Reports

As winter finally has broken its grip with colder temps and record rainfall, fishing has been slow to get going in the warm water arena.
Typical fish patterns and movements have be behind this year. Spawning bass and crappie are just getting going as of mid-April. Some fish are still pre-spawn,one of the best times to catch the big ones. Smaller bass in the 1-2 lb range  are bashing baitfish in backs of coves.I have had best luck in clear water. 20 fish days are not uncommon. Try small patterns to match the size.Strip fast and hold-on. Poppers are working too. If fish are not visible on the surface try unweighted flies around cover with soft retrieves and dying baitfish movements. A few carp are starting to move but temps of 65-68 are not quite there yet. Again pre-spawn carp are very aggressive. You will need to search multiple flats to find them. Some are good, some are barren. You have to move around in the spring. Yellow buggers work well in the spring.

Delayed harvest waters are a no brainer right now. The private water trips have fish up to 12-15 lb being caught. Of course they are not all this giant, but it is the time to get one as water levels are perfect. Plenty of 18-20 inch fish available. Reds are breaking up slowly from winter schools and May should have some tailing fish. Bait is on the rise and coastal waters have warmed making fish much more active.

Look for my seminars at the Va Fly Fishing Festival in April and The SE FFF conference in June.
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Capt. Paul Rose
www.carolinabonefishing.com

Report  Mid-Winter 2010: Angling the last 2 months has been challenging and some days just impossible. Trout fishing has especially tough and the window for warm spells is limited. Record snows and rainfall amounts have most waters high and off colorful. The good news is most watersheds will be in great shape as warmer months approach. A nice warm day can be fun for a hike in and the chance for exploring new water access points. Take a friend and you may get lucky and hit it right. Surprising hot-hole fishing is even better than usually this time of year at most locales. More boats are out there escaping the cabin fever so try weekdays and areas not right at the discharge areas. Further up or down from the discharge may not have as pronounced water temps differences, but a few degrees is crucial. Reds are schooled tightly. Some Lowcountry water temps on the flats have been 45-48. If you find fish they will eat. Be sure to cover water quickly until you find them. Dark oyster bars hold heat as does off colored water. Reds will hold here. A few days of warming will turn them on quickly. Be sure to hit shows,check gear, practise rigging, organize and minimize. Tip: Fish with a pro bass tournament angler/guide on your favorite lake. You will a learn thing or two you never thought of. They can succeed when water temps are in the 40's consistently.You get a jump on spring fishing.

Late fall and early winter has been especially productive this year. Adequate rainfall has DH waters fishing well and provide consistent action on all fly-fishing techniques. DH waters are great places for beginners any time brook trout are around. Typical patterns to carry include bead head nymphs such as a pheasant tail, black buggers and flashy attractor dry flies like a coachman. Trout in DH waters will responded better this time of year to a pattern that is just a little different.

One DH trip I have done recently was the floating of the Tuck. Scott Cunningham of WNC trout has this figured out. More like a trip on a large western river, you will experience the biggest fish of all NC DH waters.Some of the state's biggest browns come from this water but specialized tactics are needed. As weather turns colder and snow flies pick your days carefully. 10a to 2p works best. Private trout water has yielded plenty of citation type rainbows. These trips are for all levels. The experienced angler wanting something more seem to enjoy these trips based on the numbers of repeat trips.

Don't forget about bass and striper on power plant lakes.Yes you heard right. Dec and Jan can be spectacular on these hot holes as bass readily attack topwaters all day long.If it is a bluebird day try a sink tip with small flies. There is alot of current at discharges so remember to throw a mend and use the current to your advantage. It is alot like  a deep smallmouth or trout pool just on the lake. If you have no time to travel or a stream is blown out, check out this trip. Stripers under the lights are just getting going along with some large crappie and spots as well. Redfish are schooled up on our coastal water and low tide is the time. Days of 10 plus reds in the 5lb range are common. Use a light fly with no weight such as a seaducer to avoid spooking the entire school and keep the action going. Drop me a note with your report to post or a pic to view.

What a great summer for carolinabonefishing.com. Clients are enjoying the dog-days of summer as expected with carp. This is the time to catch a few on dries usually the 3-6 ld class. Try a beetle. Look for risers in open water or under large trees overhanging the banks.Big fish are aggressive early as the sun just gets up. As flats warm, hit shady area and covered coves. Fish will stay active all day except for the skinnest flats. Night bassin and buggin has been great fun with some good numbers. Try site fish for bass with a Whitlock cricket early in the day as well. Trout fishing has been given a rest for now but Oct dates and on thru spring are available for private trophy for double digit fish that are "wild".

Scott at wnctrout.com provides smallies trip and has been doing very good when the water is right. He is the best popper fisherman you'll meet and gives a great trip as does his partner Chad. Check out the forum page for more info at wnctrout.com tight lines Capt.Paul

 

 

It is time to play. Helmet's on and mouthpieces in. Carp season is at its peak these two months. Give a trout a break and try something new. As water temps rise in the 80's, carp are most active in the a.m and p.m hours. Takes can be aggressive but still are usually soft. Present accurately, in clear water to feeding fish and success will come as you see the take. Sounds easy but a little practise helps. Plenty of double digit fish around. Try down-sizing flies a bit to prevent spooking. Night-time bassin is also at it's peak on area lakes. Try scouting in the day your favorite spots or hitting the dock lights. May even get some slab crappies or a striper. Redfishing for tailers can also be had. Check the tides for the "big ones". Be sure to look for tripletail, spanish and jacks when your moving around from spot to spot. Capt. Paul Rose www.carolinabonefishing.com We fish it all cold, warm or salty on the fly.

Carp,Carp Carp.With DH streams having a fork in them try the untrout excursion. The time is right for it. Carp are off the spawn and have the feedbags on. 20-30 plus shots at tailing and mudding carp on full day trips. If the fly is placed close, the fish are eating mostly crayfish and nymph patterns.Plenty of 10lb plus fish as well. ALso water levels are way up giving lakes a flood tide effect like fishing for reds. Prepare now for the the trip of a lifetime in your own backyard. Bass are readily hitting topwaters most of the day. Big bream can be found on the beds. Redfish trips can be arranged in the coming months with the tailing tides to the Lowcountry. Dates are filling fast though. Capt.Paul Rose,