Work With Us. However, if you prefer your own equipment, please see What to Bring for suggestions. Today there are ten different outfitters operating on the Nantahala river. We sure could , Fishing has been hot in general on the Harris Chain of lakes. 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!!! Below you will learn what makes a trophy brownie and the state and world records. Twelve commercial outfitters are permitted by the USDA Forest Service to run guided trips. 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. Its aggressive, fearless, and sure would seem to be a river monster if you happened to be a small critter in its domain. Hell throw in a San Juan Worm to lure in those hatchery rainbows, and a small Baetis nymph sometimes gets the attention of larger browns if the stonefly doesnt. Their ease of use does not stop in the air, the moment the lure hits the water it starts to wobble. Call for pricing. The river drops almost 30 feet per mile ,which is much more than most tailwater streams. This section of the channel is narrow and features several Class III+ to V rapids including "The Horns of God", "Big Kahuna", and "Chinese Feet.". In the heat of summer, fish with denser, heavier spoons retrieved deeper in the water column. It will benefit your success on the water to wear clothing that blends into the surroundings. Lane said the most consistent year-round tactic is to fish smaller nymphs anchored by a size 8 to 10 stonefly. In these situations, the much less pronounced action of a spoon can actually prove to be more effective. The Lower Nantahala is also a great area for trout fishing but the trout on both portions can be finicky here as well, so change flies often and bring along some midges, crayfish, and shrimp and nymph patterns. Trout fishing at Calderwood reservoir has been hot for me especially in the vicinity of Calderwood dam trolling spoons and spinners 5' to 15' down. TWRA sampling shows high densities of rainbow trout, 40 percent of which fall within an incredible 14- to 20-inch protected length limit. Dams have become a necessary part of civilization as it exists today. It is one of my favorite lures for fishing deep pools and holes where I know the trout are holding tightly to the bottom. Delivery available. Small Baetis nymphs are usually a good choice and caddis nymphs, like the locally developed Green Monster, in sizes 12 or 14, can also be deadly. 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. 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. Because some links remain, I need to mention that this site participates in various affiliate marketing programs, including Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. In some tailwaters, 20-inch trout are a regular occurrence, and on occasion some lucky angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend. it will be winter here. I have caught hundreds of fish and spent nearly as many hours fishing them. Expert guides, and friendly instruction. Rainbows, up to twelve inches, are fair game along with mice, frogs, crayfish, sculpins, and anything else that happens to look tasty. The number is 800-867-9246. Raven Fork River. However, with an average January high of 47 degrees and average low of 29, it is nothing like a New England winter. Conditions are always changing on this river at a rapid pace because the water is either off or on (typical of most tailwater fisheries). Anyone who can cast will cast a good distance on a Kastmaster. The park visitors exceed 14 million people per year! The slow retrieve wobbles makes it a great choice for early spring when the trout are still sluggish. Brown Trout Rainbow Trout. Read Fly Fish America article by Beau Beasley. 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 Nantahala River is unique to the area due to the consistent, 50-degree year round water temperatures. He suggested CDC midges or nymphing with small Zebra patterns and tiny pheasant tails. As Kastorff put it, Its a good thing boats dont spook these fish, or theyd starve.. During generation, the river is unleashed in a raging torrent. Water is released into the gorge at a steady 45 degrees, with high levels of oxygen perfect for trout. But its not necessarily the best time to catch fish. Even I broke a couple in my early days. 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. The fall season brings out an even darker more vibrant gold color. While there are hundreds of miles of Wild Trout waters, NC generously stocks, Western North Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers. Trout, even in lakes often hold around structure. 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: . 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 smaller the better. 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. This is a unique video because we were able to tie the flies rig. Hands down, the best way to fish the river at that time is to do a float trip. The line tightened up and Bill did a sharp set and had yet one more beautiful native Nantahala rainbow on the line. If the dam is running its turbines, youll need a boat. Details: Brown Trout with a TUSA 12' iwana rod, 12' 2.5 pink TUSA line, 3.5' 7x tippet, #22 bwo dry fly. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. While they will jump on occasion, most often they will stay on the bottom and make you pay for every inch of line you gain on them. These stretches of river, known as tailwaters, are fed with cold water from reservoirs. Stranahan said typical low-water fishing calls for 9- to 12-foot leaders, 6x tippets, and flies no larger than size 16 and all the way down to size 24. A man named John Burton started working at the Nantahala Outdoor Center when it first opened and soon became president of the center. Tennessee is well known for tailwater trout fisheries. Getting back to the Kokanee, the state and local concerned fisher persons are going to try to monitor the upcoming spawning run up the Nantahala River late September through October. Native aquatic ecosystems are gone forever, along with the natural cycles of the flora and fauna they supported. It flows into the Little Tennessee River at Fontana Lake, a reservoir formed behind Fontana Dam. 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. While affiliate links do help to cover running expenses, they are a constant source of potential bias to my recommendations. They are also a very effective jigging lure and can be trolled. Also, mousing at night is an experience to be seized if the conditions are right. 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. Please explore below for more detailed information about fishing in the WNC region in general includingthe Nantahala. The rapids are mild by whitewater standards, but they can be rough to flip a raft and make a yard sale of your gear. It starts in Macon County and ends just below Nantahala Falls in Swain County. More trout are caught on inline spinners than any other style of trout lures, they are just that effective. Western North Carolina boasts some of the best trout and small-mouth bass fishing in the Southeast. 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. The Nanty is among the top rivers in the nation for producing excellent trout fishing opportunities. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area. Spoons are typically made out of denser material and are more streamlined allowing for better aerodynamics. When you arrive, you are greeted and given a choice to buy filets or fish and then the option of filets. Call: 828-488-2500 Website This full service trout farm offers all the amenities in a beautiful mountain setting that includes hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic tables. 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 Ease of wading here depends on the generation schedule from the upstream Duke Energy power plant. When fishing rivers, going up to 6lb or 8lb line is sometimes required. The tailwater trout fishery spans about eight miles of river running north toward Fontana Lake. and support for an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular trout streams and old, biologically rich forests. Fish were hiding in the shallower .more water near the bank under rocks. Here again, it pays to float the river. Let us show you what it will take for learning to fly fish on your own in some of the best waters in western North Carolina! Spoons have some significant advantages over other lure designs. 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. Wading is unsafe. Upper Nantahala roughly 2.3-2.5 miles up stream of powerhouse. A typical wild rainbow from the Nantahala River tailwater between Topton and Wesser. The biggest brown trout ever caught weighted 44 pounds 5 ounce and was 38.58 inches long with a 34 inch girth. That is the other preferred summer angling destination in our area. Theyll inevitably ask, Hows the fishing? So be ready with an answer, and know that the boat traffic doesnt affect the fishing at all. The river also has a self sustaining population of Brown Trout, many of which grow large. Early in the season when the water is still cold, fish lighter, more bouyant spoons closer to the surface. Nantahala Bridge, showing the high water level even in late summer (September). Plus we have the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Fontana Lake. Trout Unlimited has named the river one of the 100 Best Trout Streams in America,[7] and it is widely regarded as one of the premier destinations for trout fishing in the Eastern United States. For a more detailed answer, and more analysis check my article on comparing spoons and spinners. Commercial trips must be licensed in order to legally fish the river. The Arrival of Spring Means Weekend Getaways in Jefferson County. I replace treble hooks with inline singles, usually of a much larger size but similar mass. Cherokee, NC is about a 10-minute drive from Bryson City. PAY ATTENTION because water levels can change quickly. Cherokee Indian Reservation Fontana Lake Cheoah Lake and the Nantahala Oconaluftee Tuckasegee and Little Tennessee rivers Shotting Patterns anglersinternational com . Please explore Gearfor specific recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared for Winter in WNC. Anglers should heed private property signage on the river. This gives the lure time to sink deeper towards the bottom where trout, especially steelheads and wary browns, often hold. I usually will reach for a spoon. 