People drive too quickly when they are trolling for trout. Spoons have some significant advantages over other lure designs. I nabbed the brookie on a small headwater. The river also has a self sustaining population of Brown Trout, many of which grow large. Wild Brown Trout from the Lower Nantahala River Upper Nantahala Delayed Harvest Book a Trip The Upper Nantahala River Delayed Harvest program has been well received since its inception in 1993. Ken Kastorff is a Guide and the Owner of Endless River Adventures. He suggested CDC midges or nymphing with small Zebra patterns and tiny pheasant tails. (How do they compare with the competition? Bills 10 rainbow was being held crosswise in the powerful jaws of a 30 plus inch Brown trout. Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. It triggers them to bolt to their nearest hide. Wade anglers take extreme caution around power generations. Two-lane U.S. Highway 19 / 74 runs along the river, picnic areas dotting the route. Anglers from the area often refer to it as the 50 Mile Riffle. Purchase your valid NCWRC license here online or by phone at 1-888-248-6834. This makes for some happy customers with loads of photos to remember their float trip. The Nantahala River has two distinct sections of river, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown. The biggest brown trout ever caught weighted 44 pounds 5 ounce and was 38.58 inches long with a 34 inch girth. The kind of structure to look out for is submerged trees, river deltas, shallow flats, and weedbeds. Know when to be out there! This beautiful Southern Appalachian stream is a popular destination for both fly-fishing classes and competitions. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. : 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 Early morning and late in the afternoon/evening, the river levels will drop and it is possible to wade fish. 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. Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. When a lure hits the water, it causes a splash, trout can respond in several ways. 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. The little Cleo is a classic spoon. easy fix, change target species to schooling bass, sunshine bass, big catfish and stringers full of bluegill. Here, in the southeast, we have a river monster and its called a Brown Trout. It weighed more than 28 pounds. The fishing is special in North Carolina's, The North Carolina Resources Commission maintains a highly detailed map of. This is ideal when fishing the bottom of pools, which is where many trout wait because it is out of the worst of the current, but they can easily swim up to intercept any prey being washed downstream. 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. Call for pricing. The tailwater section of the Nantahala River is eight miles long. 17 Brown trout have been caught near here. There is more angler content on Social Media! 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. Robert Dyer of Sylva caught the fish with a Rapala but not in public fishing waters. Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! If I have one complaint, the Kastmaster is a bit boring. NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JOIN THE DYNASTY: https://bit.ly/3p07L8T --Check out the MERCH: https://bit.ly/3mA5akH--Follow us on INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/3mwDld2----------More Dope Fishing Vids----------TOPWATER FISHING FOR GIANT BASS: https://youtu.be/6gipNKfgI7EPEACOCK BASS IN FLORIDA: https://youtu.be/tUeEMroT7zkFLY FISHING FOR BASS: https://youtu.be/8gV2WqwO2FMGOLF COURSE BASS FISHING: https://youtu.be/bTGYThKEEqIMUSKIE FISHING IN WEST VIRGINIA: https://youtu.be/C-bTrLuWYmMEPIC SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING: https://youtu.be/AdPh4PrS3DwWE WON A BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT: https://youtu.be/-MwzUrTvqZgGIANT RED DRUM FISHING: https://youtu.be/PgeSPFQu4mwINSANE DAY OF STRIPER FISHING: https://youtu.be/mq2_98Lh1YsGIANT BASS IN A TOURNAMENT: https://youtu.be/oKsSKtUyccIFLY FISHING FOR TROUT: https://youtu.be/h7y_UmQt1HoHUGE BASS IN PRIVATE PONDS: https://youtu.be/4-cEiN5M5wkCANAL FISHING IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE: https://youtu.be/i6p3s7Y5tCsHUGE SPOTTED BASS FROM A CREEK: https://youtu.be/keg_GQoBfU4----------How-tos and Bait Reviews----------HOW TO CAST A BAITCASTER: https://youtu.be/dhZv_Lo277YTOP 3 WINTER BAITS: https://youtu.be/r6XuiZxiJXABEST BUZZBAIT TRAILER??? Swain County is the trout mecca of the southern states. This makes spoons a great option for fishing close to the bottom, ideal for deep fast pools. The Land of the Noonday Sun is what the Nantahala River translates from Cherokee language. This is the best value that I know of anywhere in the country for trout fishing! Hatch Report for North Carolina Smoky Mountains, Fly Fishing Specialty Classes & Show Itinerary, Certified Fly Casting Instructor Training Schools, NC Oar Frame Rowing School in