cptenn94, Hiwassee River, Trout, 11/25

[cptenn94]

This is my second time ever fishing for trout. The first time was last saturday, in which I only had about 3 hours to fish, and it was also on the hiwassee. Unfortunately I had to leave just as the bite was getting good that day. Both trips were with ultra light spinning rods.

So this trip I did the hour drive to reliance, and managed to be able to fish from about 1pm to 6pm. As I arrived, It occurred to me that I had forgotten something important. My fishing license. So I then stopped at reliance fly and tackle to get a day license. During my previous trip, I had a ranger ask to see my license(which I had brought that time)

After I purchased the license, I returned to the spot on shore at big bend where at the previous trip I saw fish actively feeding within cast range downstream, and I got some hard strikes. The first cast I did in the water I managed to get a hookup. However during the fight the fish got loose.(it was a fun fight though). However after that it seemed all activity stopped. I hardly got any bites the next 5 hours no matter what I tossed out there.(now there could have been plenty of bites, but with the sun glare, it made it impossible to see the strike indicator well.

The neat thing was there were plenty of little fingerlings that would try to chase and eat my lures(primarily spinners such as panther martins etc) but it would be far too big. And I got to see them actively eat some little bugs, just 3 ft away from me. I tried to toss them a mini fly but I could never manage a hookup.

Anyways about 1 hour before sundown came, I finally managed to get a other hookup. After a minute of fighting I finally managed to catch a trout. My FIRST trout. It was here that I learned just how slippery trout are to hold, especially when they have plenty of fight left in the tank. Needless to say after the fish escaped my grasp several times before I could get a picture, I went over to the wading entrance area and got it nice and clean.

[img=http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y451/cptenn94/PB250546_zpsb0b41d40.jpg]

[img=http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y451/cptenn94/PB250544_zpsf81a7a35.jpg]



Then after taking some pictures, I let the fish have some time to rest and revive(it was still plenty active) before watching it swim away. I tried the spot again but didnt have any more bites. On my way back with only about 45 minutes of daylight left I stopped at reliance fly and tackle again, this time to purchase some worms to try to catch some trout to take home below the delayed harvest area and had a nice conversation with the people in there. Then I stopped at the picnic tables, and tried to catch some fish there. But then daylight ran out on me, and I did not have a flashlight or my lighted bobber on me, so I decided to head home.

All and all, even though I had very limited success, and plenty of discouragement to work through, It was a fun trip and worth the effort. I look forward to applying what I have learned through experiance, and through knowledge I have read. Now its time for me to decide whether I am going to get wading shoes, and make some waders, or if I am going to get some waders, and not wading shoes.(in the end I plan to have both. However I have a limited budget, and just getting one for now is my only option.)

 

[Labman]

Enjoyed your report. Beautiful first trout. It is all a learning process and you might speed up the process by inquiring on this forum about going with someone on here who has been doing this longer. You might also consider trying fly fishing. My wife and I used to do that for a few years and had a lot of fun. I envy you your journey.

Regards, Labman

 

[Merdock]

Great catch. I havent fished the Hiwasee in a few years but have trout fished for bout 20 years. You can try corn if it is allowed there it works great. I always had good luck on yellow or black panther martins

 

[RRB32]

Here are a few lures I have used with great success up there: Rapala Countdown #3 rainbow trout color, small black rooster tail with gold blade, and watermelon colored Gulp minnows on a small jighead. Try these and you will catch some trout, at least I have. I havent been in a while but I've had the best luck from the boat ramp up near the powerhouse down to the big bend where the road heads up the ridge.

 

[Blue76]

I used to fish there a lot. I used a fly rod and an assortment of nymphs. Had pretty good luck. I would only fish the generation schedule though. It is like flipping on a switch. When the generators are running the fish bite. When they are not running it can be tough.

 

[cptenn94]

Thanks for the replies! I definately want to at least try to learn fly fishing( I do have a rod and flys), but right now its really difficult(as I dont have waders or real wading shoes yet), and the best places to get good experience are an hour or more away.

However I cant wait till january when lake juior should be stocked, and hopefully they will stock the N chick again this late feburary like they have in the past. That will be really good for me to have fun and learn fly fishing, without having to take the drive.


I forgot too add 2 things though to this report.

1. I caught the trout on a solid gold panther martin.

2. I believe the Lord answered my prayers for the trip. I prayed he would use this fishing excursion to teach me something about my faith and help me grow, and I believe the answer is "patience and persistence".

 

[doodah]

I grew up fishing that river, as Merdock said.. corn is an excellent bait to use with a spinning outfit.. Also a dark brown Rooster Tail was my lure of choice.. And once you get used to the release schedule, wade fishing is great! It will get you to the spots where bank fishers just cant get to.. But always watch the water, if all the sudden you see a fog or mist upstream, be making your way to the bank or your going swimming cause its a rising!

 

[owtdoorguy]

First, great report! And thanks for letting us in your head for a minute. Makes te narrative more compelling. You mentioned below the delayed harvest. Where does that start? Guess I didn't know that was a thing. Thanks.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Awesome story! My first trout was exhilarating. Caught it the first time I ever went and was at the boat ramp. It was probably one of the bigger ones I ever caught on the Hiwassee, though I'd like that to change.

Not been out there in a season or so, but I always had really good luck in the cold months on the rocks under the bridge. Some fish right at the generator, where the water is really pumping out. I would go close to under the bridge, where the water is rushing by but there's something of a calm pool for maybe 20 feet out and 30 feet left to right. Super fun. Now I want to get my trout stamp again. Hmmm....

 

[shovelbill]

Nice report. You have discovered one of the very finest jewels of East Tennessee. As I read I realized it's been 51 years since my first trip to Reliance area to fish. And sad to say 7 years since my last trip to fish. You are on a good roll. Keep it up.