Signs of Spring Fishing in the Smokies

It may be perhaps one of the most anticipated happenings on the Smoky Mountain angler's calendar. Of course all fishermen, or outdoor enthusiasts of many kinds for the matter, eagerly await the first signs of spring and the breaking of winter. However these first few warm days of late winter brings a spectacular event in the year of a Smokies angler, the Quill Gordon Mayfly hatch. This hatch of large dark-bodied mayflies typically begins in late February and fades into March, and this year it has kept its appointment. 

This first major hatch of the year brings fish to the surface with visible excitement as the fish will often leave the water to literally grab the bugs from the air. The hatches can be spotty at first, as cool temperatures and variable weather tend to be the custom for late February and early March, but should become more dependable as we move through March. Watch for bugs to start coming off mid to late afternoon on warmer days over the next several weeks.

The Quill Gordon is the name of the fly pattern used to match the actual mayfly species Epeorus pleuralis. This is a species of mayfly that emerges in the adult form on the stream bottom and makes its way to the surface where it flutters its wings to dry in attempt to fly. It is this struggling flutter that brings the showy strikes from eagerly awaiting fish.

The Quill Gordon Pattern in sizes 12 and 14 along with the  Parachute Adam's will draw strikes during this hatch. Quill Gordons are often accompanied by their smaller version, the blue quill mayfly, and black stone flies in their timing. This means an angler should be prepared to throw smaller fly patterns if the Quill Gordon is not drawing strikes. Blue quills and a Peacock caddis are favorites of mine this time of year as well in sizes 14-18. For subsurface feeding fish, the Quill Gordon soft hackle will produce fish along with #14 pheasant tail or pheasant tail soft hackle.

By Alex Quick