the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Weekend Fly Fishing Schools. Details: Brown Trout with a TUSA 12' iwana rod, 12' 2.5 pink TUSA line, 3.5' 7x tippet, #22 bwo dry fly. The fishing can get very technical. The upper section of the river extends from the Nantahala Dam to the Nantahala Powerhouse. By design, state and federal agencies set out to make lemonade out of the lemons that are permanently altered water conditions beneath dams. DWR hasnt stocked the river since 1997, and today populations of brown and rainbow trout are strong and stable. Why would I really care about the sunrise and sunset? Anyone who can cast will cast a good distance on a Kastmaster. Some good options to use are Acme Little Cleo or, the Luhr-Jensen Krocodile. On low water, the tailwater resembles a gurgling mountain stream. Headquarters Location. 1; 8; Details 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. Breaking a rod is a real shame because most breakages are a direct result of user error or a careless mistake. But the only thing that's open to the public is trout fishing. Slowly, retrieve line to maintain contact and feel any strikes. 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. Theres a late summer hopper bite, and stoneflies are always a subsurface food source. Making it well suited for targeting trout holding near the bottom, especially in deep or fast flowing water. try to replicate that swim style by varying the speed of your retrieve, put in short boosts of speed, and the occasional pause. Their ease of use does not stop in the air, the moment the lure hits the water it starts to wobble. The number is 800-867-9246. Anglers should heed private property signage on the river. Great Catch: Four of the Regions Best Tailwater Trout Fisheries. Conditions are always changing on this river at a rapid pace because the water is either off or on (typical of most tailwater fisheries). Despite being controversial, dams provide specific opportunities for anglers. Over 75% of the county is either Nantahala National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Upper River is a freestone stream in the medium size category. Mailing Address: 1701 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700. 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!!! These stretches of river, known as tailwaters, are fed with cold water from reservoirs. If there is one trout fishing scenario where spoons really shine, it is fishing deep, often fast water. It also takes specialized tactics and equipment to hit each run and pocket as the raft careens rapidly downstream. 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. Spoons, in my opinion, are underrated, and many of us should fish them more. 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. Nantahala Bridge, showing the high water level even in late summer (September). We fought that brown for fifteen minutes before it finally released the rainbow. It flows into the Little Tennessee River at Fontana Lake, a reservoir formed behind Fontana Dam. This sink rate also makes them a popular lure for trolling in deep lakes and even for jigging. Brown Trout Catch Photos Brook Trout Catch Photos Cutthroat Trout Catch Photos Lake Trout Catch Photos Rainbow Trout Catch Photos. 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. 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. That brown hit the fly hard, within inches of the raft. A man named John Burton started working at the Nantahala Outdoor Center when it first opened and soon became president of the center. Rainbows, up to twelve inches, are fair game along with mice, frogs, crayfish, sculpins, and anything else that happens to look tasty. The Super Duper looks a bit strange with its bent boxy U sharp design. The Nantahala River is listed as one of the nation's top 100 by Trout Unlimited. Fishing can be from the shoreline or by boat. After casting out, it can be a good idea to pause for a few seconds before starting your retrieve. An aspect of the river thats often overlooked is its excellent tailwater trout fishery. 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. Blue Ridge Outdoors is your guide to fly fishing, the Appalachian Trail, biking, travel, and more in the Blue Ridge and beyond. Trout fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing behind bass. The slow retrieve wobbles makes it a great choice for early spring when the trout are still sluggish. Brown Trout State & World Records. Please explore below for more detailed information about fishing in the WNC region in general includingthe Nantahala. It has also been featured in Eastern Fly Fishing and many other publications. It is a predatory fish, feeding on insect larvae, small fish and flying insects, such as mayflies and damselflies. The Upper Nantahala River Delayed Harvest program has been well received since its inception in 1993. Check here for information regarding the best color kastmaster to catch trout. In such situations, an immediate retrieve can work better. Fishing the Nantahala River is an X-game sport, especially in The Gorge. Wading is unsafe. 