FIVE FLIES FOR DECEMBER

If you are fishing the South Holston or Watauga Rivers during this December, these are five flies you want to bring in your box.

This is the season of midges! As you can see, they are the bug of the month. They may not be the sexiest bug, however they make up a large majority of the fishes diet this time of year.

1. Olive Midge #18-20

A classic fly here on the SOHO all year. If you aren’t locked and loaded with lots of Olive Midges, you are definitely missing out.

2. Micro Olive Bullet #18-20

This fly killed it fishing in the fall and it’s been producing through the winter. It’s a low-key pattern that gets the job done. It’ll fish on both a bounce rig and in-line rigs. We typically are starting with a bounce rig on our guided trips.

3. Stripper Midge #18-20

For our wade fishing anglers on both the South Holston and Watauga, the Stripper Midge is a stealthy staple that is great for low-water applications. When the sun gets high and the fish get picky, this is a great option. It’ll fish on high-water too!

4. Morgan’s Midge #18-20

The Morgan’s Midge is a incredibly versatile dry fly. Obviously, it will work when fish are rising on midges but don’t be afraid to fish this during a Baetis hatch or black Caddis hatch! Fish crush them. It can be hard to see on the water, so definitely consider fishing a larger dry fly in front of it.

5. Jake’s Fluffer #18
Jake’s Fluffer is technically a Sulphur pattern developed for here on the South Holston, but it could easily be mistaken for Blue-Winged Olive or small black Caddis. It rides high and is a great fly to put in front of your Morgan’s Midge.

Lots of bugs and still finding plenty of happy fish! December is off to a good start.