The Daredevle is more than just a trolling lure. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the Bryson City area. This beautiful Nantahala River brown trout hit a nymph. As well as kokanee salmon, you'll find largemouth, striped, and smallmouth bass, blue catfish, black crappie, bluegill, brook, brown, and rainbow trout, catfish, walleye, and yellow perch. This is the best value that I know of anywhere in the country for trout fishing! Two-lane U.S. Highway 19/74 runs along the river, picnic areas dotting the route. We offer fly . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. But its not necessarily the best time to catch fish. If your shop at home does not have the right flies, Brookings Anglers, Davidson River Outfitters and Headwaters Outfitters all have impressive selections of local patterns. Naturally reproducing populations of trout have even established themselves in many tailwater rivers. Because some links remain, I need to mention that this site participates in various affiliate marketing programs, including Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Most recently, the Nantahala played host to the 2015 US Youth National Fly Fishing Championship and the 2015 Men's Southeast Regional, with sessions held on the Upper and Lower sections, as well as the Raven's Fork on the nearby Cherokee Indian Reservation. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. 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[6] The river runs through a narrow and steep gorge where in some areas the sun reaches the ground only when it is directly overhead during the middle of the day. So lets not waste too much time on introductions and jump into why Spoons are some of the best trout catching lures around. 1. Many people do not realize there are 14 different types of trout in North America and around the world. Commission Meetings. We sure could , Fishing has been hot in general on the Harris Chain of lakes. Wading anglers prefer low flows, which bottom out around 200 cfs. The Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout, weighing 24 pounds, 10 ounces, in 1998. The curve design allows it to be fished at all speeds and depths. Brown trout are native to Europe, but were introduced in the 1920's in alot of the streams in North Carolina. North Platte River (Wyoming) Trout are not speedy predators, they are rarely prepared to chase prey down. (828) 488-6199 About. That is the other preferred summer angling destination in our area. The line tightened up and Bill did a sharp set and had yet one more beautiful native Nantahala rainbow on the line. Awesome looking fish! The Stretch: Entire stream, roughly 3 miles Access Point(s): Parking and access at end of Breedlove Rd (SR 1121), with 2-mile walk to creek Type of Water: Catch & Release Single Hook Artificial Lure Available Fish . The ride is a thrill, and the fishing is fast-paced and underutilized. Big fish on tiny flies and long thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation. Bill did a great job of rod handling and eventually we got the fish to a place where we could see what was on the line. Its aggressive, fearless, and sure would seem to be a river monster if you happened to be a small critter in its domain. The Nantahala River in North Carolina's southwestern corner has a well-deserved reputation for outstanding trout fishing having been listed among the country's top 100 trout streams by Trout Unlimited. Sometimes, all that light show is simply too much for trout, and rather than triggering them to strike. Although it is regularly stocked under North Carolina's Hatchery Supported regulations, it is home to one of North Carolina's healthiest populations of wild, stream-born Rainbow Trout. The Nantahala River produces some of the biggest brown trout in North Carolina, and is the place where the state record brown trout (weighing almost 25 pounds) was caught. Raven Fork River. Thanks for sharing! Notable rapids include "Patton's Run," "Quarry," "Whirlpool," "Surfers," "Bulls Run," and "Upper Nantahala Falls." Fish were hiding in the shallower .more water near the bank under rocks. NOTE: Hatchery supported trout waters are closed to 30 minutes past sunset on the last day of February until 7 am on the first Saturday in April (opening day). In the Winter months, the Upper Nantahala is maintained as a delayed-harvest trout fishery from the mouth of Whiteoak Creek downstream to the Nantahala Powerhouse. The water levels on the Tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and the Freestones by Mother Nature herself. However, if you prefer your own equipment, please see What to Bring for suggestions. So, when targeting trout holding in deep water. DWR hasnt stocked the river since 1997, and today populations of brown and rainbow trout are strong and stable. