Fly Fishing for Trout in South Carolina

On a fishing blog one should talk about fishing, or at least mention the few trips that one gets to enjoy. Rhee and I happened to have the same number of vacation days left – not surprising as we work for the same employer. We take so few days off that around this time of year we are looking to take a few off the books and carry 5 over to the next year. We’ve been doing this for at least 10 years, and so far have had more trouble taking the days than worrying about not having enough left over in case of an “emergency”.

This week we took off Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (today). And went fishing. Monday was meant for the Cullasaja River between Highlands and Franklin, but instead ended up on the Davidson. Had Angus, our Scottie, with us which kind of limits things having to watch him. At any rate, I had no luck and we headed back. Tuesday was yard work, ’nuff said. Today: back to the Davidson. I like this river because it really presents a challenge for me. The fish are pretty technically demanding, i.e., they see a lot of people. So much so that you could swear they merely yawn regardless whether you attempt to approach unnoticed, or simply walk up in plain view. Most folks, me included, generally walk away without getting a rise.

Today was different. I lost 3 flies; 2 were snagged by “tree trout”, and the 3rd was simply ripped off my leader. Obviously it was wanted, and just as obviously it was the only one like it in my flybox. I switched constantly and only managed to get flipped off and ignored. End result: a mental note to dust off the fly vise and get busy! I have got to do better and get dedicated. Later… .

In an article in the Greenville News, it was pointed out that this issue is definitely sensitive and deserves all the careful consideration that all parties concerned are expecting. From the viewpoint of this author, the area in question definitely needs quite a bit of improvement,  particularly with regard to the impact of past usage practices. Restricting the parking to  greater than a quarter-mile and eliminating “user-created” campsites are not going to be popular in some circles, but these steps can only serve to improve the situation in the long run.

The major issue that I find fault with is the permission of boating in this section of river. Using a criteria of 450 cfm as the “optimum” flow level beyond which fly fishing for  trout becomes impractical, seems completely arbitrary and  impractical. Many of us have no choice after having travelled considerable distance, and we can only adapt our tactics as necessary to accommodate what conditions we find. In my experience of forty-some years on the river, I can see no reason whatsoever to implement such a controversial policy. The area was created and set aside as a “pristine” section where those seeking solitude could go and find that peace, and not be forced to endure the encroachment of thrill-seekers who seem to continuously run out of new places to pursue their sport, without regard to the needs of others.

Well, they do. Everybody knows that, expects that, except when it just happens right out of the blue.

Like, not long ago, trying to update to the newest version of WordPress, I just totally killed the flog. I had no choice. I had to revert to the old html, which freaked me out completely, I thought I had lost all of the latest posts, etc… .

But, as the saying goes, even a blind squirrel can find a nut and I got lucky. We’re back online and now all I have to do is see if I can stir up enough brain cells to recall the last couple of trips to blather about.

Also in the plan is my intention to begin addressing conservation issues.

Stay tuned. Hopefully you can find the channel once more.

Everybody loves makeovers…

This site has just been made over with the help of WordPress. What does this mean? Well, how about a break from a dry spell that has lasted over a year and a half. I sure hope that my dry spell was not the cause for the lack of rain up here in Upstate South Carolina. Don’t want that guilt trip.

26 April 2006

No doubt, this has been quite a long dry spell since the last post. Well, as the phrase goes, “A lot of water has gone under the bridge…” and, yes I know, that is a really terrible pun.
Have I not been fishing at all? Well, heck yeah. This little picture my pic chick took of me the day after April Fool’s day is on the Whitewater River. Showing such fine form should have been rewarded with an encounter of the piscatorial kind, but that didn’t happen. But note: I am wading wet for the first time this year and am unlikely to don waders until late this fall.

So, why then no news?

Well, mostly because there was not a whole lot to report on? Nah, that is not really accurate. Actually, quite the opposite is closer to the truth.

In terms of catching fish, well it has been kind of typical of most of my experiences; I had some luck, both good and bad. That, however, has been somewhat eclipsed by other events, notably a decision to emphasize a bit more on the conservation aspect of the sport of fly fishing for trout and the many factors affecting this area.

Although I still intend to chronicle my trips because it also gives me a chance to throw in whatever is on the top of my head (one of the main reasons I started the site in the first place), I want to add a bit more social consciousness into the mix. And so, I will work on those extensions in the background and do my best to keep up the front as well.

I will try my best not to get too dogmatic, but I definitely intend to share opinions here. Stick around. And shoot me an email when you feel like it.