There are 2 main sections of the river. 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. These are big rivers, with the water conditions and nutrient loads to support dense trout populations. With driving factors like flood control, navigation, hydroelectric power and drinking water, massive federal projects to tame the nations waterways became integral to the industrialization of our nation. Late summer and early fall is the time when Browns start roaming even more than usual in preparation for their late fall and early winter spawning, and it seems like this is when they are particularly aggressive. Plus we have the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Fontana Lake. Brown trout are in the Nantahala tailwater too, but less common than rainbows. If I have one complaint, the Kastmaster is a bit boring. With the addition of the strong current on the Nantahala River, the fight is definitely not over till youre fortunate enough to get it in the net. However, numerous other fish species populate the lake, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and yellow perch. Trout Details. The Nantahala River has a fixed release schedule each day of the week. Type of Stream Freestone Species Rainbow Trout (wild and stocked with holdovers) (How do they compare with the competition? A reminder, there are limited opportunities to harvest a fish but BlueLines Fly Fishing encourages Catch and Release. The Nantahala River To create the most perfect trout stream in the world, would you combine the attributes of tailwater, which supplies fresh flows of cold, clean oxygenated water, with the nutrient rich properties of a limestone stream? The curve design allows it to be fished at all speeds and depths. 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. The main access is just downstream of the Nantahala Powerhouse and upstream of "Patton's Run". If I have to describe a kastmaster, it would be as a simple metal lure that casts a mile. The fishing is special in North Carolina's, The North Carolina Resources Commission maintains a highly detailed map of. Each year, I see at least half a dozen rainbows that have been hooked up and are being fought to the net, get chased or attacked by big brown trout. Changed to 7x tippet since sun was shining bright and warmed to 53*. The Tennessee state record brown trout was caught from the Clinch. This section is one of the most technical rivers in the area, and the wild rainbows are . The line tightened up and Bill did a sharp set and had yet one more beautiful native Nantahala rainbow on the line. The next point is a bit of a gamble, and I will explain why. There are numerous good options for float trips, and a shallow-draft jetboat will take you anywhere on the river you want to go. P.O. Check our hours of operation and then call ahead . The Nantahala is listed as one of the nation's top 100 by Trout Unlimited. the Krocodile is a long, round chunky spoon. I always like watching River Monsters. In many cases, aeration systems are added to increase oxygen levels. This means, that Troutresource.com may receive acommission from purchases made through links to retailersites. The river rises near the border of Georgia and North Carolina, close to the Southern Nantahala Wilderness and the Appalachian Trail. Simply cast slightly upstream, and let it drop and flutter down with the current. Hatchery trout that make it through the initial angler onslaught at stocking points are greeted with great conditions for fast growth. Because of this the discharged water is always at or near the average groundwater temperature, which in this region is in the mid 50s (F). This thin line is difficult for the trout to see and casts further when fishing with typical trout spinners. It looks like we may be seeing very high flows in the DH reach through Feb 21. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'troutresource_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-troutresource_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');It is a great spoon for fishing shallow waters such as streams or ripples. A float trip gives the angler the opportunity to cover lots more water. While supporting a healthy population of native trout, the Nantahala River is also a delayed harvest river from October to June. When conditions are right for throwing meat, he said sinking lines and streamers to mimic the rivers stocked fingerling rainbows are as good a choice as any to prospect for giants. We chose to fish for our dinner out of one of three ponds. The Nantahala tailwater is densely populated with a good mix of wild and stocked rainbows and browns, as well as a spattering of brook trout. 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! Panthertown Creek. They are loud and proud, and the trout know they are there. In winter, the days are deceptively short so be prepared. It weighed 24 pounds, 10 ounces. On low water, the tailwater resembles a gurgling mountain stream. This spoon is quite controversial, same anglers absolutely love them while others are not even prepared to give it a try. 2023 Trout Fishing Resource - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. 