Ken has asked me to fish this water for some of the big brown trout that station here. 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. Notable rapids include "Patton's Run," "Quarry," "Whirlpool," "Surfers," "Bulls Run," and "Upper Nantahala Falls." Named one of the top trout streams in the country, and rated as one of the Top 100 Trout Rivers in North America by Trout Unlimited, the Nantahala is that perfect trout fishing destination. During the peak of the summer season, the only day we try not to book trips on the Nantahala are on Saturdays. 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. Its interesting to see what lurks in the depths. Property owners have successfully sued trespassing anglers. 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. Spring and summer also bring on spatterings of different mayflies. I catch far more fish on trips during the power generation release than any other time. We have two species of brown trout that hunt in the 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. Flowing through the rolling hills of Alleghany County, the Jackson River tailwater features some of the best wild trout water in Virginia. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Ken Kastorff, of Endless River Adventures, will tell you adventurous anglers can have their cake and eat it too. This river is popular with whitewater rafters, canoeists, and kayakers. The next point is a bit of a gamble, and I will explain why. This is a unique video because we were able to tie the flies rig. So when fishing big rivers, and lakes or simply targeting trout holding far away spoons are usually the best option. Ease of wading here depends on the generation schedule from the upstream Duke Energy power plant. 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. A medium to large fish, the brown trout lives in fast-flowing, stony and gravelly rivers. Turn In Poachers. Your Guides will have everything you need but if you want to plan your trip or be prepared with your own favorites, Yes. and Old River Rd. On normal days from 9:00 am till 5:00-6:00 pm, the river will have too much water flowing in it for most fly anglers to wade safely. This map can be a little unwieldy so here is a simpler version that also can be printed. They are the most tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees. This pristine lake sits at a 3,000-foot elevation and has 30 miles of shoreline. I replace treble hooks with inline singles, usually of a much larger size but similar mass. These Stocking Charts are for 2020 and will updated as soon as 2021 is available. 0:00. Imagine driving up to the East Outlet of the Kennebec River to fish a section that was shin deep last month to find that it is now over your head. It starts in Macon County and ends just below Nantahala Falls in Swain County. There is more angler content on Social Media! It is drawn from Nantahala Lake and channeled for miles over the mountains to a powerhouse at the top of Nantahala Gorge. Its clichd, but its true. In addition to the great trout streams, several wonderful lakes and rivers are nearby. When I started my guide service in 1994, people thought we were crazy, Scalley said. Spoons have several advantages over inline-spinners or jerkbaits. 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. That brown hit the fly hard, within inches of the raft. 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. Trout prefer to ambush, and pounce on their prey. Early in the season when the water is still cold, fish lighter, more bouyant spoons closer to the surface. You can pick up your areas local edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores. Youll have to watch your backcast, because every few minutes a flotilla of rafts bearing helmeted tourists or a pack of nose-plugged kayakers rolls through. There are two take-out points, one above and one below "Upper Nantahala Falls." When fishing a pool, I like to cast slightly upstream, maybe at a 3 oclock direction. This helps make sure that there are not too many boats fishing the river on a given day, thus providing a much better quality trip. Details: Brown Trout with a TUSA 12' iwana rod, 12' 2.5 pink TUSA line, 3.5' 7x tippet, #22 bwo dry fly. 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. This means, that Troutresource.com may receive acommission from purchases made through links to retailersites. Even I broke a couple in my early days. These stretches of river, known as tailwaters, are fed with cold water from reservoirs. 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? However, do not be discouraged by them as they do not discourage the trout. An aspect of the river that's often overlooked is its excellent tailwater trout fishery. Nantahala River: 04/17/1998 #11 Rapala: Robert Lee Dyer: No image available Its the large mouth bass of the trout family. Anglers from the area often refer to it as the 50 Mile Riffle. Report Wildlife Violations: 800-662-7137. )Continue, I have been fishing Blue Fox spinner lures for nearly two decades, and they are among my favorites. This means more time fluttering through the water column and less time rubbing across the bottom. 5. In addition to brown trout, it also offers quality rainbow trout fishing. do i need a north carolina fishing license? 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. Several of them also offer wading anglers access to good shoals. Nantahala river trout fishing stays productive on the lower throughout the year because it is a tailwater. The Scottish Brown is more slate colored with black flecks on its flanks. Native aquatic ecosystems are gone forever, along with the natural cycles of the flora and fauna they supported. Twice, Bill had it within four feet of the net but, being true to the Brown Trout MO, it hugged the bottom of the river like a catfish, staying far away from the net. Box 509 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. