130. New Leaders and Fly Fishing in Upper East TN

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we recap a recent trip to Upper East Tennessee with the Liars and Tyers. The trip included clear water, low flows, long leaders, dry-dropper rigs, and plenty of stories from more than two decades of fishing together.

We also look at the leader setup that became our go-to system for the trip. It was not the easiest rig to cast, but it helped us make delicate presentations without putting fly line over wary fish.

This trip was a reminder that good fishing does not always require complicated flies. Sometimes a simple midge, a long leader, and a precise drift are all it takes.

Key Highlights:

• We stop at Buc-ee’s, suffer through a bad Wendy’s meal, and navigate Knoxville traffic.
• A long mono leader helps us avoid spooking fish in clear water.
• Simple red midges produce most of the action.
• Clean, drag-free drifts outperform complicated fly patterns.
• Riffles and color changes consistently hold fish.
• Accurate casts and delicate presentations are essential.
• We share a reminder to respect other anglers and their water.
• We revisit a productive spot named more than 20 years ago.
• Low flows make rowing challenging, but the river becomes easier to read.

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Produced by NOVA