The photo was taken on a trip to the Park in 2010 and it one of my favorite reminders of how fast the weather can change. However, winter can be a great time for hiking and fishing in the mountains but you must be careful to protect yourself from the elements. Fly fishing in the winter including the Smoky Mountains National Park is difficult but not impossible in the winter. Here are some useful tips.
The trout will be holding in areas away from the current and most likely in holes on the bottom. Typically, they are in holes under the surface current so getting the fly down to them will be difficult. However, with long, light leaders and tippet, combined with small flies fished in slow water in the deeper areas of the pockets and pools, you can catch trout. This is a time consuming process but once you catch one, you will be capable of repeating the process and indeed you will feel warmer at least inside.
Don’t be deceived into think that the trout will not eat. If they are alive, they will eat especially if it is a tiny fly properly presented drifting slowly in front of their nose. Some fly suggestions are Blue Winged Olive nymphs, emergers and duns in size 20, cream midges larva, pupa and adults in hook size 20 & 22, and Winter Stoneflies both nymphs and adults in #18. Be sure to check out the Perfect Flies available at Troutprostore.com.
But remember, whether hiking or fly fishing be sure to dress properly and check out this National Weather Service Windchill Chart.