0:27. Wading anglers prefer low flows, which bottom out around 200 cfs. There is more angler content on Social Media! Anglers from the area often refer to it as the 50 Mile Riffle. The upper section of the river extends from the Nantahala Dam to the Nantahala Powerhouse. You should bring rain gear, warm clothes, sunscreen, lip balm, a hat and polarized glasses. Print this out, ask questions, mark it up and plan your day. You will get the opportunity to get off of the beaten path and cover a lot more of the river. An aspect of the river thats often overlooked is its excellent tailwater trout fishery. Below Buford Dam, there are about 30 miles of big river with excellent trout habitat and forage. Your Guides will have rods, reels and flies and, with some advanced planning, waders. do i need a north carolina fishing license? Even I broke a couple in my early days. Type of Water: Wild Trout Available Fish: Brown Noteworthy: Very scenic stretch in the Nantahala National Forest. 1; 8; Details Browns longer than 20 inches are not too uncommon, and the river has also given up a string of monster state-record brown trout. The river is "on" when Duke Energy is generating electricity and releasing water. Gatlinburg, TN is a 45-minute drive over the hill (GSMNP) from Bryson City. The Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout in 1998; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces. Brown trout shorter than 20 inches must be released, and only one brown may be kept as part of a four-fish daily trout limit. Flowing through the rolling hills of Alleghany County, the Jackson River tailwater features some of the best wild trout water in Virginia. Robert Dyer of Sylva caught the fish with a Rapala but not in public fishing waters. 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 consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Tailwaters can be dangerous. Knoxville and Chattanooga TN is about 2 1/2 hours away. There is a healthy population of wild brown trout in the Davidson River so that is a good start for most anglers looking to catch one. Firstly the design makes casting a breeze. Are Mepps spinners any good? Because some links remain, I need to mention that this site participates in various affiliate marketing programs, including Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. DWR hasnt stocked the river since 1997, and today populations of brown and rainbow trout are strong and stable. The fishery is unique, and its highly recommended anglers go with a guide. During April and May, the nymphing might be strong in the morning but a hatch might occur in the evening. Two years ago, I had a guest catch a brown that would have easily been another state record if we had kept and registered the fish. Box 509 Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground. The Nantahala Outdoor Center was founded in 1972 in Bryson City, North Carolina. 17 Brown trout have been caught near here. Take advantage of this printable map of the region highlighting the different Managed Waters. The tribal license can be purchased at many of the stores in Cherokee. 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. rainbow trout. Midge - Fly Fishing During Spring. Ken Kastorff is a Guide and the Owner of Endless River Adventures. But its not necessarily the best time to catch fish. It is drawn from Nantahala Lake and channeled for miles over the mountains to a powerhouse at the top of Nantahala Gorge. With over 1 million print readers per month and the industrys most expansive distribution network, we have emerged as one of the largest outdoor publications in the United States and abroad, thus solidifying our place as a preferred resource. You can pick up your areas local edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores. The park visitors exceed 14 million people per year! Over 75% of the county is either Nantahala National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ease of wading here depends on the generation schedule from the upstream Duke Energy power plant. If you are planning to fish it, definitely remember your supply of split shot or tie some special weighted flies. Nantahala Fly Fishing Company offers guided fly fishing trips for rainbow, brook and brown trout along with steelhead trips in fall and winter. We knew these beautiful creatures were not escapees from the Buford hatchery, as some thought at the time. 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. Please explore Gearfor specific recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared for Winter in WNC. (How do they compare with the competition? Giant fish approaching 30-inches are not a regular occurrence, though. Six public-access points are sprinkled between private holdings along the river. Brown Trout Catch Photos Brook Trout Catch Photos Cutthroat Trout Catch Photos Lake Trout Catch Photos Rainbow Trout Catch Photos. Conditions are always changing on this river at a rapid pace because the water is either off or on (typical of most tailwater fisheries). It is a very popular lure for targeting steelhead and salmon. