Hookers Fly Shop and Guide Service. Your Smokies Fly Fishing Experience.

Spring Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina

jasoncole — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:31:05 +0000

We have experienced some excellent fishing over the past few weeks here in Western North Carolina. The Tuckasegee River, West Fork of the Pigeon, Cherokee, Nanathala and the Smokies have been producing some nice fish on our guided trips. The river levels are great and there have been plenty of bugs hatching. Over the past few days we have seen plenty Light Cahills and Little Yellow Stones as well as plenty of hungry trout eager to rise up and pick them off the surface.

Early in the week I had the pleasure of guiding Scott and Chris on a half day on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest. Scott probably brought close to 20 fish to the net including several nice rainbows in the 14-16″ range and several brookies. Chris also did really well and even picked up a few on dry flies. Little Yellow Stones were hatching so we tied on a #14 Goldie Hawn that produded several rainbows.

Nice fish Scott!

This past Wednesday and Thursday I had a some folks out on a two day float on the Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest. The first day produced some decent fish but there was also plenty of rain, and by 2pm the river was extremely high and muddy. The second day was a bit better and produced plenty of rainbow, brook and brown trout. Mr. Heller from Myrtle Beach and grand daughter both got the grand slam for the day.

Nice trout on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest

On Friday morning I had a half day beginner trip on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest section. The upper section along South River Rd. was fairly crowded, so we decided to fish the middle section along North River Road. Mr. Borchelt and son from Atlanta, Ga. caught plenty of brookies and rainbows and one smallmouth bass.

Later on that afternoon, fellow guide Logan Needham and I guided some fine folks from Atlanta on the Cherokee Trophy Waters. While this section of river can produce some hefty sized trout, you often will not find the numbers you would find on Nantahala or the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest sections. Several fish in the 15-16 inch range were brought to the net, but the big fish didn’t seem very interested in what we had to offer. Michael had one fish in the 20-21″ range come up and swallow his hopper off the surface but it quickly spit the hook.

Michael, Drew and Garrett getting ready to hit the Cherokee Trophy Section

The past two days I’ve had the pleasure of guiding repeat client Dan C. from Atlanta, Ga. On Saturday we did a smallmouth float on the lower Tuckasegee River. There are some extremely productive sections on the lower section and it is almost guaranteed that you will not run into any other anglers. Dan quickly got into some nice bass.

Dan with a nice smallmouth on the Lower Tuckasegee

The cool thing about this section of river is you never know what you might reel in. We have had clients catch not only Smallmouth but also Largemouth, Walleye, Spotted Bass, Rainbow, Brook, Brown, Yellow Perch, Red Eye Bass and we have even had several clients hook into Muskie, which is an extremely rare thing to do in this area. Dan ended up with close to 25 smallies, a couple of spotted bass and redeye bass and a few trout including the little rainbow pictured below.

Dan with a 21" Rainbow on the Lower Tuckasegee

Yesterday, I did another float with Dan C. on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest. It was an extremely wet day but the river stayed clear all day and Dan caught close to 35 trout. Several rainbows in the 15-16″ range were brought to the net. Aside from one ofter boat on the water we were the only ones on the river which is a rare thing in the month of May.

Nice Tuckasegee Smallmouth

Our guides are some of the best in the business and we run more smallie trips on the Tuckasegee and Little Tennessee than any other guide or outfitter in the area. We offer seven different sections to float on the lower Tuckasegee alone. If you are looking to be put on some big bass, call or email us. We offer wade and float trips for bass through mid to late October. 828-587-HOOK hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

Guided fly fishing near Cherokee, NC, Guided fly fishing near Bryson City, NC, Guided fly fishing near Sylva, NC, Guided fly fishing near Dillsboro, NC, Guided fly fishing near Waynesville, NC, Guided fly fishing near Asheville, NC, Guided fly fishing near Franklin, NC, Guided fly fishing near Atlanta, Ga, Guided fly fishing near Gatlinburg, TN, Guided fly fishing near Pigeon Forge, TN, Guided fly fishing on the Nantahala River, Guided fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River, Guided Fly Fishing on the Pigeon River, Guided fly fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Guided fly fishing in the Smokies, Fly fishing near Asheville, NC, Fly Fishing on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, Guided fly fishing trips on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, Fly Fishing Panthertown Valley, Guided fly fishing on Raven Fork, Guided fly fishing on the Cherokee Trophy Water, Fly Fishing guides for the Cherokee Trophy Water, Fly Fishing guides for Raven Fork, Fly Fishing guides for the Tuckasegee River, Guided Fly Fishing Float Trips on the Tuckasegee River, Guided Fly Fishing Float Trips on the Little Tennessee, Fly Fishing Float Trips near Asheville, NC, Fly Fishing Float Trips near Atlanta, Ga, Guided Fly Fishing in the Smokies, Guided Fly Fishing Trips in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Guides for Cherokee, NC, Guided Fly Fishing in Cherokee, NC, Fly Fishing in the Smokies, Fly Shop near Waynesville, NC, Fly Shop near Asheville, NC, Fly Fhop near Cherokee, NC, Fly Shop near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fly Shop near Bryson City, NC, Fly Shop near Nantahala, Fly Shop near Cullowhee, NC, Fly Shop near the Tuckasegee River, Fly Shop near Franklin, NC, Fly Shop near Cashiers, NC, Fly Shop near Highlands, NC, Fly Shop near Sapphire Valley, NC, Fly Shop near Lake Toxaway, NC, Guided Fly Fishing on the Chattooga River, Fly Shop near the Nantahala

