Spring break suggestions

[emoussa]

Two weeks from now is my much needed spring break from Rutgers. I'm low on cash and looking to get into some great fishing, doesn't have have to be for trout just has to be good! I have never fished anywhere outside of NJ so I would really appreciate any suggestions. I am willing to drive anywhere between here or the florida keys. Fishing is my first priority but a destination with other things to do would be a plus. Any advice?

Thanks,
-moose

 

[coolkyle]

Two weeks from now is my much needed spring break from Rutgers. I'm low on cash and looking to get into some great fishing, doesn't have have to be for trout just has to be good! I have never fished anywhere outside of NJ so I would really appreciate any suggestions. I am willing to drive anywhere between here or the florida keys. Fishing is my first priority but a destination with other things to do would be a plus. Any advice?

Thanks,
-moose

Moose, rumor has it the Great Smokies have some good trout fishing.

 

[sandfly]

florida keys

 

[bkill]

We always spent Spring Break in Islamorada & Marathon...Those were some great times...Not to mention the good fishing and diving!!!

 

[Zonk]

Haven't been to the keys in a number of years and several hurricanes ago, but if I was looking to stay there cheaply I would either camp in Long Key state park or stay at the Key Lantern Hotel.

Zonk

 

[catskill dick]

You may want to make a few advance calls before going down to the Keys this spring. I understand that they had some unusually cold weather in southern Florida that triggered some fish kills as far south as parts of the Keys. The reports that I have read indicated that snook took the hardest hit, but bonefish and tarpon were also impacted. This month's Angler's report has an article on the fish kills.

 

[Drossi]

If I were going to do a "spartan" college type trip and all I cared about was the fishing I would probably head south towards Virginia or maybe the Georgia tailwaters. The weather would be a few degrees warmer so if you have to sleep in your car to save cash you can.....and you might even hit the early season hatches. Or you could check out the Gunpowder, if you wanted to stay closer to home.

 

[emoussa]

I'm seriously considering the smokies. There are plenty of cabins to stay, but does anyone know any places that would put me near some good trout streams?

 

[irish1]

Try contacting the North Carolina TU chapter (Trout Unlimited - North Carolina State Council) they should be able to help.

 

[Ryan R]

I'm seriously considering the smokies. There are plenty of cabins to stay, but does anyone know any places that would put me near some good trout streams?

The Smokies are loaded with good trout streams so its not difficult. A couple years ago I did a low budget, last minute trip to the Smokies and ended up staying in Bryson City, NC which is just past Cherokee, NC. Cherokee was too built up for my taste so I kept driving and found Bryson and good clean motel room at Bryson City Motel with a deck and grill on the banks of the Tuckasegee (though not the trout water portion.) Rooms were like $35 a night and there are a number of streams nearby to fish including Deep Creek and the Nantahala (above the power station) and several streams that drain into the far shore of Fontana Lake off the "Road to Nowhere." From this area, you can also get to the Ocanoluftee and a some other good ones too. As was already recommended definitely contact a local chapter from North Carolina TU for more info. Townsend, Tennessee area also would be good, check with R and R Flyfishing, on the TN side the "Prongs" are all good streams to fish.