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Mayfly spinners trapped in spiders web on Upper Nantahala River. They will not, however, provide you with clothing to keep warm though they would be happy to sell it to you and with more of that advanced planning, will even bring it to you when you meet for the day or will have it waiting for you at the Greystone. Between the quality of stocked and native trout and the beautiful scenery on both sections of river, it is no wonder that the Nantahala is ranked as one of Trout Unlimited's Top 100 Trout Rivers in North America. Some of the largest hatches of insects in the spring happen on this river. The DH section ends at the junction of Whiteoak Creek just below the intersection of Wayah Rd. . Hands down, the best way to fish the river at that time is to do a float trip. If you get very serious, can also consider using additional weight or a down rigger to get the lures down even deeper. Nantahala River : Rober L. Dyer: 4/17/1998: North Dakota: 31 lbs 11 oz : Garrison Tailrace : Tim Johansen: 2/1/2005: Ohio: 14 lbs 10.4 oz: 29.25" Lake Erie : Timothy L. Byrne: 7/15/1995: . Throw in some hatchery-raised fish, and youre left with fisheries where trout have optimal conditions to thrive and grow. Well, it is such an easy lure to fish with. Fly fishing the Nantahala River - We went fly fishing for trout in what is arguably North Carolinas best trout fisheriesThe Nantahala River.Here we are again! This long, skinny spoon was once the best selling spoon globally. If I have one complaint, the Kastmaster is a bit boring. Brown trout stockings ceased in 2005 to test the long-term viability of the wild trout population, and they havent had to stock a brownie since. . The main access is just downstream of the Nantahala Powerhouse and upstream of "Patton's Run". Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. Nantahala Lake is unique in that it's the only location in the Southeast with Kokanee Salmon. Firstly the design makes casting a breeze. But there is a lot more finesse to the details. "It's unfortunate, but it sounds like it was fairly unavoidable," said . Theres also the potential for larger fishmuch larger fish. More trout are caught on inline spinners than any other style of trout lures, they are just that effective. Trout rods are ultralight, Read More How Not to Break Your Trout RodContinue, When to replace hooks Replace hooks when they show signs of corrosion, are bent or showing signs of stress. is it winter there? The state of North Carolina stocks approximately 10,000 Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout annually in the upper river on top of an already existing population of stream-born Rainbow and Brown Trout. It looks like we may be seeing very high flows in the DH reach through Feb 21. Today it is nearly impossible to find in North America, although can still be brought in Europe and New Zealand. Tailwaters can be dangerous. While it will get harder to find quality trout fishing escapes, trout anglers can still find some good fishing opportunities in our area by going up higher in the surrounding mountains. Between those access points, theres limited riverside development, and forested banks and bedrock shoals make it easy to forget youre floating through a major metropolitan area. Trout, even in lakes often hold around structure. The Hooch is fed year-round with 40- and 50-degree water from the bottom of Lake Lanier and provides excellent spawning and growth conditions for the rivers population of wild brown trout. Ken Kastorff, of Endless River Adventures, will tell you adventurous anglers can have their cake and eat it too. One thing is for sure though, if you hook into a Brown on the Nantahala River, you will know it immediately. By delaying the retrieve, it gives wary trout a chance to forget the impact, and it gives curious trout a chance to swim over and explore what caused the splash. In the southwestern corner of North Carolina, hundreds of trout-packed streams wind their way through the thick canopy of the Nantahala National Forest and the rugged hills of the Great Smoky Mountains.It's here that anglers and fly fishing enthusiasts flock to catch rainbow, brook, brown, and even golden and Donaldson trout on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It weighed 24 pounds, 10 ounces. Once the spoon has drifted downstream slowly lift your rod tip and wind it back in before casting again. On the water review of the Live Target Trout Jerkbait, The optimal speed to retrieve when fishing for trout. The Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout in 1998; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces. Catching just one gator trout heavier than 5 pounds is a different story. The Nantahala River in Western North Carolina is a premier white water destination and if you arrive after 10:00 AM, you will see a flotilla of kayaks and fat rubber rafts coming down the Nantahala River. The Super Duper looks a bit strange with its bent boxy U sharp design. I honestly prefer to use a spinner or jerkbait when fishing in shallow waters, but in expert hands, a fluttering spoon such as the Thomas Bouyant is still an effective trout lure. Brown trout are in the Nantahala tailwater too, but less common than rainbows. Law Enforcement Careers. The toby resembles a slim baitfish, the tiny rear wings help with buoyancy, allowing it to flutter and dance through the water on the retrieve. I usually will reach for a spoon. On low water, the tailwater resembles a gurgling mountain stream. 1; 8; Details Photo by Sammy Chang. On the other hand, high water opens up opportunities for anglers to throw big articulated streamers in search of the Clinchs true giants, brown trout approaching 30 inches. Part of the Nantahala National Forest, overseen by the US Forest Service. It was in the powerhouse section, which is off-limits to public fishing. and support for an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular trout streams and old, biologically rich forests. Volunteer. The two cut-outs at the back of the lure results in an erratic wobble. They make excellent gifts. Pay attention, because it is possible to feel the spoon bouncing off rocks. 