Spring Break: Fishing in Asheville, NC

For Spring break, my family decided to travel to Asheville to stay and hike.   I was happy with the decision because it meant I could finally get some trout fishing in.  I borrowed some of my uncle's trout flies and waders to hopefully fish while I was there.  I went to a local fly shop, Hunter Banks Outfitters, bought some recommended flies, and got some intel on the surrounding streams.

The first day I was able to fish, I went to Graveyard Fields in the mountains, off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Yellowstone Prong of the East Fork of the Pigeon River runs through it, (complicated, right?) and it holds wild brookies.  I selected a size 18 Copper John from my uncle's box, tied it on under an yarn indicator, and on the first cast, hooked a 6 inch brookie.  After I brought that one to hand, I caught an 8 inch fish on the next cast.  The rest of the evening was fishless.  The brookies are very tricky to fool, and I was unable to catch more.

The next day, after climbing Mount Mitchell, I went to the South Toe River.  I donned the waders and put on a green Copper John in size 16.  I caught a small 5 inch rainbow out of the first pool and a smaller one at the end of the day to finish my fishing.

Two new species and a nice break from school.  I'd say it was a good week!