I need to start this by saying that I've never fished for trout and I've never wade fished. I have fished moving water before but only from the bank.
This fall I tried trout fishing in the Smoky Mountains for the first time. Having only one morning to fish, I was really putting myself at a disadvantage from the start. Mix in never having trout fished, nor waded and ultra clear water and you are really at a disadvantage.
I knew going in that my best bet would be to stop by the local fly shop in Gatlingburg, The Smoky Mountain Angler. Hiring a guide wasn't in the budget this trip but they were super nice in the shop and gave me a few ideas of places to try and flies to try.
I hit the water in front of my resort on Friday. Thursday is stocking day for the City of Gatlinburg, so I was hoping to at least hook a stocked rainbow that might have gotten washed down the river.
Finding a spot to safely drop into the river proved to be a little difficult. The banks along that section were pretty steep but I finally found a spot and made my way into the river.
I had gotten up before sunrise so I could be in the water right as the sun was coming up and hopefully avoid any crowds. That plan worked. There was only one other fisherman down river from me.
I slowly made my way along the waters edge over the slick rocks and eventually made my way across to the other side as to have more room to cast.
After a couple casts, I realized that I was standing in the water right next to a large rainbow trout. I knew I had probably spooked it at that point but decided to cast for it anyway as it moved up and down the river. In the process I hooked a tree branch with my fly.
That's when it happened.... I turned to try to unhook my fly. The branch broke. Down I went. In came the water over the top of my waders.
I hurried to stand up as the current tried to push me under and down the river. Luckily I was near the edge and was able to get up before my waders gathered much water. The rest of the morning was uneventful. Being soaked made for some chilly fishing but not terrible. I didn't get cold until I started my fishless walk back to my resort, which fortunately for me, was just across the road.
I did learn a few things though.
- I don't like strike indicators
- Always wear a wading belt. That slowed the water down and kept it from pouring full force into my waders.
- Always tell someone where you are going.
- If you are new to wade fishing, don't wade alone. I made the mistake but was lucky and able to get myself out of trouble.
- Learn to read the water.
- Stay out of the deep, swift stuff.
- Rocks are slick even with spiked wading boots.
- There is always a tree that will try to eat your fly.
- Carry an emergency kit on you. Preferably water proof. I have a small personal survival kit in my fly fishing chest pack.
- Enjoy your surroundings regardless if you catch a fish. Having a large trout swimming next to me was cool even if I didn't get a bite.
- Make safety your number one priority.
- Consider taking someone with you who knows the water you will be wading.
Stay safe out there and enjoy your time. If you have any tips or stories of mishaps during your adventures, tell us about them below.
