Over the mountain.

          So, I have been negligent in providing updates other than some cryptic anecdotes regarding a busy summer and now fall. Truth is I have been busy but also enjoying myself indulging in time with my Kids, family visits, home improvements, some work and even a little fishing. If I have been absent from my online endeavors it is due to leading a life of abundance in the physical world. This is not a criticisim or critique of maintaining an online presence but for me it was becoming too much of a reason to participate with the act of fishing, tying flies and enjoying the outdoors beginning to lose substance.            
          Enough ranting, after psychedelic exploration coupled with time spent outdoors on a smallish, less fertile, but beautiful and wild trout stream in the southeast I feel refreshed. Sleeping in the cold of a mountain hollow with the ghosts of the valley around you will have a profound effect on most some more positive than others (sorry wifey).

           This stream is in the GSMNP and drains several feeder creeks at high elevation that are difficult to access but worth the trouble. Flowing over ancient rocks in a deep valley that has softened over the ages, the tree canopy keeps the clear waters in a perpetual dim light that gives it an spooky feel even mid-day.  

The bottom 1/3 of the creek takes the namesake of a known stream farther down at low elevation where, the river is polluted and unsuitable for anything but beat up stocker rainbows, reclusive browns a few stunted smallmouth and catfish. During my visit early in fall or late in summer if you like, the fish were looking up and use of an indicator rig to dredge was really not looking like wise use of my time on the stream.

Expectation setting is key on these sometimes bug lacking freestone streams in the park. It is possible to catch the smallest trout you will ever see striking a #10 dry in these ver waters. Really small fish here, 4-6” can still be picky due to the pressure making some wonder what the fuss is about. Fit, trim, acrobatic fish that make a 3wt come alive with pulsing jumps. An 8” wild rainbow or brown is reason to rejoice. Anything over 10-12” and you can feel accomplished for the trip. Good times in my book and worth the physical strain usually needed when you hike in and manage to have a noteworthy time. Bring your high sticking skills and learn to keep a low profile, mang.

Unlike more productive spring fed creeks where fish have a somewhat consistent ability to feed all year and ice never really accumulates these streams lie dormant all winter. With the seasonal procession looming the fish look to feed with desperation knowing what will ensue in the coming months.

Random photos: