Smith River November '24 Fishing Report

A quick update from Lucky Strips Fly Co. on the Smith River in Bassett, Va. This November has been a great month of fishing, providing opportunities to catch fish through various fly fishing tactics. Throughout the month we have been receiving around 70 cfs out of Philpott Dam resulting in lower fall flows. In conjunction with the annual fall lake turnover we receive from the changing of temperatures, resulting in a colored discharge from the gates of the dam. This change can provide a challenge in the approach to fishing but despite common belief, the fish are still in there and they are still eating. Look to slow your drifts and presentations down, and pick apart good holding water. With the lower flows holding waters are more defined, spend your time there. Weather has held up great for us as we are transitioning into those cooler fall mornings with the sun warming things up along that mid-day mark. We’ve seen bite windows coordinate with the low light settings (Early Morning & Late Evenings); along with that mid-morning window. For our dry fly enthusiasts there have been several small hatches throughout the day. We are seeing an abundance of smaller BWO’s and packs of midges. Terrestrials have been a play early in the month but have slowly begun to taper off towards the end of the month. For our streamer throwers, a little flash has been helpful during this period of fall turnover “stained” water. Nymphs have been a staple as always, not that one has out produced the other, the key we have seen with this approach has been to make your drifts deliberate and effectively pick apart those runs. Fish that 20-30ft drift effectively rather than burning that hail mary drift 50 yards downstream. Be deliberate, be stealthy, and fish slow! Tight lines to all reading!