For this specific event occurrence (Laurel Fork):
Meet up at the Dennis Cove Recreation Area in Hampton, TN at noon before partnering up and carpooling to the many tributaries of the Laurel that house native brook trout.
Blue Lines Fishing Series:
Discover new waters in northeast Tennessee with the Blue Lines fishing series! Drive up a dirt road or hike into a stream no wider than the length of your fly rod in pursuit of tranquility and wild fish. See calendar on OMTU.org for events.
What to expect: We will rotate meet-up locations each event occurrence (as well as what streams will be fished within a 30-minute radius of the meet-up location). We will divide up into groups of no more than 2 or 3 for each stream (or section of stream) that will be fished and carpool to those locations if possible. Once there, we will discover new water together and fish as long as folks want to.
Events may be cancelled on short notice due to inclement weather (including high water flows or high temperatures unsuitable for trout fishing to avoid fish mortality).
Preparedness: Those coming along to fish should come prepared with a Tennessee fishing license and should be physically fit enough to hike moderate uphill trails a distance of 1/2 mile up to 2 miles to reach the stream, and then be able to traverse the small streams with boulders and brush while covering water. You need to bring along a sufficient amount of water (and snacks) and have appropriate clothing.
This event is not suitable for young children or those with health issues.
Fishing: Fishing small (or even tiny) streams is very different than larger streams and rivers. Covering water quickly and stealthily is key. A good looking pool may only hold one or two trout, and you may only get one or two chances with your casting to present a fly before moving upstream to the next pools. Be prepared to cover a lot more water than you would on a tailwater.
Gear: Small stream fishing is best done with lighter weight fly rods or even Tenkara rods. For fly rods, choose a 2-4 wt rod in a length of 7' (for the tightest, most overgrown streams) to 10' (for wide open streams). A good all-around rod for small streams in northeast TN is an 8' 3wt. Floating fly lines only. Leaders should generally be short to allow tight, punchy casting - usually just 7'. Tippet can be larger due to the use of larger flies and a high likelihood of snags: 3x-5x. Flies are simple - if you have something that looks buggy and floats well, you've got a good dry fly (which are the general go-to for small streams any time the water is not too high). For dries: parachute adams, elk hair caddis, and chubby chernobyl. For nymphs: pheasant tail, hare's ear, mop fly.
Need gear? Let us know well in advance by sending us a Facebook/Instagram message or send us an email.
You may also like the following events from Overmountain Chapter Trout Unlimited:
- This Sunday, 29th June, 12:00 pm, Blue Lines Fishing Series: Shady Valley, TN in Shady Valley
- Next Saturday, 5th July, 08:00 am, First Saturday Clean-up and Fishing Day (July) in Johnson City
- Next month, 10th July, 06:00 pm, OMTU July Chapter Meeting: Iron Fly Competition in Bluff City
Also check out other
Health & Wellness events in Hampton,
Meetups in Hampton,
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Hampton.
