Streams run quite full at this time of year, so with dry flies you want something that floats well. Good choices include Royal or Tennessee Wulffs, Thunderheads, Parachute Adams, Deer Hairs, red or yellow Humpies, and Elk Hair Caddis on size 12 or 14 hooks.

For nymphs, try that old mountain favorite, the Yellarhammer, with other productive patterns being Gold-Ribbed Hare’s Ears, Tellicos and Princes.

Spinners produce fine fishing in the high waters of spring, and such is doubly the case should the water be a bit discolored. An old-time mountain favorite is a gold Colorado blade with a Yellarhammer fly tied on a long-shank hook as a trailer. Other good choices include small Panther Martins or Mepps. Keep your monofilament fine, and if needed to get the spinner deep, use a split shot or two.

Then all that remains is a will to walk and camp if need be. There are far worse ways to spend spring days.

(Editor’s Note: Jim Casada is the author of the award-winning book, Modern Fly Fishing. To order this work or other books from him, contact him at 1250 Yorkdale Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29730 or visit his Web site, www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com.)