March Conasauga Trip

[ccardwell]

We are planning a trip for late March. What will the conditions be like and what pattern is used this time of year? Is there any pressure at this time on the river?

Thanks,

Cam

[TheEndlessEnigma]

conasauga river at that time of the year receives little pressure. yo uare more likely to encounter hikers and bears and the occasional wild hog at that time of the year or any other time of the year. depending on the temperature and water flow you may encounter a caddis hatch here and there but most of your fishing will be on the bottom ..... and on the river that is not east whatsoever if the water is high. fish up there are unusually spooky but you can be rewarded for patience with some beautiful fish.

[ccardwell]

would it be any beeter on the Jacks or do they flow pretty much the same? I really don't mind the challenge or the patience but we will be first timers and I want to enjoy the area as we get to know the river.

- C

[TheEndlessEnigma]

jacks is a little broader and wider and offers somewhat easier casting in spots. as far as being better i would not say one is any better than the other fishing wise. both are excellent

[Jared Darnell]

Ccardwell,
This is my first post so go easy on me. The conasauga can fish really great towards the end of March. If there have been several consecutive warm days the fish will be pretty agressive. Try using elk hair caddis, parachute adams and orange or yellow palmers. If the weather has been cold the fish will slow down, expect to fish slow and deep. Flies to try would be hares ears, pheasant tails, and small wolly buggers. The fish in the Conasauga aren't too selective, a good presentation and a stealthy approach are much more important. If you can you should plan on staying at least one night to make the hike in worth it. There are plenty of campsites along the river. Have a good trip and post a report when you get back
JD

[ccardwell]

JD,
Thanks so much. That is exactly what I needed to hear. We plan to hike in on a Thursday and out on Sunday. Hopefully that will give us some time to explore and get to know the river a little. Is it crazy to think we might be able to fish the Conasauga & the Jacks? Or, in your opinion, should we fish one river for the entire stay?

Regards,
C