Smith Creek--Delayed Harvest

Erik · 11-19-98, 01:25 PM

I'm not positive that this is the right forum for this issue, but since Smith has been mentioned in previous posts, I've decided to post here.

Yesterday I decided to take the day and see what Smith Creek was like for myself. Everything you've heard is true...tons of fish, and big fish at that. I fished most of the day and caught enough trout to feel guilty. Once you get on a pool next to where the hatchery truck stopped, you know it (and if you see where the hatchery truck stops, that doesn't hurt either). Smith Creek is small, smaller than Dukes. It reminded me of some of the little streams I frequent during the season in pursuit of wild trout, but superficial apperarances are the only similarity. The average fish is a rainbow of 10-12 inches, but bigger fish mix things up. I landed a couple browns around 16 inches, and saw bigger fish (bounced a wooly bugger off the head of a 22 inch rainbow, but he'd have nothing to do with it). I had my best luck with a #14 bead-head hares ear nymph, and a few fish fell for a prince nypmh as well. If I'd had a hook in my strike indicator, the tally would have been even higher (including a big 'bow of some 18 inches). I wouldn't classify these fish as selective by any means. The fishing isn't difficult, but it is fun.

As I alluded to earlier, the hatchery truck made a visit while I was there, and I got a chance to speak with some of the guys from the DNR. They are still in the process of building up the density of trout at Smith's Creek. If you think there are a lot of trout in the Nantahala, wait 'till you get a load of this place. And yes, they are stocking brood fish as well. I was told the largest fish stocked thus far would probably go 4 1/2 pounds. Smith's is a small stream however, and the DNR guys confirmed what I suspected. There just isn't enough food in that stream to support the amount of fish that are being thrown in it. Supplemental feeding of these fish will take place, but not to the same extent as that at Duke's Creek.

The DNR guys also confirmed what I had been told by a colleague at UGA. The main reason that Georgia hasn't gained more special regulation streams is that until recently any change in the fishing regulations had to be approved and voted on by the state legislature, a process that is needless to say very elaborate. That power has now been transferred to the DNR's governing board. Hence, we have the delayed harvest section of Smith's Creek. This is an experiment in angler satisfaction. If the public likes the program (and provides positive feedback), then we can expect more programs like it. This could mean more delayed harvest streams, more artificials only sections, more year round streams, and possibly even (you guessed it) a few more catch and release streams. So go to Smith's Creek, take a beginner (they'll catch fish, too), catch enough fish to make you feel bad, and fill out the angler survey card with praise for the program and requests for more like it. Kudos to the Georgia DNR! This could be the start of something good.

Rod · 11-19-98, 02:36 PM

Great post Erik!
I'm as jealous as all get out. Would you mind emailing me directions--or posting them on the board, if you prefer. I'll check it out next week. Is the park open everyday and how's the parking?

Thanks again,
I take back the things I've thought and not said about you. I look forward to meeting you and reading your sarcasm from your expression rather than between the lines on the board.

Rod

Erik · 11-19-98, 05:06 PM

Rod,

The stream is located within the confines of Unicoi State Park, just north of Helen off of Hwy. 75. As far as I know, the park and the stream are open seven days a week. All access is through a large gravel parking area near the dam. You must stop at the Unicoi Lodge reservation desk to register for fishing and to pick up your permit/angler survey card. They'll give you directions to the parking area from there.

I failed to mention it in my previous post, but I also talked to several other anglers during my visit. All of them were friendly and more than willing to share information (i.e., what they were hitting, where they were, etc.). It got me to thinking, some of these guys might frequent NGTO. Some of them might even be guys that I've had "confrontations" with on the board. It made me realize that we're all basically interested in the same thing here...trout fishing. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I like to think we could all get along on a stream, despite whatever differences of opinion we may have. I'll start thinking of this board as a trout stream, and the threads that I engage in as stream side conversation. Maybe that atmosphere will better lend itself to mutual benefit and a little less conflict. Now if I could only get some water fall sound effects at my desk.

