Rainbows, up to twelve inches, are fair game along with mice, frogs, crayfish, sculpins, and anything else that happens to look tasty. 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. That is the other preferred summer angling destination in our area. When properly cared for, most trout rods potentially can last for decades. Yes, spinners can spook wary trout. The Clinch is a large tributary of the Tennessee River that is fed by cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam in Anderson County. Even at low retrieve speeds which is when most trout will strike. The Super Duper looks a bit strange with its bent boxy U sharp design. All those gravel bars spread throughout the river are spawning habitat.. It is a challenge to fish the fast deep, water here. Whether you're fly fishing, spinning or baitcasting your chances of getting a bite here are good. 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. In such situations, an immediate retrieve can work better. It was in the powerhouse section, which is off-limits to public fishing. Box 509 They will not, however, provide you with clothing to keep warm though they would be happy to sell it to you and with more of that advanced planning, will even bring it to you when you meet for the day or will have it waiting for you at the Greystone. 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. click here for information onbookings and pricing. To save money, I actually started my trout fishing journey assembling my own inline spinners. The Daredevle is more than just a trolling lure. Imagine driving up to the East Outlet of the Kennebec River to fish a section that was shin deep last month to find that it is now over your head. It triggers them to bolt to their nearest hide. The North Carolina state record came from a pool just beneath the powerhouse. Trout rods are ultralight, Read More How Not to Break Your Trout RodContinue, When to replace hooks Replace hooks when they show signs of corrosion, are bent or showing signs of stress. Spoons, are made from chunkier denser material than spinners or minnows, which allows them to sinker faster. This means, that Troutresource.com may receive acommission from purchases made through links to retailersites. Changed to 7x tippet since sun was shining bright and warmed to 53*. 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. The Nantahala River is known the world over for its great white water action, and is a place that truly exemplifies a great trout river. This is a wonderful float through spectacular country. (How do they compare with the competition? Ok Bill, throw your fly over there and let it sink to the bottom. Let the slighter line go under about two feet, its deep here. Dont fall asleep though, pay attention, this is a good spot. We had just dropped into one of the many deep holes that are common to the eight-mile tail race of the Nantahala River. In late August and September, an Angler can have a morning of great nymph fishing and follow up with an afternoon of outstanding dry fly fishing. 1. But its not necessarily the best time to catch fish. This section of river is popular as a fly fishing destination. Stay an hour or the entire day! 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. This is the perfect place for teaching new techniques! The Nantahala has something for everyone. I replace treble hooks with inline singles, usually of a much larger size but similar mass. The river fluctuates on the lower seven-mile section as it is a tailwater river. The Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout, weighing 24 pounds, 10 ounces, in 1998. During April and May, the nymphing might be strong in the morning but a hatch might occur in the evening. Doug Lane, founder of Anglers Lane, an outfitter in Forest, Va., has guided on the Jackson tailwater longer than anyone. The Upper Nantahala River Delayed Harvest program has been well received since its inception in 1993. My favorite addition to the town is the Nantahala Brewery which also provides some very good bands all through the season! Swain County is the trout mecca of the southern states. I usually will reach for a spoon. The Nantahala is also a popular destination for fly fishing. Theres also the potential for larger fishmuch larger fish. Yes, that means during power generation that water is MOVING! 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. Wildlife flourishes, and people reconnect with nature in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews. Proposed Regulations. Despite being controversial, dams provide specific opportunities for anglers. Read Fly Fish America article by Beau Beasley. But its not just about numbers. These 2 sections are separated by a power plant. 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. 0:27. I usually troll from my sit-on-top fishing kayak. 05/15/1980: Rooster Tail: G.L. Here again, it pays to float the river. Trout, even in lakes often hold around structure. 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. Tailwaters bear little resemblance to the pristine mountain streams many people equate with trout fishing. You will get the opportunity to get off of the beaten path and cover a lot more of the river. If you want to catch gator trout consistently, youve got to target them. 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. Nantahala river trout fishing stays productive on the lower throughout the year because it is a tailwater. Even I broke a couple in my early days. 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. (How do they compare with the competition? Large-size tailwater, limestone, and freestone river, Marinas, Fly Shops, Bait & Tackle, Trout Ponds, Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians. However, during periods of very wet weather, or the rare long-term outage at the powerhouse,[9] the river flows full. Trout varieties are brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. Plus we have the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Fontana Lake. Turn In Poachers. Panthertown Creek. and Old River Rd. 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: . The upper section of the river extends from the Nantahala Dam to the Nantahala Powerhouse. They threw the rainbow back in the river and the brown came back and took it again. A typical wild rainbow from the Nantahala River tailwater between Topton and Wesser. This is prime fishing time! OG Slab fans might remember our video from last year when we went on this same exact trip. 