Waters Creek Trouting

[Josh Barnett]

Today's Report Comes From Waters Creek: Home of the Bigguns

Dad and I took the opportunity today to fish Waters Creek. After helping with the workday last Saturday we were both excited to see what our hard work has done for the stream.

We hiked in about 3/4 of a mile and began fishing. Immediately, well almost immediately (about the 3rd cast), Dad hooked into a beatiful 24" rainbow trout in "the bend". Unfortunately, as he was pulling in this biggun the fish took a wild turn and broke off. He took the fly, the indicator, and about 4 feet of tippet with him. He broke away down stream approximately 30 yards, and within 15 minutes was back into "the bend"; fly, tippet, and indicator still dangling from his jaw. Dad waded upstream and I gave this monster a try. Needless to say, he wasn't interested in eating anymore for the time being.

Upstream another 300 yards or so Dad has landed two other rainbows, both over 20"... location: "I don't believe I said".

Meanwhile, I'm at my honey hole. Within an hours time I catch 2 trout: both rainbows, each 18". I will give you a little hint... Yellow Pheasant Tail Nymphs, size 14. Dredge the bottom... that's where these trout are.

What a wonderful day...

Get out there and explore, fore there are thousands of streams ahead of you!

[Josh Barnett]

I would have photos of all these fish, except when Dad was photographing one of the 20"+ trout he caught he dropped his favorite camera in the water. We are working to have it fixed as I type this message and if the photos can be retrieved I will post them.

Sorry, fellas...

[S.Trutta]

Hey Everyone. I just signed up and I have a great pic of a beautiful 20 inch brown from waters creek this past weekend, how do i go about putting it up so others can see? This past week was great at waters, which surprised me because i had fished it a half dozen times or so over the past few years and got skunked each time. Anyone have any advice or tips on how to regularly take those spooky waters bruisers?

Rich

[flyg]

Anyone have any advice or tips on how to regularly take those spooky waters bruisers?

Yeah, fish with Josh and do what he does:)

[TheEndlessEnigma]

i will give you the secret of Nimh ... i mean umm waters creek. i will post tomorrows results as they come heheh

[S.Trutta]

One other question....how do I change my profile and things of that nature?
Thanks

rich

[Josh Barnett]

Make an account with the NGTO Photo Gallery >> Upload >> Then ask me how to go from there.

E-mail me with any questions on Waters or post them here. I'd be happy to help.

[chrisfish]

I see the time you posted, Are you skipping school? LOL!!
Chrisfish

[Josh Barnett]

Actually, Chris, I was at school. I have what I call a "free period" where I am a "teacher aid" and kind of have free-reign as to what I do. Most of the time I am working on school projects, reading, etc., but today I decided to browse the web for fly fishing knowledge!

[chrisfish]

... and to think you ACTUALLY were being educated! I hope you know I was just teasing. I was afraid you were sick or something! (or broke into the school computer lab to get a trout fix), or something!!

Chrisfish

[Josh Barnett]

NGTO is a true source of education! ;)

[Path_Less_Traveled]

Gave Water's a serious shot today... stopped by UO and got something to use besides a spinner :rolleyes: ... those fish are very choosy... pretty much snubbed everything... i even floated something down from way upstream in that slow stretch where the school of hawgs is located... nothing.

Did find a couple of honey holes though... got several small ones... and a few in the 14-16" range... one really nice fat 16" pig :D .... had another couple others on that couldve been keepers (but wouldnt have kept it anyways)... in those honey holes, i think they wouldve hit a spinner as well.

Next time, i'll try to wait for rain and stain ;) ... if not, what i'll do is hit those couple productive holes, then hit some wild streams in the area.

[Path_Less_Traveled]

IMO, the length limit for bows should be shortened from 22" to 18 or 20"... it's just too difficult to catch "keepers" there (excluding Josh)... the stream is loaded... so some people keeping a few wouldnt hurt... i would guess there are less than 5 fish taken (legally) from Water's in any given season... and possbily none.... yes there are quite a few 22"+, but the 14-16"er's are the ones providing virtually all of the strikes.

With the WMA license good for a entire year, i'll keep in trying, but in reality, i know there's just only a remote chance of ever landing a keeper sized bow.... and therefore, it wont be my only destination when fishing that area.

[Path_Less_Traveled]

Josh... i acted on a tip you posted about Water's a while back (pm me if you want to know which it was)... and i C&R'd (for the lack of better words) a 20-something incher today :) ... dont know exactly what the measurements were because it slipped away while i was getting it up by the rod to photo and measure it... C&R'd another around 16-18"... and a few more 10-14"... 9 total... got broke off twice so had to hike it back to the truck... so probably only actually fished 1-1.5 hours.... you're right... Water's is not a pathetic little stream :D

[Josh Barnett]

I am glad that you were successful at Water's Creek. As I have said before, and will say again, Water's is a truly exceptional trout stream; but, only if you're willing to analyze the stream, prepare for each situation and try new things.

