The scuds, midges, and sulfur nymphs continue to dominate the food supply for our beloved S. Holston trout. The best 
dry fly activity has been early morning for the midges and early afternoon for the sulfurs. The TVA has limited generation to a few pulses a day, making for warmer waters in the lower sections of the river in late afternoon. The best bite has definitely been in the morning hours on most days.
As you move upstream the bite stays a little more consistent through the warmer parts of the day. Some nice fish are beginning to look up for the ever growing terrestrial populations. While the beetles are not in full force quite yet, you can do some damage with small ant patterns. We have also been using big dry flies that do a good job of imitating damsels, dragon flies, and butterflies. While you may only get a few bites a day on the huge dries, they are usually by some fairly large fish. We are using size 10 stimulator-like patterns in blue, peacock, or orange.
With the low water, the big browns have been very spooky as of late, so long leaders and precise presentations are a must. Rushing up to your favorite run will often spook the larger browns sitting in the tail outs and slack water. Don’t be surprised to see huge browns sitting in mere inches of water cruising around for their next snack.
This report furnished by Justin Shroyer of the Trophy Water Guide Service in Boone, NC. tel 828-386-1040