Pretentious Snobby Bastard Fly Fishing!

Fly Fishing Reports => Local Trip Reports => Topic started by: walt on March 19, 2008, 07:27:36 AM

Title: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: walt on March 19, 2008, 07:27:36 AM
The new Toll Free # 800-829-5253, it replaces 828-584-1451 You have to punch 1-1-2-1 on your phone to receive the Bridgewater Flow/Release times.
---------------------------------------------

Scott has put together the latest info/news for me to pass along to everyone here.... Thanks Scott.

Catawba River News
Posted on March 4, 2011 by Scott Cunningham

We've had so many folks asking us about the Catawba tailrace we thought it would be a good idea to post what we have heard from reliable sources.
- The Powerhouse construction is still scheduled to complete by September.
- Duke Power has settled on a minimum flow, we're not sure about the actual number but have heard around 170 cfs (right now min flow is around 25) This will be after the dam is completed, no telling how low it will be during the construction.
- NCWRC is holding the Spring stocking of brown trout in the Special Reg Section until Fall. Should allow the fish to be bigger and stronger when stocked and they estimate them to be in the 14-16″ range at stocking.
- Several access points are being considered and most of the tree farm land below the dam has been leased by the State for public use.
- New USGS Gauge installed just downstream of the dam with new alarm system to warn fishermen when power generation is about to start. (see link below)

So overall things are looking good and progress is being made. Still some issues to iron out but for the most part things are on a good track. Do keep in mind.... this would have never been possible without the hard work of several people and most of all Squeak Smith.

For your info here's some links that we thought might be helpful to many of our readers.
USGS Gauge at Bridgewater Hydro Station: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?site_no=02138520 (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?site_no=02138520)
Duke Power's Downstream Flow Arrival: http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/downstream-flow-releases.asp (http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/downstream-flow-releases.asp)
Duke Power's Generation Schedule for Bridgewater: http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp (http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp)
Duke Power Phone Number 800-829-5253 Press 1, then 1, then 2 and finally 1

Here's what we all want to see more of....

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Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: TROUTMASTER3000 on March 30, 2008, 23:09:30 PM
Is the entire Catawba river controlled under the release of the flows or just parts of the river??
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: walt on April 09, 2008, 08:19:01 AM
Quote from: TROUTMASTER3000 on March 30, 2008, 23:09:30 PM
Is the entire Catawba river controlled under the release of the flows or just parts of the river??

all water below lake james is controlled by dams and release schedules.

--walt
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: TROUTMASTER3000 on April 15, 2008, 19:37:53 PM
Thanks, Walt.  I was thinkin of goin fishin there with a few of my friends this weekend... It is definantly wadeable right???
Thanks
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: Woolly Bugger on April 15, 2008, 19:45:24 PM
Quote from: TROUTMASTER3000 on April 15, 2008, 19:37:53 PM
Thanks, Walt.  I was thinkin of goin fishin there with a few of my friends this weekend... It is definantly wadeable right???
Thanks

DANGER, WARNING, it is only wadeable if they ARE not generating!

There was an article in NC Wildlife last year about a father and son who narrowly escapes the rising waters.

DANGER, WARNING!
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: TROUTMASTER3000 on April 15, 2008, 19:47:18 PM
Thanks WB.  Whats interesting is that I called the number and they said it was subject to changes without notice.  That kinda scared me.  What the hell is the point of a flow release if it is "subject to changes WITHOUT NOTICE".  Its strange... Any comments?
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: Woolly Bugger on April 15, 2008, 19:49:49 PM
Quote from: TROUTMASTER3000 on April 15, 2008, 19:47:18 PM
Thanks WB.  Whats interesting is that I called the number and they said it was subject to changes without notice.  That kinda scared me.  What the hell is the point of a flow release if it is "subject to changes WITHOUT NOTICE".  Its strange... Any comments?

it's a major disclaimer! ALL dams that I know of have the same message! You never know, usually they stick to the schedule but not always....
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: Mstash on April 16, 2008, 04:13:50 AM
http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp?sec=subnav

Try this link
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: TROUTMASTER3000 on April 16, 2008, 18:19:20 PM
Yea i know WB.  Its wierd.  I dont think its even worth the trouble.  It would take away from the relaxation to have to continue looking over my shoulder constantly... Thanks for the link tho man.
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: Mstash on May 21, 2008, 04:08:36 AM
Our River made the NC Sportsman Mag. Along with the New River.
Great info

Mstash
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: walt on March 04, 2011, 08:42:02 AM
bump..... latest update above....
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: Woolly Bugger on March 04, 2011, 13:05:55 PM
thanks for the update...

one you asswipes need to show me around that river... soon!

jis sayin'
Title: Re: New Catawba tele# for Release Schedule
Post by: Peddler on March 05, 2011, 15:03:30 PM
Quote from: Mstash on April 16, 2008, 04:13:50 AM
http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp?sec=subnav

Try this link

Yo Ricky... you still gottem toon for this sorta stuff?

