I meet up with John Hammer and Perry in Elizabethton, TN for a float trip on the Watauga River. The weather had turned alot colder from the day before and I was not sure what that would do to the fishing. After putting the boat in we learned right away that it didnt hurt the fishing. Before we got throw the first hole Perry had several hits and John hooked into a big Rainbow that I would say was in the 20″ range that came unbottomed. As we worked our way down the river John keep hooking into fish on nymphs while Perry was having a little trouble getting the chase his bait down. We got to the back of a big hole and Perry had a big Rainbow eat his bait but just couldnt get him hooked up.

After lunch I switched John over from nymphs to a Olive Wooly Bugger. That was the ticket he started getting hits as soon as I put it on. All the way down by the Campground to the Caddis riffle John and Perry were hooking up about every third cast. They were nice Rainbows and Brooks that we where catching. The fishing slowed a little below the Caddis Riffle so we just keep moving downstream to the Ledges. When we hit the Ledges the fish were rising like crazy to the tons of Midges that were flying around. Perry was getting hits while John had stopped fishing an just enjoying the float. Perry handed me his rod and say “Show me how its done”, and I managed to landed the biggest fish of the day a 19″ Rainbow Trout.

It was a great day on the water with these two guys. The Watauga is low, but it is fishing very good.

If you would like a Guide Trip give us a call at 423-878-2822.

 Thanks,

Matt Champion

Champion Outfitters Guide Service