, Gardner, Gallatin, and Firehole Rivers as well as Slough Creek which is the most recent addition. Please check them out at Trout University Streams and make any suggestions as to what you might like added to the already full descriptions.

I am still hoping that the weather will improve by this weekend so that I can hit the streams here in North Carolina for some relaxing trout fishing.

Snowbound in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Posted Mon, 02/01/2010 - 14:19 by jmaslar

I took my wife and daughter over to Pigeon Forge, TN and Gatlinburg, TN for a winter vacation and boy did we get a WINTER vacation. When we arrived on Tuesday, the road from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge was open with one lane only due to a very recent rock slide that blocked the road. However the weather was pleasant until Thursday. Thursday evening while we eating dinner at the Olive Garden, the snow started to fall. The forecast was for a winter storm warning extending through Saturday evening at 4:00 PM.

There had been a rock slide on Interstate 40 in North Carolina so there was no way to get back to Charlotte except over the mountains with the best route being Interstate 40 through Johnson City TN, and Ashville NC. So we made an executive decision to ride it out and leave on Sunday. For the most part the roads were clear with the exception being Hendersonville, NC where they had received 13 inches of snow. Here are some pictures that we made in the GSMNP, and Hendersonville.

Why Use Bamboo Fly Rods

Posted Fri, 01/29/2010 - 07:52 by smaslar

Using bamboo fly rods have long been considered the premier method of chasing fish. Fishing with a bamboo fly rod, however, is more than just trying to get a hook in a fish's jaw. Bamboo fly rods, which are usually custom made, are not only effective, but also beautiful, comfortable, and historic. Following is a brief exploration of why you may want to fly fish with a bamboo fly rod.

1. Durabilty. Bamboo fly rods, because they are solid throughout, are more resistant to crushing than graphite rods.

2. Better Roll Casting. Small stream trout fishermen take note! Because of bamboo's inherent action, roll casts are more effective with bamboo.

3. Rarified Air. Some of the most famous flyfishers and celebreties have used bamboo.

4. Heirlooms. A finely crafted bamboo fly rod makes a fine heirloom.

5. Smooth Action. Because of the flexibility of the bamboo, progressive actions can be achieved to provide super smooth casting.

6. Reserve Power. The reserve power of a bamboo fly rod is far superior to a graphite rod.

7. Comfort. Bamboo fly rods are much more "castable" than graphite, which means you can cast all day long and not wear out your arms and shoulders.

8. A Sense Of Community. Bamboo fly rod enthusiasts form their own, unique subculture in the fly fishing community.

9. Sense Of Satisfaction. If you choose to make your own bamboo fly rod, you will have a greater sense of satisfaction when you catch fish with it.

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Thoughts About Easy Fish Hook Removal

Posted Mon, 01/25/2010 - 18:30 by jmaslar

As I sit here in Charlotte, feeling the spring breezes and watching the bluebirds going in and out of the bluebird house, I can not help but think of the upcoming trout fishing season. But I have also been reminiscing about past trips to the Great Smoky MountainsNational Park with my son Steve and my grandson Tommy. On one particular trip, just Tommy and I were fishing in the Walker Camp Prong behind a rhododendron thicket some distance from the road when he saw a large rainbow trout probably over 12 inches long leap out of the water. This was exciting since the trout in that stream usually average about 6 to 10 inches long.

His boyish enthusiasm took over and caused him to drive an 8 ounce Roostertail hook into his leg just above the knee and he was in a great deal of pain. After a few minutes of struggling with the hook, I even suggested a trip to the local emergency medical clinic for removal. After hearing that suggestion and fearing that he might miss an opportunity to catch that rainbow, he just pulled it out with a mighty tug.

Had we known the recipe for (near) painless hook removal, he would have been spared a great deal of grief. Since then, I have tried the recipe successfully, so I will describe it in detail in a upcoming class.

In the meantime as I wait for spring fishing just a few weeks away, I will keep my self busy by adding detailed information about the trout streams found in the YellowstoneNational Park

Fly Fishing with James Marsh

Posted Thu, 01/21/2010 - 17:59 by jmaslar

As I write this blog I am staring out the window at the rain falling here in Charlotte and musing about a potential trip out to Pigeon forge, TN to visit James Marsh among other things. (Other things being a dinner trip to the Alamo Steak House). James has fished about every trout stream in the GSMNP, and most of the trout streams in the entire USA as well as many streams in other parts of the World.

In our initial trip some weeks ago now, my son Steve and I were anxious to meet James as we had read and heard about his skill with a fly fishing rod. Indeed, we were most anxious to meet James and to fish with him, but we were rained out much to our dismay. However, he entertained us by showing us three streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which were not familiar to us and he showed us his new line of “Perfect Flies”. When we saw the flies, we were very impressed as the detail was far greater than any other flies that we have ever seen.

On my second trip to see James I purchased a complete set of his “Perfect Flies” collection for the Late Winter/Summer season in the Southeastern USA. This is a set of flies that James assembled to be sold exclusively by Trout University. Again James was the perfect host, entertaining me and showing me his “Perfect Fly” fly boxes. I was so impressed that I prevailed upon James to let us sell the fly boxes on Trout University as well.

Now, as I consider another trip to pick up yet another order of Perfect Flies for increasing our inventory, I am wondering how James will again make it an enjoyable visit despite the rain, or should I postpone the trip; I wonder?