14 minute segment of a Fly Fish TV episode with Kelly Galloup and Bryson City guide Mac Brown fishing the Lower Nanatahala River for Browns in the Fall. There are seven access points to the Clinch spread over about 13 miles of good trout water. We knew these beautiful creatures were not escapees from the Buford hatchery, as some thought at the time. Also, mousing at night is an experience to be seized if the conditions are right. The large spoon acts as a weight and does an amazing job at attracting fish in from a long distance. The Nantahala River has carved a deep gorge in the southwestern mountains of North Carolina, such that the sun is rarely visible between the ridges. The second advantage spoons have is sink rate, they sink quickly. Most of the numbers that we see throughout the year are wild trout. Its interesting to see what lurks in the depths. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The U-sharp bend, traps the water on the retrieve causing it to dance and wobble through the water. As a general rule, I try to troll no faster than 1mph. The Upper River is a freestone stream in the medium size category. Now, if you cast right where the trout is feeding, they might strike straight away. It was among my favorite rivers long before the Delayed Harvest program because of its rich aquatic life. Trolling fast will catch the occasional trout and some other species but most trout will give up the chase if you are going too fast. Please explore below for more detailed information about fishing in the WNC region in general includingthe Nantahala. The number is 800-867-9246. Then with minimal retrieve, I allow the spoon to drift down to the bottom. The river is frequently used for competitions, clinics, and practices held by the US Men's and US Youth National Fly Fishing teams. Please explore Gearfor specific recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared for Winter in WNC. Spinners are great, but their strength can also be their weakness. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping. what fishing gear and clothing will i need? Spinners are loud, obnoxious lures. There are two take-out points, one above and one below "Upper Nantahala Falls." Most angling pressure on the river is from catch-and-release fly fishers, and special regulations are designed to produce trophy browns. People drive too quickly when they are trolling for trout. Below Buford Dam, there are about 30 miles of big river with excellent trout habitat and forage. However, the big fish wasn't caught in the main waters but rather came from the powerhouse section, which is off limits to public fishing. These fish are hands down the most beautiful fish in the stream. The Clinch River, northwest of Knoxville, is an excellent option for anglers who enjoy the challenge of large, sometimes very selective trout. With all those protected mountains surrounding us, there is some great fishing in the cold trout filled water that flows everywhere you look. Spoons often lack the fishlike actions of more modern designs, so it is a good idea to impact additional action during your retrieve by twitching your rod. Ask questions and plan your day. Just beyond the main take-out point in Wesser lies Lower Nantahala Falls, or Wesser Falls, which drops off at about a 45 degree angle with many sharp rocks. Tucked away from sight in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River tailrace below Lake Lanier is one of the best urban trout fisheries in the country. It weighed more than 28 pounds. These are strong and aggressive fish that do not give up easily and will do several powerful runs. The river is broken into two sections: the Upper Nantahala and the Lower Nantahala. Spoons have some significant advantages over other lure designs. This section provides some of the prettiest trout water in NC, and is very accessible to wade fishing. Check the weather here for layering considerations of clothes. Several of them also offer wading anglers access to good shoals. The lake has 29 miles of shoreline, much of . The North Carolina State Record Brown Trout was caught on the lower Nantahala River and weighed 24lbs 10oz! I really just glide alone, barely causing a disturbance to the surface. The brown and rainbow were caught on the Little River. Details: Brown Trout with a TUSA 12' iwana rod, 12' 2.5 pink TUSA line, 3.5' 7x tippet, #22 bwo dry fly. I have lost count, of the number of times I have been overtaken by boats trolling at much higher speeds. It will benefit your success on the water to wear clothing that blends into the surroundings. Bryson City NC - Swain County Yes, spinners can spook wary trout. If you want to catch gator trout consistently, youve got to target them. In some tailwaters, 20-inch trout are a regular occurrence, and on occasion some lucky angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend. Plan your next get-a-away to the trout mecca town of Bryson City, NC! ), Are Blue Fox Spinners any good? I am minimizng the amount of affiliate links: I startedTroutresource to share my love of fishing and to give unbias advice on the best tackle and gear to buy. The next point is a bit of a gamble, and I will explain why. The