Guided Fly Fishing on the Tuckasegee River

jasoncole — Sun, 06 May 2012 01:27:19 +0000

It has been a busy week at Hookers Fly Shop and Guide Service. The weather has been wonderful and the fishing has been fantastic. Tim Sheehan, started the week out with a 3/4 day trip for two on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest. He reported a fairly productive day but the water was a little high and hard to wade in some areas.

Clint Holcomb and I have also been out several times this week, with trips on the Tuckasegee River and the West Fork of the Pigeon. Yesterday, we guided a two boat, 3/4 day float for a great group of guys who all grew up here in the Sylva area. We put in at the Hwy 107 bridge and quickly got into some fish. Each boat brought around 20-30 fish to the net including one grand slam. Hot flies of the day were #8 Olive Hot Head Marvins with #14 Rainbow Warrior droppers and #8 Brown Hot Head Marvins with #14 Rainbow Prince droppers. #8 Olive and Black Wooly Buggers were pretty hot too.

Today, I guided Scott and Chris from Nashville, TN and Raleigh, NC on a half day wade on the Tuck. The day started off overcast with some light showers. There was a midge and a sporadic Little Yellow Stonefly hatch in the early-mid morning. Scott nymph fished all day and picked up over 20 fish on #8 Olive and Black Hot Head Marvins with a #14 Rainbow Warrior dropper. Chris had a lot of success early in the morning with a #8 Olive Wooly Bugger. He switched over to a #12 Tungsten Flashabou Nymph with a #16 Just Add Water dropper and picked up several nice rainbows and a few decent brook trout. Chris also picked up a few fish on a #14 Para Adams around mid day. Overall it has been a fantastic week on the water with some great company and new friends. If you are interested in a guided wade or float trip on the Tuckasegee River feel free to send us an email or call. We are currently floating for Trout and Smallmouth Bass on both the Lower Tuckasegee and the Little Tennessee. hookersflyshop@yahoo.com 828-587-HOOK

Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee River and West Fork of the Pigeon River

jasoncole — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:09:50 +0000

Today, Clint and I had trips out on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest and the West Fork of the Pigeon Delayed Harvest. Clint had a half day float trip on the Tuck and reports that they brought over 30 fish to the boat. Hot flies were #6-8 Black/Olive Hot Head Marvins, #14 Pearl Lightning Bugs and #12-14 Rainbow Prince Nymphs.

I guided a 3/4 day wade trip on the West Fork for Matt and Kristen from Orlando, Fl. Matt and Kristen brought plenty of fish to the net including several nice browns a few rainbows and a good number of brookies. Kristen even got the grand slam on her last fish of the day. Most fish were taken on #8 Brown Hot Head Marvins and a few fish were taken on a #12 Flashabou Nymph dropper and a #16 Red Just Add Water dropper. Kristen also picked up a few on the dry fly Goldie Hawn (little yellow stone).

If you are interested in a trip on one of these fine rivers or any other river or stream in the Western North Carolina area please contact us. We will be happy to guide you on your next fly fishing adventure. We also offer wade and float trips for Smallmouth Bass and overnight back country trips to the Smokies 828-587-HOOK hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

Guided Fly Fishing on the Nantahala River

jasoncole — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:56:21 +0000

Big Nantahala Brown

Today, I guided Tom and Ben on the Delayed Harvest section of the Nantahala River. It was good to be back on the water after a few days of blown out streams. There were plenty of fish brought to the net including a 17″ Rainbow and a 17-18″ Brown. Ben put a brand new TFO BVK 10′ 3wt nymphing rod to good use today, and it handled the big fish with ease. Most fish were taken on #8 Black/Olive Hot Head Marvins and a #6 Cream/Brown UV Dubbed Bottom Roller with a hot orange hot spot. A few fish were taken on a #14 Tungsten Rainbow Warrior. The big fish pictured above gave Ben the grand slam for the day.