Thanks Walt and Scott. Things are looking up.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: snagaluffaguss on March 05, 2011, 16:09:12 PM
Are they going to put triploid or diploid browns in there and will there be anywhere in the main or side channels or feeder creeks for reproduction or is it going to be maintained strictly by stocking?
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Get Bent on March 05, 2011, 16:40:26 PM
Quote from: snagaluffaguss on March 05, 2011, 16:09:12 PM
Are they going to put triploid or diploid browns in there and will there be anywhere in the main or side channels or feeder creeks for reproduction or is it going to be maintained strictly by stocking?

I think the ultimate goal is for the browns to reproduce, and there are plenty of shoals for them to spawn on. Only time will tell once the minimum flow is instated.

Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Perchjerker on March 05, 2011, 17:31:30 PM
I would have to go back and look at the stakeholder agreement, but there was supposed to be an improved warning system (additional horns) installed by the time the minimum flow was established.  A lot of the concessions were on one, two, and three year horizons, so I don't remember when each item starts. 

I know it was discussed so that if you were in the river from the dam to take out in Morgantion, you should hear be able to hear a horn.  I, too, sat through 5 years of hydro relicensing meetings, but just don't remember all of the details.   

Maybe Bo or Squeak can chime in and refresh my memory.  In any case, looking forward to seeing this fishery take off.  It has the potential to be one of the best tailwaters in the Southeast provided that Duke can maintain the minimum flows.   Another drought and low water situation like we had a few years ago will screw the pooch, but at least we will be able to re-create a fishery again if that happens.   The low water protocol allows Duke to decrease flows to maintain inventory.

Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Leedawg on March 09, 2011, 09:55:46 AM
Note. Muddy Creek to the Dam is Hatchery Supported water!!!!!! CLOSED during March!!!!!! The game warden WILL write you ticket.
With this rain, Muddy Creek will show it's true colors and and live up to it's name. The river will be blown out in the Special Reg section for a good week or two. Don't waste the gas. My 2 pennies worth.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: browntrouter on June 30, 2011, 17:19:11 PM
the flow is going again. hope they put back some of the half wild browns.and not just the put and take fish.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Get Bent on June 30, 2011, 19:55:33 PM
Was up in the lower Catawba today, I thought the water was colder than usual. That explains it! The dam is not suppose to be operational until this fall, so I doubt they will be putting any fish in until its complete. We shall see!!!

Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: browntrouter on July 19, 2011, 15:41:17 PM
anybody fishin or floating the catawba?
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Get Bent on July 19, 2011, 17:13:11 PM
Just the lower for carp.... Waiting on the dam to be operational before I waste my time! Its cold thats all I can say....
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: patrickm1587 on August 05, 2011, 22:17:22 PM
I floated it with a friend of mine today. We put in about a mile below the dam and floated probably 5 miles. We were after brown trout, but ended up only catching one nice striper. Do you guys think that them not generating for a while killed off a lot of the trout? And they are generating now.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: browntrouter on August 06, 2011, 22:27:37 PM
[Do you guys think that them not generating for a while killed off a lot of the trout?]  yes,maybe a few made it. and hoping it didn't kill the bug life off. they can really make something out of it if they get the O2 up with the new pumps. i'll check it out this spring.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: patrickm1587 on August 07, 2011, 12:49:28 PM
Quote from: browntrouter on August 06, 2011, 22:27:37 PM
[Do you guys think that them not generating for a while killed off a lot of the trout?]  yes,maybe a few made it. and hoping it didn't kill the bug life off. they can really make something out of it if they get the O2 up with the new pumps. i'll check it out this spring.

