Davidson River Report with B REX

[bassasaurus rex]

Well I got the pass to get out for about an hour. I honestly thought I was not going to have any luck since it was getting so very late. I didn't get out to the Davidson till about 7:20pm. There was only one other guy fishing downstream from me, so pressure was light. I fished the hatchery section to try and go for a trophy trout. I started off with my usual midge patterns, and only managed to get one hook up until the sun was going down. BUT!! as the sun went down it seemed all fish abandoned all caution, and then the bite was ON:D
My first fish was landed on a #16 caddis,http://s294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/jmosix/?action=view&current=bigfish007.jpg

Then the gods finally allowed me my first really large trout. I pulled this 20 incher
on a 16 para adams. This fish fought harder than any other fish I've had on yet.
She gave me at least 10 drag peeling runs, and a good 4 airborne acrobatics. It took a good ten mins to land it, but finally she gave in. I realized how big she was when I had a hard time getting her in the net.http://s294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/jmosix/?action=view&current=bigfish012.jpg
http://s294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/jmosix/?action=view&current=bigfish013.jpg
The Davidson HAS given me bigger fish on the bite, but I haven't been able to land one of these bohemian beasts until now!
YEA;)
Hope you enjoy
B REX

[Labrador]

never fished the D.
Think I am going to have too.

Nice job man. Nice fish. I just saw someone on another board with a total monster from the D. I know they aren't all the time, but the chance would be sweet!

Thanks

[House Fly]

I never fished Davidson, either, but them hawgs sure make me think about it. Thanks for the report B Rex; and great looking pisces. Landing fish that big on size 16 flies must've been electric. :cheers:

[finless brown]

Sweet! Great lookin bow there Justin. Next time you are up that way lemme know and I'll put you on a cool spot or two. Those are my old stomping grounds. - Bel

Wait.... did you move to Asheville?

[S.Trutta]

Yep.....if there is one thing I miss about the SE its the Davidson.....what a gem!!!! Sweet fish....and it counts as 24' because it was on a dry :cheers:


Rich

[conner j]

Big trout on dries it doesn't get any better than that.

[bassasaurus rex]

Bel,
Yea I'm staying over here for a few months, and taking in ALL the oppertunities.
PM me I'd love to "maintain" some of your honey holes;)
Also let me know the next time you get the overnight pass.
J


I really wish I could have landed the fish I had on the day before. It trully was a beast. I was sight fishing a pod of about ten fish over 20 inches. Everything I threw was rejected. but right before I was about to give up, I let my Caddis, to G. gnat, to bubble nymph rig swing down stream. The biggest fish in the pod took the aggressive pose and fired off of the caddis size 14. It was just as random as could be, but awesome. The fish didn't even know it was hooked yet.
It headed to the head of the pool. He then started to head for some cover. I gave him just a bit of heat to keep him out. NO DICE:bang: He felt that hook and broke me off so fast...IT REALLY HURT.....ME THAT IS! This fish was every bit of 26-30 inches, about a nine pounder. I saw this fish clear as day. I was really bummed he had the hook still. I actually went to bed thinking of the encounter and hoping he spat the hook.
I've hooked a couple of big browns too but nothing like this beast of a rainbow.
I'm gonna get em too. I've named him "Fredrick" and we WILL meet again:D
But at least I got his sister last night!
B rex

[trout_boy II]

Please learn how to handle the fish so they live. I'm sure a 10 minute knock down drag out "fight" was fun, but given the extremely low water and low dissolved O2, it may have left the fish to die from the exertion. :bang:

Oh yeah, glad you were able to snap those foto's, but laying the fish on the rocks while you did probably didn't help either. :eek:

Look, I think it's great to catch big fish, but be aware of conditions (severe drought!) and change you habits accordingly. :mad:

I'm just say'in...

TB

[Troutseeker]

Please learn how to handle the fish so they live. I'm sure a 10 minute knock down drag out "fight" was fun, but given the extremely low water and low dissolved O2, it may have left the fish to die from the exertion. :bang:

Oh yeah, glad you were able to snap those foto's, but laying the fish on the rocks while you did probably didn't help either. :eek:

Look, I think it's great to catch big fish, but be aware of conditions (severe drought!) and change you habits accordingly. :mad:

I'm just say'in...

TB


Party pooper!:p

[finless brown]

Party pooper!:p

I second that notion. Its the Davidson for crying out loud.

[Windknot]

Looks like an all-around fine trip! Thanks for sharing. :cheers:

[Ted]

Nice pics and report!

[bassasaurus rex]

You have no idea who you are talking to boy.:hammers: I have never killed a fish. The few times I have were in stocked streams when I planned to bring fish home. I can also count those on one hand. I have a catch and release net, barbless hooks, and have finesse when playing fish. Have you ever fished trophy streams?? If so I'm sure you would know that sometimes you have to downsize tippet to even fool these bad boys. To be honest to you FRIEND, I'd rather play a fish a bit longer than give the heat and leave a #16 fly deep in her throat. That fish was also not laid on "the rocks" as you said. If you have fished Davidson you would know it's all sand banks by the hatchery. I netted this fish and gently laid her down to snap two photo's. I have seen a many trout purposely run them selves into the sandy bottom to clean themselves of parasites I'm sure. The Davidson is not dry as you say. We have had almost daily afternoon showers the last two weeks. In my mind you have NO right to speak the things you say. If you don't have anything nice to say ZIP it!
I was the one whom released this fish, not you. I barley had to get her in the water before she tried to take off. I gently revitalized her about thirty seconds before she was sent on her way, at which point she swam back to the same hole with some speed. This fish was and is fine. You do not know me, much less have you fished with me. So come on up and fish the Davidson with me and then make your assumptions.
Sincerely,
B REX

