Q:

I live in Asheville, NC, home to the French Broad watershed which provides great hatchery supported and wild trout waters throughout the region. This time of year the weather is still unpredictable, to say the least -- cold, rainy, and downright messy. I haven't had a chance to check water temperature in the area but have noticed a lack in feeding activity and a few similarities. Mainly, larger rainbows and browns seem to be purusing the bottom, uninterested in all of the following -- short strike spinners/flies, nightcrawlers, dough bait (home made of course), & soft plastics (cheese scented worms). I know that this time of year cold water trout are especially lethargic and slow to react, but I've tried everything from top-floating to bottom-feeding lures. Nothing works! If you have any adive please post it!