Yeah that could be a killer river if they would put in something to generate more oxygen, stocked it good, and kept a good eye on it and kept the poachers out. We could have a South Holston in our back yard! Is there a put in ramp up close to the power house? I want to take my drift boat down through there, but the only place I have to put in is at a friends house that has some land right on the river. And I don't know if the take out ramp there at Watermill goes down far enough to get the boat out. If they would extend it just a little bit it would work fine.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Woolly Bugger on August 07, 2011, 16:05:11 PM
Quote from: patrickm1587 on August 07, 2011, 12:49:28 PM
Quote from: browntrouter on August 06, 2011, 22:27:37 PM
[Do you guys think that them not generating for a while killed off a lot of the trout?]  yes,maybe a few made it. and hoping it didn't kill the bug life off. they can really make something out of it if they get the O2 up with the new pumps. i'll check it out this spring.

Yeah that could be a killer river if they would put in something to generate more oxygen, stocked it good, and kept a good eye on it and kept the poachers out. We could have a South Holston in our back yard! Is there a put in ramp up close to the power house? I want to take my drift boat down through there, but the only place I have to put in is at a friends house that has some land right on the river. And I don't know if the take out ramp there at Watermill goes down far enough to get the boat out. If they would extend it just a little bit it would work fine.

try this map http://www.catawbariverkeeper.org/about-the-catawba/maps-of-the-basin/Upper%20Catawba%20River%20Trail%20map%20and%20brochure_front.pdf (http://www.catawbariverkeeper.org/about-the-catawba/maps-of-the-basin/Upper%20Catawba%20River%20Trail%20map%20and%20brochure_front.pdf)
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Mstash on August 08, 2011, 04:38:37 AM
1587
You can put a drift boat in below the  bridge below the dam
Hope this helps.

Get on I-40 west

Get off at Exit 100 Jamestown RD

Get back on entrance ramp headed west BUT turn off to the rt. on Reep Rd

Go to the end where it meets HWY 70 (T intersection)

Turn left onto Hwy 70

Go about 2 miles to the first Light

Turn Rt. Over bridge (Rail Road Tracks)

Go to 4 way stop

Go through 4 way stop

Until you get to the river. Before Bridge turn rt into parking lot



This is Watermill landing where you will take out Leave your other car here. Built by TRTU (But bring you keys with you)

Or you can put in here and go to Judges Riverside on the Greenway. Not as long of a trip as the top section. About 3hrs



OK To get to the put in



Go back to the 4way stop and turn Rt.

In about a mile there will be a y intersection stay left down the hill.

Stay on this Rd Powerhouse Rd.

You will go over the river and that bridge is Rolling on the River Bridge . Use to be an old Honky Tonk here.

Keep going to the next Bridge. This is Bridgewater

Turn left into the parking lot and the dirt road ramp is at the end on the left



This trip just floating. About 5-8 hour depending how much time you want to kill. And the generation



Tips 



If generating when you put in

The first mile can be rough

Make sure you tie your shit down in the boat

If generating when you get to the first island you can go rt

If no generation at the first island go left

1 mile down from the put in you'll hit Muddy Creek coming in from the rt.

The river gets a lot wider and easer to float



If there is no generation while your floating

Bring water and sunscreen

There is some dead water down river that you will have to paddle to get through

Because it never fails the wind blows up river.



If the wind blows down river you can bet the farm there is a storm brewing up at the lake or the gorge



Enjoy and be Safe



Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 10-27-11
Post by: walt on October 27, 2011, 06:11:50 AM
Here's a Catawba River Page with the latest news at our WCO blog page. Now it looks like January. Good fishin'

http://wilsoncreekoutfitters.com/blog/?page_id=770 (http://wilsoncreekoutfitters.com/blog/?page_id=770)