As a side note, I think Smith's Creek is an excellent location for the next fly fling. There is a lot to do in the area, and I noticed some trash in the stream (big stuff that would require an effort to remove). Maybe the fling could be a combination fishing/stream clean-up as has been previously mentioned. Just an idea.

Flyguy · 11-19-98, 07:18 PM

Erik....I will get with Aaron this week and see what we can get going on a clean-up. I am thinking we will have to schedule it for early spring unless some of you fishermen and women want to do it sooner. It's up to you guy's let me know or drop me an e-mail.

Great area for a cook-out or in. I will call the Parks Dept. and see if we might be able to get an inside shelter or something if we have it when the weather is cold.

Flyguy

Richard · 11-19-98, 09:18 PM

Erik,

What were you wearing yesterday? I was there as well and I'm sure I at least said hello to everyone I saw during the afternoon. I was driving the red Jeep.

I had a great day as well, especially after the hatchery truck showed up. They put in some huge fish for this stream. I kind of wish they wouldn't do that though- there is no way a stream that small can support those fish(although, catching a 15" brown on my little 3 wt. was a trip). I wish they would just stock it with the average fish and treat it as a quality fishing experience instead of a "trophy" stream. DNR needs to get over this mentality that you have to catch big fish to have fun. I would much prefer to catch an average size fish that has had a chance to go wild and could actually survive in this size stream. Of course I let my feelings be known on the comment sheet.

Did you feel crowded at all yesterday? I just wonder what it must be like on the weekends. Any more people than yesterday and you would be stepping on people's toes. But, you gotta start somewhere I guess- I hope this will convince them to do this on some of the larger streams like the Chattahoochee or West Fork of the Chattooga. I think from what I've seen on the two days I've been there and from talking to the Park Superintendant that it's going to be real popular. She also said that they want to do some stream structure work to improve the habitat. Maybe a NGTO volunteer opportunity?

NGTO · 11-19-98, 11:15 PM

Thanks for all the information Erik. I have always wondered why Georgia has not done something like this before. As you said, the more positive feedback they get the better it is for everyone. I am wondering too about how crowded this stream is going to get, of anyone goes up there this weekend a report would be appreciated!

Aaron

jeffg · 11-20-98, 10:37 AM

Hey,
Next time someone is up there IU am curious if they see what I saw on 2 fish I caught down below the "water treatment plant". What was on those 2 fish appeared to be lesions of some sort. They did not appear to be the typical side scrapings from a hatchery nor did they appear to be caused by bird wounds, or any other type of predator.

The lesion's were located on bothside of the dorsal fin and were about 2 1/2 inch patches......

All the rest of the fish I caught had no sign of hatchery mishaps.

I was up there last saturday afternoon....other than that it is a fun little stream.

Bill Findlay · 11-20-98, 04:42 PM

Jeff,
What is the crowd like on the weekend? There are two home games left in Athens, then I am hitting the water. This place sounds awesome. I think I have passed it on the way to Lake Burton. It is in Unicoi isn't it? Is there alot of cover? I ask because I am new to the sport. I only have one rod. It is a 5x 9'. I can borrow my buddies shorter rod if I need too. I just don't want to get there and not be able to fish.
Thanks alot,
Bill

jeffg · 11-20-98, 05:06 PM

There was a good many people signed in at the lodge. I ran into most of them on the stream. I however opted for hiking a ways downstream. Plus last weekend was a rainy nasty day, so i am sure that helped keep down the crowds.

However, I followed a couple of people upstream and still caught a bunch of fish. I was using an orange stimulator with a prince nymph dropper. I caught all but one on the prince. I also used a black woolly bugger near the dam. Caught a couple on that, plus a nice size largemouth bass.

I used a 4wt 8 ft rod. It was fit the situation by allowing roll casts, bow and arrows and my fav rod to boot. I would consider not using a 9ft do to the foliage.

I think you will enjoy it. I am heading to the Chattooga tomorrow and seeing what is happening up there.

