Rain Finally!!

Now we are definitely getting some much needed help in the watersheds!  2 inches expected in the next couple of days and there is no excuse to not get out there and try to use to the angler's advantage.  This time of year during the transitional period rain means lots of things to the underwater inhabitants.  Rain brings food into the river systems via good old runoff - worms, leeches, landbased invertabrates.  Rain also has a tendency to bring out the blue wings - as discussed in earlier posts.  The low lying clouds and precipitation gives those little tiny brains inside of those little tiny bugs the instinct that "everything is ok - now it is time to hatch and not get eaten."  Unfortunately for the bugs - this instinct is incorrect - the fish seize this opportunity and key in on said bugs hatching harmlessly in the current.  That same lowlying cloud formations/overcast rainy weather can make your educated spooky trout more likely to eat  since that instinct is telling him to take advantage of the low visibility as well!  The browns and local brookies are all starting to spawn and these transitional weather formations can really trigger that sense of urgency to mate before the ensuing cold weather.  This time of year is always a good time to try out some streamers - as the spawning fish are starting to get very territorial and will sometimes strike the baitfish swimming too close to their domain.

Pre spawn South Holston german

Once again - these fish are at some of their most vulnerable and weakest moments in their lifespan - while it is ethically questionable to even target them in the first place, please please please remember to treat them with the utmost respect.  Debarb the hooks, use a net, get that fish back in the water ASAP - and go the extra mile to resuscitate when necessary.  Shallow, shady, gravelly areas are usually prime water for these residents to spawn so try not to walk right through these fragile places.  Ensure these fish have a chance at future generations.

AAGS