Dukes Creek

[flyguy287]

I will be heading up there at Smithgall this coming Wed. I was wondering if you could recommend what flies to use. I know that the fishing gets good after a rain.(San Juan worms). The last time I was there the water was crystal clear and the fishing was pretty slow. Caught around 4-5 small bows on an orange stimulator. Is there a section of the river that is "better" than the others.

[Rocketroy]

Flyguy 287,This is not an official "Jimmy@Unicoi" reply, but I did fish beat # 1 as recently as last Wed.,along with 5 other variously experienced folks.......the results high sticking # 16-18 PT,Miracle midges,Copper johns, and red wire wrapped BH creations......all small with pinched on weights was: approx. 13 Bows from 13in.-22 in.! My two were 16-17 in. .....one on a # 18 flash back copper john dropped off a #14 golden stone,with 1 split shot BB to get it deeeeeep in the fast plunge pool,only 20 min. into the 07:30 session. It was then hard going up until about 11:30, when I tied on an ugly green posted hopper in a size 12, and water hauled under the Rhodie bushes to connect with my second challenge! Both were strong, stayed submerged, and were a handful on my 3 wt. overloaded with # 4 WF line and 7&1/2 ft. 5x leader! The water is in very good shape, with some stain, and #1 & #4 are giving up the quality fish...... but in typical Duke,s fashion must be earned! Stay small on the flies,find the deep moving water, work ea. site hard...... and stay quiet, and you will hook up! ENJOY! A real state treasure! Rocketroy of Clarkesville

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[Jimmy Harris]

Well said, Rocket. Great report. Rain yesterday and this morning will help everything around this area. If we get more this weekend, which is predicted, fishing next week could be some of the best we've seen in weeks.

[flyguy287]

Thanks for all the help. Had pretty good luck yesterday. Around eight fish. Not counting the two chubs. Biggest was around 9". Had a posible 20+" fish on. Wrapped around a tree. Missed two othe good size ones in the same pool. All were caught on Elk hair caddis and stimulators.
-josh