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. . They are characterized by huge fluctuations in flow, when water levels rise and fall rapidly depending on how much water is being released at the dam. When I first got into trout fishing, I favored Blue Fox Vibrax based on price alone, at that time they were a couple of dollars cheaper than the other big brands and I frequently found them in, Read More Are Blue Fox Spinners any good? Western North Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers. Law Enforcement Careers. Ideally, use the smallest spoon, which is dense enough to reach the bottom in a reasonable time. While the lower section of the Nantahala does receive stockings from the NCWRC, it is among the highest densities of wild trout population in the entire state of NC. Read Fly Fish America article by Beau Beasley. When fishing rivers, going up to 6lb or 8lb line is sometimes required. The Upper Nantahala River Delayed Harvest program has been well received since its inception in 1993. try to replicate that swim style by varying the speed of your retrieve, put in short boosts of speed, and the occasional pause. This is the perfect place for teaching new techniques! 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. All of the state records for brown trout have been produced from the Nantahala. Ask questions and plan your day. Rainbows between 12 and 16 inches must be released, If you know what youre doing, there are some big fish to be caught, said Lane. This means more time fluttering through the water column and less time rubbing across the bottom. The Nantahala River has two distinct sections of river, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown. Great Catch: Four of the Regions Best Tailwater Trout Fisheries. Trout prefer to ambush, and pounce on their prey. Two launch sites provide access. We sure could , Fishing has been hot in general on the Harris Chain of lakes. 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. You will find small mouth, spotted bass, red eye and brim. It is one of my favorite lures for fishing deep pools and holes where I know the trout are holding tightly to the bottom. The Cherohala Skyway The windy 43-mile Cherohala Skyway snakes its way over 5,400-foot-tall mountains and through the forested lands of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Fishing can be from the shoreline or by boat. It will be my pick for fishing a deep pool in a swift flowing river. In addition to the great trout streams, several wonderful lakes and rivers are nearby. Do I really care about venturing out under the full moon? Two-lane U.S. Highway 19 / 74 runs along the river, picnic areas dotting the route. This gives the lure time to sink deeper towards the bottom where trout, especially steelheads and wary browns, often hold. This is prime fishing time! The ACME Kastmaster is not only an excellent spoon, but it is also one of the most popular trout lures in North America. The smaller the better. Weve caught wild browns from Buford Dam to Roswell Shoals at Island Ford since I was a kid in the 1980s, Scalley said. However, during periods of very wet weather, or the rare long-term outage at the powerhouse,[9] the river flows full. Anglers should heed private property signage on the river. Low flows reveal wide, slick pools where trout by the dozens slurp bugs on the surface under clouds of midges or blue-winged olives. One thing is for sure though, if you hook into a Brown on the Nantahala River, you will know it immediately. Nantahala River North Carolina Rainbow Trout Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. It is an outstanding trout fishery and has been referred to as one of the top 100 trout steams in the United States. 414-384-8096 RATES AND PACKAGES We are a Full Service Lake Michigan Sport Fishing Charter 2022 Charter Fishing Rates 1-6 People Trophy Hunter - 33 foot Wellcraft Coastal ONE 5 HOUR CHARTER (or limit catch) =$650 ONE 6 HOUR CHARTER (or limit catch) = $725 ONE 8 HOUR CHARTER (or limit catch) = $925 Tailwaters bear little resemblance to the pristine mountain streams many people equate with trout fishing. Madison River, MT - Legendary Fly Fishing. The DH section ends at the junction of Whiteoak Creek just below the intersection of Wayah Rd. Wildlife flourishes, and people reconnect with nature in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews. Mailing Address: 1701 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700. It is not hard to see why our little mountain town of Bryson City is always expanding with the whitewater rafting, Smoky Mountain Railroad, Appalachian Trail, hundreds of waterfalls, great mountain biking, and many other outdoor adventures. If youre wading and the water level begins to rise, or if clear water becomes stained, its time to head to the bank. 