Trophy Fishing TN Forum - Caney Fork Trout Fly Fishing - Caney Fork Trout Guide

Warm Water Fishing Reports => East TN Lakes and Rivers => Topic started by: jkilday4 on April 15, 2008, 04:49:22 PM

Title: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: jkilday4 on April 15, 2008, 04:49:22 PM
It has been cold for a couple days and was not going to be surprised to find the bite down.  But still went ahead if for nothing more than a bit of peace on the river.
 
Started off at the top of a double island - nothing.  Worked one chute, then some laminar flow above the smaller side island.  No action.  Got around to the side of the smaller island, cast into some still side water that looked spawny & saw the small male pounce...he had a nice string of milt going.
 
Continued to work the far side of this smaller island, nothing more there.  Worked below it and then back up between the two islands in quick water without any luck at all.  Did scare one larger smallie off another bed.
 
Was walking up to the top of the bigger island, preparing to head out after a disappointing yet predictable hour and a half.  Then, about thirty yards out into the laminar flow above the island, I heard a splash and immediately looked up to see a considerable set of rings working out.  I said what the hell, might as well chase something before I head out.  I waded up a ways and let go with the fireline as far as I could.  After a couple of retrieves, bingo.  I was on an excellent school of pigs that kept me busy for awhile.  Landed 8 or 9 in the next 45 minutes!

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_1.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_2.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_3.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_4.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_5.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_6.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_7.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_8.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_9.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/PatesHillsmallie0408_10.jpg)

Extremely encouraged to finally catch some of size from the Nolichucky.
 
Come to think of it, maybe the typical Blackberry Winter that usually follows wouldn't be such a bad thing after all...  8)
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: ALflygirl on April 15, 2008, 07:40:02 PM
Nice fish!!! Sounds like you had a good time!!
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: Kylemc on April 15, 2008, 08:10:44 PM
Get out of my water  >:( ;D ;)
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: jkilday4 on April 15, 2008, 08:47:49 PM
Get out of my water  >:( ;D ;)

Dang...you a mean little troll ain't ya!  :P

Yo buddy - we still need to launch my boat at Kinser sometime - - -
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: jkilday4 on April 15, 2008, 08:49:37 PM
Nice fish!!! Sounds like you had a good time!!

Thanks.  Yep a real blast - just what the doctor ordered!
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: Steve H on April 15, 2008, 09:19:57 PM
You East TN guys are killin' me! Nice Smallie porn!
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: Kylemc on April 15, 2008, 10:35:34 PM
Get out of my water  >:( ;D ;)

Dang...you a mean little troll ain't ya!  :P

Yo buddy - we still need to launch my boat at Kinser sometime - - -

Troll? :-\
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: RonS on April 15, 2008, 10:37:30 PM
Nice +1 report and pictures.

I always think of smallies kind of like a Green Beret of the fish world. Love 'em.
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: TWiles on April 16, 2008, 12:47:47 PM
John,
Good to see the Nolichucky smallies are biting well.  Crystal and I are planning on chasing a few tomorrow on the Holston after work.  Hopefully this warmer weather will kick the aggressive bite back into gear.

Travis
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: jkilday4 on April 30, 2008, 10:30:58 PM
Speaking of Holston.... 5 lb 20.5 in today to end the blackberry winter -

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/P4300442.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/jkilday4/Fishing/P4300437.jpg)
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: RonS on April 30, 2008, 10:41:49 PM
Nice.
I'm going to have to find some smallie water around here.
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: Gofisher on May 01, 2008, 07:44:53 AM
Nice piggy J4!   :o
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: MikeA on May 01, 2008, 07:51:23 AM
Damn!
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: Rockyraccoon on May 01, 2008, 08:33:33 AM
SA-Wheat!

Awesome  fish there J.  ;D
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: Steve H on May 01, 2008, 01:07:40 PM
WOW!!  :o
Title: Re: End of Dogwood Winter Smallie report
Post by: Kylemc on May 01, 2008, 02:10:19 PM
solid J4!