First Of All... A Middle, Tennessee Fishing Report

The fishing has been great over the past month or so. Lots of fish have been coming to the net and some good ones too. Several folks have made it into the Southeastern Fly 20+ Club and they have the sticker to prove it. Also, as is my custom, wintertime gives me an opportunity to get some casts of my own from the braces of the boat, and perhaps catch a few fish. 

We have already started the guiding season. Anglers have figured out the cold weather is a good time to fish and they are taking open dates. See the my schedule below, for open dates that provide the best generation opportunities.

I have met several folks on the river lately and, it was nice talking with everyone.  It's been good to meet Jim and Austin and to see Miles on the waters around home. We have a good community of fly anglers in Middle TN. As I have traveled around it has been good to see other area fly anglers having that same attitude. Fly fishing should bring folks together and it generally does...

Hopefully everyone had a chance to read the introduction email series and you were able to glean some useful information from it. From time to time, we will put out series and one-off emails with different types of fly fishing info. Some of that info will be helpful for your fishing and as always there will be plenty of good content continuing on the podcast.

The Southeastern Fly Podcast

The podcast is moving along nicely. Lots of folks are contacting me with positive words and talking about how the information has impacted their fishing....in a good way. We have some interesting topics coming up. Not only do we have interesting topics we also have a group of guests who enjoy providing information that's useful on their waters and other waters. Listen closely and you'll find a nugget of information that will help improve your fishing.

E97- Fishing the Tallapoosa River

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we dive deep into the scenic beauty and rich history of Alabama’s Tallapoosa River with warm-water fly-fishing specialist, Drew Morgan. From the river’s fascinating origins in the Muskogee language to its unique characteristics as a relatively untouched waterway in the Piedmont region, Drew brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the discussion.

The Tallapoosa is more than a fishing spot—it’s a connection to the past, where nature and history intertwine. Drew shares insights into the diverse fish species inhabiting the river, including the native Alabama bass and Tallapoosa bass (formerly known as red-eye bass). He breaks down their behaviors, preferred habitats, and the techniques to entice these feisty fighters on the fly.

Highlights from the Episode:

• Geological and Historical Context: Learn about the Tallapoosa’s role as a throwback river, offering a glimpse into a time before industrial development.
• Fishing Tactics and Gear: Discover Drew’s go-to setups, including fast-action rods and fly lines tailored for navigating the river’s rock gardens and shoals.
• Topwater Magic: Uncover why the Tallapoosa is considered one of the best rivers in the South for topwater fly fishing, with Drew’s favorite patterns and profiles that make bass strike.
• Seasonal Tips: Whether you’re chasing big bass in the cooler months or enjoying topwater action in summer, Drew highlights the best times to visit the river.
• Stories from the Water: Hear about the heartbreak and thrill of the one that got away, as Drew recounts his encounters with unforgettable fish.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fish in a river that feels untouched by time, this episode will inspire you to experience the Tallapoosa firsthand. From the serene beauty of the Piedmont region to the camaraderie of casting with friends, the Tallapoosa offers something special for every angler.

To book a trip or learn more about Drew Morgan, visit East Alabama Fly 

Fishing.

Episode 95- Tripletail and Other Salty Fish: Our January episode with Captain Dannielle Davidson was a good example of the nuggets you'll find. Danielle is on the Florida Gulf Coast and was very helpful in understanding Tripletail and other things that make an enjoyable trip to the Forgotten Coast.

E96- Common Sense Tips for Fly Fishing: This is episode 96 and hopefully that episode will have some info that is both useful and will have some common sense folks can apply.

E73 - Looking Back: Last year on January 1, 2024 we released, Stay Warm on the Water with Jackson Hole, Orvis Store Manager,  M.E. Sorci. Needless to say I took that info to heart and "upped" my cold-weather game. It was a good decision too. I don't like to be cold. The episode was not all about buying new gear. It was also about how to make your gear work for you. If you don't like getting cold during cold weather, you need to go back and listen to the episode. The information is priceless on colder days.

Pro Tip: It's Hard to Catch Fish With Your Fly in the Air

If a person false casts more than twice, then they decided to "time the STOP at the top of the backcast" they would be surprised at how they do not stop for long if at all...really surprised. If they timed their entire cast, including the false cast, they might be surprised at the amount of time the fly spends out of the water.

If you, or someone you love, or fish with regularly, false casts more than a couple times, this is a reminder to false cast less. Try stopping just a little longer and learn to shoot line.

You can find demonstrations of these techniques everywhere. Check the Google, the YouTube or go talk to a pro at the fly shop. I tell my clients to film themselves and a handful have actually done it. Then we review the video together and make adjustments. This process works and makes them a better caster.

Full Transparency, I have never caught a fish when the fly wasn't in the water. Lord knows I have caught my share of bushes, other people, rocks, and pretty much anything else you can think or dream about while my fly is in the air. But never a fish...

The Southeastern Fly February 2025 Schedule

Feb. 3rd- E97, Fishing the Tallapoosa podcast

Feb. 15th- Open date for guide trip

Feb. 16th- Open date for guide trip

Feb. 17th. E98, Common Sense Tips for Fly Fishing podcast

Feb. 22nd David, Tying demonstration - Little River Outfitters, Townsend TN.

You're Almost Finished

If you have a Gmail account and you are finding these emails in your Promotion folder, add this email address david@southeasternfly.co to your contacts . If you do this you will signal to your email provider that you want these emails to come to your INBOX and they will take care of the rest. That was easy.