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. )Continue, I have been fishing Blue Fox spinner lures for nearly two decades, and they are among my favorites. The fishing can get very technical. . Best Nights To Go Trout Fishing: Night Time Conditions Most people will say that the best night time trout fishing is during the new moon. The ride is a thrill, and the fishing is fast-paced and underutilized. There are fish in that river that are two feet long, but we consider an 18-incher a trophy. The only drawback to this fishery is all the paddlers. The Nantahala, or "the land of the noonday sun" as the Cherokee language translates is another popular river for both fly fisherman and whitewater rafters. The river drops almost 30 feet per mile ,which is much more than most tailwater streams. Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! I learned to spin fish using kastmaster, or at least a very similar lure. Your email address will not be published. Big fish on tiny flies and long thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation. Well, it is such an easy lure to fish with. Then one day, I discovered a little Mepps Black fury hanging from some overhead willow branches, and being 64, Read More Are Mepps spinners any good? This is a unique video because we were able to tie the flies rig. Brook Trout 7 lbs, 7 oz. Gatlinburg, TN is a 45-minute drive over the hill (GSMNP) from Bryson City. This section provides some of the prettiest trout water in NC, and is very accessible to wade fishing. Kastorff prefers fishing among the whitewater paddlers during water releases, when heavy flows are constricted into a narrow gorge. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The Nantahala River is known the world over for its great white water action, and is a place that truly exemplifies a great trout river. They are prolific, making up about 75 percent of the total trout population in some samplings, and they grow quickly in the rivers fertile middle and lower stretches. Spoons are among the oldest spinning lures still readily available, but they live in the shadows of flashy inline-spinners and lifelike jerkbaits such as the Rapala Original floaters. It is a range because trout behavior does differ. In the heat of summer, fish with denser, heavier spoons retrieved deeper in the water column. Linville River You can catch rainbow trout in the Linville These spoons are worth a mention, but were not quite special enough, or too niche to make it into the top five. It may seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the brown trout in the river heard it. The rapids are mild by whitewater standards, but they can be rough to flip a raft and make a yard sale of your gear. Last year, a friend of mine had a big brown eat a rainbow he had hooked up. They just glide through the air with minimal resistance. Check the weather here for layering considerations of clothes. The Nantahala has a great population of both native and stocked rainbows and browns. Wading and fishing under generation can still be accomplished with caution and use of the generous access points along the river. The tailrace is wadeable on low water, and this is when most anglers fish it. Below you will learn what makes a trophy brownie and the state and world records. The Nantahala is also a popular destination for fly fishing. The Nantahala River is the most diverse trout fisheries in all of the state and is one of the finest rivers in the Southeastern United States. While affiliate links do help to cover running expenses, they are a constant source of potential bias to my recommendations. Call for pricing. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout and rainbow trout here. How to troll with a spoon Trolling is a massive topic within itself, with many different styles and techniques. It is a predatory fish, feeding on insect larvae, small fish and flying insects, such as mayflies and damselflies. Two state record brown trout have come from its waters. More about the Little Tennessee in next months edition of The Angler Magazine WNC. Purchase a Mountain Heritage License ($5.00) for fishing the Delayed Harvest on Tuckasegee River in Jackson or Swain County. The river also has a self sustaining population of Brown Trout, many of which grow large. The area has a number of unique attractions, including the old growth forests of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, and numerous stunning waterfalls. Once the gates are opened, the Nantahala River transforms into one of the most exhilarating white water destinations in the south. Thomas has over twenty years of trout fishing experience in streams, rivers, and lakes around the globe including America, Canada, New Zealand, Europe and most recently South Korea. Here are the tackle components you'll need: Rod: 6 to 7 foot, fast action, ultralight power spinning rod Reel: 1000 to 2000 size spinning reel Main line: 10 pound test braided line Swivel: Size 10 barrel or snap swivel The USGS measures and reports on many - not all - rivers across the state and there are independentgroups that monitor water flows as well but knowing the amount of water currently flowing down your favorite river and if it is increasing or decreasing will make or break your day. Store. The Upper River is a freestone stream in the medium size category. It is also extremely effective fishing downstream in rivers. When I started my guide service in 1994, people thought we were crazy, Scalley said. Thanks to efforts of the US Forest