I've been after the fact but, never on stocking day. I do plan on getting my trout stamp Friday so I can possibly hit it up sat or sun. I hear it's pretty competitive on dump day. There is minimal shore fishing on a good day on that section of the Harpeth. Water is running high at 7ft right now. So if you go plan accordingly.
My friend and I went last night under the full moon from 10pm-12am. It was cold but, the trout were biting. Several keepers around 10inches. It was very very cold though.
i would love to go catch some trout on the harpeth as i have just become hooked on fly fishing. could you pm me where these stockings take place and possible spots.
Most of the stretch of the Harpeth that runs along Lewisburg Pike will have some fish. You will see a lowhead dam - they usually put the trout in just below it, so fish from there downstream.
It is what they call "shoulder to shoulder" - lots of getting tangled in other people's lines...tries your patience for sure...I usually get frustrated and leave.
Matt, it's no secret where they release them. No need for a PM! It is, however, not a well marked spot. It's a gravel lot without a clear entrance. It's a lotta fun though!
The water there fluctuates a lot depending on the rain. As long as we don't get any big downpours it shouldn't be too high.
It can get crowded on the nice days, but there are a lot of fair-weather fishermen that turn out for the winter-stocked trout. If you can get a day that's a little cloudy or colder, it thins the people out a whole lot.
The usual patterns for recently-stocked trout will work - try a big pheasant tail or a prince nymph - maybe a #14 or #12. If that doesn't work, a wooly bugger or a clouser minnow with a lot of flash will usually produce some fish.
There also are times when soft hackles will work well if you can find a pod of fish concentrated tightly in a feeding lane. Just let it swing down-current and hang for a bit before you strip it back. The old "eat at chuck's" pattern (partridge soft hackle with purple floss and a red or gold rib) is a good one for this.
Don't know where you live but if you are after stockers a drive down to Normandy would be a lot of fun for you...if the water gets to 150CFS or less. Nowhere near the crowds...tons of fish...lots of different type fishing situations...riffles..deep pools...shallow runs. Just a nice place to fish.
harpeth trout stockings
It is, however, not a well marked spot. It's a gravel lot without a clear entrance. It's a lotta fun though!