Many techniques that work on other Georgia trout streams do not work here. I have several adaptations and mutations on other techniques that I use on Waters and several other, un-named streams. It is all about going into this beautiful stretch of water with a PLAN! If you don't do that, don't waste your time.

Personally, I think 22" is reasonable limit. However, keep in mind that I am totally catch and release with any species. If I ever want a fish 'mounted' I will go with the fiberglass recreations. I believe that, especially in a stream like Water's being somewhat revived, it should be C&R only. Just my .02 cents, though.

Again, glad to hear that you were succesful and we need to hook up and fish there next season and see how things have progressed. I plan to go check it during the off season.

[Path_Less_Traveled]

Used 3 different lures today... but never thought i'd catch a 20+ incher on a spinner (but not a normal one) of all things... despite the catches today, I still feel inadequate on Water's... there's still one nut i cant crack... it's going to be difficult, so I may need you to go with me next year to find out how... by then, i'll have a flyrod... imo, Water's is built for fly fishing.

[Josh Barnett]

Water's isn't built for fly fishers, it's built for big, hungry trout! ;)

I'd be happy to go with you. It's all about having a plan there, like I said and really working one/one set of fish.

[Vance Hendon]

I beg to differ with you. Waters is set up very well for Fly-fishing.
Have used a fly rod there for 6-7 years now and have always
had a good day. Went Oct. 19th and had a great day. landed 2 Bows
over 18" and lost many at least that big or larger. Water was very
very low, and it took some careful fishing to get them. Lots of people
there that day, hard to find fish that we not spooked and completely
un-catchable. Wish that it was managed a little tighter. Not sure that
everyone there was aware of the regulations. I hope that every one who fishes for trout has an opportunity to spend a day at Waters and
tie up with some big fish.

[Josh Barnett]

I agree with you. Pun was intended on my comment about fly fishing on Waters. I fish there about once or twice each month and always have good days.

Glad to hear there is someone else very passionate about one of my favorite streams. You may also want to hook up TheEndlessEnigma (AKA Michael). He fishes there a good deal as well.

[Vance Hendon]

Thanks !!! Always good to hear from other people who care about that particular stream. I really love fishing there. Wish that I could hit it as often as you do. Thanks for the info on the other person who fishes there
alot as well.

Question : I realize that we are in our "dry" time of the year, but I have never seen the water there so low. Is Dockery that low or do you think that all the feeder streams are down.

[Josh Barnett]

It is my opinion that low water is merely a combination of several problems. I am sure that, due to lack of significant rains, the lake and feeder streams are down. I would predict that, most likely, low water is more or less a result of the feeder streams not 'feeding' quite as much water into the creek.

Hopefully, we will get another good rain here in the next week or so for the last minute anglers trying to get one more day in before close of the season. Even DNR Fly Fishing Guru, Jeff Durniak had a humbling day at Water's last week.

[Vance Hendon]

Thanks !!! ( again ) It is nice to have a sorce for more information.
These are my first posts here even though I have "used" this site for a
long time.
As for humbling time at Waters, this past Wed was one of them
never have a hooked so many fish that I never landed, they we
really hard to net. Fought like mad, HUGE fish coming completely
out of the water and breaking off !!!! What a day. My buddy
hooked into two that were at least keeping size but we could never
get them to the net. Broke the line !!! As I say some times they we
really "smart" fish they put us in our place most of the day.

[Josh Barnett]

Welcome to NGTO. I just realized that those were your first posts.

You will find a great wealth of information here on NGTO, especially if you know where to look for it. A ton of experts here on the message boards.

I have had some trouble on Waters netting fish at Waters. With my four-weight it is sometimes difficult to get the fish close enough. A five-weight is really the best there, but I really enjoy landing fish on smaller rods.

[TheEndlessEnigma]

with four weight here ...... although i suppose a 5 weight or even a short 6 weight could be good ....

[Josh Barnett]

What four weight are you using? Consider the fact I am using a very soft, slow action rod. The hogs at Waters can usually bend that rod over and then some...

[Path_Less_Traveled]

Speaking of nets... i lost mine on Water's :rolleyes: ... a cheap silver one with green nettting.... EE... did you find it?... we fish the same holes ;) .... oh well... i saw one at UO i like better anyways... will get that one next time in Helen.

[Josh Barnett]

I'll look for it next time I'm there.

[S.Trutta]

I saw that net this weekend WAAAYYYY upstream while fishing with Rick, we didnt pick it up though, i didnt think anyone had been up that far in a while so we let it be!! I can tell you exactly where it is though if you would like to retrieve it

Rich

[Path_Less_Traveled]

lol.... thanks bro... i'll pm you.... if i hadnt misplaced that net the previous week, i couldve landed my 20+ incher better and got an exact measurement and photo... it wasnt nowheres as big as your fish though.

