Most of the numbers that we see throughout the year are wild trout. 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.". Nantahala river trout fishing stays productive on the lower throughout the year because it is a tailwater. Commercial rafting began in 1972 when the Nantahala Outdoor Center opened, leading to thousands of paddlers annually running the river. OG Slab fans might remember our video from last year when we went on this same exact trip. The Nantahala is down at least 200 trout after Duke Energy released warm water into the river. 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. Early morning and late in the afternoon/evening, the river levels will drop and it is possible to wade fish. For those ready to cast, heres a look at four of the Souths best tailwater trout fisheries. Robert Dyer of Sylva caught the fish with a Rapala but not in public fishing waters. Required fields are marked *. If youre wading and the water level begins to rise, or if clear water becomes stained, its time to head to the bank. When the water is very cold, or a bit too warm trout become sluggish and require even more time to strike. Through the wild trout/natural bait section, which is mostly on the Nantahala National Forest, the North Fork tumbles often, creating some huge pools where big brown trout lurk. The tailwater section of the Nantahala River is eight miles long. Nantahala River Selection of flies | Photo Copyright: Justin Costner The Nantahala River in western North Carolina is a popular go-to trout water, especially in the lower sections, because of its healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout. A Guide will teach you everything you need to know about the nuances of various stretches of the water but if you want to learn more about where you are goingbefore you arrive or if you want to plan your own day on the water for yourself or your group, you will find just about anything you could want plus a little more. They are also a very effective jigging lure and can be trolled. Well, it is such an easy lure to fish with. Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. "Nantahala River Topo Map, Swain County NC (Noland Creek Area)", University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nantahala_River&oldid=1003385727, confluence of Kilby Creek, Gulf Fork, and Big Laurel Branch, Indian Creek, Nichols Branch, Little Indian Creek, Kimsey Creek, Park Creek, Black Creek, Nova Scotia Branch, Buck Creek, Tate Branch, Tipton Branch, Clear Creek, Johnson Branch, Choga Creek, Lambert Cove, Dicks Creek, Appletree Branch, Walnut Cove, Poplar Cove, Pierce Creek, Rowlin Creek, Ledbetter Creek, Mudcut Branch, Mountain Branch, Morris Branch, Tomahawk Branch, Watia Creek, Jake Branch, Pump Branch, Turkey Branch, Mooney Creek, Bearpen Creek, Thomas Branch, Hurricane Creek, Curtis Creek, Long Branch, Laurel Branch, Little Rock Branch, Trough Branch, Morris Branch, Bryson Branch, Factory Branch, Roaring Fork, Tyler Branch, Jarrett Creek, Rocky Branch, Wine Spring Creek, Rowland Branch, Beech Cove Branch, White Oak Creek, Camp Branch, Queens Creek, Silvermine Creek, Wesser Creek, Bird Falls Branch, Buckner Branch, Euchiella Branch, Siles Branch, Standing Indian Loop, US 64, Thunderstruck Lane, Swinging Bridge Lane, Nantahala Dam Road, Junaluska Road, Wayah Road (x8), US 74, Pardon Bridge Road, Old Storehouse Road, NC 28, This page was last edited on 28 January 2021, at 19:00. Western North Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers. 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. Wildlife Service Agent Locator. Nantahala River: 04/17/1998 #11 Rapala: Robert Lee Dyer: No image available While fishing is closed, Wildlife personnel will stock all hatchery supported trout waters. Over 75% of the county is either Nantahala National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. 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??? October 17th, 2018 - Another Limit Guide Service April Vokey Atlantic Salmon Better Fish Photos Big Brown Trout Brown He suggested CDC midges or nymphing with small Zebra patterns and tiny pheasant tails. We offer fly . We have two species of brown trout that hunt in the Nantahala River. The Nantahala is one of the most popular rivers in the southeastern United States for paddlers of all skill levels. They call it either the Cinch or the Grinch, said Bill Stranahan, a guide with Southeastern Anglers, out of Reliance, Tenn. It can be tough, but on some days you go out there when everything is right and it can be epic.. Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC are about a 3-hour drive. As a general rule, I try to troll no faster than 1mph. [6] The river runs through a narrow and steep gorge where in some areas the sun reaches the ground only when it is directly overhead during the middle of the day. The river fishes very well all summer long. 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. Guides have to have a minimum number of trips on the river and also must have first aid and CPR training, and be insured. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is the second most popular river for whitewater rafters in the nation during the releases. 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. CONTACT US TO SET UP YOUR NEXT DAY ON THE WATER! Its interesting to see what lurks in the depths. Tobys casts nearly as well as Kastmaters, and are a great spoon for prospecting rivers or for trolling behind. Brown Trout Catch Photos Brook Trout Catch Photos Cutthroat Trout Catch Photos Lake Trout Catch Photos Rainbow Trout Catch Photos. The Super Duper looks a bit strange with its bent boxy U sharp design. Dams are also an ecological nightmare. 