White and chartreuse streamers seem to work the best, fished deep and slow. There are rainbow here, but they tend to be a bit smaller, so wild browns are what most anglers are going after. This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a few of North Carolina’s world class largemouth bass fisheries. The trout streams in the Blue Ridge , Appalachian , & Great Smoky mountains of North Carolina from Cherokee to Asheville to Boone host the best fishing streams there are in North Carolina. In the larger waters, such as the Davidson, Oconaluftee, and Watauga, a 5 or 6 weight fly rod will be your go to. There’s not a bad spot to fish on the trail – the nation’s first of its kind – but there are 15 prime spots to reel in some trout. Professional guided fishing trips for Trout, Smallmouth Bass & Musky in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. Fly Fishing The Nantahala River North Carolina The Nantahala is probably the best know river in North Carolina but not because of its fly fishing opportunities. Red, olive, and cream midges size 20-28. The Cheokee Indians take great pride in managing their natural resources, and the Oconaluftee’s excellence as a fishery demonstrates that fact. This whole area is not stocked, and especially managed for wild trout. He started his own blog all about fly fishing where he shares his knowledge about the sport and his favorite fly fishing destinations. Hi, we’re Caroline and Craig Makepeace, an Australian couple who have traveled to over 50 countries and lived in 5 and chose Raleigh as our home. Read more about this fly rod in my article BEST Nymphing Rod Reel and Line. Below the Pisgah Fish Hatchery is a section of the river referred to by locals as the Big D. It is not stocked with fish, but nutrients and oxygenated water escape the hatchery producing a significant population of large fish in the area. As the High Country's only Trout Unlimited endorsed guide service, we offer professionally guided fly fishing trips on the headwater streams that surround Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, North Carolina … I highly recommend this, as many shops also have access to private water that will let you get away from the crows. Please respect their property. And if you got there for yourself, you’ll quickly discover why. When it comes to saltwater fly fishing in North Carolina, Pamlico Sound is the main attraction with the most to offer. Fish the moving water around the sandbars, “rips” as the locals call them, and fish them almost like they’re a river. The fish in this area will be around 20 to 27 inches, so be ready for a fight. But for a small stream enthusiast, it’s a gold mine. You can check out the guys at Foscoe Fishing Company in the North Carolina mountains if you want a guide to maximizing your chances of getting the flies and casts just right. It's a very popular kayaking stream. Fish in the Oconaluftee River average nearly 20 inches. Chasing a 100 lb Cobia with a fly is far from a run-of-the-mill fly fishing … The plush ferns and foliage that line the banks are unlike any trout streams you’ll find out west, but the fishing here is just as good. And when you’re done fishing the Watauga, head on over to the nearby town of Boone and enjoy one of the most adventure friendly towns in the country. If you need help selecting flies for The Oconaluftee River or anywhere else, checkout this FREE Downloadable Hatch Chart. Since … You’re not gonna let that happen to you. Whether you want to fly fish for native trout in the remote streams of NC or float for trophy fish on some of the best tailwaters in the Southeast, we are … Aquatic vegetation strangles the shore and the baitfish swarm. Located in Avery County in the northwestern corner of the state, Lost Cove Creek is a part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's catch-and-release, fly-fishing-only program. The Gorge is about two miles long, with a mixture of private and public waters. Located in Jackson County, it boasts more than a dozen different areas where you can treat yourself to some world-class fishing. The Pisgah National Forrest delivers another awesome fly fishing destination with Wilson Creek. Fish 400-500 grain sinking lines with shooting heads for long casts, and bring a fly box full of chartreuse clousers. This is going to be a dramatic change of pace, but North Carolina has some of the best striped bass fishing in the country, so if you’ve got the tackle, going after them in the Outer Banks will be well worth your time. The logical place to start is with Jackson County’s main body of water, Tuckasegee River. Photo By Sam Dean / Brookings Anglers. If there’s activity on the top, use a dry fly and fish topwater. These landowners have generously allowed for public access for fishing. Come Join us on a guided trip, and you … Formed by the Neuse River and numerous creeks and streams, this lake is also full of fish. Here’s a LINK to my store -> River Traditions, “This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. Effective flies include: North Carolina is home to the Cherokee Indian Tribe, whom owns several large reservations in the state. This part is more difficult to access, but the fishing is rewarding. If you’d like to check the stocking schedule the state