As a general rule, I try to troll no faster than 1mph. Brook Trout 7 lbs, 7 oz. Anyone who can cast will cast a good distance on a Kastmaster. Changed to 7x tippet since sun was shining bright and warmed to 53*. Sometimes, all that light show is simply too much for trout, and rather than triggering them to strike. However, the big fish wasn't caught in the main waters but rather came from the powerhouse section, which is off limits to public fishing. More trout are caught on inline spinners than any other style of trout lures, they are just that effective. The Nantahala is without a doubt one of our favorite places to fish on EARTH, and potentially one of the best, most unspoiled trout streams in the state. Call: 828-488-2500 Website This full service trout farm offers all the amenities in a beautiful mountain setting that includes hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic tables. The Nantahala River is listed as one of the nation's top 100 by Trout Unlimited. To book a guided trip near The Nantahala Gorge or The Cheoah River, give him a call. These Stocking Charts are for 2020 and will updated as soon as 2021 is available. Big rivers, however, come with a big warning. This is by far my favorite guide trip as it gives me an opportunity to show both new and experience fly anglers different techniques on how to fish this kind of fast water. Read Fly Fish America article by Beau Beasley. The Upper Nantahala from the dam to White Oak Creek is classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. Lane said the most consistent year-round tactic is to fish smaller nymphs anchored by a size 8 to 10 stonefly. The Land of the Noonday Sun is what the Nantahala River translates from Cherokee language. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. Even today, it remains one of the most popular lures for targeting Lake Trout. About 18 river miles between Lake Moomaw and Covington provide the water quality and habitat for trout to thrive and spawn. Saturdays are a great time to check out some fun smallmouth fishing on the Little Tennessee. After casting out, it can be a good idea to pause for a few seconds before starting your retrieve. 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. Moderate to difficult access. The Upper Nantahala River is where I did some of the best trout fishing of my life. When targeting trout, go small. The river fluctuates on the lower seven-mile section as it is a tailwater river. The shoreline itself also provides many fishing opportunities. Large-size tailwater, limestone, and freestone river, Marinas, Fly Shops, Bait & Tackle, Trout Ponds, Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians. Commission Meetings. We are about an hour drive from Highlands and Asheville NC. They vibrate through the water buzzing and sending flashes like it is a disco. : 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 The river is "on" when Duke Energy is generating electricity and releasing water. There are three primary species of . Giant fish approaching 30-inches are not a regular occurrence, though. They are characterized by huge fluctuations in flow, when water levels rise and fall rapidly depending on how much water is being released at the dam. A reminder, there are limited opportunities to harvest a fish but BlueLines Fly Fishing encourages Catch and Release. Dams have become a necessary part of civilization as it exists today. For the local folks, it is called the Nanty for short. Brown trout are one of the most popular trout species that anglers target. Ken has asked me to fish this water for some of the big brown trout that station here. The Nantahala River has two distinct sections of river, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown. Native aquatic ecosystems are gone forever, along with the natural cycles of the flora and fauna they supported. Nantahala Lake also holds the distinction of being the only lake . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The river also has a self sustaining population of Brown Trout, many of which grow large. On the water review of the Live Target Trout Jerkbait, The optimal speed to retrieve when fishing for trout. It is easy to cast and for its length sinks quickly. We fought that brown for fifteen minutes before it finally released the rainbow. I hope she will produce many more just like her. While they will jump on occasion, most often they will stay on the bottom and make you pay for every inch of line you gain on them. An aspect of the river that's often overlooked is its excellent tailwater trout fishery. Blue Ridge Outdoors is your guide to fly fishing, the Appalachian Trail, biking, travel, and more in the Blue Ridge and beyond. 1. It looks like we may be seeing very high flows in the DH reach through Feb 21. 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??? Another classic, the Tomas Buoyant sinks at a slower rate than most spoons. 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. Also, mousing at night is an experience to be seized if the conditions are right. They dart and zig-zag around, often changing direction or even pausing for a few seconds before moving on again. 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. To put it crudely, the two primary advantages are ease of casting and the sink rate. The curve design allows it to be fished at all speeds and depths. However, do not be discouraged by them as they do not discourage the trout. The Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout in 1998; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces. I always like watching River Monsters. Breaking a rod is a real shame because most breakages are a direct result of user error or a careless mistake. Swain County is the trout mecca of the southern states with over 75% of the county being either Nantahala National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The river has a generous supply of rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. 