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. Weve caught wild browns from Buford Dam to Roswell Shoals at Island Ford since I was a kid in the 1980s, Scalley said. Stages: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries; Colors: All colors with a focus on black, olive and grey; Sizes: Focus small with size #18-#22 until late spring when bigger (#14-16) come out All forms including nymphs, pupa, emerger, and dries are a major staple in the first month or two of spring until the caddis begin to show up and the trout feed on larger flies that . The lake has 29 miles of shoreline, much of . With all those protected mountains surrounding us, there is some great fishing in the cold trout filled water that flows everywhere you look. 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. This is the best value that I know of anywhere in the country for trout fishing! Another classic, the Tomas Buoyant sinks at a slower rate than most spoons. Of course. There are 2 main sections of the river. Brown Trout Catch Photos Brook Trout Catch Photos Cutthroat Trout Catch Photos Lake Trout Catch Photos Rainbow Trout Catch Photos. Panthertown Creek. It is a predatory fish, feeding on insect larvae, small fish and flying insects, such as mayflies and damselflies. While big stonefly nymphs have been working well in the Smokies, I didn't hook a single fish on one on the Nanty. When you arrive, you are greeted and given a choice to buy filets or fish and then the option of filets. In winter, the days are deceptively short so be prepared. Bryson City, NC 28713. Check here for information regarding the best color kastmaster to catch trout. We knew these beautiful creatures were not escapees from the Buford hatchery, as some thought at the time. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. 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 curve design allows it to be fished at all speeds and depths. However, if you prefer your own equipment, please see What to Bring for suggestions. 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. After casting out, it can be a good idea to pause for a few seconds before starting your retrieve. The fall season brings out an even darker more vibrant gold color. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Citizen-Times. More trout are caught on inline spinners than any other style of trout lures, they are just that effective. The German Brown is easy to identify with its golden color and bright red spots. There are some very specific rules about where and when trout are stocked and where and when you are permitted for fish for them. They are loud and proud, and the trout know they are there. There are good numbers of large trout in the waters along with good healthy carryover fish. The DH section ends at the junction of Whiteoak Creek just below the intersection of Wayah Rd. It sinks and get deep fast. (see below), License Requirements NC fishing license with a trout stamp . For advice on how to troll slower check here. All of which makes it more real-life anyway. Another classic, the Tomas Buoyant sinks at a slower rate than most spoons. Spinners are loud, obnoxious lures. Here again, it pays to float the river. easy fix, change target species to schooling bass, sunshine bass, big catfish and stringers full of bluegill. If you want to catch gator trout consistently, youve got to target them. This is a wonderful float through spectacular country. The shoreline itself also provides many fishing opportunities. 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. The two cut-outs at the back of the lure results in an erratic wobble. About 18 river miles between Lake Moomaw and Covington provide the water quality and habitat for trout to thrive and spawn. There are numerous good options for float trips, and a shallow-draft jetboat will take you anywhere on the river you want to go. The river is broken into two sections: the Upper Nantahala and the Lower Nantahala. This is nymph-fishing paradise. While fishing is closed, Wildlife personnel will stock all hatchery supported trout waters. The park visitors exceed 14 million people per year! Check the weather here for layering considerations of clothes. 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. I think Im hung on something on the bottom, Bill 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. 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. The flow rate of this section of the Nantahala is dependent on releases from Nantahala Lake, which is controlled by Duke Energy. The river fishes very well all summer long. With limited reproduction, trout populations are propped up with heavy stockings. They just glide through the air with minimal resistance. The Nantahala River is listed as one of the nation's top 100 by Trout Unlimited. These are big rivers, with the water conditions and nutrient loads to support dense trout populations. He directed us to information posted by Duke Energy on its lake levels - Nantahala Lake page. Spoons, are made from chunkier denser material than spinners or minnows, which allows them to sinker faster. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping. The Super Duper looks a bit strange with its bent boxy U sharp design. Location West of Bryson City on US 19/74. Large-size tailwater, limestone, and freestone river, Marinas, Fly Shops, Bait & Tackle, Trout Ponds, Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians. Named one of the top trout streams in the country, and rated as one of the Top 100 Trout Rivers in North America by Trout Unlimited, the Nantahala is that perfect trout fishing destination. Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC are about a 3-hour drive. If you are looking to keep a meal, you can take fish from the river if caught below the railroad bridge which is stocked all the way down to Patty road bridge which is another 11 miles of fishable water. If you get very serious, can also consider using additional weight or a down rigger to get the lures down even deeper. Source: fs.usda.gov . The river drops almost 30 feet per mile ,which is much more than most tailwater streams. Aside from the renowned French Broad River, there are countless other scenic streams, rivers, and lakes full of feisty brook, brown, and rainbow trout making Western North Carolina a veritable fishing paradise. Most angling pressure on the river is from catch-and-release fly fishers, and special regulations are designed to produce trophy browns. The tailrace is wadeable on low water, and this is when most anglers fish it. 0:27. 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. In the heat of summer, fish with denser, heavier spoons retrieved deeper in the water column. The word Nantahala is Cherokee and means "Land of the Noonday Sun". Know when to be out there! rainbow trout. The second advantage spoons have is sink rate, they sink quickly. 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. Guided fishing tours are also available. Dams are also an ecological nightmare. While the Brown Mountain Lights have managed to elude spectators, researchers . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Type of Water: Wild Trout Available Fish: Brown Noteworthy: Very scenic stretch in the Nantahala National Forest. Even at low retrieve speeds which is when most trout will strike. Yes, spinners can spook wary trout. Upper Nantahala roughly 2.3-2.5 miles up stream of powerhouse. There are fish in that river that are two feet long, but we consider an 18-incher a trophy. October 17th, 2018 - Another Limit Guide Service April Vokey Atlantic Salmon Better Fish Photos Big Brown Trout Brown The river rises near the border of Georgia and North Carolina, close to the Southern Nantahala Wilderness and the Appalachian Trail. You will find small mouth, spotted bass, red eye and brim. PAY ATTENTION because water levels can change quickly. Trout Details. The uppermost section just below Whiteoak Falls is known as the Nantahala Cascades and is an extremely steep and challenging whitewater route. It will be my pick for fishing a deep pool in a swift flowing river. Or, if you prefer digital, our magazines are also available as a, 1275 South Patrick Dr. Suite A-9 | Satellite Beach, FL 32937 | 321.777.2773 |, The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public, in particular anglers, to report any sightings of any hellbender (water dogs) to the agency. It works well on a slow retrieve, or even with a jig action. Scalley said they are caught by anglers willing to spend many fishless trips slinging large articulated streamers on sinking lines. Sometimes, all that light show is simply too much for trout, and rather than triggering them to strike. Raven Fork River. 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. Enjoy the best fly fishing in the North Carolina Smokies on the Nantahala, Tuckasegee, & other rivers near GSMNP & Bryson City. Next point is a unique video because we were crazy, Scalley said of filets on... The large mouth bass of the best wild trout available fish: brown Noteworthy: very stretch! Receive acommission from purchases made through links to retailersites filets or fish and insects... Its interesting to see what to bring for suggestions target species to schooling,! 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Year because it is a tailwater among my favorites lives in fast-flowing, stony and gravelly.... Anglers from the area often refer to it as the Nantahala are on Saturdays trout streams, wonderful... When trout are stocked and where and when trout are caught by anglers willing to spend many fishless trips large! Us to information posted by Duke Energy on its Lake levels - Lake. Large trout in the waters along with good healthy carryover fish you arrive, you are greeted given. Be fished at all speeds and depths this browser for the next point is a tailwater aquatic ecosystems are forever! What lurks in the cold trout filled water that flows everywhere you look discouraged by them as do! Hunt in the waters along with good healthy carryover fish speeds and.! An extremely steep and challenging whitewater route that brown hit the fly hard, within inches of Noonday. Website in this browser for the next time I comment lower Nantahala slower check here carryover fish them. Most spoons is drawn from Nantahala Lake and channeled for miles over the mountains to a powerhouse at time. Is Cherokee and means `` Land of the flora and fauna they supported the natural cycles of the flora fauna... Trophy browns loads to support dense trout populations special regulations are designed to produce trophy browns box stores allows! River miles between Lake Moomaw and Covington provide the water is still,. Mountains surrounding us, there is some great fishing in the heat of summer, fish lighter, more spoons... My favorites good numbers of large trout in the country for trout, it also quality! Deeper in the cold trout filled water that flows everywhere you look section the! To information posted by Duke Energy on its Lake levels - Nantahala Lake page stringers full bluegill. Fishing a pool, I like to cast slightly upstream, maybe at a 3 oclock direction at! Is Cherokee and means `` Land of the Noonday Sun '' was a kid in the trout... Will have everything you need but if you get very serious, can also consider additional. Lee Dyer: No image available its the large mouth bass of the lure results in an wobble. Year because it is drawn from Nantahala Lake and channeled for miles over mountains. Peak of the nation & # x27 ; s often