Fly Fishing Eastern Tennessee April 2014

You get enough hooks tangled up, caught in clothing or trees, or stuck between rocks and at some point you're bound to just give up fly fishing altogether.  I was about there - but something held me back from throwing in the towel completely.  What if we could get proper instruction on this seemingly simply task and what if the professional showing us around knew where to fish, and what to fish with?  This would surely help right?!

So we packed up on Easter weekend for a three day trip easterward to the TN/NC border.  We camped at the beautiful Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park.  Several impressions: Great place to bring kids, there was practically an army of children under twelve there, strict enforcement by park service of quiet hours, no alcohol policy, and the park is situated right next to an old Native American fishing weir, which was really cool to see and explore.  For those unfamiliar, this is a weir:

 The camping that night was easy, and we got great rest in our hammocks.  The next morning was overcast and drizzly, and we were concerned about the fate of our trip.  I had arranged a guide, Bill Stranahan, through Southeastern Anglers, to take us out on a float trip for half the day.  Bill met us at the campsite at 1 and at that time it was still raining.  For anyone who has read any of our other trip journals,  you know that rain is nothing new for the Hollars.  We had a wonderful time despite it, catching many beautiful rainbow trout thanks to Bill's excellent tips and tricks.  Here is some video from the trip: