Foam is Home

Many anglers have heard this saying over the years, but few seem to know the true meaning of "Foam is Home" and why we love to fish the foam lines. If you have ever been guided by me, I know for certain that you have heard my thoughts on the subject. The foam lines are one of my favorite areas to fish for feeding trout. Here are a couple of reasons why:

1) The presence of the foam line means that is where the majority of the current is flowing. When fly fishing you have to realize that trout see current flow as a buffet table. That is where their food comes from as the current is what washes the food downstream to the waiting fish. This is where the spent insects are concentrated and free flowing, so why not lay your offering out into the foam as well? It works after all, at least in my experience.

Videos

We are in the process of putting together some ideas for a series of instructional type videos. If any of our readers have ideas on some things they would like to see please comment here or drop us an email. Your input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Swinging the Soft Hackle

The soft hackle fly is probably one of the least used flies in most fly boxes. Just like other wet flies, it has fallen out of favor over the years. This has always been a mystery to me because I find it to be a very productive fly when swung through proper current on most of the rivers that I guide on, especially the big tailwaters like the Hiwassee.
The soft hackle fly effectively imitates emerging insects and even drowned naturals. I find the most effective presentation to be a down and across current cast, kept on a tight line and swung through the "foam line" that is present in most dominant currents on large tailwaters. I like to swing it through and let it rest at the end with a slow, painfully slow, retrieval for maybe 5 strips. This imitates an emerging insect trying to break through the surface film in order to hatch.
If presented correctly this can and will produce strikes throughout the day in almost any conditions. The hardest part for most of my clients is to get a good hookset once they do get a strike. Since the fly is on a tight line, they actually get to feel the strike. This is a new concept for most of them and they can't believe how quickly the trout actually strikes. You have to be on your game when they hit or you will miss way more fish than you can catch throughout the day. This is the only true downside to the technique, but most don't seem to mind because they enjoy the action, so to speak. They agree that it beats having to just sit and watch an indicator float down the river all day. It's certainly hard to argue with that point.
The next time you're out, especially on a big tailwater where you have ample room to get a good swing, dust off that wet fly box and try a soft hackle fly. It will keep you and your senses sharp as it will definitely produce some vicious takes. Just be ready to set the hook and keep a tight grip on that fly rod!

In the News

Big win for the people of Utah! Click here to read all about this important ruling on stream access.

Tellico River Fishing Report

We've had some much needed rain over the last few days and the water levels are perfect for fishing. Water temps are in the 50's and the newly stocked delayed harvest fish are happy and feeding well throughout the entire day. Nymphs have been the standard fare, but we have had great success throwing size 6 olive buggers as well. I would say that the hares ear nymph has been the top producer for me over the last couple weeks. The size 16 has been the best performer, but the soft hackle version in a size 18 runs a close second. It all depends on the type of water fished as to what I will have tied on from time to time.
The new Delayed Harvest section is now from the mouth of North River to the state line. This is predominantly small stream type fishing with several plunge pools and short runs. It varies a little until you get above Green Cove, but once you get that far up it is a small stream fisherman's paradise. The fish are your typical high mountain variety, as this area has lots of natural reproduction as well. When the DH fish are thrown into the mix you get a little better average size per catch, but the techniques still require stealth and a good presentation in tight quarters.
We prefer using a drop shot technique while nymphing, but if not familiar with this other nymphing styles will also work fine. The key is to try and minimize the use of a strike indicator if possible. If new to nymphing it will take some practice, but the smaller streams require a more subtle approach, especially for the native trout. Even if you don't catch a lot of fish, it will prove to be good practice.