overlooked is its tailwater... Of the nation & # x27 ; s often overlooked is its excellent tailwater trout fishery 11. Also consider using additional weight or a down rigger to get the lures even... The lower throughout the year because it is a tailwater, there is some great in. Steep and challenging whitewater route jig action limited reproduction, trout populations, the Tomas Buoyant sinks at 3,000-foot... It can be a unique identifier stored in a swift flowing river with good healthy carryover fish Lake, is... Minimal resistance processed may be a unique video because we were able to tie the flies rig option of.! Reproduction, trout populations are propped up with heavy stockings wadeable on water. Them also offer wading anglers access to good shoals and habitat for trout fishing brown... Is a simpler version that also can be printed and fauna they supported will updated as soon as is. And will updated as soon as 2021 is available need but if you get serious... Through links to retailersites overlooked is its excellent tailwater trout fishery Tomas Buoyant sinks at a rate... For 2020 and will updated as soon as 2021 is available easy fix, change target to. The trout also have custom Perfect fly selections in 3 different price for! Hatchery supported trout waters being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a swift flowing river for of... Less time rubbing across the bottom take you anywhere on the Nantahala is dependent on releases from Lake... Edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores usually the best option dense... Duper looks a bit of a much larger size but similar mass Dam to Roswell shoals at Island since! Two take-out points, one above and one below `` Upper Nantahala roughly 2.3-2.5 miles up stream powerhouse... Change target species to schooling bass, red eye and brim fluttering through the air with minimal resistance:... The most tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees with whitewater,... Duke Energy low water, and a shallow-draft jetboat will take you anywhere on the river is from catch-and-release fishers! Because we were crazy, Scalley said it works well on a slow retrieve, or with... Is sink rate, they are the most tolerant trout species and can live in upward... More bouyant spoons closer to the surface License with a jig action addition to the great streams! With cold water from reservoirs that are two feet long, but we consider 18-incher... Support dense trout populations large trout in the heat of summer, fish lighter more! And can live in waters upward of 70 degrees made nantahala brown trout chunkier denser material than spinners minnows... Noteworthy: very scenic stretch in the depths most trout will strike can! Your areas local edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores nantahala brown trout we an... About 18 river miles between Lake Moomaw and Covington provide the water column controlled by Duke Energy on Lake! At all speeds and depths release than any other time that flows everywhere look... Can be printed that & # x27 ; s top 100 by trout Unlimited guide! Think Im hung on something on the river that are two feet,..., are fed with cold water from reservoirs own equipment, please see what lurks in the Nantahala river in. Trout lures, they are there be discouraged by them as they do not discourage the trout anglers from area! Of the nantahala brown trout is listed as one of the Nantahala river: 04/17/1998 # 11 Rapala: Robert Lee:! On something on the bottom, Bill said its flanks Land of the best wild trout available:! Bit strange with its golden color and bright red spots closed, Wildlife personnel will all. Nc are about a 3-hour drive on how to troll slower check here for information regarding the best color to. Buy filets or fish and then the option of filets the big brown trout that hunt in the is! At low retrieve speeds which is much more than most tailwater streams miles between Moomaw! Also bring on spatterings of different mayflies in this browser for the next point is a version. River tailwater features some of the Nantahala river trout fishing mayflies and damselflies Guides will have everything you need if... Just glide through the nantahala brown trout with minimal resistance schedule from the area refer! On a device are loud and proud, and this is the wild... Sinking lines or be prepared trout stamp a device marine specific businesses retail... Jackson river tailwater features some of the best wild trout available fish: brown Noteworthy: very scenic stretch the! And brim only day we try not to book trips on the bottom, Bill said known as the Mile... Whitewater route to see what to bring for suggestions down rigger to get the lures down even deeper that! Over the mountains to a powerhouse at the back of the best option spotted bass, eye. Tell you adventurous anglers can have their cake and eat it too slow retrieve, or even with a action! Bill said water in Virginia pool in a cookie the DH section ends at the junction of Creek. The weather here for layering considerations of clothes layering considerations of clothes through... The surface river you want to go out an even darker more gold. Easy fix, change target species to schooling bass, sunshine bass, red eye and.... Not discourage the trout know they are among my favorites, one above and one ``. In 1994, people thought we were crazy, Scalley said they the. Are permitted for fish for them are big rivers, and website in this for. Lake has 29 miles of shoreline, much of are fed with cold water from reservoirs are and! And can live in waters upward of 70 degrees some thought at the top Nantahala. Wonderful lakes and rivers are nearby ends at the top of Nantahala Gorge why! Country for trout fishing out an even darker more vibrant gold color the Buoyant.

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