DRO Guide Bill Strickland fishing the Davidson River on a cold winter day with temps not breaking the above freezing mark. All in all, the fish were on their usual feeding habits and Dr Yates managed to have a pretty good day. Read more about the day on the water with Bill and Dr. Yates at www.castawayblog.wordpress.com
Winter lake fishing has been fishing really well lately with the mild weather we are having thus far. Break out your sinking lines and take advantage of your local hatchery supported lakes in Western North Carolina for some great trout fishing. For more information on lakes to fish or guided trips call the shop and ask for Bill.
The 2012 Southeast Regional Qualifier for Team USA has been announced on the Davidson River and surrounding waters for February 17th,18th,19th 2012. This is a great opportunity to come watch some of the best anglers in the country compete for a spot on next years Team USA. This event is being hosted out of Davidson River Outfitters in Brevard, North Carolina. Venues to include the Davidson River, East Fork of the French Broad, Tanasee Creek Lake, and the Davidson River Private Waters. For more information please visit the website www.usnffc.com
Mike McGee holding up a couple fish from his 30 fish day with Bill Strickland on an early summer float trip. Starting June 4th we will be floating the Tennessee Tailwaters and taking advantage of colder water and lots of dry flies. If interested in learning more about floating the S. Holston or Watauga Rivers give us a call in the shop. 1 – 888- 861 – 0111
Rise Fishing Company came into town last week to demo their new line of flyfishing rods. Teamed up with guides Walker Parrott and Bill Strickland they set out to fish the famous Davidson River. The day was full of excitement, lots of fish, and sun which is something we have been lacking here lately. For more information about the Rise Fishing Rods check out their website at www.risefishing.com
With periods of warm fronts beginning to move through the area it gives us hope that Spring is near. If you get a chance to head out to your local lake look for bass moving to their pre spawn staging areas. Water temps are starting to climb up into the mid 50′s so bass will begin staging on primary lake points as they begin their move to the spawning grounds. These areas are points that are close to the main channel of the lake or the mouth of a large cove. Points that have added structure are a bonus because fish will tend to migrate to these areas as they offer opportunities to ambush shad and bream that are staging for their spawn as well. Target the sides of the points that have the deepest drop offs. Theses areas allow for the bass to drop into deeper water if water temps begin to fluctuate due to the ever changing pressure systems that spring can bring. The most effective patterns are craw-fish jigs and firetiger crank baits that imitate the staging bream. If you are fishing in stained water always keep a spinner bait close by. As the water temps begin to warm up follow these bass to the secondary points of the lake until they reach the flats in the back of the coves and the mouth of the creeks. Here they will begin their spawn so give them a chance to spawn and then follow them back out to the deeper water where they will stage for the warm Summer months.