Notice the one thing in common about my trips to Pigeon forge, TN is the rain!

Best Trout Streams in the Yellowstone National Park

Posted Tue, 01/19/2010 - 15:14 by jmaslar

We at Troutu.com have been adding information about the best trout fishing streams in the southeast and in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and now we have started a section on the best trout streams located in the Yellowstone National Park. The information includes the items below as well as Google Maps and more.

* General Description

* Location and Detailed Access

* Type of Stream & Species of Trout

* Fly Fishing Approach for Each Season

* Hatches & Effective Flies

* License and Regulations

Please feel free to check them out at Yellowstone National Park and please give us suggestions via the "contact" form.

Fly Fishing Japaneese Style: Tenkara

Posted Sun, 01/17/2010 - 18:23 by jmaslar

Tenkara is the traditional simplified Japanese method of fly-fishing developed over centuries in the small mountain streams of Japan. In this method, only a telescoping rod, line and fly are used; there is no need for a reel. Without the complexity of the added gear, you are free to focus on your casting and fishing techniques.

Tenkara is especially effective for fishing the pocket water in the fast flowing streams such as are found in the Great Smoky Mountains. The obvious advantages are the simplicity, the ability to make delicate and precise presentations, the ability to keep the line off the water and the ability to reach small overgrown challenging streams. The Tenkara method also gives perfect control over the fly at all times.

All that is needed is a telescoping rod that is 11 to 13 feet in length when fully extended. To the end of the rod, tie a length of small diameter fish line that is approximately one foot longer than the extended rod. To the end of the line attach the fly; simple! And since the rod collapses down to 20 inches Tenkara is great for the SmokeyMountains backpacking and camping trips.

The fly is propelled by the line as done in the West, but the fly casting technique is shorter and slower. The Tenkara rig will also be perfect for dry fly fishing in the small mountain streams using the Great Smoky Mountaineer developed method of "caneing" using cane poles as well as the "slingshotting" or "bow and arrow"method of fishing. Also, the Tenkara method can be employed for high-sticking nymphs or for the Czech method of nymph fishing.

Landing a fish is very intuitive and similar to any type of fishing with a rod. All the angler must do is to simply raise the rod high, and reach for the fish.

For much more information on the subject refer to Tenkara USA.

Fly Fishing the Davidson River in the Winter

Posted Wed, 01/13/2010 - 11:59 by jmaslar

I have been keeping tabs on winter fishing and on fishing the Davidson River as well, and I recently did a stream report on the Davidson as well. So, when I learned about the big browns that were caught in the Davidson in late December 09, I had an interview with Ralph McClellan Jr. of Mountain Fly Fishing Adventures who has guided on the Davidson for many years. Ralph points out that the Davidson is one of the best rivers east of the Mississippi River and as such gets a good deal of pressure.

Although you may be after some of the trophy trout population in the 16" to 24" sizes, think small in the area of size #20 through #24. Remember that these trout have seen a good many imitation flies in their life so the stream may present a technical challenge according to Ralph. Try using midges or try to match some of the naturals that you see in red, black, gray and cream colors.

Fish the lightest and longest leader that you can be comfortable with, perhaps a 7x leader. Use a longer rod, especially in the lower portion as it will allow you to achieve a drag free drift and you will get longer casts in the open runs. Ralph willl sometimes use a 4 WT rod, but he prefers the heavier 5 WT or 6WT rods. The weight of the rod will permit you to land the larger trout.

Fly Fishing Streams and Classes

Posted Thu, 01/07/2010 - 13:06 by jmaslar

It has been so cold here in Charlotte, NC that I seldom leave the house which is good as it allows me time to work on upgrading the streams report and adding some classes.

In the last few days we have added the Virginia streams of Whitetop Laurel, Mossy Creek and the Smith River as well as the Cumberland in Kentucky; all awesome streams. The material is from our own experiences supplemented by information from the internet and the local guides, so hopefully the reports will prove beneficial to anglers.

In response to a request, we have added Class 217 Fly Fishing Slingshotting Style and have improved some other classes. The 217 Class is especially beneficial for those anglers who enjoy fishing the small overgrown with rhododendron streams that are found in the North Carolina and Tennessee mountains.

Also, we have been working hard to bring to you a line of the best most perfect flies available for the late winter and spring seasons. Feel free to check out the Southeastern Fly Collection and stay tuned for more stream reports.

Even though I have hibernated, Steve and Dan continued to fish and landed this monster 24 inch brown recently. I must admit that I am a bit jealous.

Fly Fishing Show Charlotte

Posted Tue, 01/05/2010 - 14:53 by jmaslar

Fly Fishing Show comes to Charlotte. Again this year the Fly Fishing Show will be held at the Park (formerly known as the Charlotte Merchandise Mart) in Charlotte on January 29 and 30, 2010. On Friday, the show runs from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and on Sat, the show runs from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

The show will feature over 50 demonstrations and seminars from world famous fly tyers, authors and fly fishermen. Troutu is happy to note that our friends Ian and Charity Rutter and Jim Casada author of Fly Fishing in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will be returning to Charlotte again this year. The brochure containing the agenda, accommodations, and admissions information is available in PDF format.

While in Charlotte, do not hesitate to explore some of the many attractions and restaurants.

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