Hit the Woods and Water for Fun
Oh the many choices available to the outdoor enthusiast in East
Tennessee! Take your pick–morning turkey hunts and afternoon stream smallmouth
bass, morning stream trout and afternoon crappie, morning sauger or walleye and
afternoon lake largemouth bass, tailrace trout, stripers, bluegill, catfish, or
a simple walk in the woods to take in the spring rebirth of a multitude of wild
flowers, shrubs, and trees.
We are very blessed to live amongst such diverse flora and
fauna here in the Smokies. Hunters can enjoy one of the nation’s
highest concentrations of Eastern wild turkey. Fishermen need only
chose between stream and lake fishing. You can target certain species on
each outing, but know you’ll probably land a variety of fish and a Tennessee
world record may be your next catch. The Volunteer State lies at the
southern most latitude for a number of more traditional northern species of
fish. Our smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and yellow perch take
advantage of a longer growing season than their northern cousins enjoy.
March 2012 was the warmest on record. Our average temp was 61 degrees
which surpassed the 1945 record by 2 degrees.
Fly and spin fishermen should look to May and June patterns, but
predictions of some major cold fronts will slow things down some. The yellow
and even chartreuse bugs are already hatching. Refer to The Ultimate Fly-fishing
Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains by Don Kirk and Greg Ward for a seasonal guide to color and
patterns as well as presentation tips.
Remember—Keep what you need and leave the rest for seed.