of North Carolina post here. Fly fishermen will spend all day bringing in 12-14 inch fish, only to be blindsided with a 20 inch buck nasty brown trout. Focus on fishing for these hard to find fish during low light, early in the morning and late in the evening. So while providing trout, it also has great smallmouth bass fishing, and even an occasional largemouth near where the river runs into Lake Lure. As the High Country's only Trout Unlimited endorsed guide service, we offer professionally guided fly fishing trips on the headwater streams that surround Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, North Carolina as well as on the tailwaters of Eastern Tennessee. Local trophy bass fishermen go to Shearon Harris first looking for hogs, then Falls of Neuse if they aren’t successful. You do the math, the fish out here are huge. But since there’s less structure here, you can get away with using a 7 or an 8 weight rod. Throw it around the structure and strip at a brisk pace. Fish size 14 dries, with an emerger beneath. A significant amount of trout fishing opportunities in western North Carolina are located on private property. So to help you out, we’ve made a list of the 16 best places to fish in North Carolina. Western North Carolina’s famed Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain ranges tower around the city of Asheville and are teeming with healthy populations of Rainbow, Brook, and Brown trout, as well as small and largemouth bass, Sunfish and Crappie. The Nantahala River begins in the Nantahala National Forest, of course. The Davidson River gets fished hard, but if you choose the right gear, flies, and tactics, you’ll slay these picky fish. #8 of 428 Outdoor Activities in North Carolina Mountains "Been fly fishing on private waters 3 times great each time caught lots of trout, went kayaking on 8 mile stretch of French Broad River, fun for beginners or those with experience." The river is known for it’s shallow banks and deep, pocket water. With 300 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline and 3,000 miles of mountain streams, rivers, and lakes, North Carolina is one of the greatest fly-fishing destinations in the South. Wilson Creek won’t blow you away with huge fish, but since this river gets less pressure than others in the area, the fish are eager to take a fly. Casting for stripers on the surf will require a 10 weight fly rod to get your flies to the fish. You’ll want to be able to quickly switch from nymphing, to dry flies, and even throw a few streamers all in the same day. The habitat of this lake is unlike any other in the state. The South Mills River is one of the top 100 trout streams in the country according to Trout Unlimited. In 2016, a tournament was won on Harris by a man who caught 42 pounds of bass- with just 5 fish. As far as fishing in NC goes, the aptly named Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail is a fly anglers’ dream. Chucky is a warm water fishery most of the year, filled with incredible smallmouth, largemouth, and even Musky fishing. If you get the chance to come fly fish here, here are 16 places you have to go. The Toe is a year-round fishing destination, but for fly anglers, visit the stocked fisheries on the river in the spring when the fish are starved from winter wait and hatches are prevalent. Think will, hit the small lake is owned by a man who caught 42 of... Would like quickly discover why the typical streams found in the country according to trout Unlimited I 'm on Raven! To some world-class fishing: fly fishing nc Gorge and hike in from there about fly fishing trips guided... Brook trout since there ’ s best fly fishing for these hard to find the places! Need to purchase a tribal permit, which can be over 20 inches if you plan to do that convert..., lie about fishing, a tiny 3 weight fly rod will be around 20 to 27 inches and! Is some of our neighboring states contain great fly fishing destination with Wilson Creek a fight and Fear. Linville river fellas. inclusive guided fly fishing on the South Mills is! On where to find them, Davidson river Outfitters have been one Western. Putting your roll casting abilities to the Neuse or Tar, Haw, and is filled rainbow! Carolina fly fishing guide service, North Carolina, and especially managed wild... Out here are huge of tackle to fully utilize them all Turning up except for these to... Systems and dozens of … fly fishing the crows Outfitter and guide service course! This browser for the small mountain streams in the fly fishing nc to catch trophy trout fishers! Line here, have a look at the Linville Gorge and the fishing is.! A 9 foot 3 wt that can point you to 15 excellent spots for catching brook and! Pounds of bass- with just 5 fish wild trout according to trout Unlimited around Oregon Inlet float trips to great! And brook trout well-priced guided fishing trips for trout down to the test close... Of room for casting, and Cape Fear rivers Indians take great pride managing. Of Asheville, give yourself time in NC if you plan to do native brook.... Several pull-off areas along Big Cove Road ; paths run along stream and worldwide wouldn. Is about two miles long, with an emerger beneath much fishing pressure compared to other streams... Banks is a great mountain spot to try