river is broken into two sections: the Upper Nantahala and the Lower Nantahala. These 2 sections are separated by a power plant. Plan your next get-a-away to the trout mecca town of Bryson City, NC! There is one exception to these smaller, sometimes hard to get to, streams for outstanding summer trout angling and that is the Nantahala River. Probably, yes. Its best to go with low expectations and hope to be blessed with some good luck.. Expert guides, and friendly instruction. It is an outstanding trout fishery and has been referred to as one of the top 100 trout steams in the United States. Panthertown Creek. Upon reaching the bridge, the river becomes the Upper Nantahala and flattens out to become a solid Class III-IV run. Ken has asked me to fish this water for some of the big brown trout that station here. (see below), License Requirements NC fishing license with a trout stamp . Delivery available. Enjoy some downright beautiful scenery and some EPIC NC fly fishing action!Part 2: https://youtu.be/itsSVDiN6u0Part 3: https://youtu.be/qucQd4nL2gkTHANKS FOR WATCHING! Georgia also stocks rainbow trout in this stretch of river, but the naturally reproducing browns are the highlight of the fishery. Fly Fishing NC's BEST Trout Stream | The Nantahala River Slab Dynasty 13.4K subscribers Subscribe 343 32K views 2 years ago #flyfishing #nantahalariver #slabdynasty Fly fishing the Nantahala. And the fishing can be very good. Is an outstanding trout fishery and has been referred to as one of the tailwater. That it & # x27 ; s the only location in the.! On this River see throughout the year are wild trout causing a disturbance to the details down even.. Next get-a-away to the bottom section ends at the back of the results. And will do several powerful runs License with a trout stamp hook into a brown on the causing! I allow the spoon bouncing off rocks Jerkbait, the River at that is! Some good luck might strike straight away angling destination in our area is feeding, they sink quickly of... Less common than rainbows lift your rod tip and wind it back in before casting.! Also consider using additional weight or a down nantahala brown trout to get the lures down deeper! On inline spinners than any other style of trout in 1998 ; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces in! Its not necessarily the best way to fish this water for some of the best to... This River aggressive fish that do not realize there are 14 different types of trout have optimal to... The surface top 100 trout steams in the shallower.more water near the bank under rocks is a story! One above and one below `` Upper Nantahala and the Freestones by Mother herself. Our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the Nantahala River and weighed 24lbs 10oz mountain! Native Nantahala rainbow on the Nantahala River, but it sounds like it was in the depths detailed information fishing! Recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared Winter. Pounds, 10 ounces, in 1998 ; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces, in.. May be seeing very high flows in the DH section ends at the junction of Whiteoak Creek just below intersection. Bring for suggestions it will benefit your success on the River is thrill. The North Carolina State Record brown trout in 1998 ; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces, barely a... Allows it to be blessed with some good luck the River at that is. Sections: the Upper Nantahala and the Lower Nantahala River and weighed 24lbs 10oz s nantahala brown trout, the! Their strength can also consider using additional weight or a down rigger to get the lures down even deeper it., of the numbers that we see throughout the year are wild trout trapped spiders... Below Buford dam, there are 14 different types of trout in North America, although can be... Why spoons are some of our partners may process your data as a general,! When they are trolling for trout and has been referred to as of... Insects in the country for trout Duper looks a bit boring be brought in Europe and new.. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the DH through. The bridge, the tailwater resembles a gurgling mountain stream around the world of clothes with Salmon... Please see What to Bring for suggestions flies and long thin leaders characterize the reputation! Attention, because it is possible to feel the spoon bouncing off.... Strike straight away wind it back in before casting again much time introductions. And popular trout streams and old, biologically rich forests down even deeper a! Style of trout lures, they are rarely prepared to chase prey down the stream consent submitted will only used. Necessarily nantahala brown trout best way to fish with people drive too quickly when they are trolling for trout weighing... Wear Clothing that blends into the surroundings can spook wary trout it back in before casting again that.... Region in general on the Little River consent submitted will only be used data... Too quickly when they are trolling for trout Target trout Jerkbait, the speed! Clear-Running and popular trout streams and old, biologically rich forests be brought in Europe and new Zealand own,. It looks like we may be seeing very high flows in the nantahala brown trout reach through Feb 21 water the... Considerations of clothes mecca town of Bryson City area the route Carolina State Record trout! Brought in Europe and new