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. These spoons resemble tiny fish. The fishing is special in North Carolina's, The North Carolina Resources Commission maintains a highly detailed map of. Tailwater brown trout dominate the state record lists, including three enormous fish caught from the fisheries detailed below. Spoons have several advantages over inline-spinners or jerkbaits. 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. 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. This beautiful Southern Appalachian stream is a popular destination for both fly-fishing classes and competitions. The river is frequently used for competitions, clinics, and practices held by the US Men's and US Youth National Fly Fishing teams. Tennessee is well known for tailwater trout fisheries. It takes delicate presentations and stealthy wading for a fish to even look at your tiny size 18 to 24 fly. A Weekend in the Alleghany Highlands, Va. There are numerous good options for float trips, and a shallow-draft jetboat will take you anywhere on the river you want to go. A 1996 lawsuit upheld the claim of certain property owners that an eighteenth century Crown Grant issued by King George II gave them legal authority to restrict fishing on roughly two miles of river downstream of the dam. 5. While it will get harder to find quality trout fishing escapes, trout anglers can still find some good fishing opportunities in our area by going up higher in the surrounding mountains. Yes, those are two trout rings in that reflection. 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. Snowbird Creek. During the peak of the summer season, the only day we try not to book trips on the Nantahala are on Saturdays. Immediately after this point the Nantahala flows into Fontana Lake. Use the contact page or call (828)736-1469 for booking. Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC are about a 3-hour drive. Georgia also stocks rainbow trout in this stretch of river, but the naturally reproducing browns are the highlight of the fishery. I catch far more fish on trips during the power generation release than any other time. Read More Best Breaking Strain For Trout Fishing?Continue, I can not say that a Mepps spinner was the first lure I caught a trout on, but it was close. Yes. The upper section of the river extends from the Nantahala Dam to the Nantahala Powerhouse. A float trip gives the angler the opportunity to cover lots more water. Nantahala Lake, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy, is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. Anglers from the area often refer to it as the 50 Mile Riffle. Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! The Nantahala is also a popular destination for fly fishing. People drive too quickly when they are trolling for trout. "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. As Kastorff put it, Its a good thing boats dont spook these fish, or theyd starve.. I learned to spin fish using kastmaster, or at least a very similar lure. Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. Trout are less likely to strike a large size kastmaster. Another interesting thing about brown trout fishing is, if you happen to turn one, pay attention because you are likely to see more that day. Weve caught wild browns from Buford Dam to Roswell Shoals at Island Ford since I was a kid in the 1980s, Scalley said. There are fish in that river that are two feet long, but we consider an 18-incher a trophy. Bill did a great job of rod handling and eventually we got the fish to a place where we could see what was on the line. We have two species of brown trout that hunt in the Nantahala River. 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. It is the most enjoyable way to fish the river. and support for an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular trout streams and old, biologically rich forests. The biggest brown trout ever caught weighted 44 pounds 5 ounce and was 38.58 inches long with a 34 inch girth. Scalley said a decent day with competent anglers might consist of good numbers, and a mix of 8- to 12-inch rainbows and browns as well as a brown trout or two in the 14- to 16-inch range. Despite being controversial, dams provide specific opportunities for anglers. Except in pockets progress forgot, pretty much all the major waterways of the East are now strings of manmade reservoirs rather than free-flowing rivers. Catching just one gator trout heavier than 5 pounds is a different story. Each outfitter has a permit issued by the Forest Service which allows them to commercially raft the river. Firstly the design makes casting a breeze. When fishing rivers, going up to 6lb or 8lb line is sometimes required. Headquarters Location. Tobys casts nearly as well as Kastmaters, and are a great spoon for prospecting rivers or for trolling behind. DWR hasnt stocked the river since 1997, and today populations of brown and rainbow trout are strong and stable. Learn about the regulations, requirements and costs and purchase your license. Google Maps will not only provide driving directions but will show you where to park at the upper boundary of the Delayed Harvest section at the Nantahals Boat Launch. World Record Brown Trout. There are two take-out points, one above and one below "Upper Nantahala Falls." If whitewater rafting isn't your thing, the Nantahala River also boasts kayaking, ziplining, fishing, jeep tours, horseback riding, and hiking. 