Smokies Off-Season: Winter Hatches in Southern Appalachia

Finding the motivation to hobble down to your nearest trout stream can be difficult during the doldrums of winter. But for the handful of fly anglers who have learned how to decode the lethargic trout during the winter months, the prospect of landing selective fish on tiny flies can hold the cabin fever at bay. While nymphing the deeper holes and runs can turn monotonous for many anglers, savvy anglers learn to keep their eyes peeled for bug activity. Being patient and observant can be the difference in landing trout on dry flies during the coldest days of the year.

The first thing to know when hitting the water is what is hatching. Whether tackling the freestone streams of Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP), or wading a tailwater in North Georgia, three bugs can be found on the surface during the winter months: the Little Black Stonefly, Blue-Winged Olive, and Midge.

The first, and least utilized by the trout in the winter is the Little Black Stonefly. These bugs range from size 18 to 22 with a few rogues growing a touch larger. Though abundant at times, there often aren’t enough to garner significant attention.

The next bug anglers will find in December is the Blue Winged-Olive (BWO), and once again in February/March. Georgia streams may see an extension on these time frames but not as much as the streams of North Carolina and Tennessee. Timing is everything for these BWO hatches. Overcast weather is a major key to finding the largest hatches which typically start around 10am during ideal conditions. Hatches can last throughout the day in these overcast conditions but will often wane around lunchtime under a clear sky before picking up again in the late afternoon.

The last of the trio is the Midge. Midges will comprise a large percentage of the hatching insects during the winter months. Regardless of weather, Midges come to the surface almost every day. Hatch times can vary significantly starting as early as daybreak. The emergence can last all day or stop after an hour. Afternoons are often the most consistent, especially if stable weather has settled between cycling cold fronts. Midges throughout Southern Appalachia will often fall between size 18 and 30. Matching the size of these flies can be the single most important detail when taking advantage of a hatch.

Like many other hatches, action will typically start off slow around the midmorning hours with a handful of bugs taking to the air and the occasional rise from a lone trout. While these sporadic risers can be tougher to stalk, keep an eye on the areas or types of water (glides, pools, and tailouts) these fish are utilizing and look for similar areas where more activity may be present. By late morning several or more trout could be rising when, especially in larger runs. When the action gets heavy, know your time may be limited so there can be little room for error. Quick problem-solving skills and the ability to adjust quickly is crucial.

Now that we know what is hatching and when it is likely to happen, we just have to know where. The two most important pieces of water to look for during winter hatches are longer medium to slow moving runs and tailouts of pools. Here, trout can exert the least amount of energy to take advantage of the easy meals. Insects will often be funneled into the fastest seams of these slower water stretches. A good exercise is to not walk directly into these streams and begin fishing upon arrival. Instead, forego some of your nymphing time in the morning and patrol the stream identifying where trout may be feeding on the surface. Keep your eyes open for increases in bug activity or other signs of life.

Once the hatch has started getting into position can be important. This can be dictated by the current, shoreline obstacles, or the spookiness of the trout. Clear water in the winter months often keeps the trout of Southern Appalachia on edge. Approaching from a 45-degree angle downstream can keep you out of their line of sight and often allow the cleanest possible drift and hookset.

Unless you are familiar with the exact flies the trout are eating, it is recommended to go with a tandem fly rig. A larger lead fly (but still size 20) often acts as a better sighter that can elicit bites. A size 20 Adams, Matt's Midge, or other sparse/thin pattern in a darker hue are all great options to lead with. That said, the trailing fly is often the most important choice, and going smaller (size 22 to 30) can be helpful. Thin tippet and oversized eyes on your hooks become a must.

During hatches, emergers are typically what catches the fish’s eye. Patterns such as Shuttlecock that incorporate Cul de Canard (CDC) will often sit lower in the water. Cropping the bottom fibers off an Adams pattern will also help the fly ride lower. If fish are refusing, continue to downsize until you see better results.

Another tip for finicky fish is to tie an unbeaded Zebra Midge as the trailing fly. If the rear tag line from the lead fly is 18 inches, grease the first 16 inches with a flotant paste. This will allow the fly to sit somewhere between the surface and 2 inches below the surface. If this tactic can’t coax a strike, its time to go home and warm up.

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Tad Murdock is a fly-fishing guide in North Georgia. He is available at www.georgiawildtrout.com and www.theanglersdestination.com.

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