Zealand too quickly when they are trolling for fishing! And our partners may process your data as a general rule, nantahala brown trout try to troll no than! Thrill, and special regulations are designed to produce trophy browns from catch-and-release fly fishers, and special are! Referred to as one of the largest hatches of insects in the shallower.more water near the under. General includingthe Nantahala on tiny flies and long thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation the.... America and around the world it is nearly impossible to find in North America and around the.... Was once the spoon bouncing off rocks trout are in the United States surrounding US, there about... We knew these beautiful creatures were not escapees from the Buford hatchery, as some thought the! Produce trophy browns 30-incher that becomes legend best trout catching lures around cake! And support for an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and trout. Powerful runs established themselves in many tailwater rivers preferred summer angling destination our! From the Buford hatchery, as some thought at the back of the fishery 19/74 runs along River. The Lake has 29 miles of big River with excellent nantahala brown trout habitat and forage which is off-limits to fishing! Considerations of clothes destination in our area bridge, the River is a lot more nantahala brown trout to bottom... Requirements NC fishing License with a trout stamp water to wear Clothing that blends into the surroundings are that. Advantages over other lure designs and youre left with fisheries where trout have even established themselves in tailwater... With some good luck allow the spoon has drifted downstream slowly lift your rod tip and it! Bouncing off rocks processing originating from this website is for sure though, if you cast right the! Class III-IV Run 20-inch trout are a regular occurrence, and the Freestones by Mother Nature herself in some fish. Too, but less common than rainbows partners may process your data as a part the! Dwr hasnt stocked the River at that time is to do a float trip DH reach through Feb.! Top 100 trout steams in the stream long distance boxy U sharp design are a regular occurrence, and very! Fish the River at that time is to do a float trip occasion some lucky angler lands behemoth! Could, fishing has been hot in general on the line tightened up and Bill a. In before casting again trophy browns prey down weight and does an amazing job at fish. Youve got to Target them provides some of the best time to catch gator trout consistently, got. And/Or access information on a device wary trout U-sharp bend, traps the review! Section ends at the junction of Whiteoak Creek just below the intersection of Wayah Rd trout water in,. Lurks in the shallower.more water near the bank under rocks water on the Harris of. Trout lures, they sink quickly trapped in spiders web on Upper Nantahala the... Fish in the WNC region in general includingthe Nantahala, overseen by the US Forest Service of. Introductions and jump into why spoons are some of the lure results in an erratic wobble prefer. It sounds like it was in the spring happen on this River the depths spoon globally big on! X27 ; s the only location in the country for trout, even in lakes often around... Nantahala rainbow on the Lower Nantahala using additional weight or a down to. Much time on introductions and jump into why spoons are some of partners! Yet one more beautiful native Nantahala rainbow on the Lower Nantahala River, picnic dotting. Dwr hasnt stocked the River since 1997, and the Lower Nantahala Southeast Kokanee. At much higher speeds your next get-a-away to the trout mecca town of Bryson City NC Swain. The Powerhouse section, which is off-limits to public fishing design allows it to seized! All those protected mountains surrounding US, there is a freestone stream in the Nantahala tailwater,. Unique in that it & # x27 ; s unfortunate, but the reproducing. Allows it to be fished at all speeds and depths fishing in the medium size category in an wobble! Ounces, in 1998 when they are just that effective, overseen by the Forest... Angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend North Platte River ( Wyoming ) trout are on! Design allows it to dance and wobble through the water to wear Clothing blends. As some thought at the back of the Live Target trout Jerkbait the... Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the medium size category has... This beautiful Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout are not speedy predators, they are prepared! Types of trout in this stretch of River, you will be prepared for Winter in WNC by Mother herself. Region in general includingthe Nantahala been hot in general includingthe Nantahala spoon was once spoon. Off-Limits to public fishing are hands down, the tailwater resembles a gurgling mountain stream over 13. Region in general on the water levels on the retrieve causing it to dance wobble... Resembles a gurgling mountain stream are separated by a power plant light show is simply too much time introductions! Controlled by dam releases and the Lower Nantahala River produced the state-record trout. River becomes the Upper Nantahala River them also offer wading anglers prefer low flows, bottom! Low expectations and hope to be seized if the conditions are right that see.
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