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11-19-98, 01:25 PM	#1
Erik Native Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 39	I'm not positive that this is the right forum for this issue, but since Smith has been mentioned in previous posts, I've decided to post here. Yesterday I decided to take the day and see what Smith Creek was like for myself. Everything you've heard is true...tons of fish, and big fish at that. I fished most of the day and caught enough trout to feel guilty. Once you get on a pool next to where the hatchery truck stopped, you know it (and if you see where the hatchery truck stops, that doesn't hurt either). Smith Creek is small, smaller than Dukes. It reminded me of some of the little streams I frequent during the season in pursuit of wild trout, but superficial apperarances are the only similarity. The average fish is a rainbow of 10-12 inches, but bigger fish mix things up. I landed a couple browns around 16 inches, and saw bigger fish (bounced a wooly bugger off the head of a 22 inch rainbow, but he'd have nothing to do with it). I had my best luck with a #14 bead-head hares ear nymph, and a few fish fell for a prince nypmh as well. If I'd had a hook in my strike indicator, the tally would have been even higher (including a big 'bow of some 18 inches). I wouldn't classify these fish as selective by any means. The fishing isn't difficult, but it is fun. As I alluded to earlier, the hatchery truck made a visit while I was there, and I got a chance to speak with some of the guys from the DNR. They are still in the process of building up the density of trout at Smith's Creek. If you think there are a lot of trout in the Nantahala, wait 'till you get a load of this place. And yes, they are stocking brood fish as well. I was told the largest fish stocked thus far would probably go 4 1/2 pounds. Smith's is a small stream however, and the DNR guys confirmed what I suspected. There just isn't enough food in that stream to support the amount of fish that are being thrown in it. Supplemental feeding of these fish will take place, but not to the same extent as that at Duke's Creek. The DNR guys also confirmed what I had been told by a colleague at UGA. The main reason that Georgia hasn't gained more special regulation streams is that until recently any change in the fishing regulations had to be approved and voted on by the state legislature, a process that is needless to say very elaborate. That power has now been transferred to the DNR's governing board. Hence, we have the delayed harvest section of Smith's Creek. This is an experiment in angler satisfaction. If the public likes the program (and provides positive feedback), then we can expect more programs like it. This could mean more delayed harvest streams, more artificials only sections, more year round streams, and possibly even (you guessed it) a few more catch and release streams. So go to Smith's Creek, take a beginner (they'll catch fish, too), catch enough fish to make you feel bad, and fill out the angler survey card with praise for the program and requests for more like it. Kudos to the Georgia DNR! This could be the start of something good.

11-19-98, 02:36 PM	#2
Rod Native Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Duluth Posts: 411	Great post Erik! I'm as jealous as all get out. Would you mind emailing me directions--or posting them on the board, if you prefer. I'll check it out next week. Is the park open everyday and how's the parking? Thanks again, I take back the things I've thought and not said about you. I look forward to meeting you and reading your sarcasm from your expression rather than between the lines on the board. Rod

11-19-98, 05:06 PM	#3
Erik Native Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 39	Rod, The stream is located within the confines of Unicoi State Park, just north of Helen off of Hwy. 75. As far as I know, the park and the stream are open seven days a week. All access is through a large gravel parking area near the dam. You must stop at the Unicoi Lodge reservation desk to register for fishing and to pick up your permit/angler survey card. They'll give you directions to the parking area from there. I failed to mention it in my previous post, but I also talked to several other anglers during my visit. All of them were friendly and more than willing to share information (i.e., what they were hitting, where they were, etc.). It got me to thinking, some of these guys might frequent NGTO. Some of them might even be guys that I've had "confrontations" with on the board. It made me realize that we're all basically interested in the same thing here...trout fishing. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I like to think we could all get along on a stream, despite whatever differences of opinion we may have. I'll start thinking of this board as a trout stream, and the threads that I engage in as stream side conversation. Maybe that atmosphere will better lend itself to mutual benefit and a little less conflict. Now if I could only get some water fall sound effects at my desk. As a side note, I think Smith's Creek is an excellent location for the next fly fling. There is a lot to do in the area, and I noticed some trash in the stream (big stuff that would require an effort to remove). Maybe the fling could be a combination fishing/stream clean-up as has been previously mentioned. Just an idea.

