Flies

Blue Winged Olive

Yallerhammer

Zebra Midge

Hot Head Euro Nymph

RS2 Emerger

Pine Squirrel Zonker

Egan's Red Dart

Perdi-Worm Euro Nymph

Bionic Ant

Pat's Rubber Legs

Blackburn Tellico Nymph

Secret Weapon Smoky Mountain Fly Pattern

Gear & Gadgets

Knot Kneedle
If you have trouble tying knots, the Knot Kneedle may be the answer. It can tie 25 common knots including the needle knot.

https://theknotkneedle.com/

Fishpond Sushi Roll
The Fishpond Sushi Roll is a way to carry flies, especially streamers in a convenient roll-up storage. The roll secures closed with velcro and allows you to unroll so you can see all of your flies at once.

Karmik Outdoors
Karmik provides outdoor enthusiasts with a reliable solution for getting lost gear back. Place our scannable decals on your favorite outdoor gear to ensure you are prepared for your next adventure! Using Karmik Outdoors gives you a better chance of getting your gear back if you leave it somewhere or if it gets washed down the river.

Aluminum Thermometer
Trout fishing in NC can bring large swings in water temperature are very possible. It may be a good idea to carry an aluminum thermometer along on your next trip. They can be purchased from Mad River Outfitters.

Catch and Release Tool
​
This tool was developed to all the release of fish without having to touch them, thus no damaging their protective coating. You can check out this tool at their website.

Rod Holder
​Have you ever needed a third hand on the water? Try a Rod Holder. Click here for the article from Fly Lords Magazine about rod holders.

Tippet Ring
​
I first read about and started using them a little more than a year ago, but I have become an advocate. The advantage is that you tie your tippet to the ring rather than directly to the leader. If you tie directly to the leader, each time you replace the tippet you lose a little more leader and you can use up that leader rather quickly. Manufactured leaders are not inexpensive, especially if you are using fluorocarbon which can cost north of $10 each. By using a tippet ring you can make that leader last a year or more.

Fly Fishing Tips

Five Tips on how to stay warm for winter fishing
Tip 1. Bring a hot coffee or tea in your favorite Yeti Ram-bler! If you’re adventurous pour some whiskey in there too!
Tip 2. Bite the bullet and get battery-operated heat socks, it will change your life!
Tip 3. Some good wool gloves or some fishing-specific ones like the Simms Fishing Half Finger Fishing Gloves.
Tip 4. You can’t go wrong with hand warmers or feet warmers!
Tip 5. Last, a Wym Hoff mindset – the cold is all in your head. Focus on the fish, tight lines and embracing every second you’re out there.

Don't Forget the Mend

Fly fishermen know that mending usually aid in the prevention of a drag. They recommend that one creates a slack line on the upstream to prevent pulling to occur on the fly. Mending should be done when the line is right in front of you. But after the cast just like it can happen as one gets to flip a loop in a particular rope. However, the loop should not run the whole line length in order for it to manage to move the fly effectively. Therefore, that only enough looping should be done to throw slacklines in the upstream director of the fly.
Source: https://bonfirebob.com/secrets-of-fly-fishing/

A Little Motion can go a long way, from Field and Stream

This tip may seem counterintuitive to some, since anglers typically strive for drag-free drifts when fishing dry flies or nymphs. The problem is, fall brings leaves, twigs, and wind-blown junk to the river. This junk clogs not only the surface, but also the many layers of the water column. Giving your fly a little twitch every now and then can grab a fish’s attention and help differentiate it from debris. Slow, short strips can coax big eats, too, and don’t be in a hurry to make a lot of fast casts. Well-placed, methodical casts are the name of the game.
Bonus Tip: Educate yourself on what a spawning bed, or redd, looks like. Targeting spawning fish is a super big no-no.

Water Temps and Trout
​
With the weather heating up, we need to pay attention to how rising water temps can affect the health of trout. See the chart to the right for suggestions on handling fish.

How to wade Safely
​
One of the most dangerous activities in fly fishing is wading the the potential of falling. This link will take you to an article by Orvis on how to wade safely. Click here to learn more information on the safety tips.
1) Use a wading staff
2) Always wear a wading belt
3) Pivot upstream
​4) If you get tired stop and rest or trace your steps back to safety

Catching Stocked Trout
Kent Klewein, Gink & Gasoline
​
Tip 1: Big flies and bright flies are generally the best choice for freshly stocked trout
Tip 2: Don't move, change your flies first
Tip 3: Search out the slower moving water like pools and deeper runs
Tip 4: Go natural with fly choice after the trout have been around for a while
Tip 5: Hit the pocket water and riffles
Tip 6: Swing your flies
Tip 7: Go tiny and downsize your tippet

Knots
​
Here is a great article on the strength of knots. The article discusses various knots and the strength of each.