[TheEndlessEnigma]

bass i know where you are coming from. as someone who fishes the Davidson whenever possible .... which used to be more before health problems and 4 a gallon.... i know how those fish fight. Ten minutes really is not that bad for those fish as for whatever reason those are some of the strongest healthiest fish anywhere .... probably due to the perpetual midge hatches that occur yearlong nearly every day. I have seen bigguns taking midges and it would be snowing. anyway dont sweat a ten minute fight ... i am sure the fish was fine. I can truly say i had a 20 plus minute fight on a fish up there who kept making giant run after giant run and just bulldogged the heck out of me and it was onlya 20 incher too which was finally landed and then swam away like nothing in the world was wrong.

the davidson is just a different animal that is oxygen rich and mega fertile with fish who reap the benefits

[FishOn]

From what i have seen of the Davidson, that fish has probably been sitting in one spot for a month not taking anyones flies. It needed the exercise and fresh air.

[trout_boy II]

Article from last year - still applies:

http://www.hendersoncountync.org/soil/Mills%20River%20news%20articles/Trout%20in%20trouble.pdf

And another - again from last year:

http://www.randrflyfishing.com/2007/09/09/fisheries-biologists-speak-out-on-smoky-mountain-drought-and-trout/

And finally, something current on the level of drought in WNC:

http://nc.water.usgs.gov/drought/

and to top that off, the current flow at the D:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=gif_default&period=31&site_no=03441000

Look, I'm no biologist and I don't claim to be a trout fishing genius, but those of you who say there is no problem, a) don't live up here and b) just really have not thought this through. Unfortunately, unless we get a few good hurricane rains this summer, things will get worse.

I'm not saying don't fish, I'm just saying think about what and where you're doing it. And yes, I fish the D about 25 times a year, year round, so I'm pretty familiar, from a layman's point of view at least, with the river.

Sorry if I sound "touchy", but things ain't great up here and "wish'in don't make it so." :huh:

TB

[TheEndlessEnigma]

Article from last year - still applies:

Look, I'm no biologist and I don't claim to be a trout fishing genius, but those of you who say there is no problem, a) don't live up here and b) just really have not thought this through. Unfortunately, unless we get a few good hurricane rains this summer, things will get worse.

I'm not saying don't fish, I'm just saying think about what and where you're doing it. And yes, I fish the D about 25 times a year, year round, so I'm pretty familiar, from a layman's point of view at least, with the river.

Sorry if I sound "touchy", but things ain't great up here and "wish'in don't make it so." :huh:

TB

yeah i am not saying go out when the water is running at 33 cfs and have a 30 minute fight with a 17 inch brown that isnt smart. im glad you fish that much up there i only get up there 8-10 times a year.

what does where i live have to do with knowledge though? just curious. arent books and publications kind of available at libraries everywhere? unless i miss my guess .... Brex lives in asheville which isnt exactly far away.

BRex i realilze this is a sort of sticky subject and I believe there is some common ground here so lets have a cola and talk about it civilly I dont think ayone is trying to step on any toes

[Rusty Fowler]

Yo, trout boy. I don't think your replies were uncivil at all, mang. The way I see it, just a little passionate advice.

[trout_boy II]

Yo Rusty! Thanks for the benefit of the doubt - and you're right.:cheers:

TB

[bassasaurus rex]

I have already been in touch with trout boyII. We've chatted and are on the same page here:cheers:.
I agree with some of the points he has made. My only point is I too feel that I am one of the more serious anglers that is concerned with the survival of the trout in general. So in fact, we probably all are on the same page here. I must also admit that when I read this post I was having a rough day and sort of fired back with out thinking much. I made that point to troutboy, and I'm hoping we can get on some fish together.
B REX

no more:hammers:
time to be:)

[ASago]

Now THAT's how it's done gentlemen... way to work out your differences....

Awesome trip bass - thanks for the report and the pics!

[bassasaurus rex]

Thanks Aaron!
It's funny trout fishing is almost up to par with the arguments that circulate in the political races. The only difference is WE are all have same goal, to protect this resource for our children's children.
Much love and respect to you all.
B REX

PS. may be I can get TroutboyII to help me get "Fredrick" the trout at the Davidson.....;)

[Rusty Fowler]

Justin... if I had a dollar for every time I've come off as a little harsh on message boards I'd be a rich man. ;)

[flyg]

Missed this until now. Nice fish, Justin. Give a holler when you get back this way.

G

[terry creech]

Great fish. I haven't fished the Big D yet either but its on my list.

[PapaDoc]

Great thread guys. Bass, great report to lure me to the Davidson. Check out TU tv on the S. Holsten on the Outdoor Channel.
Trout Boy, smart caution for us always. We are on the same page.
And congratulations to every one maintaing the passion along with civility. Not easily done.
Now....let's talk snakes!
PapaDoc

[TheEndlessEnigma]

loooks lke everyone is is happy now :ghug:

one day i will show somone my secret davidson hole hehe

[bassasaurus rex]

Well thanks to everyone for their comments. I hope some of you will hit me up if you are in the NC area. I'd love to hit some water with my friends in N Georgia.
Justin