I don't really like gray damp days....but I love the early fall leaves
as the forest begins to prepare for the coming winter.
After a brief meeting at Philpott Lake this morning, I took a break for
aquick hike along the river below the dam. A light drizzle was nothing
a rain jacket couldn't handle and I slipped into the wet forest on the
narrow trail. Walking slowly I could enjoy the peace and beauty of the
quiet woods as raindrops flecked the surface of the river and the
occasional trout rose, rings bigger than those of the rain drops,
picking off unseen tiny insects.
This beautiful, natural surface "out and back" trail borders the
Smith River for one mile along the Henry County side below
the dam and is perfect for a short hike to experience some
outstanding scenery. The rhododendrons cover one ridge
with thick vibrant greens, contrasting with the gold
and red hues of early fall against the backdrop of the river.
What a fabulous little break before returning to the
confines of the office.
Even the gray skies seemed a little lighter as
I traveled back towards town.
Take time for a stroll, even in the rain.
A short walk by the river in the early fall woods
can re-focus your thoughts and lighten your day.
as the forest begins to prepare for the coming winter.
After a brief meeting at Philpott Lake this morning, I took a break for
aquick hike along the river below the dam. A light drizzle was nothing
a rain jacket couldn't handle and I slipped into the wet forest on the
narrow trail. Walking slowly I could enjoy the peace and beauty of the
quiet woods as raindrops flecked the surface of the river and the
occasional trout rose, rings bigger than those of the rain drops,
picking off unseen tiny insects.
This beautiful, natural surface "out and back" trail borders the
Smith River for one mile along the Henry County side below
the dam and is perfect for a short hike to experience some
outstanding scenery. The rhododendrons cover one ridge
with thick vibrant greens, contrasting with the gold
and red hues of early fall against the backdrop of the river.
What a fabulous little break before returning to the
confines of the office.
Even the gray skies seemed a little lighter as
I traveled back towards town.
Take time for a stroll, even in the rain.
A short walk by the river in the early fall woods
can re-focus your thoughts and lighten your day.
Last night was one of those nights. The light was right, the clouds were there and the ever present Smith River fog was rolling in.
Darrin called the office about 5 pm and said he was going to be at the river when they stopped generating at 6 pm. That's the excuse I needed to keep from being glued to the computer all night, so I left the office about 5:30 and headed up to the tailrace.
(Thanks Al, for tying me up a few new ones of these "fish magnets" at last Saturdays Eden River Fest.) Although the browns were rising, I stuck with the allie worm while Darrin worked although several variations of a dry with a nymph dropper.
I also wanted to get some short video footage of flyfishing in the fog for an upcoming project so this was the perfect opportunity as I had Darrin close by. Several video clips latter, I found the time to start casting again and this time hooked up with a little nicer-sized brown. This guy had that nose hook going on and its obvious they are getting close to breeding season again. I was "tippet shy" after the last break-off so I took my time getting this one in. Some razor sharp teeth reminded me why these guys can snap a line so very quickly.
Releasing this guy back to the river I looked up to notice the golden hour of light was only going to be about 10 minutes today.
For the past couple of weeks, the trout feeding has only lasted about 30 minutes right near sunset.
The sun finally left us, sinking behind the ridge, just enough light for one more shot then out of the river and back to the truck
That was almost a perfect evening on the river. It was dark as we packed up and headed back down the road. I was just thinking, wow, that was almost too good, 3 nice browns and a perfect sunset, what more could you wish for. How about seeing a nice copperhead crossing the road on the way home? I'm always on the look out as they are really moving around this time of year and especially after the rains. Rounding the bend I slammed on the brakes and both Darrin and I hopped out to take a quick look at a very nice specimen laying in the middle of the dirt road. Lucky guy ! He met us and not someone else that would not may not have been quite as considerate. Ok, now the night is complete !
After the Eden River Fest Paul and I hot footed it up to the "hay field section" of the Smith and tied our luck. We only had about an hour of fishing light but were determined to make the most of it. I turned out our luck was not that great. We did not get skunked but "Honest Al" has to report that we each brought only one fish to hand. Not to fear, we had a good time, told some good stories and enjoyed being out there. What more could you ask?
Cardinal flower and wingstem are the late summer blooming wildflowers on the Smith
Since the cut-off point for generation has been 6 pm the past few days, and sunset is at 7:20, that does not allow much time for fishing. But that's the cool thing about the Smith, especially if you live close by. You can pop out there and get in an hour of fishing, enjoy the scenery, take some photos and be rewarded with incredible sites and quiet relaxation as you enter another world where the troubles of the day slip beneath the surface of the stream and drift away with the current. 
Even if the trout do not cooperate, there is still the beauty of the Smith in all its fog-shrouded mystery.
Of course it's always nice to pick up a brownie or two as well. 
Enhanced colors on the browns will be the indication they will soon be breeding again. Yet another harbinger of fall. This is a great time of year to get out and enjoy the beginning of the changing of the seasons on the Smith. 
Contributed by: Brian M. Williams