If you are interested in a guided trip on this stream or any other stream in the Western North Carolina area please give us a call or email. We will be happy to guide you on your next fly fishing adventure.

828-587-4665 or hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

Guided Fly Fishing on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail

jasoncole — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:15:29 +0000

Pam nymphing for Trout on The Tuck

Aside from a few days of high water levels, the WNC Fly Fishing Trail has been pretty hot. The Tuckasegee has been extremely hot ever since the March and April stockings. Scotts Creek, Caney Fork, Rough Butt and Chattooga have all been producing some nice fish as well. Last Thursday and Friday, I had the pleasure of guiding Pam and Wendy from the Winston Salem area. It was Wendy’s first time fly fishing and only Pam’s second time fly fishing. We fished the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest on Thursday afternoon and both ladies pulled in 4 or 5 fish a piece, including a couple of nice rainbows. Unfortunately my camera battery died almost as soon as we stepped in the water so we were unable to get any photos.

The next morning we decided to try upper Scotts Creek. We fished for several hours with only one strike on an Elk Hair Caddis, but the water was still a little higher than normal from the heavy rain a couple of days before. We packed up and drove down to the Tuck, where the water was high, this time due to the East Fork release. Here we picked up a few strikes but did not put any fish in the net.

Yesterday evening, I, myself, decided to take advantage of the water being low on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest. I met my good friend, Chuck Lewis, on the upper section on South River Rd. Earlier in the day I had tied up several new Flashabou Tungsten Nymphs and I was eager to give them a try. On the second or third cast, I hooked and landed a nice 16 inch rainbow. From then on the fishing was fantastic. I ended up landing several 16-17 inch rainbows, several brook trout and two

Tuckasegee Brown Trout

browns. By the time it started getting dark, I had brought close to 30 fish to the net. Most fish were taken on the #12 Tungsten Flashabou Nymph, and several fish were taken on #14 Tungsten Rainbow Warriors and #8 Brown Hot Head Marvins.

Fly Fish the Tuckasegee River

jasoncole — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:24:38 +0000

Big Tuckasegee Brookie

Yesterday, I guided Dave on a 3/4 half day wade on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest. We brought close to a dozen fish to the net with around 9-10 more long distance releases. The river was high due to the East Fork release so tungsten flies did the trick. We rigged up a #12 Flashabou Nymph with a purple tungsten bead and a #16 Tungsten Rainbow Warrior. Both flies produced about 4-5 fish each. Dave also landed a few fish on a #8 Rainbow Flashabou Streamer.

Tuckasegee Rainbow

We received a large order of flies in the shop today and more are on the way tomorrow. Stop in and check out our new fly patterns. We have several new B.H. Nymph and Stonefly Patterns that are sure to be hot flies. If you would like to phone in or email an order we will have it ready for you when you arrive.

Guided Fly Fishing on the Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest

jasoncole — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:29:17 +0000

Tuckasegee Float Trip

It has been really busy the past few days here at Hookers Fly Shop. Clint, Tim and I have all had trips out this week. On Wed. I did a 3/4 day float with a couple from Montana. The day was pretty chilly with a high only in the upper 50s, and the wind was howling all day. We brought some decent rainbows and brookies to the boat. Hot flies were #6-#8 Black and Olive Conehead Buggers with a #12 Prince Nymph trailer. Most fish were taken on the Prince Nymph. Several fish were also picked up on #8 Black/Olive Hot Head Marvins.

Chase with a nice Brook Trout

Yesterday, Tim had a full day wade with couple from Ohio. Tim reports that it was a fairly productive day with plenty of fish brought to the net including a couple of big rainbows and brook trout. Hot flies were Caddis Pupa and Hot Head Marvins. Several fish were taken on the swing with the #8 Hot Head Marvins.

Today, Clint had a full day trip with Chad P. from Asheville, NC who was working on his senior project (Fly Fishing). Clint reports a really productive day with close to 30 fish brought to the net including several big brook trout and an 18 inch Brown. Hot flies were #8 Black/Olive Hot Head Marvins, Rainbow Prince Nymphs, Rainbow Warriors and Lucent Bead Lightning Bugs.

Today, I had the pleasure of guiding Chase and Ashton from the eastern part North Carolina. This was Chase and Ashton’s first trip to the area and first time fly fishing for trout. Chase ended up bringing 7 or 8 trout to the net including a nice 15-16 inch brook trout. Ashton had several long distance releases and landed one big rainbow and one beautiful wild brown trout. A few fish were taken Hot Head Marvins and most fish were taken on a #8 Rainbow Flashabou Streamer with a #12 B.H. Prince Nymph trailer.