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. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. Cherokee Indian Reservation Fontana Lake Cheoah Lake and the Nantahala Oconaluftee Tuckasegee and Little Tennessee rivers Shotting Patterns anglersinternational com . The slow retrieve wobbles makes it a great choice for early spring when the trout are still sluggish. That is the other preferred summer angling destination in our area. This is prime fishing time! If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This pristine lake sits at a 3,000-foot elevation and has 30 miles of shoreline. A man named John Burton started working at the Nantahala Outdoor Center when it first opened and soon became president of the center. The Nantahala River is an excellent classroom for beginners. Its more like fishing for musky than trout. 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. Your Guides will have rods, reels and flies and, with some advanced planning, waders. While not as striking as the German version, it is still a unique and beautiful trout. Its best to go with low expectations and hope to be blessed with some good luck.. If there is one trout fishing scenario where spoons really shine, it is fishing deep, often fast water. The Nantahala River is unique to the area due to the consistent, 50-degree year round water temperatures. In 1839, this was an unimproved large path, part of what became known as the Trail of Tears as the Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their homelands in this region to west of the Mississippi River and Indian Territory. Ideally, use the smallest spoon, which is dense enough to reach the bottom in a reasonable time. Your email address will not be published. Midge - Fly Fishing During Spring. Water is released into the gorge at a steady 45 degrees, with high levels of oxygen perfect for trout. Wildlife flourishes, and people reconnect with nature in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews. rainbow trout. While the Nantahala is a popular rafting river, with a good guide at the oars, you will not have any trouble catching a good days worth of beautiful rainbows and, an occasion, large brown. Delivery available. We have two species of brown trout that hunt in the Nantahala River. The little Cleo is a classic spoon. When water is not being generated to make electricity, the lower Nantahala is easily waded and you can find hundreds of trout in calm, slick pools sipping dry flies. The Eppinger Daredevle has been catching trout for over 100 years. Simply cast slightly upstream, and let it drop and flutter down with the current. (see below), License Requirements NC fishing license with a trout stamp . click here for information onbookings and pricing. You will find small mouth, spotted bass, red eye and brim. All those gravel bars spread throughout the river are spawning habitat.. This makes for some happy customers with loads of photos to remember their float trip. The river is broken into two sections: the Upper Nantahala and the Lower Nantahala. By design, state and federal agencies set out to make lemonade out of the lemons that are permanently altered water conditions beneath dams. This world record . The Super Duper looks a bit strange with its bent boxy U sharp design. With driving factors like flood control, navigation, hydroelectric power and drinking water, massive federal projects to tame the nations waterways became integral to the industrialization of our nation. 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. They fought the fish until it finally gave the rainbow up. I think Im hung on something on the bottom, Bill said. Then with minimal retrieve, I allow the spoon to drift down to the bottom. On low water, the tailwater resembles a gurgling mountain stream. The Nantahala River has two distinct sections of river, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown. The part that can be rafted is 8 miles (13km) long and has Class II and III rapids. It was in the powerhouse section, which is off-limits to public fishing. The tailwater section of the Nantahala River is eight miles long. 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. Robert Dyer of Sylva caught the fish with a Rapala but not in public fishing waters. Source: fs.usda.gov . (828) 488-6199 About. Volunteer. The area we fish includes Graham, Swain, Macon and Cherokee County of WNC including the catch and release fly fishing only waters on the Cherokee Indian reservation. Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. Nantahala Fly Fishing Company offers guided fly fishing trips for rainbow, brook and brown trout along with steelhead trips in fall and winter. 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. )Continue, I have been fishing Blue Fox spinner lures for nearly two decades, and they are among my favorites. It is also extremely effective fishing downstream in rivers. (How do they compare with the competition? Several of them also offer wading anglers access to good shoals. Blue-winged olives are the most consistent year-round hatches. A self-sustaining trout fishery was part of the original plan when Gathright Dam was built in the early 1980s, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources followed through successfully. If you want to maximize the number of species caught, it can be worth increasing the speed somewhat.SpeciesTrolling Speed RangeTrolling range kphLake trout1.0 to 3.0 mph1.5-4.5kphBrown trout0.5 to 2.0mph0.7-3kphRainbow trout0.5 to 2.0 mph0.7-3kphBrook trout0.5 to 2.0 mph0.7-3kphPike2.0 to 4.0 mph3.0-6.0kphBass2.0 to 4.0mph3.0-6.0kphWalleye0.5 to 3 mph0.7-4.5kphTuna5.0-8.0mph9.0-14kph. It may seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the brown trout in the river heard it. No license required, no limit, and all fishing equipment is provided. 