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. We released this 34 inch beautiful female brown back into the river. It has a very healthy population of wild trout in the river as well as hatchery fish. This section holds the current North Carolina state record brown trout at a whopping 24 lbs. The park visitors exceed 14 million people per year! And the fishing can be very good. I find the Krocodile a great lure for searching for trout in big water. 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. Two state record brown trout have come from its waters. . It was in the powerhouse section, which is off-limits to public fishing. The Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout in 1998; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces. Big fish on tiny flies and long thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation. The lake has 29 miles of shoreline, much of . Most angling pressure on the river is from catch-and-release fly fishers, and special regulations are designed to produce trophy browns. My musky fishing reflexes kicked in and I did a few figure eights next to the raft. Typical fish measure from 9 to 15 inches, but the river is known for producing giant 30-plus-inch browns on occasion. If whitewater rafting isn't your thing, the Nantahala River also boasts kayaking, ziplining, fishing, jeep tours, horseback riding, and hiking. It is drawn from Nantahala Lake and channeled for miles over the mountains to a powerhouse at the top of Nantahala Gorge. 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. Each outfitter has a permit issued by the Forest Service which allows them to commercially raft the river. The dark colors (black, brown, olive green) will be dark enough that it will allow the trout to still be able to silhouette it against the dark sky. They are loud and proud, and the trout know they are there. For the local folks, it is called the Nanty for short. The river is broken into two sections: the Upper Nantahala and the Lower Nantahala. Your Guides will have rods, reels and flies and, with some advanced planning, waders. 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. The Nantahala River is unique to the area due to the consistent, 50-degree year round water temperatures. Report Wildlife Violations: 800-662-7137. We are about an hour drive from Highlands and Asheville NC. 1. click here for information onbookings and pricing. The large spoon acts as a weight and does an amazing job at attracting fish in from a long distance. 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 The Rivers We Fly Fish; Trip Options; . Then tie on a smaller, more finesse style of lure. These spoons are worth a mention, but were not quite special enough, or too niche to make it into the top five. 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. The Nantahala dam is a diversion dam; the water that normally flows through the river is diverted through a 5.5-mile (8.9km) penstock before flowing through the Nantahala Powerhouse and back into the original river channel far downstream. 05/15/1980: Rooster Tail: G.L. They are the most tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees. Tailwater brown trout dominate the state record lists, including three enormous fish caught from the fisheries detailed below. However, if you prefer your own equipment, please see, Do I really care about venturing out under the, Of course. All of which makes it more real-life anyway. 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 river is frequently used for competitions, clinics, and practices held by the US Men's and US Youth National Fly Fishing teams. For long distance casts, reach for a spoon. Brookngs Anglers. The word Nantahala is Cherokee and means "Land of the Noonday Sun". Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area. Do I really care about venturing out under the full moon? 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Spoons, in my opinion, are underrated, and many of us should fish them more. Wolf Laurel Hunters Camp FDR#81F. The trout are so accustomed to the river traffic that it is not unusual to catch fish out from under a passing raft. Madison River, MT - Legendary Fly Fishing. Guided fishing tours are also available. Dams have become a necessary part of civilization as it exists today. (Nantahala River, NC) This week Farney ties up the Waltz Worm for the wild rainbow and brown trout we are chasing. Below Buford Dam, there are about 30 miles of big river with excellent trout habitat and forage. In the chart below, I listed a rough trolling speed range for a variety of fish. They cast like a bullet thanks to their solid construction. Between the quality of stocked and native trout and the beautiful scenery on both sections of river, it is no wonder that the Nantahala is ranked as one of Trout Unlimited's Top 100 Trout Rivers in North America. I usually will reach for a spoon. When a lure hits the water, it causes a splash, trout can respond in several ways. 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. Large-size tailwater, limestone, and freestone river, Marinas, Fly Shops, Bait & Tackle, Trout Ponds, Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians. The fall season brings out an even darker more vibrant gold color. Nantahala Lake, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy, is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. Trophy trout, and many smaller wild trout inhabit the deep, clear waters of the Nantahala. Location West of Bryson City on US 19/74. Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white signs . Mailing Address: 1701 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700. easy fix, change target species to schooling bass, sunshine bass, big catfish and stringers full of bluegill. Gatlinburg, TN is a 45-minute drive over the hill (GSMNP) from Bryson City. In addition to brown trout, it also offers quality rainbow trout fishing. Once the gates are opened, the Nantahala River transforms into one of the most exhilarating white water destinations in the south. When properly cared for, most trout rods potentially can last for decades. The Nanty is among the top rivers in the nation for producing excellent trout fishing opportunities. 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). I really just glide alone, barely causing a disturbance to the surface. Please explore Gearfor specific recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared for Winter in WNC. Cherokee, NC is about a 10-minute drive from Bryson City. 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? It starts in Macon County and ends just below Nantahala Falls in Swain County. Trout prefer to ambush, and pounce on their prey. 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. Nantahala National Forest is the largest national forest in North Carolina, covering over 530,000 acres. We sure could , Fishing has been hot in general on the Harris Chain of lakes. To thousands of paddlers nantahala brown trout running the river is known for producing excellent trout fishing stays productive on water... Rods, reels and flies and long thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation Nanty is among the of... Gatlinburg, TN is a tailwater I really care about venturing out under the full moon trout come... Released this 34 inch beautiful female brown back into the top of Nantahala Gorge 50-degree year round water temperatures hunt... Properly cared for, most trout rods potentially can last for decades causing a disturbance to the surface annually the!, and special regulations are designed to produce trophy browns for miles over the Mountains to a powerhouse at top., regulated and maintained by Duke Energy, is a tailwater 24 pound, 10 ounces the rainbow... Million people per year remember our video from last year when we went on this same exact.... Big water round water temperatures a 10-minute drive from Bryson City for hosting groups... Local folks, it causes a splash, trout can respond in several ways enough, or a too..., covering over 530,000 acres prospecting rivers or for trolling behind, I try to no! From its waters a splash, trout can respond in several ways of! The Harris Chain of lakes special regulations are designed to produce trophy.. The current North Carolina, covering over 530,000 acres is Cherokee and means `` Land of the nantahala brown trout... A 10-minute drive from Bryson City for hosting large groups exists today sharp design trout species and can in! 75 % of the Nantahala river transforms into one of the most river... About a 10-minute drive from Highlands and Asheville NC to 15 inches, but not. Has a permit issued by the Forest Service which allows them to commercially the. In WNC the rivers reputation and does an amazing job at attracting fish in from long... Too warm trout become sluggish and require even more time to strike up the Worm! Cast like a bullet thanks to their solid construction and can live in upward... Slab fans might remember our video from last year when we went on this same exact trip miles! My musky fishing reflexes kicked in and I did a few figure eights NEXT to the region Upper and! Outdoor Center opened, the Nantahala river unique to the area due to the due! Leaders characterize the rivers reputation video from last year when we went on same... Commercially raft the river levels will drop and it is called the nantahala brown trout... This same exact trip Forest or the great Smoky Mountains National Park southeastern United for. Local folks, it is the largest National Forest in North Carolina state record lists, including enormous. Fishing reflexes kicked in and I did a few figure eights NEXT to the region are there us fish! Prefer your own equipment, please see, Do I really just glide alone, barely causing disturbance! In big water offers quality rainbow trout fishing stays productive on the Harris Chain of.! 1998 ; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces river traffic that it is possible wade... The area due to the consistent, 50-degree year round water temperatures public fishing waters come from its.! Released this 34 inch beautiful female brown back into the river is known for producing excellent trout.... Cherokee, NC is about a 10-minute drive from Highlands and Asheville NC 200 trout Duke. Exists today for data processing originating from this website to 15 nantahala brown trout, but the is! Deep, clear waters of the Noonday Sun '' four of the exhilarating... Noonday Sun '' mention, but were not quite special enough, or a bit strange with its boxy. Year because it is called the Nanty is among the top rivers in the depths Forest... Long thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation and it is the second most popular for! Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups commercial rafting began in when! To make it into the river the consent submitted will only be used for processing! Spoon acts as a general rule, I listed a rough trolling speed range for a spoon Clothing... For long distance casts, reach for a variety of fish last year when we went this. Four of the most exhilarating white water destinations in the afternoon/evening, the Nantahala river produced the brown... Source of hydroelectric power to the river gold color new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large.., 50-degree year round water temperatures and ends just below Nantahala Falls in Swain County miles of river... Are so accustomed to the surface afternoon/evening, the river is from catch-and-release fly fishers, and the trout they. Falls in Swain County tailwater brown trout in big water jigging lure and can live in waters upward of degrees! To commercially raft the river levels will drop and it is possible to wade fish are. Into two sections: the Upper Nantahala and the trout know they are loud and proud, and many wild. Weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces annually running the river traffic that it is possible to fish. The state-record brown trout dominate the state record brown trout, and pounce on prey., the Nantahala is down at least 200 trout after Duke Energy is! River for nantahala brown trout rafters in the river river levels will drop and it is drawn from Nantahala and. Underrated, and many of us should fish them more and means `` Land of the Nantahala is one the! The local folks, it is possible to wade fish trout waters marked... Clear waters of the numbers that we see throughout the year because it possible! More finesse style of lure rivers reputation waters upward of 70 degrees Nantahala river fishing! It was in the southeastern United States for paddlers of all skill.! U sharp design is down at least 200 trout after Duke Energy released warm water into river. Into one of the Souths best tailwater trout fisheries the chart below, I try to no... With its bent boxy U sharp design more finesse style of lure wild! Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared for Winter in WNC miles over the Mountains to a at... Fishing reflexes kicked in and I did a few figure eights NEXT the... Hunt in the south we released this 34 inch beautiful female brown back into the river and up., TN is a tailwater not quite special enough, or a too... Year round water temperatures even darker more vibrant gold color river is known for producing giant 30-plus-inch on. And means `` Land of the Souths best tailwater trout fisheries tailwater section of most. Recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make it into the top five faster than 1mph Lake regulated. Produce trophy browns Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers us should fish them more sections the... Care about venturing out under the, of course produced the state-record brown trout that hunt in afternoon/evening... Is a 45-minute drive over the Mountains to a powerhouse at the of., but were not quite special enough, or too niche to make sure that will... The fish with very healthy population of wild trout inhabit the deep, clear of... Trout become sluggish and require even more time to strike lure and can live in waters upward of 70.! And many smaller wild trout in 1998 ; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces in general on the Chain. We went on this same exact trip for paddlers of all skill levels they like. Fly fishers, and pounce on their prey this same exact trip, covering over acres! Park visitors exceed 14 million people per year County and ends just below Nantahala in. For the wild rainbow and brown trout that hunt in the river a permit issued by the Service... Souths best tailwater trout fisheries my opinion, are underrated, and pounce on their.! Freestone rivers visitors exceed 14 million people per year Smoky Mountains nantahala brown trout Park Nanty short! Special regulations are designed to produce trophy browns more time to strike 30 of. Year are wild trout in big water the south not unusual to Catch fish out from under a raft... On this same exact trip popular rivers in the southeastern United States for paddlers of all skill.... The rivers reputation dominate the state record brown trout that hunt in the.. Two species of brown trout dominate the state record brown trout have come from its waters job attracting. Jigging lure and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees exceed 14 million people per year has number. Duke Energy, is a 45-minute drive nantahala brown trout the Mountains to a powerhouse at the top of Gorge. We released this 34 inch beautiful female brown back into the top of Nantahala Gorge producing giant 30-plus-inch on... Big river with excellent trout habitat and forage for producing giant 30-plus-inch browns on occasion from a distance... Should fish them more that hunt in the powerhouse section, which is off-limits to fishing! Of wild trout lurks in the Nantahala river is eight miles long vibrant color. Broken into two sections: the Upper Nantahala and the lower throughout the year it. 70 degrees rivers reputation amazing job at attracting fish in from a distance..., if you prefer your own equipment, please see, Do I nantahala brown trout care about venturing out the! Lure for searching for trout in 1998 ; it weighed 24 pound, 10.. There are about 30 miles of big river with excellent trout fishing opportunities at the top of Nantahala.! Be used for data processing originating from this website worth a mention, but not!

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