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Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: browntrouter on December 26, 2011, 17:20:00 PM
this came off the ncwrc site a few years ago the trout they stocked then were [half- wild] trout. they reproduced.the ones they stocked this year dont.
What: Catawba River Fingerling Brown Trout Stocking Research Project
.
When:
Project began in May 2000 and was completed in December 2003.
Where:
The Catawba River between Lake James and Morganton, Burke County, N.C.
How:
The N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission began stocking 25,000 brown trout fingerlings
annually into the Catawba River tailwater in 1996. In May 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, the fingerlings
were tagged and stocked in the upper 12 miles of the tailwater. These fish were recaptured at 23 sites
along the tailwater in September 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Overall, between 75 and 88 percent of
the young trout re-captured in this study were tagged fish. Young brown trout collected without tags
indicated natural reproduction had occurred. The tagged fish grew between 0.50-0.75 inches per month
during the study period. In addition, tagged brown trout were recaptured as adults in 2001-2003. The
adults grew slightly slower (0.25-0.50 inches per month) than the young trout. However, growth rates
were still very high for a wild trout population in North Carolina. Preliminary results indicate the
fingerling-stocking program is succeeding in establishing a quality population of brown trout in the
Catawba River tailwater.
Why:
This research is providing critical information that will be used to establish stocking rates and
size and creel limits tailored to this population of fast-growing trout. Anglers will benefit by having the
opportunity to fish for potentially large brown trout in a big river environment, a situation that is
relatively rare in Western North Carolina.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Mstash on December 26, 2011, 17:48:05 PM
The last 10,00 fish put in were held in the Hatchery due to the rebuilding of the power house and the no flow.
These fish have been stocked and are 8" long. Maybe they won't be food for the other fish.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Get Bent on December 26, 2011, 19:04:05 PM
Heres what they stocked...
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Here is what is still in there....
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Taped at 19 inches

Fished it on a 1500 cfs flow last Sunday....

She still has a long way to go! The fish had been in there for a month or so, so they are spread out and where they should be. Hopefully it only gets better.



Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: jwgnc on December 26, 2011, 19:35:08 PM
Nice youngun and a nicer mature fish.  Thanks for the update.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Cstuck on February 10, 2012, 22:57:18 PM
I  figured since I used this post to find new water I would do my part to help the fishery and keep the good information flowing. First got on the river at 6am and it was cold today about 34. All the fishing was wading no boat, although access is very limited and difficult to wade. No generation today so "safer" wading conditions.  I went with a fishing buddy for backup and ideas on fly selection. The river is still very deep in places and we took care in navigating the holes. Since the limited access we had only a few put in options and had to stay within the confines of the bank to not make anyone angry for trespassing .  I'm not sure if that was a sound rational but i figured its a navigable water and with the high water mark your allowed to float...so what difference does it make if my feet are touching the bottom. But we never saw another person on or near the river all day

Anyway, since the river is wide and and deep getting far enough from the back to throw a SH fly rod is difficult to say the least. So we brought the Spey rods, I fished all day with a 12'6" 6wt I built for large eastern tail waters to throw larger flys and sink tips. 400 grain Scandi head with 6ft sink tip...(cut 7wt sinking like around 7-8 grains per foot sink rate 3-4ips) and 6ft 8lb fluorocarbon tip. Most of the day threw a variety of streamers and larger wet flys... :-X , swinging them throw the different cuts and working streamers back upstream in deeper pools.

My partner threw a lighter Spey rod I built for finesse long distance casting. He has never throw a Two-handed rod so it was quite the challenge for him. A 12' 3/4wt with 280 custom cut Skagit head with 4ft sink tip a 5lb fluorocarbon tippet. He threw much smaller wet flys and smaller nymphs 14-18s. Also with good success.

In total we caught and released 18 Browns all from 9inches to the largest 18inch fish which came on a large black leach fly about 4inches long. ( just trying to help guys)  ;)
The highlight of the day was around 5:30 or so, some Blue Wing Olives (or other super small and similar looking) bugs started hatching and the river had a light cloud of bugs and the fish started to rise and take the bugs aggressively. Not even thinking this was going to happen i didnt have a fly with me or a floating tip to even try and fish for them.   b'; So my partner and i just sat and watched the fish take bugs off the surface for a solid 30 minutes and then headed home.

Hope you guys find this little bit of information helpful. Ill try and answer any questions ( im not a guide or trying to make money just a Fly Fisherman helping other Fly Fisherman)
Also myself and a few of my friends are the only ones im aware of using Spey rods here in NC for trout...so if anyone else is i would love to talk and bounce ideas back and forth.