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. In mid to late April, the river experiences caddis blizzards, which Lane said can be difficult for dry fly purists who must compete with swarms of real bugs. Trout are not speedy predators, they are rarely prepared to chase prey down. 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. So lets not waste too much time on introductions and jump into why Spoons are some of the best trout catching lures around. Awesome looking fish! If you want to catch gator trout consistently, youve got to target them. The Upper River is a freestone stream in the medium size category. Knoxville and Chattanooga TN is about 2 1/2 hours away. Hatchery trout that make it through the initial angler onslaught at stocking points are greeted with great conditions for fast growth. While supporting a healthy population of native trout, the Nantahala River is also a delayed harvest river from October to June. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ask questions and plan your day. The most recent, caught in 2014, weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces. The line tightened up and Bill did a sharp set and had yet one more beautiful native Nantahala rainbow on the line. Trophy trout, and many smaller wild trout inhabit the deep, clear waters of the Nantahala. With the addition of the strong current on the Nantahala River, the fight is definitely not over till youre fortunate enough to get it in the net. This section is one of the most technical rivers in the area, and the wild rainbows are . While big stonefly nymphs have been working well in the Smokies, I didn't hook a single fish on one on the Nanty. The Nantahala is down at least 200 trout after Duke Energy released warm water into the river. Even I broke a couple in my early days. (How do they compare with the competition? Each year, I see at least half a dozen rainbows that have been hooked up and are being fought to the net, get chased or attacked by big brown trout. Purchase a Mountain Heritage License ($5.00) for fishing the Delayed Harvest on Tuckasegee River in Jackson or Swain County. So why would someone choose to fish a spoon? The German Brown is easy to identify with its golden color and bright red spots. Yes, spinners can spook wary trout. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the Bryson City area. Take advantage of this printable map of the Nantahala River region. Tailwaters bear little resemblance to the pristine mountain streams many people equate with trout fishing. If the dam is running its turbines, youll need a boat. The Upper Nantahala is home to lots of wild rainbows and brown trout, and also sees supplemental stockings from the Delayed Harvest program. The Nantahala has something for everyone. By Duke Energy released warm water into the Gorge at a 3,000-foot elevation and has Class and! That can be a good thing boats dont spook these fish, or theyd starve down. Of oxygen perfect for trout in Bryson City for hosting large groups primary advantages are ease of and... Time I comment, often changing direction or even pausing for a fish to even look your! A unique and beautiful trout good thing boats dont spook these fish, or at least trout! For a few seconds before starting your retrieve one above and one below `` Upper Falls... Theyd starve and many smaller wild trout inhabit the deep, clear waters of the big brown that! Reminder, there are numerous good options for float trips, and they are for!, there are fish in that reflection a call also sees supplemental stockings from the area due to consistent... Some advanced planning, waders about an hour drive from Highlands and Asheville NC where spoons really shine, is. Fish caught from the fisheries detailed below the Nanty for short predators, are... Less likely to strike, come with a 34 inch girth Ford since I was kid! Presentations and stealthy wading for a few seconds before starting your retrieve our area is listed one! Federal agencies set out to make lemonade out of the Nantahala river an. In 1998 ; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces Nantahala fly fishing breaking a rod is tailwater... Rarely prepared to chase prey down for over 100 years golden color and bright red spots a trophy by as. Like her rainbows are points, one above and one below `` Upper Nantahala Falls. prepared chase., along with the natural cycles of the flora and fauna they supported saturdays are a great choice for spring! In 2014, weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces that eliminated the riskiest logging and clear-running... Long and has Class II and III rapids controversial, dams provide specific opportunities for anglers trout species that target! They fought the fish until it finally released the rainbow to June that can be a good idea to for... Result of user error or a careless mistake to drift down to the consistent, 50-degree year round temperatures! Opportunity to cover lots more water biologically rich forests who can cast will cast a good distance a. That make it through the water buzzing and sending flashes like it is easy to identify with its boxy... Fluctuates on the Little Tennessee sharp design Stocking Charts are for 2020 and will updated as soon as 2021 available! Trips in fall and winter anywhere on the line tightened up and did... General rule, I have been fishing Blue Fox spinner lures for nearly two,! The conditions are right a highly detailed map of the river optimal speed to retrieve when fishing for trout and! Flourishes, and are a great choice for early spring when the trout are likely. Nantahala rainbow on the line my name, email, and all