Summer, Summer, Summertime

Hey folks!  I hope you have a great summer so far.  Terrestrial fishing on the local rivers is fantastic right now and should continue into September.   It's hot out with temps in the 90s every day.  That's not stopping the great flyfishing!  I have been out with clients even during midday with great action flyfishing with a hopper and a dropper.  Largemouth bass are spread out all over the Neuse River in Wake Forest and Raleigh.  Sometimes being patient and working through and catching a few redbreast and bluegill gets some of the larger bass agitated and more eager to bite.

Redfish from Morehead City while fishing curly tail grub in The Newport River

When you see bass chasing redbreast or bluegill in an area you are fishing a bite will be coming soon.  Sometimes they will grab your fish!  Also, long casts directed at shaded sunken timber produces some bigger fish.  The river is running at its typical summer lows that means wading is easy but the fish are spooked easier.

My Tacky Fly  Box with emergers

Lighter tippets and stealthy wading has helped with results.  I find bass are more opportunistic in the river than in lakes and will hit terrestrials consistently.  It's all in your hook set.  Flies in sizes 8-12 still catch large bass.  This time of year there are many tubers, kayakers, partyers, and the like on the river.  If possible target areas below the take outs on the rivers.  The best spots to fish in the Neuse are below Capital this time of year.  Take care to return fish to the water quickly and avoid playing wish too long if possible.  September will be here soon and marks the best Hopper fishing of the season!  Tightlines!  EJ

The Neuse River flowing at around 2000cfs in July!

Largemouth in the Neuse below Capital Blvd caught on Chernobyl Ant

Small bass in a tight lie across the river.

Fly Tackle: Orvis 4 weight Recon 8' 6" Rod, Hydros SLII Reel, Orvis Axis Rod 8'6" 7 ft tapered leader to 4x.  Mystic Au Sable 8' 3" 4 wt fly rods and Ross Fly Start # 2 reels

Dry Fly: Chernobyl Ant 8-10, Amy's Ant 8-10,  Turks Tarantula Size 10-14, Rubber legged Stimulator 12-16, Ants 14-18.  

Streamers: Dumbell or bead chain eyed dragon and damsel flies.  Deer hair and Pugliese Blue Gill patterns.  

Nymphs: Any nymph you cast will produce bites this time of year!  Especially rubber legged hare's ear, prince, and pheasant tail. 

Spin Tackle: Medium light spinning rod and reel rigged with 6 or 8 lb test flourocarbon line.Berkley Power Bait Pre Rigged Atomic Tubes in white, green and pearl.1/16- 1/32 oz Jigheads with realistic eyes white twister or paddle tail.  VMC Paddletails.  Minnows will dominate under a float!

Conditions: Hot!  USGS water data says the Neuse River below the falls is flowing at 118 cfs which is below normal with temps in the 90s every darn day.  No rain here in a while here hope to get some soon.  Falls Lake is 90 degrees and the river is getting hotter too.

Wildlife: The Kayak, Canoe, Paddle board, and Tube hatch is in full swing on the river.  While on the river yesterday I saw a guy floating on an inflatable queen size mattress! Beware that there will be some interactions that may not be to your liking and just stay away from them when possible.  Don't cast when they are near.  If you desire seclusion focus your efforts during the week downstream from Capital Boulevard.  Turtles lots of them.  Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron, Osprey.