I shouldve wrote "PLT" on the net ;)

[Rick Padgett]

is an understatement. I asked Rich how far he thought we walked, (before ever stringing the rods). We both agreed that we did several miles, in waders and all, and I'm still feeling it a little. But then, I'm not as young as I used to be. Of course, we were following a road most of the way, and not the creek. The net was at the uppermost part of the hike, just as we decided to turn around and head back where we started, (LOL).

The creek sure was small up there! Hope you find it. Better yet, I hope you catch one of those LUNKERS! I will try to get back up there one more time this weekend, if I can get away with it without a divorce!

Tight Lines,
Rick

[Path_Less_Traveled]

lol.... Water's is a walk in the park compared to most places i fish ;) ... didnt catch that ~22" upstream (the further you go upstream, the smaller the fish get)... you would be very surprised at where it was caught :D ... got it on the first cast into the hole.

[Rick Padgett]

I never said it was rough. It was an easy hike, as it was mostly on the old fire roads. But I'm 49, and I sit at a desk all day, so that makes a big difference. 10-15 years ago, I exercised a lot. Heck, I used to run 5 miles a day, (before beginning my workout). Don't do that anymore, so a 5 mile hike in loose hip boots and all was a little tiring. Would have been easier in lace up boots, but my hip waders are slip ons, and they wallow around on your feet.

Let us know if you recover the net!

Rick

[Josh Barnett]

Come on, Rick! Five measley miles... ;)

Might be a good hike in, but definately a stream that's worth it.

By the way, how did you do?

[Vance Hendon]

Those were my fisrt post. I have always been a little
quite about my fishing reports. Sort of a don't tell,
don't spread the word sort of thing, but I have been reading
post here for a while now and it seems to be a very good sight to
share accurate information.
As to the 4 weight information, that is what I have used the last
two trips to Waters. Before that I had been using a 6 weight.
My 4 weight has much quicker action than my 6 weight and with the
current conditions at Waters ( GIN CLEAR AND LOW) I wanted
all the help that I could get. It was a challange landing the fish that
I did, but what fun !!!!! A larger net would have helped greatly!!!!

[Path_Less_Traveled]

Was planning to hit Jones as the last seasonal stream this year... but because the net's up there and there are three wild streams close that i want to try ;), two new ones and one i didnt finish last time (pm me if interested)... i'll just hit Water's with laser precision then hit it's little wild brothers up there.

Yea Rick... it's a different story wearing waders... i see why you were a little tired... you didnt even need them that day at Water's... the water was warm and shallow... i never get wet past my knee there... but may have to get some waders for DH season... got any advise?

Josh... the fishable portion of Water's measures a total of about 5 miles round trip on the map, but it sure does seem much less when walking it :) ... it's really one of the easiest access streams i've been to this year.

[Josh Barnett]

Vance -- Again, we're glad to have you. NGTO is certainly a good resource. As far as the 4 weight goes, I have been using 3 & 4 weight there for the past several years. Never really had too much of a problem, but a 5 weight is probably a better option.

PLT -- I have hiked all the way up the trails, and it is 4 miles. And, yes, the access is very easy. One of the easiest to get to, actually. Much easier than some of the others I fish. ;)

[Rick Padgett]

Hey Josh, I actually got skunked. I spent most of my time checking out the lay of the land, talking to some nice folks, and very little time fishing. I hope to go Sunday after church for a few hours. I did get a few "Aggressive Looks", from some really large fish. But you know what they say, "Almost only counts in horse shoes", LOL!

Let me know if any of you will be there this weekend. Email or PM me, and I'll give you my Cell #, (Josh, you already have it). If I make it, I may have my wife tagging along. If you see us, please don't mention the bear sightings. She would have a duck fit if she thought there were bears anywhere near, (LOL)! She is not the outdoors type!!!

Tight Lines,
Rick

[Josh Barnett]

I cannot make it. Parents will be in Florida, and I am not yet 16.

Would love to have come, though. Good luck!

[Josh Barnett]

Anyone have any late-season reports?

PLT? Flash005? Michael?

I didn't get to go this weekend; parents were in Florida for the game. I am in much need of a trout fix.

[Path_Less_Traveled]

Drove to Water's today to fish it one last time... but duh! :o ... got there and remembered the dang weds, sat, sun thing... when i'm in the area, i usually hang with the guys in the checking station for a little while... today, they had some tips on where to find brookies :)... i had never thought of the ones they mentioned as having brookies, but will check it out next year.

Then went to a little wild steam nearby that i had hit earlier this year... didnt catch anything, but got some nice strikes and saw some very nice scenery... then hit two more wild streams... one wasnt so good... the other had potential when the water levels get back up... the water levels are really low right now... and the water is extremely clear.

On the way back, i went a different way and made a spontaneous stop at a stream on my fishing list for next year... glad i stopped... what a gem!... caught several in the 10-14" range... nice color... and interesting topography... the upper part of the stream looked something out west or in the mid-west.... the lower part was wild and slippery... the "gem" list now has four streams on it.