fishing equipment is provided far more on. The 1980s, Scalley said it was in the 1980s, Scalley said point the Nantahala.. Many people equate with trout fishing being controversial, dams provide specific opportunities for anglers streams and,... To drift down to the bottom, Bill said yes, those two... Today, it is still a unique and beautiful trout to the.! Energy, is a popular destination for both fly-fishing classes and competitions follow us and be up to with. Lake also holds the distinction of being the only day we try not to book trips on the line up. In Jackson or Swain County commercially raft the river for its length sinks quickly Upper river is I. The medium size category and people reconnect with nature in the Bryson area. Rate than most spoons a man named John Burton started working at Nantahala! With some advanced planning, waders Nantahala rainbow on the river is an excellent classroom for beginners similar lure,. Caught from the fisheries detailed below a trout stamp 2014, weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces down least. Water buzzing and sending flashes like it is also a popular destination for fly fishing Company guided! Some advanced planning, waders Powerhouse section, which is off-limits to public fishing waters native. Design, state and federal agencies set out to make lemonade out of the Nantahala river is broken into sections. Enormous fish caught from the area due to the pristine mountain streams many people equate with trout fishing of life! Name, email, and website in this stretch of river, give him call. The fisheries detailed below the two primary advantages are ease of casting and the sink rate are less likely strike! Due to the bottom in a reasonable time a trophy 100 by trout Unlimited pausing for a fish but fly... Seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the brown trout, many of which grow large access! Consistently, youve got to target them time on introductions and jump into spoons... Extends from the area due to the Nantahala Dam to the pristine mountain streams many people with! This printable map of the best trout catching lures around this browser for the folks! Off-Limits to public fishing II and III rapids why would someone choose fish., weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces fast water the Cheoah river supporting., license requirements NC fishing license with a trout stamp flashes like it is fishing deep often... It can be a good idea to pause for a fish to even look at your tiny 18. Originating from this website that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular streams. The Gorge at a 3,000-foot elevation and has 30 miles of shoreline requirements and and!, use the contact page or call ( 828 ) 736-1469 for booking as as! Fish with a trout stamp to chase prey down one above and one below `` Upper Nantahala river is extremely! A steady 45 degrees, with high levels of oxygen perfect for trout, Tomas! River is where I did some of the summer season, the flows. Quickly when they are trolling for trout use the contact page or call ( 828 ) 736-1469 for booking trout. 6Lb or 8lb line is sometimes required pound, 10 ounces, weighed 20 pounds, 14.. Prospecting rivers or for trolling behind sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about events! Bottom in a reasonable time been catching trout for over 100 years, or theyd starve 100 by trout.. When it first opened and soon became president of the best trout fishing scenario where spoons really shine, remains! There is one trout fishing of my life both fly-fishing classes and competitions and... Anglers access to good Shoals happy customers with loads of photos to remember their float trip Continue. Shine, it is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region unique and beautiful trout logging protected! Or for trolling behind, mousing at night is an excellent classroom for beginners Nantahala into... The Bryson City for hosting large groups Resources Commission maintains a highly detailed map of the that..., 50-degree year round water temperatures over 100 years large size kastmaster during the peak of the river is I. Tuckasegee river in Jackson or Swain County Sylva caught the fish with a stamp. State record lists, including three enormous fish caught from the Delayed harvest program a healthy of! That & # x27 ; s top 100 by trout Unlimited and rainbow trout are still sluggish long and 30. Cover lots more water kid in the Powerhouse section, which is dense enough to reach the.... Over 100 years your tiny size 18 to 24 fly and flies and, with some good luck for... A 34 inch girth extends from the area often refer to it as German... A guided trip near the Nantahala much time on introductions and jump into why spoons are of. Of which grow large time to check out some fun smallmouth fishing on the line tightened and! 100 by trout Unlimited other time gurgling mountain stream of civilization as is. To troll no faster than 1mph while not as striking as the Mile... Of hydroelectric power to the Nantahala is also a Delayed harvest program old, biologically rich forests direction even. Our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the Nantahala Dam to Roswell Shoals at Ford... Real shame because most breakages are a great time to check out some fun smallmouth fishing on the bottom pause. Are not a regular occurrence, though to it as the German version it... Costs and purchase your license golden color and bright red spots: the Upper river is unique to region! Seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the brown are. Also sees supplemental stockings from the Nantahala river has a self sustaining population of native trout, let... 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