Ashton fighting a big rainbow

Now is the time to fish the Tuckasegee River. With the April stocking, The Tuck has had close to 40,000 fish released in the Delayed Harvest section. That is close to 8,000 fish per mile. If you are interested in a wade or float trip on this section of river contact us. The Tuckasegee River is Hookers Fly Shop’s home waters and our guides are on these waters 200+ days a year. Let us take you on your next fly fishing adventure.

Guided Trip on the West Fork of the Pigeon D.H.

jasoncole — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:22:23 +0000

Sherri with a nice Rainbow

Today, I guided Chuck and Sherri on the Delayed Harvest section of the West Fork of the Pigeon. This was Chuck and Sherri’s second time fly fishing, and they had a blast and caught plenty of trout. On Sherri’s second cast she hooked the nice Rainbow pictured above. She ended up bringing six or seven more fish to the net including some beautiful brookies. Chuck also landed some nice brookies and one big rainbow. Most fish were taken on a #8 Olive/Black Hot Head Marvin with a #16 Rainbow Warrior setup.

The Delayed Harvest on the West Fork of the Pigeon is about a 40-45 minute drive from our fly shop in Sylva, and 15-20 mins from Waynesville. The river gets stocked in Oct., Nov., Mar., Apr., and May. With each stocking, the state puts in close to 2000 trout in the two mile section of DH, which means by the May stocking there is close to 5000 trout per mile. The upper section of the West Fork near the Blue Ridge Parkway is probably one of the most scenic streams in Western North Carolina and boasts a healthy population of wild brook trout.

If you are interested in a guided trip on this beautiful stream please email or call us at hookersflyshop@yahoo.com 828-587-HOOK.

West Fork of the Pigeon

Guided Fly Fishing on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail

jasoncole — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:49:21 +0000

Tanasee Creek

Today was another great day guiding clients on beautiful trout streams in Western North Carolina. I spent today on the water with Jim and Jimmy T. from Ohio again. We met at the fly shop at 8am and took a short drive up to Tanasee Creek. The morning started off in the lower 30s but quickly warmed up to the low 60s. However, the fishing never heated up on Tanasee Creek. We worked about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile stretch of water with little success. We decided to break for lunch and drive back to Sylva to fish Scotts Creek – part of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail.

Happy Clients

On Scotts Creek, though, we quickly found success using a #14 Elk Hair Caddis with a #16 Just Add Water Dropper. Jimmy picked up around a dozen wild rainbows, and Jim picked up a couple of nice trout as well. Jim also hooked the fish of the day, that almost made it into the net. It is worth mentioning that the stream levels on both Tanasee and Scott Creek were higher than normal due to recent rainfall.

The past two days are perfect examples of why I love guiding clients on our beautiful Western North Carolina trout streams. It’s hard to beat beautiful weather, awesome fly fishing and great company.

If you are interested in a guided trip on the fine streams of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail or any other stream in Western North Carolina please feel free to email or call us. We are ready to guide you on your next fly fishing adventure. Other notable areas we guide are the Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Little Tennessee, all streams in Cherokee including the fly fishing trophy section, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Davidson, West and East Forks of the Pigeon and many more. hookersflyshop@yahoo.com or 828-587-HOOK

Nice Scott Creek Rainbow

Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail

jasoncole — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:23:20 +0000

Caney Fork Brookie

Today I guided Jimmy T. and his father Jim T. from Ohio. Jim had read a lot about the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, and decided to come down to Western North Carolina for some fly fishing. Jim and Jimmy wanted to target some of the smaller, less crowded streams featured on the trail, so w e decided to drive up to Caney Fork and fish the smaller tributaries (Upper Caney Fork, Mull and Rough Butt).

Caney Fork Rainbow

Jimmy picked up a couple of nice rainbows about five minutes into the trip, and Jim came close to hooking up on a small brookie and also a decent rainbow that looked to be 8-9″. As we worked up Upper Caney Fork, they ended up picking up close to a dozen rainbows and one little brookie. Around 1:30, we decided to break for lunch, and then head on up to Rough Butt. The first few holes on Rough Butt were fairly slow, and then Jim and Jimmy both started hooking into brookie after brookie. The guys landed close to a dozen brookies and a couple more rainbows on this section.

Hot Flies of the day were a #14 Elk Hair Caddis with a #16 B.H. Pheasant Tail Dropper. Most of the fish were taken on the Pheasant Tail and 6-7 were taken on the Caddis.

Overall great day on the water with some fantastic company. I will be guiding Jim and Jimmy again tomorrow on another WNC Fly Fishing Trail stream.