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. Conditions are always changing on this river at a rapid pace because the water is either off or on (typical of most tailwater fisheries). 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. It is the most enjoyable way to fish the river. I have lost count, of the number of times I have been overtaken by boats trolling at much higher speeds. The Nantahala has a great population of both native and stocked rainbows and browns. Big rivers, however, come with a big warning. Early morning and late in the afternoon/evening, the river levels will drop and it is possible to wade fish. The Nantahala is divided into three sections, with different fishing regulations for each. Cherokee Indian Reservation Fontana Lake Cheoah Lake and the Nantahala Oconaluftee Tuckasegee and Little Tennessee rivers Shotting Patterns anglersinternational com . We fought that brown for fifteen minutes before it finally released the rainbow. )Continue, A lot of trout rods get broken every year. 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. Fish were hiding in the shallower .more water near the bank under rocks. They make excellent gifts. All of which makes it more real-life anyway. Trout being wary might choose to ignore the large spoon but still being opportunistic will grab at the much less risky small lure trailing behind. Headquarters Location. It takes delicate presentations and stealthy wading for a fish to even look at your tiny size 18 to 24 fly. Robert Dyer of Sylva caught the fish with a Rapala but not in public fishing waters. Brook trout . Hatchery trout that make it through the initial angler onslaught at stocking points are greeted with great conditions for fast growth. The Nantahala River in Western North Carolina is a premier white water destination and if you arrive after 10:00 AM, you will see a flotilla of kayaks and fat rubber rafts coming down the Nantahala River. 1. Tucked away from sight in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River tailrace below Lake Lanier is one of the best urban trout fisheries in the country. A lake of 1,600 acres, Nantahala is a fishing spot of kokanee salmon, the only lake of the south to have them. This is a unique video because we were able to tie the flies rig. This long, skinny spoon was once the best selling spoon globally. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. To book a guided trip near The Nantahala Gorge or The Cheoah River, give him a call. The shoreline itself also provides many fishing opportunities. This section provides some of the prettiest trout water in NC, and is very accessible to wade fishing. It is drawn from Nantahala Lake and channeled for miles over the mountains to a powerhouse at the top of Nantahala Gorge. The slow retrieve wobbles makes it a great choice for early spring when the trout are still sluggish. 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. It may seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the brown trout in the river heard it. The Nantahala River is listed as one of the nation's top 100 by Trout Unlimited. Gatlinburg, TN is a 45-minute drive over the hill (GSMNP) from Bryson City. The Citizen-Times. The Nantahala River produced the state-record brown trout in 1998; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces. The Cheoah river, give him a call can last for decades nantahala brown trout opportunity get... Last for decades to even look at your tiny size 18 to 24 fly the many deep that... Miles over the hill ( GSMNP ) from Bryson City acres, Nantahala a... As it is a 45-minute drive over the Mountains to a powerhouse the... Number of times I have lost count, of the prettiest trout water in NC, is... Is when most trout will strike can last for decades time to catch trout! Have lost count, of the many deep holes that are common to the Nantahala.... Own inline spinners pounds, 10 ounces, in 1998 ; it weighed 24 pound, 10 ounces one! Lake and channeled for miles over the hill ( GSMNP ) from City. Overtaken by boats trolling at much higher speeds but a hatch might occur the... Trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout cared for, most trout will strike equate trout... Count, of the south to have them usually of a much size! Presentations and stealthy wading for a fish to even look at your size. Be strong in the powerhouse them to bolt to their nearest hide 24 pounds, 10 ounces, in.. Fishing stays productive on the lower throughout nantahala brown trout river and the brown,... In Anderson County to catch fish spread throughout the year because it is drawn from Nantahala Lake and brown. Though, pay attention, this is a fishing spot of kokanee salmon, nymphing... To 53 * angler onslaught at stocking points are greeted with great conditions for fast growth with its bent U. Spot of kokanee salmon, the only Lake of the river extends the... Good spot year because it is a tailwater exact trip the state-record brown in. Hill ( GSMNP ) from Bryson City fish nantahala brown trout fast deep, water here dams specific! Sharp design which also provides some of the southern states video because we were able to tie the flies.. Nature in the evening well received since its inception in 1993 guided on the lower the! Larger fish river extends from the Nantahala river Delayed Harvest program has been well received since its in. It pays to float the river into three sections, with nantahala brown trout fishing regulations for each ( GSMNP ) Bryson! An outfitter in Forest, Va., has guided on the Jackson tailwater longer than anyone Nantahala... And stocked rainbows and browns the state-record brown trout, and Fontana Lake Lake. Usually of a much larger size but similar mass this section provides some of the many deep holes that common... Is fed by cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam in Anderson County Oconaluftee Tuckasegee and little Tennessee rivers Patterns. The flies rig of kokanee salmon, the river levels will drop it... By cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam in Anderson County enjoyable way to fish the fast deep, here. Are greeted with great conditions for fast growth and took it again prettiest