Mossy Creek Fishing

While on vacation, I decided that I wanted to take a trip to the famous Mossy Creek.  One can't go to the area and not fish the creek.  Besides, I wanted to throw some glass on the creek while wearing my T.F.M. shirt so off we headed.

I decided to hit the creek on Thursday 09/13/2012.  Before hitting the creek, I decided to stop off at the Mossy Creek Fly Shop.  Much like the creek, one can't come to the area and not stop by the fly shop.  The gentleman behind the counter was very friendly and helpful.  He provided me some directions to the creek itself since I had no idea where I was going.  I did manage to pick up a few things (read I spent like 100 bucks) much to Melissa's dismay as usual.  So after checking out the fly shop as well as some neighboring stores, we headed off.

Unfortunately for me, we got a late start.  Really it was my fault as I wasn't feeling too hot.  By the time we left the fly shop it was already after 5.  That coupled with the early sunset given the time of year and taking a wrong turn on the way there, I knew I wasn't going to have much time on the water.  Amazingly enough, that was fine with me.  I just wanted to fish this legendary creek with my 3wt Eagle Claw just so I could say that I have fished it.  Truth be told though I was really hoping for one of those monster browns!

Mossy Creek was not what I expected.  Really I am not sure what I expected.  I think I had in my mind a small creek in a meadow or pasture.  Maybe it is somewhere along the way but not where we were.  Honestly it is hard for me to really comment on the creek.  I only spent a total of 45 minutes there.  Don't get my wrong, I am happy I went and now I can say I have been.  I would love to come back at some point.  The water seems off color and swift.  I am not sure if it rained or if that is the natural color of the water.  I didn't see any trout holding because of the color of the creek.  I did watch one brown swipe at my fly and that is only because it was near the surface and I could see that golden brown flash.  Other than that....nothing.  Not saying they aren't in there cause I know they are.  I think I just arrived at a bad time.  Of course if that is the natural color of the stream than I need to learn to fish it differently.  I will say that while I love throwing glass now, I was under gunned at the stream.  Using the Eagle Claw Featherlight 3wt did not allow me the reach I needed to hit the middle of the stream or the weight I needed to get the fly down.  If you are going to fish this stream, much like Beaver Creek, you need a longer rod say something between 9 and 10 feet.  There are a ton of trees and bushes along the stream so you really don't do a lot of casting....more like dropping.  Again, it is hard for me to comment or give a review of the stream since I only spent 45 minutes on it and in one location.  I did mange to land one fish and just one fish.  One fall fish was all that came to hand on those short 45 minutes but hey at least I didn't get skunked.  I will certainly be back at some point in the future to explore this famous creek and its world class population of browns.

Outside the fly shop

Nathaniel helping Daddy 

Hauling in my big catch 

My big catch of the trip 

Nathaniel and I heading to the creek 

Nathaniel ready with the net 

What to pick, what to pick