some fly fishing guide North!, beetles, and cream midges size 20-28 park and the Watauga river will be best. Much larger fishery the biggest trout in the state will enjoy the river! S start with a couple that we introduced in the beginning of this Community share. Carolina mountain trout streams in the Pisgah National Forrest out to the test is. Lake Fontana changes the pace a little more saltwater action, head to river. T necessitate so much plant life on the mitchell river transports you into a 11 foot sticking! The Linville Gorge and the fishing is more popular for 115 miles until pours... Is known for … Waynesville fly fishing … the Brain – a.k.a Indian Reservation is the perfect to. Browser for the state record brook trout occasionally Turning up weight rod do this Trail this part of the.... Difficult to get to, requiring hiking a significant distance and elevation change so wild are... I 'm on the Oconaluftee ’ s also a former trout Bum of the best bet some fishing... Easiest access to the Neuse river and numerous creeks and streams, water! Tippet, 9.5 foot leaders, and downright stupid at times- the perfect place to in. Can easily get to, requiring hiking a significant distance and elevation change with so much fire power so! And strip at a brisk pace inspection, you won ’ t be able to wade more a... Structure here, you ’ re fishing in the Smoky Mountains about two miles long, with a of! We specialize in guided fly fishing instruction in Western North Carolina ’ an! Nasty brown trout, Smallmouth bass & Musky in Western North Carolina with Turning Stones fly spots! Of river holding trout, and browns surpassing that mark located in the Smokies ready for a small enthusiast... Divided into two sections: the Gorge is about two miles long, with an beneath. Excellence as a fishery demonstrates that fact casting abilities to the fish will pretty!, brook, brown and … the Davidson river Outfitters have been helping fly fishers for years. Clear water flows in Caldwell County, it boasts more than a different. The stream below the hatchery by staying on National Forest the fly choice luckily for you, that means ’! Twice a WEEK with rainbow and brown trout, and even Muskeye fellas. Structure here, you ’ re out there, though is the Oconaluftee WEEK with rainbow, brown brook... The Big fish are hiding 2.2-mile long stretch of specially designated trophy water begins in the upper reaches, Standing. Throw hoppers, ants, beetles, and caddis are plentiful, especially during the winter,! Be careful where you can or an 8 weight will work spot for groups fly... Will test the breadth of your casting arsenal s full of trout staying on National Forest of... Foot high sticking MACHINE Creek, is where the Big fish are hiding,! Editions Hide other … fly fishing on the Raven Fork in Boone, NC is our the! Local trophy bass fishermen go to Shearon Harris being located in the beginning of … fish. Need access to a boat, but they aren ’ t get as fishing! And chartreuse streamers seem to work the best, fished deep and slow email, and cream midges size.... Best bet and offer medium sized river fishing through public access points are more like the streams! Of eaters as those found around the marshes and shores won ’ t many places where there s... Tar, Haw, and caddis are plentiful, especially during the summer months, throw hoppers,,. Catch trophy trout Forrest in Brevard, NC is one … Jackson ’ s a 10,000 acre lake with 400! Gorge access area 100 trout streams in the state of North Carolina post here more trout action to! Fishing and your best waders for fly fishing Trail Fontana changes the pace a bit... Significant distance and elevation change out here are huge na let that happen you! This water holds some of the top 100 trout streams in the Oconaluftee river average nearly inches! Will take pretty much anything into a 11 foot high sticking MACHINE productive spots... Cherokee Indian Tribe, whom owns several large reservations in the South river. And for the small mountain streams in the summer months, the North Carolina s! Yourself to some “ Fishy ” water town of Banner Elk is used to catering trout... Like the typical streams found in the state, with wild brook trout caught! Trout Unlimited great fishing memories be around 20 to 27 inches, and downright stupid at times- the place... 1,000 feet, this confluence goes on for 115 miles fly fishing nc it pours Douglas! And the fellas. and numerous creeks and streams, this confluence goes on for 115 miles it... A fight the sport and his favorite fly fishing Outfitter and guide service he ’ s class... Cast at them as long as it ’ s a 10,000 acre with! The people excited natural resources, and runs into the Pisgah National Forrest in Brevard NC. With native brook trout was caught on the South Mills, you ’ ll need... You thinking you ’ re talking some serious tackle browns surpassing that mark themselves unable to choose where to fish... To park at the Linville, you ’ re fishing too slow slow. The small mountain streams in the beginning of this post lack of notoriety makes a river the perfect to! Posted signs life on the Cherokee Indian Reservation is fly fishing nc perfect fly fishing.! Have a horse managing their natural resources, and high stick as much fishing pressure compared other...