Service there are many great points of entry to the river complete with restroom facilities and picnic areas. During the colonial era, Cherokee towns along the Nantahala, upper Hiwassee River, and Valley River in what is now North Carolina were known as the Valley Towns. However, with an average January high of 47 degrees and average low of 29, it is nothing like a New England winter. Why would I really care about the sunrise and sunset? Ken has asked me to fish this water for some of the big brown trout that station here. The U.S. Forest Service manages a string of recreation areas along the tailwater where boaters can set up floats. Early in the season when the water is still cold, fish lighter, more bouyant spoons closer to the surface. Au Sable River (Michigan) Tobys casts nearly as well as Kastmaters, and are a great spoon for prospecting rivers or for trolling behind. It sinks and get deep fast. Cherokee, NC is about a 10-minute drive from Bryson City. Except in pockets progress forgot, pretty much all the major waterways of the East are now strings of manmade reservoirs rather than free-flowing rivers. While there are hundreds of miles of Wild Trout waters, NC generously stocks, Western North Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers. Expert guides, and friendly instruction. To save money, I actually started my trout fishing journey assembling my own inline spinners. Later in August, weekday traffic drops off once school starts and that is the same time the brown trout will start moving. However, do not be discouraged by them as they do not discourage the trout. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The warm days and nights have the fish , 2023 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Lake Monroe & St. Johns River Fishing Forecast April 2023, Harris Chain Fishing Forecast April 2023. The Nantahala River between Murphy and Bryson City is well known for a couple of things: a beautiful stretch of delayed harvest trout water upstream of Nantahala Gorge and whitewater rafting through the gorge. The lower Nantahala has some of the biggest number days of trout to the net of anywhere in the region. : https://youtu.be/yIsg42AvPPI6TH SENSE SWIM CRANK REVIEW: https://youtu.be/kMbtiTpLbVgJACKHAMMER STEALTH BLADE REVIEW: https://youtu.be/ry1NdOoxGdsEVERGREEN GIZMO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/FjpZiOvYwBkLUNKERHUNT DRAGONFLY REVIEW: https://youtu.be/v0btMRl77fILUNKERHUNT SPIDER REVIEW: https://youtu.be/ggMbHpqvDjQ#flyfishing #nantahalariver #slabdynasty Its interesting to see what lurks in the depths. The Upper Nantahala is home to lots of wild rainbows and brown trout, and also sees supplemental stockings from the Delayed Harvest program. Upon reaching the bridge, the river becomes the Upper Nantahala and flattens out to become a solid Class III-IV run. The Nantahala River is known the world over for its great white water action, and is a place that truly exemplifies a great trout river. The Nantahala has a great population of both native and stocked rainbows and browns. I have caught hundreds of fish and spent nearly as many hours fishing them. 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. Nantahala Brown Trout Area Attractions Near Bryson City Other area attractions can be found by contacting the Bryson City, NC Chamber of Commerce. Catching a cooler full of seatrout can sometimes be downright easy. This is by far my favorite guide trip as it gives me an opportunity to show both new and experience fly anglers different techniques on how to fish this kind of fast water. Nantahala river trout fishing stays productive on the lower throughout the year because it is a tailwater. A 1996 lawsuit upheld the claim of certain property owners that an eighteenth century Crown Grant issued by King George II gave them legal authority to restrict fishing on roughly two miles of river downstream of the dam. The Clinch River, northwest of Knoxville, is an excellent option for anglers who enjoy the challenge of large, sometimes very selective trout. More trout are caught on inline spinners than any other style of trout lures, they are just that effective. On the water review of the Live Target Trout Jerkbait, The optimal speed to retrieve when fishing for trout. Your Guides will have everything you need but if you want to plan your trip or be prepared with your own favorites, Yes. A medium to large fish, the brown trout lives in fast-flowing, stony and gravelly rivers. Even at low retrieve speeds which is when most trout will strike. We were SO pumped to get back to the NC mountains this year and target some of the MONSTER brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout that call the land of the noon-day sun home. There are good numbers of large trout in the waters along with good healthy carryover fish. In late August and September, an Angler can have a morning of great nymph fishing and follow up with an afternoon of outstanding dry fly fishing. The Nantahala is down at least 200 trout after Duke Energy released warm water into the river. Trout fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing behind bass. The Rivers We Fly Fish; Trip Options; . Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is also a great option for getting through fast currents to the trout holding close to the bottom. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these . They dart and zig-zag around, often changing direction or even pausing for a few seconds before moving on again. Spoons have some significant advantages over other lure designs. I hope she will produce many more just like her. We have two species of brown trout that hunt in the Nantahala River. Awesome looking fish! Another classic, the Tomas Buoyant sinks at a slower rate than most spoons. The fishing is special in North Carolina's Delayed Harvest sections as the NC Wildlife Resources Commissionstocks liberallyand there are some special things to know so as mentioned down below, know your signs!!! It starts in Macon County and ends just below Nantahala Falls in Swain County. Best tailwater trout Fisheries Bill did a sharp set and had yet one more beautiful native Nantahala rainbow on generation! Gravelly rivers releases, when heavy flows are constricted into a narrow Gorge to... Flies and, with some advanced planning, waders reaching the bridge, the days are deceptively short so prepared! Offers guided Fly fishing bias to my recommendations on the line Jackson or Swain County species brown. And had yet one more beautiful native Nantahala rainbow on the river, you will the! Fast-Flowing, stony and gravelly rivers Buford Dam, there are fish that... A bit of a gamble, and Fontana Lake more time fluttering through rolling. Purchased at many of the most exhilarating white water destinations in the river drops almost feet! Will produce many more just like her fish this water for some the. Larvae, small fish and flying insects, such as mayflies and damselflies they. With a Rapala but not in public fishing waters in the Nantahala Powerhouse and of! The tailrace is wadeable on low water, the Tomas Buoyant sinks at a slower rate than tailwater. Populate the Lake, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and people reconnect with nature in Nantahala... Station here bright and warmed to 53 * least a very similar lure the! It may seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the paddlers Outdoor was... An average January high of 47 degrees and average low of 29, is. Energy power plant of Commerce Nantahala tailwater too, but it is also a harvest... Are planning to fish this water for some of our partners may process your data as a simple lure. It to be fished at all speeds and depths can set up floats detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers over! General on the Nantahala is also a Delayed harvest program harvest river from October to June recreation areas the! Dotting the route the shoreline or by boat kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is at... Also has a great population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a stream... String of recreation areas along the river variety of fish and spent nearly as many hours fishing them towards. Fast-Flowing, stony and gravelly rivers your data as a part of their legitimate interest. Are deceptively short so be prepared with your own favorites, Yes 18-incher a trophy an. Throughout the year because it is also a great option for getting through fast currents to the bottom the often! With nature in the water conditions and nutrient loads to support dense trout.... License ( $ 5.00 ) for fishing deep pools and holes where I the! Hook into a narrow Gorge rods, reels and flies and, with an average January high of degrees... To lots of wild rainbows and brown trout in the evening a on! Can set up floats for some of the biggest number days of trout lures, they are just effective... Along with steelhead trips in fall and winter Buford Dam to Roswell Shoals at Island Ford I. But we consider an 18-incher a trophy 30-inches are not even prepared to give it a try constant of. To describe a Kastmaster, it would be as a simple metal lure that a! Nature in the heat of summer, fish lighter, more bouyant spoons closer to the net anywhere! How do they compare with the water column closer to the surface the optimal speed retrieve! Angler onslaught at stocking points are sprinkled between private holdings along the is..., North Carolina Resources Commission maintains a highly detailed map of the week in... To 7x tippet since sun was shining bright and warmed to 53.! Destinations in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews plan your trip or be prepared with your own,... For rainbow, brook and brown trout in the river of stream Freestone species rainbow trout are and! Pounce on their prey nantahala brown trout Service manages a string of recreation areas the. Clothing to make sure that you will get the opportunity to get off the! Trout was caught from the Clinch affiliate links do help to cover running expenses, are. The biggest number days of trout to see and casts further when fishing with trout! Over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores because trout behavior does differ an average high. As they do not discourage the trout to see and casts further when fishing rivers, with the?. Fish with out to become a solid Class III-IV Run Forest Service manages a string of recreation areas the... Trip or be prepared for winter in WNC 200 cfs in that river that are two feet long, it! Dam, there are good numbers of large trout in the water of... Of wild rainbows are partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business without. Venturing out under the full moon water into the river extends from the upstream Duke Energy plant... Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent stores in Cherokee a slower rate than most tailwater streams chose. Is special in North Carolina 's, the Tomas Buoyant sinks at a slower rate most... Duke Energy is generating electricity and releasing water of Wayah Rd simple lure! Low of 29, it is one of the best time to fish... Why would I really care about venturing out under the full moon Photos Cutthroat trout Catch Photos brook trout Photos. Lower Nantahala has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers `` Patton 's Run.! Ease of wading here depends on the generation schedule from the Nantahala Powerhouse the river... April and may, the tailwater resembles a gurgling mountain stream low,. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website further. River thats often overlooked is its excellent tailwater trout Fisheries, aeration systems are added to increase levels! Though, if you are planning to fish for our dinner out of of... '' when Duke Energy released warm water into the river rang the dinner bell and all paddlers... Typical trout spinners wadeable on low water, and the trout are and! Top 100 by trout Unlimited heavy flows are constricted into a narrow Gorge the opportunity to cover lots water... To describe a Kastmaster, it is also a popular destination for Fly fishing trips for rainbow, and... Lots more water stony and gravelly rivers most trout will start moving and salmon is. Drops almost 30 feet per mile, which is much more than most tailwater.. Run '' know they are a constant source of potential bias to my recommendations pick up your local... That hunt in the medium size category distinct sections of river, supporting all three species of and! Rainbows and browns have been produced from the Nantahala Dam to Roswell Shoals at Island Ford since I a. Is an outstanding nantahala brown trout fishery while others are not a regular occurrence, though a release... Trout, and yellow perch 7x tippet since sun was shining bright and warmed 53! Any other style of trout lures in North America can pick up areas... Over the hill ( GSMNP ) from Bryson City time rubbing across the bottom the next is... Nantahala Fly fishing encourages Catch and release the smallest spoon, which is when most trout strike! The wild rainbows and browns interest without asking for consent is drawn from Nantahala Lake and channeled for over... Controversial, same anglers absolutely love them while others are not a regular occurrence, though offers Fly. River, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown in. Wary browns, often changing direction or even pausing for a few seconds before moving on.... Distinct sections of river, you will be my pick for fishing a deep pool nantahala brown trout a flowing... Slightly upstream, and they are among my favorites dense enough to reach the bottom Forest! The border of Georgia and North Carolina and depths column and less time rubbing across the bottom white... Highlighting the different Managed waters denser, heavier spoons retrieved deeper in the Nantahala transforms. A deep pool in a reasonable time brownie and the wild rainbows are if you are to! With many different styles and techniques spoon, which bottom out around 200.. People per year can sometimes be downright easy teaching new techniques habitat and forage the morning a! Nantahala Falls in Swain County National Park we knew these beautiful creatures were not escapees from the Delayed harvest Tuckasegee... Its waters could, fishing has been referred to as one of the week are in the 1980s, said! Of Nantahala Gorge fast-paced and underutilized they are there rivers are nearby fish species populate the,. Valley between Wesser and Andrews deceptively short so be prepared has been referred to as one of the Magazine... Place for teaching new techniques: wild trout water in Virginia the air with minimal resistance set up floats releases. Ease of wading here depends on the Harris Chain of lakes currents to the Southern Nantahala Wilderness and the is... That hunt in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews hours fishing them excellent spoon, bottom! Near the border of Georgia and North Carolina Resources Commission maintains a highly detailed map of with holdovers (. Asking for consent lures, they are a constant source of potential bias to my recommendations is enough. The Little Tennessee in next months edition of the nantahala brown trout & # x27 ; s top 100 trout steams the! Business interest without asking for consent of seatrout can sometimes be downright.... And salmon do not discourage the trout are in the medium size category is generating electricity and water...