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Average fish of the day ^^  :D

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First fish^^

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Evening start of the hatch ^^not the best pic

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difficult to wade

Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Mstash on February 11, 2012, 07:22:38 AM
Thanks for the report. I think they Duke Power has started the switch over from the old pin stock turbins to the new ones. Reason for the no flow. I don't know how long it willl be like this.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Woolly Bugger on February 11, 2012, 09:06:50 AM
cool report, very cool!

thanks for sharing, Cstuck!
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Mstash on February 11, 2012, 19:18:24 PM
The 9" are the ones they held back from stocking due to the work on the Dam.
They will be fun this summer during the Rec flow. Get ready Boy's.   
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Get Bent on February 17, 2012, 22:07:17 PM
They're here.... !!!! Those of you who know the river will know what I am talking about! Hopefully a report to follow...  -0-
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Get Bent on February 19, 2012, 14:56:28 PM
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They are here early...

I talked to the USGS guys on Friday, they had just finished up official flow measurements at the Bridgewater gauge. Duke Energy ran three flows on Friday, minimum, one generator, and two generators. This was for measurement purposes. If you look at the USGS site the graph shows the three stages.

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Keep in mind we are dealing with Duke Energy, so expect the unexpected.

The 1500 cfs flow is a nice flow, I would prefer a 1000 or less though.







Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Cstuck on March 05, 2012, 20:23:21 PM
So with 1 unit running today the fishing was hard, I did my best to wade the river and managed to land and release 5 small fish after the snow stopped but I had to stick really close to the bank and do my best to keep my footing in the faster water. I don't have a boat so wading is the best access I can get. But I really have enjoyed exploring this river, still hard to figure out and I have a feeling there are some big big fish waiting in some of the really deep holes

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Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Mstash on March 06, 2012, 04:49:00 AM
Peddler.
Sold mine and sorta wish I didn't now
Water turning off today at 10.Might have to go and try it out.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: flatlander on March 06, 2012, 05:21:42 AM
Nice reports.  Any shuttle options up there yet?
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Mstash on March 06, 2012, 05:35:02 AM
No one is doing it.
Scott might be able to hook you up.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Mstash on March 06, 2012, 16:20:53 PM
Just in from the Catawba
10 to hand all 9"ers. Plenty of Bugs but not keyed in on them.
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: Cstuck on March 21, 2012, 16:52:20 PM
saw him at the bottom of the hole but wouldnt take a fly, i threw everything...so i grabbed a grub on ultalight tackle worked
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first attempt at underwater
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And if you guys like here is some browns taking drys
http://youtu.be/tirUAGG1Nos (http://youtu.be/tirUAGG1Nos)
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: T5Video on September 16, 2012, 18:20:36 PM
Anybody got any more information about this river. I am planning on hitting a day in October and was thinking of getting on with a canoe or kayak. So we can hit some of the sections not near the put in points. Is it fishable with a generation if we are in a boat? Also is there a map available? I plan to go by the Morganton Fly Shop sometime soon to see what they are willing to tell me but figure it can't hurt to ask here.
Thanks
Title: Re: Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11
Post by: T5Video on May 27, 2014, 19:57:07 PM
Okay I got out and fished the Catawba today. There where a lot of idiots out today, lots of kayakers and bait chunkers.
I used my Outcast Powerdrifter for the first time as a fishing vehicle and paddle machine. Overall I was very pleased with the performance. I need a ton of paddling practice but I am willing to learn. I got stuck on one rock, I now know to go right and not center.
As far as fish catching goes, nothing spectacular. I brought 5 trouts to the boat/raft. I was nervous about the on coming release so I wanted to get down stream a decent ways before it hit me. Next time I will not worry unless I am above Muddy Creek confluence and probably not be to concerned. A mini hatch happened today with some 16ish Sulphur/light cahill. I found a pod of fish rising and got 3 from that and should of had a lot more. I was slow on my strike on 3 and one of them looked to be worthy of bragging. Also saw a few caddis hatching, but not many fish seem to be keying on the surface.
This was my 3rd time fishing the river and my overall thoughts are positive. Muddy Creek is apply named. The stream gets cloudy after the confluence. For probably a 1/4 mile below the confluence you can see the muddy and Catawba divide in the water. If you go this is good place to key. Fish seem to hide at the divide. I hooked one drifting a large black stone fly nymph. My largest fish to date is a 18-19 incher and there are bigger in there.
I have had a fair amount of luck using wooly buggers but I have only fished during generation or more like they where to start a generation soon after putting in. I want to float it when I can get out and work the holes in a lot better detail.
Yes somebody is offering shuttles, but message me and I am willing to go and maybe take a rowing lesson or 2.
The last picture is one I caught on another trip it was about 16 inches.