Fished the Saluda today and managed to catch a few trout although the bite was slow. The day started with the first trout hooked jumping 6 times and putting up a very spirited fight. Best fish of the day sent me into the drink and took my fly. The hike back to the jeep was soggy, but worth it and the cold beverage in my hand is the perfect cap to the day.
“The man who coined the phrase “Money can’t buy happiness”, never bought himself a good fly rod”
Good on ya! Sounds like a great day - minus the whole getting wet part. 
have you met Ross up there? (blue/white top Bronco-OJ style) he’s a helluva guy
Those are some big bold spots. did you read the article, Fly Fisherman I think, called “Trout Beautification Project.” A guy tried to change the fact that hatchery trout were always dull and “lifeless” compared to their stream-bred brothers. He discovered it was a lack of copper in their diet. After changing their diets they regained their brilliant colors. Anyway, great pics- thanks
I have met many friendly people when fishing up that way, but I do not believe any of them were named Ross. I am sure I will run into him eventually though. I have not read the article, but I had found a similar study on the net somewhere a few weeks ago, it is some interesting stuff.
“The man who coined the phrase “Money can’t buy happiness”, never bought himself a good fly rod”
Shadowgrass, glad to see some nice pics. I too have been fishing the Saluda alot this past year, not very sucessfully though as a newbie to flyfishing. With this howling wind the past couple of weekends, I reverted back to my old ways of ultralight and barbless single hook roostertails. It seems so much easier when I am in the local farm ponds with little to no wind.
Scotty, I do not know Ross, but I can vouch that he has been there the past several weekends and I believe last Monday his Bronco was there as well. We have spoken just hello once or so in passing, but I did enjoy watching him fish a small set of rapids the other Saturday.
Shadowgrass,
What general location are you wading, no specifics needed and if you would like to private message that is okay. I fish the lower section of the Saluda and Broad during the summer but was told the trout were north of downtown.
Thanks,
RF
20’ Maritime Skiff
“Reel-Fly”
quote:
ReelFLy Junior Member27 Posts
Posted - 02/26/2008 : 1:20:25 PMShadowgrass,
What general location are you wading, no specifics needed and if you would like to private message that is okay. I fish the lower section of the Saluda and Broad during the summer but was told the trout were north of downtown.
Thanks,
RF20’ Maritime Skiff
“Reel-Fly”
If you just want a general area, I typically fish in the water…but seriously, I have been fishing from Greystone Blvd and up. I have not fished anything below the zoo. Saluda shoals park can be a nice place to fish too. Just park at the conservation center and take the first trail to you come to before the bridge. Follow this trail about 15 mins and you will come to a power line clearing with a wood duck box. Take the next path to the right and you will see an island with some rapids. I have caught fish in this area, but those rapids get a lot of pressure and I typically do better if I wade to the island and then walk down river along the bank from that point. At the zoo I go up river and fish the many rapids in the area right around the siren and warning lights. I have never fished the Broad, what area do you typically fish? Also what kind of fish are catching in that area? I have caught some striper at the zoo, however that is always later in the year. I suspect they are probably in the Broad and will work their way up the Saluda later.
“The man who coined the phrase “Money can’t buy happiness”, never bought himself a good fly rod”
Shadowgrass,
Thanks for the info, I typically fish near the Gervais St Bridge and sections near Gaffney in the summer. Smallmouth are the ticket on small clousers as well as the occasional Striper.
20’ Maritime Skiff
“Reel-Fly”
Shadowgrass,
Thanks for the report and pics. I’m going to be in Columbia this weekend and was thinking about running by the Saluda but wasn’t sure if it still had trout. Also glad to hear you caught those down by the zoo. Didn’t know if they made it down that far.
Tight lines!
Great post and nice pics. Hope to have some of my own this weekend, me and a few guys might head out to saluda shoals on sunday, hops to see some of ya’ll out there.
Go Cocks
quote:
USCinshore Intermediate Member67 Posts
Posted - 02/29/2008 : 1:58:12 PMGreat post and nice pics. Hope to have some of my own this weekend, me and a few guys might head out to saluda shoals on sunday, hops to see some of ya’ll out there.
Go Cocks
Did yall have any luck? I was up that way, but was having too much fun landing a few largemouth and bream and my fiancé’s parent’s pond and decided not to head to the river.
“The man who coined the phrase “Money can’t buy happiness”, never bought himself a good fly rod”
Yeah, I caught 8 smalls bows on Sunday morning at Saluda Shoals Park. You were right in that they had some good fight in them for being on the small side. Couldn’t believe the amount of Spartina grass(?) that has taken root in the river. Sad for sure.
na, didnt get a chance to head out. went out of town, but i did get a chance to make a stop by the Orvis store in Atlanta, so it was a pretty good trade off. Quick question, anyone know of any company that makes waders ( boot or stocking foot ) in big shoe sizes…like 14?? im having a hard time finding some. The ones i tried on swallow me whole because the only ones i can find with a big enough foot are usually xl/long and im only 6’2 190. so any suggestions?
Go Cocks
USCinshore,
Call Cabellas and ask for one of their wader specialists. I had trouble finding something to fit me as well. They are helpful and have a variety of styles to choose from.