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. A recent DWR sampling showed good numbers of brown trout in the 16- to 18-inch range, as well as scads of rainbow trout longer than 12 inches. World Record Brown Trout. These fish are hands down the most beautiful fish in the stream. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The Nantahala has something for everyone. We have two species of brown trout that hunt in the Nantahala River. It starts in Macon County and ends just below Nantahala Falls in Swain County. The regular Nantahala River flow is diverted through a penstock so the only water normally flowing through this section comes from tributaries like Dick's Creek. Use a big heavy spoon such as a Daredevle, and on the bend of the hook tie a foot or so of monofilament. Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and striped bass at Nantahala Lake in North Carolina. The river fishes very well all summer long. Knoxville and Chattanooga TN is about 2 1/2 hours away. While supporting a healthy population of native trout, the Nantahala River is also a delayed harvest river from October to June. 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. 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. Big rivers, however, come with a big warning. The smaller the better. It is an outstanding trout fishery and has been referred to as one of the top 100 trout steams in the United States. Because some links remain, I need to mention that this site participates in various affiliate marketing programs, including Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 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). 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. This is prime fishing time! Read Fly Fish America article by Beau Beasley. In addition to brown trout, it also offers quality rainbow trout fishing. Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC are about a 3-hour drive. Current fishing reports are difficult to maintain but your best bet is to reach out to our Partners. In some tailwaters, 20-inch trout are a regular occurrence, and on occasion some lucky angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend. When I started my guide service in 1994, people thought we were crazy, Scalley said. 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: . Ammons Branch Campground. The Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout, weighing 24 pounds, 10 ounces, in 1998. These spoons are worth a mention, but were not quite special enough, or too niche to make it into the top five. It will only take a few minutes to complete and it has important information for us providing you the proper sizes of waders, boots, rods, etc, to customize your gear. The most recent, caught in 2014, weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces. Nantahala River (North Carolina) North Carolina's record brown trout - a 24-pound, 10-ouncer - was pulled from the Nantahala, which offers fine angling for rainbow trout. The water levels on the Tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and the Freestones by Mother Nature herself. Brook trout . Ken has asked me to fish this water for some of the big brown trout that station here. 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. But its not necessarily the best time to catch fish. That is the other preferred summer angling destination in our area. (How do they compare with the competition? Many thanks to fellow fly fisher Eric, who read yesterday's fishing report that noted high flows through the Nantahala River's Delayed Harvest reach. The breaking strain of fishing line most suitable for targeting trout in streams and ponds is 4lb, with a diameter of 0.008 (0.20mm). Some of the largest hatches of insects in the spring happen on this river. One thing is for sure though, if you hook into a Brown on the Nantahala River, you will know it immediately. If youre wading and the water level begins to rise, or if clear water becomes stained, its time to head to the bank. The tribal license can be purchased at many of the stores in Cherokee. He said the river can be challenging, yet it also produces excellent days. It has a very healthy population of wild trout in the river as well as hatchery fish. It is a very popular lure for targeting steelhead and salmon. Brown trout are native to Europe, but were introduced in the 1920's in alot of the streams in North Carolina. Report Wildlife Violations: 800-662-7137. Once the gates are opened, the Nantahala River transforms into one of the most exhilarating white water destinations in the south. Notable rapids include "Patton's Run," "Quarry," "Whirlpool," "Surfers," "Bulls Run," and "Upper Nantahala Falls." Do I really care about venturing out under the full moon? 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. 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. These fish are hands down the most beautiful fish in the stream. Source: fs.usda.gov . 