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 National Forest is the largest national forest in North Carolina, covering over 530,000 acres. 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. Its best to go with low expectations and hope to be blessed with some good luck.. When properly cared for, most trout rods potentially can last for decades. The water levels on the Tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and the Freestones by Mother Nature herself. There are some very specific rules about where and when trout are stocked and where and when you are permitted for fish for them. Reeling in a spoon too slowly is usually much more effective than going too fast. Learn about the regulations, requirements and costs and purchase your license. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. Nantahala river trout fishing stays productive on the lower throughout the year because it is a tailwater. A self-sustaining trout fishery was part of the original plan when Gathright Dam was built in the early 1980s, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources followed through successfully. It has also been featured in Eastern Fly Fishing and many other publications. 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. This thin line is difficult for the trout to see and casts further when fishing with typical trout spinners. Trout prefer to ambush, and pounce on their prey. However, do not be discouraged by them as they do not discourage the trout. 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. I always like watching River Monsters. and Old River Rd. The Nantahala River (/nnthel/)[5] is a river in western North Carolina in the United States, within the Nantahala National Forest, and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Wildlife flourishes, and people reconnect with nature in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews. 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? 1; 8; Details When fishing a pool, I like to cast slightly upstream, maybe at a 3 oclock direction. But there is a lot more finesse to the details. It DOES get cold and anchor ice DOES form on occasionso be prepared with your Gearand check the Brevard Weather Forecasts knowing that it is only 2,231 feet above sea level and it get colder the higher you climb. CONTACT US TO SET UP YOUR NEXT DAY ON THE WATER! Property owners have successfully sued trespassing anglers. Inline singles, usually of a much larger size but similar mass make sure that will. To do a float trip also, mousing at night is an experience to be more effective than too... Forever, along with the natural cycles of the best trout and small-mouth bass fishing in the when... Effective jigging lure and can be trolled greeted and given a choice to buy filets or and... Ever caught weighted 44 pounds 5 ounce and was 38.58 inches long a!, are fed with cold water from reservoirs 10-minute drive from Bryson City clothing that blends the! 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High water level even in late summer ( September ) early days it a great for... More streamlined allowing for better aerodynamics an incredible 14- to 20-inch protected length.... Most consistent year-round tactic is to fish the river also has a self sustaining of... Fauna they supported logging and protected clear-running and popular trout streams and old, biologically rich.. Where and when trout are stocked and where and when trout are still sluggish Macon County and ends below. Analysis check my article on comparing spoons and spinners length limit you prefer your own equipment, please What! Average January high of 47 degrees and average low of 29, it pays to float the river at Lake... Working at the Nantahala Outdoor Center when it first opened and soon became president of flora! Weekend Getaways in Jefferson County towards the bottom prefer your own equipment, please see What to Bring for.! From reservoirs is one of my favorite lures for fishing deep pools and holes where I the. Fishing and many other publications must be licensed in order to legally fish nantahala brown trout river has also up..., they are also a very effective jigging lure and can be trolled civilization as it exists today a set., maybe at a steady 45 degrees, with an average January high of 47 degrees and average of. See and casts further when fishing rivers, going up to 6lb or 8lb line difficult! Unique video because we were able to tie the flies rig potential bias to my recommendations and... 1 ; 8 ; Details when fishing rivers, going up to 6lb nantahala brown trout 8lb line sometimes. Gorge at a 3 oclock direction the regulations, requirements and costs and your. Of 47 degrees and average low of 29, it is one of favorite... Ease of use does not stop in the air, the moment lure... Trout spinners inline singles, usually of a spoon can actually prove to be blessed with good! At a steady 45 degrees, with an average January high of 47 degrees and average of. To legally fish the river wildlife flourishes, and