Stewards Of The River Or Pillagers
This short piece is my attempt to increase awareness about problems facing many of our trout waters in my region and around the globe. "Stewards of the River or Pillagers" addresses some of these issues facing our resources. In our hemisphere, high summer water temperatures stress local trout fisheries and should be a sign to concerned anglers that it is time to leave the stream for another day.
Independent guides and fly shops that book trips should be ardent advocates for keeping streams healthy. But often they're not. I was struck the other day by the amount of pressure guides place on a limited resource. Conflicts arise because the summer tourist season occurs when most of our trout streams become stressed. July and August are the off-season for trout fishing in Western NC! When early morning water temperatures approach 70°F, it's best to look for something else.
Smallmouth float trip from early August with a group from Tampa, FL
Warm water fishing for smallmouth bass, perch, and bluegill is a better choice. Carp is one of my favorite species to target during summer. Shops and outfitters that tell you differently are profiteers, not stewards of the resource. They look at short-term gains, even though they know that trout caught in 70°F+ water have a very slim chance of survival.
These profiteers actually hurt the resources they claim to love and protect! This becomes an ethical decision for customers who are determined to catch a mountain trout during the wrong season.
If you want to trout fish in July or August for vacation, head to Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, or Colorado! Fly fishing has gained appeal in recent years and now competes with rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, mountain biking, hiking, and many other great activities the Smoky Mountains area offers. The difference with angling when it's too warm is that it can't possibly be good for the fish or the angler.
Fish the Season for the Species
Shops and guides should be offering clients a change of species during the hot summer months. Guides can teach water reading, casting, rigging, streamside techniques, and many other aspects of the sport. Stewards Of The River Or Pillagers
This might provide opportunities like targeting chub (pictured above) for learning nymphing techniques through the middle of the day. Chub provide plenty of subtle strikes just like trout! Here's a trophy from a few days ago on one of my favorite streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with my 10-year-old son.
Excess Fishing Pressure for Stewards Of The River Or Pillagers
Excessive fishing pressure is an increasing problem on many delayed harvest trout streams, largely due to the growing number of new fly fishers and an excess of fishing guides and outfitters. There is a big difference between how much space to leave fellow anglers on a delayed harvest stream versus a wild stream. The wild stream requires perhaps a mile or more out of sight, while a delayed harvest stream may need only 30 feet. Delayed-harvest waters receive many stocked trout that tend to stay together when first released. Check out our contact page for trip info.
Often, local guides work when and where they can, through shops or other outfitters. Part of the issue is that these guides' experience levels vary widely. In my region, the Smoky Mountains, there are too many fishing guides. An Ozark term my grandfather used to say was "the market is glutted." Many shops and outfitters just look for bodies to fill slots on their books, regardless of experience and knowledge of the area. In my area, guide prices range from $40 to well over $500 for the same trip on the same water.
Learn to Fly Fish with Basic Instruction
The difference between what you learn and what you catch is quite obvious if you do your homework first. In fly fishing especially, you get what you pay for. It's all about establishing intrinsic value! As a beginner fly fisher, I believe it's even more important to establish a strong foundation on which to build your skills in the sport.
Most area tourists would hope the local shop will give them credible information. This is typically true in the Western states, where hundreds of reputable shops operate.
In my opinion, the Southeast is a circus show, with the exception of a few quality shops. People pay hard-earned money for a quality trip. The older I get, the more twisted our sport seems to be growing. Is this positive growth for future generations? Stewards Of The River Or Pillagers
Fly Fishing and Social Media
Posting constantly on social media with "controlled stock" fish selfies rather than celebrating wild habitat for trout? It's kind of like the movie "Field of Dreams"—if you offer it, they will come. I'm about teaching and educating all aspects of fly fishing: how to get the drift, read water, casting technique, and much more. Through education and building a strong foundation, you can prepare yourself to fish exciting and diverse waters globally!
And it's happening all over the globe. Social media—through advertising on Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram—can enable anyone to compete for clients in their region or create a website and blog by paying SEO experts for internet exposure! I'm sure you've all heard that if it's on the internet, "it must be true"!
The important questions folks should be asking are: Can the instructor teach casting and line control to provide a drag-free float? Can they teach techniques that will stay with you for a lifetime of fly fishing enjoyment? Will your trip include guides who are committed to improving your overall skill set on the stream? Or will it be a mundane afternoon of bobber lobbing with hearing only the words "mend it, mend it again, mend it" rather than adjusting your rigging and tactics to the moment?
Another important question: regardless of skill, teaching ability, qualifications, and certifications, does it even matter to the client? Is it only about finding the cheapest price? Is it all about hatchery fish that are plentiful? This Disney approach to the sport is something I'm still wrapping my head around. I've pushed hard for high-quality trips for close to thirty-five years now.
It seems to me that down the road this will have to "Make America Dumb Again" when it comes to tourism fly fishing mayhem.