"Conan The Librarian" wrote in message
oups.com...
Howdy,

SWMBO and I celebrated Valentine's Day last night as she'll be out
of town next week. One of her gifts to me (get yer mind out of the
gutter) is a trip to Nashville in late March to attend a gallery
opening featuring some of her work. The best part is that she wants to
go to the GSMNP for a couple of days after the opening. She has heard
me go on and on about how gorgeous the area was, so she wants me to
take her to some of my favorite spots. She'll take photos while I try
to fool some naive (native?) fish into impaling themselves on my flies.


So it won't be a long trip, but I'll probably get 2+ days fishing in
starting on March 26. So, at that time of year, what should I expect
to find in the way of water levels, weather and dry fly activity? I
understand that it's variable, but I'd appreciate it if some of our NC
gang could give me some of their observations.

We haven't picked out a place to stay yet, so it's possible we might
even be on the Tennessee side of the park, but I'm definitely planning
to hit the NC side for some of the fishing. Also, if you have any
suggestions about lodging on the Tennessee side of the park, I'd be
happy to hear them. (I know how awful Gatlinburg is; we used to drive
to the park almost every fall, and it was horrible back then (in the
sixties/seventies). But I'm not sure it's any more depressing than
Cherokee.)


Chuck Vance


I'm sure you know this link... http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm Cherokee
is depressing in the sense that it is poorly maintained, many area roads
throughout the reservation are well, trashy.

Actually, in Pigeon forge at this time of year you may get a deal on
lodging, don't be afraid to bargain. The intersection at 441 and 19 on the
south side (NC side) is exploding, plenty of hotels there, with busses to
the casino.

It's not the best fishing or the biggest fish, but I have always enjoyed the
West Prong of the Little Pigeon River that runs along 441 as it goes across
the park. I go up to the Chimney Tops Trailhead, turn around and drive down
north to a likely looking pull off, about a half mile or so, then hike down
in to the river. Fish my way up and get out at the bridge, then walk the
roadway down to my car. It's absolutely delightful if the water is not too
high and one of the best low water spots around.

The boulders are gigantic, you can rock hop and not get wet and it's pocket
water all the way. Plenty of small fish and I did nail a 13 inch brookie
once.

Not too long ago an estranged wife was killed by a bear along that stretch,
here husband let her carry the day pack (filled with...?) while they hiked
separately so that may not be a good place for you to go after all. However,
it is very pretty. Photo plus.

You can go on into Bryson City...(is the train running?) and take the road
to Nowhere that dead ends at Nolan Creek. I've had plenty of good fishing
there, plenty of bear sign. There are some monstrous fish in there but they
have seen every fly made.

One of the most picturesque streams, if the light is right is straight
creek, before it enters the reservation. Very Jurassic looking if the ferns
and moss are green.

One of the things I like about the park streams is that there are no
patterns. It seems to me the fish key in on color and size so about half of
my day is the hit or miss of changing colors and sizes. Big yellow and
bushy? Small green and fine? Really fun in my opinion.

Hey, have a good time.

john