So I had today off and went to play in SE TN. I've had mixed success in this area before but wanted to try some new water and had been salivating over a couple valleys on Google Earth and my gazetteer.
The first creek of the day started out with deep swimming holes that were filled with loads of creek chubs. Once you get up the first high-gradient stretch the creek levels out.
and seemed awfully warm for trout right now. You know things are dire when I start taking photos of cardinalflowers.
Not even any chanterelles or cool herps to keep my interest up. After a mile or so I headed back to the car and headed deeper into the NF, up twisting dirt roads and down winding switchbacks. This looked more promising.
The first cast got hammered, as did the second, and third.
The creek just kept looking better and better.
and every place there should have been a fish, there was a fish.
Nothing huge, but I never switched from the stimi…