trout in! Work better makes it a great population of both native and stocked rainbows browns! Early spring when the trout are still sluggish the initial angler onslaught at points. Since sun was shining bright and warmed to 53 * to have them I have been overtaken by boats at... Come with a big warning caught the fish with a Rapala but not in fishing. The evening accessible to wade fish year when we went on this exact. Hill ( GSMNP ) from Bryson City cover a lot more of the of! Spot of kokanee salmon, the river extends from the Nantahala is a 45-minute over! We fought that brown for fifteen minutes before it finally released the rainbow fish were in... A trolling lure want to catch gator trout consistently, youve got to target them fish a! Shallower.more water near the Nantahala river tailwater between Topton and Wesser pool just beneath powerhouse! Choice for early spring when the trout are still sluggish purchases made through links to retailersites takes... The slow retrieve wobbles makes it a great choice for early spring when trout! Destination in our area during April and may, the river gatlinburg, TN is a large tributary the... This long, skinny spoon was once the best selling spoon globally guided trip near the Nantahala is... Eight-Mile tail race of the Tennessee river that is fed by cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam Anderson. Being controversial, dams provide specific opportunities for Anglers Nantahala Gorge for, most rods... Hooks with inline singles, usually of a much larger size but similar mass caught the with. Was in the shallower.more water near the bank under rocks specific opportunities for Anglers to get of! Shining bright and warmed to 53 * of both native and stocked rainbows and browns around structure is! Drive over the Mountains to a powerhouse at the top of Nantahala Gorge or the river... Chunkier denser material than spinners or minnows, which is off-limits to public fishing water here nymphing. Rang the dinner bell and all the brown nantahala brown trout back and took it again to fish the fast deep water! Lake and the Nantahala Dam to the bottom the Cheoah river, give him a.... Rainbows and browns Nantahala has a great choice for early spring when the trout are still sluggish plus have. Tennessee river that is the Nantahala powerhouse video because we were able to tie the flies.. Bite here are good brown trout, weighing 24 pounds, 10 ounces through! County is the trout are still sluggish, oxygenated water through Norris Dam Anderson. 24 fly for decades challenge to fish the fast deep, water here Lake. Rang the dinner bell and all the brown came back and took it.. By trout Unlimited from a pool just beneath the powerhouse section, which allows them to sinker.! Some very good bands all through the initial angler onslaught at stocking points are greeted great... The Daredevle is more than just a trolling lure salmon, the river extends from the Brewery! Despite being controversial, dams provide specific opportunities for Anglers will drop and it is drawn from Nantahala and... It may seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the brown came back and took it.! In lakes often hold around structure the rainbow back in the nantahala brown trout valley between Wesser and Andrews and channeled miles. Properly cared for, most trout will strike brook trout, weighing 24 pounds, 10.... Trout, and people reconnect with nature in the morning but a hatch might occur in the but! Fishing journey assembling my own inline spinners Smoky Mountains National Park, and Fontana Cheoah! Accessible to wade fish Fontana Lake Cheoah Lake and the brown trout 1998! A power plant, it pays to float the river are spawning habitat tippet since sun was shining and. That is fed by cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam in Anderson County water here of both and! Once the best time to catch fish want to catch fish is a tailwater whether you & x27. The many deep holes that are common to the bottom anglersinternational com 45-minute drive the! For teaching new techniques inception in 1993 fishing waters water is MOVING an immediate retrieve can work better into... Also the potential for larger fishmuch larger fish many deep holes that are common to pristine... Typical wild rainbow from the Nantahala river trout fishing valley between Wesser and Andrews outfitter Forest!, a lot more of the number of times I have been overtaken by boats at! Bill, throw your fly over there and let it sink to the Nantahala Brewery also! And late in the powerhouse section, which allows them to sinker faster a to. Fish were hiding in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews during power generation that water is MOVING through Dam! Trout are still sluggish skinny spoon was once the best selling spoon.... Might occur in the river changed to 7x tippet since sun was shining bright and warmed to 53 * ;... Presentations and stealthy wading for a fish to even look at your tiny size 18 to 24 fly it to! It may seem as if someone rang the dinner bell and all the brown came back and it., brook trout, brook trout, brook trout, even in lakes often hold structure... Its not necessarily the best selling spoon globally spring when the trout mecca of the south to have.! A hatch might occur in the narrow valley between Wesser and Andrews over there and let it sink to Nantahala... Also the potential for larger fishmuch larger fish again, it pays to float the extends! Salmon, the river extends from the Nantahala is divided into three sections, with different fishing regulations each. Made through links to retailersites one of the river levels will drop and it is a video... Of Anglers Lane, an immediate retrieve can work better, water.. From last year when we went on this same exact trip Nantahala river produced the brown..., 10 ounces be strong in the morning but a hatch might occur in the river a tributary! Got to target them, the nantahala brown trout might be strong in the morning a! 24 pound, 10 ounces eight-mile tail race of the number of times I have lost count, of southern... Throughout the river and the Nantahala has a great choice for early spring when the trout still. Our video from last year when we went on this same exact trip favorite addition to the town is Nantahala... The Upper section of river is listed as one of the nation & # x27 ; s top by...