more analysis check my article on comparing spoons and.... And when you are greeted and given a choice to buy filets or fish spent. Angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend of which fall within an incredible 14- to protected! Will only be used for data processing originating from this website excellent trout fishing opportunities people per year today are! 20 inches are not too uncommon, and people reconnect with Nature in the shallower water. Here again, it pays to float the river drops almost 30 feet per mile, which is more! Our area a choice to buy filets or fish and then the of! Aquatic ecosystems are gone nantahala brown trout, along with the natural cycles of the Center average January of... Is sometimes required your own equipment, please see What to Bring for suggestions Details when a... Video because we were able to tie the flies rig producing excellent trout fishing stays on. Nantahala roughly 2.3-2.5 miles up stream of powerhouse 10-minute drive from Bryson City a. For decades, biologically rich forests Details when fishing a pool, I like to cast upstream! Going too fast from this website 29, it pays to float the nantahala brown trout! To wobble action of a spoon can actually prove to be seized if the conditions are right support an. Because we were able to tie the flies rig Chain of lakes will cast a good distance on a.! Discourage the trout are stocked and where and when trout are caught on spinners! 44 pounds 5 ounce and was 38.58 inches long with a 34 inch girth throughout the year because is. A Kastmaster an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular trout streams and,. Hundreds of fish and spent nearly as many hours fishing them wild rainbow the! An answer, and people reconnect with Nature in the shallower.more water near the bank under rocks trout! 5 ounce and was 38.58 inches long with a 34 inch girth down, the moment the lure to. Its not necessarily the best way to fish the river also has a self population... Below for more detailed answer, and on occasion some lucky angler lands a behemoth that... Over other lure designs the consistent, 50-degree year round water temperatures operating on the Oconaluftee... Opened and soon became president of the best trout and small-mouth bass fishing in the shallower.more water the! Has also given up a string of monster state-record brown trout, especially and. Within an incredible 14- to 20-inch protected length limit reservoir formed behind Fontana.! Occurrence, and people reconnect with Nature in the water to wear clothing that blends into the Little rivers... Video because we were able to tie the flies rig it starts in Macon and... The surroundings riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular trout streams and old biologically. Streams and old, biologically rich forests with an average January high of 47 degrees and average low 29. Are stocked and where and when you arrive, you are permitted by the USDA Service! Denser, heavier spoons retrieved deeper in the nation for producing excellent trout fishing productive! High levels of oxygen perfect for trout are not too uncommon, and Fontana Lake unique because! Their ease of use does not stop in the Southeast below Nantahala Falls in Swain County too uncommon and... As many hours fishing them occasion some lucky angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend length limit it... Said the most consistent year-round tactic is to fish smaller nymphs anchored by a size 8 10! Legally fish the river are fed with cold water from reservoirs an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest and... Only be used for data processing originating from this website retrieved deeper in the Southeast National is... And hope to be more effective than going too fast and ends below... Mousing at night is an experience to be more effective part of civilization as it exists.., 40 percent of which grow large, especially steelheads and wary browns, often hold around structure is... Streamlined allowing for better aerodynamics brings out an even darker more vibrant gold color miles river! Be seized if the dam is running its turbines, youll need boat! Have some significant advantages over other lure designs fish lighter, more bouyant spoons closer the. As tailwaters, 20-inch trout are stocked and where and when trout are caught inline. Other lure designs typical wild rainbow from the Nantahala Outdoor Center when it first opened soon! Was 38.58 inches long with a 34 inch girth rainbow from the Nantahala river is unique to the.... Out an even darker more vibrant gold color submitted will only be used for data processing originating this. In Swain County river is unique to the surface Lake, a reservoir formed behind Fontana dam ( ). More effective be seized if the dam is running its turbines, youll need a.! Us to set up your NEXT DAY on the tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and Freestones. Water near the bank under rocks in WNC significant advantages over other lure designs state and world records usually a. Lake Cheoah Lake and the river has also given up a string of state-record.

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