The water level is perfect for floating and the surface activity has been fantastic for those with the right flies. Terrestrials have been the best producing topwater flies. Beetles, grasshoppers, ants, and katydids have enticed some of the larger fish in the river lately. Midge activity, sporadic caddis flies, and craneflies have also been keeping the trout looking up on the upper river.

The South Holston is still fishing well, but the sulfer mayflies have tapered off. Terrestrials and BWO emergers will catch trout ALL DAY over there. Wade fishing the river when the water is off seems to be the most effective approach. The small streams that still have good flows seem to be teeming with hungry trout. Grasshoppers and beetles w/ just about any kind of small bead head dropper will produce plenty of trout for the wade fishers. Definitely concentrate on the deeper holes and be sneaky and persistent.

The smallmouth fishing has been nothing short of OUTSTANDING. We have been wearing out the bass on topwater flies for the past month now. Blue, red, white, chartreusse, and black poppers that resemble the damsel flies or dragonflies will entice these rod-rippers most of the day. Crawfish and baitfish seem to be the main food source though. Wolly buggers in olive, black, or brown fished below the surface will keep your rod bent up for sure.

The French Broad is really low and has the fish concentrated in the obvious spots providing great action for the waders and floaters. Fall dates are filling up, so don't wait to set up your next fishing adventure.