Fish on Fish on Fish

Fish on fish on fish

This semester I finally had the opportunity to capitalize on my desire to fish. Now I have been able to do so in a place that is not Jordan Lake! The lakes and rivers in Southern Appalachia are beautiful, and the sunlight reflects off the surface beautifully. There are many different fish in these waterbodies, which include the native brook trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. The fish in the rivers can be found chilling in the shady spots where there are deeper pools of water. Sometimes, it is hard to see fish when you are out on the water. On a kayaking/canoeing trip on the Little Tennessee River, we only saw a couple of fish from the boats, and sometimes the fish weren’t very hungry. I caught a smallmouth bass on this trip, and unfortunately, it wriggled out of my grasp right as Jason took his phone out on my orders to get a photo of it. There are nice fishing shops in these mountains, and there's always tons of lures to choose from. Right after Hurricane Helene went through North Carolina, a group of us went to a nearby lake to see if we could find any fish. This was a tall order, however, because the hurricane washed all the fish downriver. As Highlands is on a plateau, and our rivers run down towards lower elevation areas, it means that fishing after a hurricane was not a fruitful endeavor. But it is also about perspective. We had no electricity and very little to do with nowhere to go. Walking out of the station to go somewhere else and to try something new made the experience during the hurricane much better.

Fishing is a game of patience, one that many do not love to play. To me, fishing is not just about catching fish or feeling the rush you get when you feel a tug on the fishing line. Fishing is about the peacefulness of spending time outdoors with no distractions. Fishing means hanging out with the people whose company you enjoy. It is about slowing down and taking in the world around you.

There is much to see in the waterbodies of Appalachia. In addition to the epic fish, you can also find super cool rocks minerals, and even gems. I (think) I have found some smoky quartz around these parts, but alas I am no geologist. At Bust Your Butt Falls, you can find little guppy-type fish swimming around as you wade. If you have quick reflexes, you could catch one in a net. 

Of course, you may find other creatures, such as the timeless all-star salamander. Highlands-related content is ripe with salamander pics, but I show you one nonetheless.

Outdoor activities such as fishing are in my opinion, one of the best ways to connect with others. The many hikes that the cohort has done together have not only been a chance to learn about the local trees, fungi, and wildlife; it has been a great opportunity to chat with classmates and learn more about one another. Salamander hunting at 10 pm at Dry Falls was not only a chance to see salamanders I had never seen before, but also a chance to learn about what interesting wildlife my classmates have seen in the dark before. Visiting the local mine shafts and caves to collect data for bat research was a unique experience in fieldwork, but also the chance to share stories with others in my group. The amazing outdoor experiences that this semester has brought have been infinitely enriched by the people who were part of these experiences.

Being outdoors as much as I have been this semester, I have also felt my relationship with nature cultivating over time. I can recognize the plants and animals I view in nature more easily, which makes me feel more connected to my surroundings. I understand the science behind the environmental processes I witness when I step outside. I also better understand the topography, history, and culture of Appalachia as well, and at times, can recognize the names of a river I am walking by, the mountain I am driving on, or the history of the place I am hiking. Understanding all of these facets on a deeper level has made me more excited to be outdoors and brings me a new appreciation for the nature I am surrounded by regularly.  

No matter what goes on in life, or the world, nature will always be here. Places like Highlands or the Appalachian mountains will continue to be havens of natural beauty that people can visit or reside in. Getting outside and doing things like fishing is important to getting away from the chaos of life and taking a step back from stressors. It can be difficult to find the time to do so, especially if it is not built into your life the way that the field site provides, but I will remember the value I took from this experience long after I leave. I have gained so much from having the chance to be outdoors so often and it is an incentive to continue to incorporate time outdoors in my life, no matter what job I work or what place I live in.

It is not hard to fall in love with a place like Highlands. How could you not? It showcases incredible pockets of nature at every turn. And of course lots of fish. 

-NH