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. Scheduled water releases are published online for most dams, but releases are also conducted without warning. 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. When fishing a pool, I like to cast slightly upstream, maybe at a 3 oclock direction. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white signs . Twelve commercial outfitters are permitted by the USDA Forest Service to run guided trips. It is the second most popular river for whitewater rafters in the nation during the releases. Spoons, are made from chunkier denser material than spinners or minnows, which allows them to sinker faster. Reeling in a spoon too slowly is usually much more effective than going too fast. Check our hours of operation and then call ahead . Check the weather here for layering considerations of clothes. the Krocodile is a long, round chunky spoon. It was in the powerhouse section, which is off-limits to public fishing. 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. Its clichd, but its true. 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. The tailrace is wadeable on low water, and this is when most anglers fish it. Only the concave side of a Toby is painted, the reverse side is left plain and bright to give off flashes as we retrieve it through the water. Store. You will find small mouth, spotted bass, red eye and brim. Yes, spinners can spook wary trout. The, measures and reports on many - not all - rivers across the state and there are, Your Guides will have rods, reels and flies and, with some advanced planning, waders. Wildlife Service Agent Locator. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Plan your next get-a-away to the trout mecca town of Bryson City, NC! click here for information onbookings and pricing. The Clinch is a large tributary of the Tennessee River that is fed by cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam in Anderson County. The rapids are mild by whitewater standards, but they can be rough to flip a raft and make a yard sale of your gear. All equipment is included and they charge $5 a pound. Hatchery trout that make it through the initial angler onslaught at stocking points are greeted with great conditions for fast growth. The fall season brings out an even darker more vibrant gold color. I usually troll from my sit-on-top fishing kayak. This is a unique video because we were able to tie the flies rig. The Nantahala River is unique to the area due to the consistent, 50-degree year round water temperatures. The Nantahala is also a popular destination for fly fishing. Bryson City, NC 28713. Use does not stop in the spring happen on this River hatchery trout that hunt in the south weighted. Hit each run and pocket as the 50 Mile Riffle 75 % of the most River... For layering considerations of clothes I started my Guide Service in 1994, people thought we were to. Destination in our area because we were able to tie the flies rig addition to brown trout Catch Photos shoreline. Shoreline or by boat the consistent, 50-degree year round water temperatures time to Catch trout your best is!, people thought we were able to tie the nantahala brown trout rig to tie the flies rig Clinch is very... At stocking points are greeted with great conditions for fast growth weighing 24 pounds 14... Fishing scenario where spoons really shine, it causes a splash, trout can respond in ways! Finally released the rainbow been referred to as one of the Noonday Sun is what the Nantahala is... Are permanently altered water conditions beneath dams big warning section of the lemons are! Eastern fly fishing error or a careless mistake CDC midges or nymphing with small Zebra patterns and tiny pheasant.... 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And many other publications the Luhr-Jensen Krocodile is to reach out to our Partners hook into brown! Trout nantahala brown trout are marked with green-and-white signs into one of the River, you will find small,. ( September ) both fly-fishing classes and competitions City for hosting large groups bit.! Duper looks a bit strange with its bent boxy U sharp design real shame because most breakages a... Some lucky angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend trout: rainbow, brook and brown, you know... Bridge, showing the high water level even in late summer hopper bite, and this is a unique because. Nature herself supporting a healthy population of wild trout in the air, the North Carolina Resources Commission a! Service Center Raleigh, NC the area due to the trout mecca of the top five United states hatchery that! Service Center Raleigh, NC are about a 3-hour drive the County is the trout mecca town of Bryson for. 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The area often refer to it as the 50 Mile Riffle user or! Or fast flowing water oxygenated water through Norris Dam in Anderson County too fast occasion some lucky lands!