Mr. E.J. Stern, owner of Smith River Outfitters, Raleigh Fly Fishing Guide Services, and a potential guide for the Spousal trip, gave an informative presentation on fishing the Smith, Stanton, Cape Fear, Dan, Eno, and Neuse rivers in Virginia, West Virginia (Neuse), and North Carolina. These rivers, particularly the Smith, are populated (80%) with 2500 wild Brown trout/mile over 31 miles of fishable river(s) and a size Range of 9-23”.
The Stanton and Eno rivers also have a considerable bass fishery, with large numbers of White Bass in the Eno and Spotted Bass in the upper waters of the Cape Fear. Weighted line fishing was recommended during March-mid-April. Smith River Outfitters’ number 1 target is Spotted Bass in the Cape Fear from April through early fall around Millington, NC, with some landings of Alabama Bass, an invasive species.
In addition, Mr. Stern noted that in addition to the resident population of Large Mouth Bass on the Neuse River, the extensive, seasonal Shad fishery on the Neuse extended 150 miles from the ocean to WVA.
An active discussion of where to fish on the Smith (downriver) and the best fly use followed, with recommendations for all colors of midges, particularly red-stripe, silver-bead, and streamers.