Made a hit & run scouting the Mills River Monday afternoon. The Mills is a short drive from the Davidson River, off Brevard Road. Classified Delayed Harvest, single hook, C&R.
The weather was sub-freezing and windy. The water is currently quite low. Chances for rain aren't great the next two weeks, but who knows? I did not observe trout in the few minutes spent rock-hopping, guess they were hunkered down ...
A view downstream from the bridge at the Park. It looks more brushy than it is- plenty of room for casting around the many pools which are currently rather shallow for the most part.
A mile further downstream where the waters drift into more marshy conditions.
I spent a few minutes "asphalt-casting" a Martin glass rod I found last week. Never put on waders or tied a fly on- just water reconnaissance.
Met a guy from California who took one look at my rig and said "Old School, eh?" :-)
The rod isn't one I'd show off in Rod Pictures but the cork is nice, and I love the color matching the anodyzed reel seat and black wraps with any Martin click pawl. Always did want to own one Martin rod ...
We have plenty of time to see what the weather brings and decide if we want to slide over to the Mills or elsewhere from the Davidson on the 27th.
PS- I observed the Park police evicting a family of squatters from a campsite during my visit, so- don't forget your license! ;-)
I hope to run by the Davidson and up Avery's Creek this week to scout also- more later.
Here's an excellent link to explore Mills River fishing:
http://www.byrdultrafly.com/nmills.htm