11-19-98, 07:18 PM	#4
Flyguy Native Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Union MI Posts: 234	Erik....I will get with Aaron this week and see what we can get going on a clean-up. I am thinking we will have to schedule it for early spring unless some of you fishermen and women want to do it sooner. It's up to you guy's let me know or drop me an e-mail. Great area for a cook-out or in. I will call the Parks Dept. and see if we might be able to get an inside shelter or something if we have it when the weather is cold. Flyguy

11-19-98, 09:18 PM	#5
Richard Native Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Atlanta, GA. USA Posts: 145	Erik, What were you wearing yesterday? I was there as well and I'm sure I at least said hello to everyone I saw during the afternoon. I was driving the red Jeep. I had a great day as well, especially after the hatchery truck showed up. They put in some huge fish for this stream. I kind of wish they wouldn't do that though- there is no way a stream that small can support those fish(although, catching a 15" brown on my little 3 wt. was a trip). I wish they would just stock it with the average fish and treat it as a quality fishing experience instead of a "trophy" stream. DNR needs to get over this mentality that you have to catch big fish to have fun. I would much prefer to catch an average size fish that has had a chance to go wild and could actually survive in this size stream. Of course I let my feelings be known on the comment sheet. Did you feel crowded at all yesterday? I just wonder what it must be like on the weekends. Any more people than yesterday and you would be stepping on people's toes. But, you gotta start somewhere I guess- I hope this will convince them to do this on some of the larger streams like the Chattahoochee or West Fork of the Chattooga. I think from what I've seen on the two days I've been there and from talking to the Park Superintendant that it's going to be real popular. She also said that they want to do some stream structure work to improve the habitat. Maybe a NGTO volunteer opportunity?

11-19-98, 11:15 PM	#6
NGTO Administrator Join Date: Sep 1998 Posts: 770	Thanks for all the information Erik. I have always wondered why Georgia has not done something like this before. As you said, the more positive feedback they get the better it is for everyone. I am wondering too about how crowded this stream is going to get, of anyone goes up there this weekend a report would be appreciated! Aaron

11-20-98, 10:37 AM	#7
jeffg Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: LRD Posts: 2,290	Hey, Next time someone is up there IU am curious if they see what I saw on 2 fish I caught down below the "water treatment plant". What was on those 2 fish appeared to be lesions of some sort. They did not appear to be the typical side scrapings from a hatchery nor did they appear to be caused by bird wounds, or any other type of predator. The lesion's were located on bothside of the dorsal fin and were about 2 1/2 inch patches...... All the rest of the fish I caught had no sign of hatchery mishaps. I was up there last saturday afternoon....other than that it is a fun little stream.

11-20-98, 04:42 PM	#8
Bill Findlay Native Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Buford, Georgia USA Posts: 134	Jeff, What is the crowd like on the weekend? There are two home games left in Athens, then I am hitting the water. This place sounds awesome. I think I have passed it on the way to Lake Burton. It is in Unicoi isn't it? Is there alot of cover? I ask because I am new to the sport. I only have one rod. It is a 5x 9'. I can borrow my buddies shorter rod if I need too. I just don't want to get there and not be able to fish. Thanks alot, Bill

11-20-98, 05:06 PM	#9
jeffg Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: LRD Posts: 2,290	There was a good many people signed in at the lodge. I ran into most of them on the stream. I however opted for hiking a ways downstream. Plus last weekend was a rainy nasty day, so i am sure that helped keep down the crowds. However, I followed a couple of people upstream and still caught a bunch of fish. I was using an orange stimulator with a prince nymph dropper. I caught all but one on the prince. I also used a black woolly bugger near the dam. Caught a couple on that, plus a nice size largemouth bass. I used a 4wt 8 ft rod. It was fit the situation by allowing roll casts, bow and arrows and my fav rod to boot. I would consider not using a 9ft do to the foliage. I think you will enjoy it. I am heading to the Chattooga tomorrow and seeing what is happening up there.