[phg]

Alieworms, what else? Size 14 with a brass bead works most of the time, but occasionally the fish will only take them without the bead.

I haven't been in a while, but really, the usual flies for other stocked trout streams will work. In the special regulations section, with it's wild browns, the fish can be a bit more picky. I've used flies from size 12 down to 22, and gotten fair results on almost all of them.

In the deep runs throw a streamer or a woolybugger.

In the riffs, I've done well with BWO's, but caddis also work. Right now, a good color is yellow, but olive and tan also work. Catskills from 12 to 18, caddis 14 to 18, midges, 18 and smaller.

For nymphs, GRHE, Pheasant's tail, Brown Stonefly, Prince in 12,14 or 16. Midge pupa and emergers in 18 or smaller, scudds as well.

Go prepared for almost anything, and, as Peewee is fond of saying, "let the fish tell you what they want." I've never found the fish in the SR to be all that fussy about size, but there are days when they won't hit anything.

[benflyfishn]

Thanks for the help PHG.

Do we have to worry about generation?

ben

[Al]

Originally Posted by benflyfishn

Do we have to worry about generation?

ben

Short answer is probably not - they do not normally generate during the weekends. We should know the projected schedule as soon as they update their announcement next Friday.

Long answer is you should always worry about generation.

It is nice that they announce next weeks schedule a week in advance but as they always say, " this schedule is subject to change without notice". I have the announcement number (276-629-2432) programed into my cell phone. I always check the night before a trip, and again the morning of the trip to see if there have been any changes. You should do the same.

Even if they are generating it does not have to spell the end of your fishing trip. If you know and understand the flow rate you can often jump ahead or behind the water surge and still work in full day of fishing.

Flow rate is as follows:

Town Creek 1 hour (top of the Spec Reg section)
North Bassett 2 hours (bottom of Spec Reg section)
South Bassett 3 hours (Jim's Auto Parts store)
StanleyTown Bridge 3 1/2 hours
Martin Processing 4 hours (behind Collinsville Funeral Home)
Koehler Area 5 hours

[lepomis_macro]

i should be able to make it up there

[emery]

I will try to get up there but it is unlikely as i would like to go with my dad and i dont know if he is off work.
emery

[emery]

Me and sandman are in

[22midge]

Hope to be there early .....heading up 86-29--58-220 if anyone needs to follow or lead me there. Al if you need anything just post and will bring it with me.

[Al]

Originally Posted by 22midge

Hope to be there early .....heading up 86-29--58-220 if anyone needs to follow or lead me there. Al if you need anything just post and will bring it with me.

Glad you're coming PeeWee. We are hoping for a good turn out of Smith River Regulars who will help "newbies" find the parking spots, learn the lay out of the river and perhaps even show them a few spots that consistently hold fish. The Smith is not a blueline so I hope that no one will hold back when it comes to sharing. The more folks use the river the more clout we will have when it comes to affecting changes.

For all who are heading up - don't forget some drinking water. It is going to cool off a bit, but it is still going to be in mid 80s and that can sap the energy right out of you.

We would also appreciate any contribution you can make to the table in the form of finger food, etc.

Don't forget your dollar bills. We will have a raffle. Not sure what yet as I am not in charge of that end of it. I'm donating a dozen Allieworms (I know you will all want some of them )

[lepomis_macro]

i know ralph might know the answer to this question, but other may as well....

i really only fish the smith in cooler weather. fall, winter, early spring. how is it for wet wading in the summer? with the generation on weekends turned off. i know the water temp goes up, but does it go up enough. the reason i ask. i dont look forward to walking down those tracks for a mile or two with waders on in the heat.

so if anyones done it. i would love to hear how it went.

thanks

[phg]

Ralph is the only person I know who has tried it. On Sat. morning, I would expect the water to still be pretty cold. By Sunday afternoon, I'm sure it's warm enough to wet wade down below Bassett. I've even seen kids swimming down near the 220 bridge, but the Spec. Regs. section doesn't ever seem to get very warm.

I was talking to Al this weekend, though. The trout stamp season is over on the 15th. Starting this Sat. you can fish the whole river with just the general VA. fishing license. There are several spots downstream of the Spec. Regs. section that are worth a visit.