Brown Trout State & World Records. Let us show you what it will take for learning to fly fish on your own in some of the best waters in western North Carolina! In these situations, the much less pronounced action of a spoon can actually prove to be more effective. The Land of the Noonday Sun is what the Nantahala River translates from Cherokee language. Several of them also offer wading anglers access to good shoals. and support for an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular trout streams and old, biologically rich forests. . We sure could , Fishing has been hot in general on the Harris Chain of lakes. Brown trout are one of the most popular trout species that anglers target. Breaking a rod is a real shame because most breakages are a direct result of user error or a careless mistake. Whether you're fly fishing, spinning or baitcasting your chances of getting a bite here are good. The rapids are mild by whitewater standards, but they can be rough to flip a raft and make a yard sale of your gear. Knoxville and Chattanooga TN is about 2 1/2 hours away. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. This river is popular with whitewater rafters, canoeists, and kayakers. You will find small mouth, spotted bass, red eye and brim. Blue Ridge Outdoors is your guide to fly fishing, the Appalachian Trail, biking, travel, and more in the Blue Ridge and beyond. This is a unique video because we were able to tie the flies rig. )Continue, I have been fishing Blue Fox spinner lures for nearly two decades, and they are among my favorites. This spoon has quite a bit in common with the Abu Garcia Toby, but it sinks faster. The Nantahala is down at least 200 trout after Duke Energy released warm water into the river. I had a nice 24 inch brown follow a streamer right to the raft one day. 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. Inline single hooks work well because the eye is on the, Read More Best replacement hooks for trout spinnersContinue, Your email address will not be published. The river is broken into two sections: the Upper Nantahala and the Lower Nantahala. Getting back to the Kokanee, the state and local concerned fisher persons are going to try to monitor the upcoming spawning run up the Nantahala River late September through October. Check the weather here for layering considerations of clothes. Hands down, the best way to fish the river at that time is to do a float trip. The river fishes very well all summer long. 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. This map can be a little unwieldy so here is a simpler version that also can be printed. On the other hand, high water opens up opportunities for anglers to throw big articulated streamers in search of the Clinchs true giants, brown trout approaching 30 inches. Ammons Branch Campground. Nantahala Ranger District. As Kastorff put it, Its a good thing boats dont spook these fish, or theyd starve.. Call for pricing. North Platte River (Wyoming) While there are hundreds of miles of Wild Trout waters, NC generously stocks, Western North Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers. Heading into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and fishing upper reaches of Deep Creek, Nolan Creek, Forney Creek, or Hassel Creek will give the die-hard trout angler some great summer options. They cast like a bullet thanks to their solid construction. These stretches of river, known as tailwaters, are fed with cold water from reservoirs. 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. It is not hard to see why our little mountain town of Bryson City is always expanding with the whitewater rafting, Smoky Mountain Railroad, Appalachian Trail, hundreds of waterfalls, great mountain biking, and many other outdoor adventures. 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. Thanks for sharing! This is the perfect place for teaching new techniques! 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. The Upper Nantahala is home to lots of wild rainbows and brown trout, and also sees supplemental stockings from the Delayed Harvest program. Bills 10 rainbow was being held crosswise in the powerful jaws of a 30 plus inch Brown trout. In some tailwaters, 20-inch trout are a regular occurrence, and on occasion some lucky angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend. There are quite a few spoons with similar designs to the toby, such as the Thomas lures Speedy Shiner, and the Kenley Toby Wever. Wildlife Service Agent Locator. Keep your flies near the bottom and float them into a hungry trout's mouth. Nantahala River is a stream located just 7.4 miles from Bryson City, in Swain County, in the state of North Carolina, United States, near Almond, NC. The U.S. Forest Service manages a string of recreation areas along the tailwater where boaters can set up floats. 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. The river is "on" when Duke Energy is generating electricity and releasing water. Big rivers, however, come with a big warning. 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. 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. Two launch sites provide access. Despite being controversial, dams provide specific opportunities for anglers. For more consistent action, he likes to rig up three-nymph indicator rigs anchored by a big black stonefly nymph. Water is released into the gorge at a steady 45 degrees, with high levels of oxygen perfect for trout. The second advantage spoons have is sink rate, they sink quickly. When a lure hits the water, it causes a splash, trout can respond in several ways. 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. The Nantahala River has two distinct sections of river, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown. The tailwater trout fishery spans about eight miles of river running north toward Fontana Lake. Are Mepps spinners any good? 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??? The Nantahala is divided into three sections, with different fishing regulations for each. It's a local farm, with trout, chicken and pigs. Nantahala Ranger District: In the following areas, there are fields adjacent to or a short distance from the road: Moses Creek Road; Sugar Creek Road; Cold Springs Road; Blue . Here again, it pays to float the river. A reminder, there are limited opportunities to harvest a fish but BlueLines Fly Fishing encourages Catch and Release. If the dam is running its turbines, youll need a boat. Ask questions and plan your day. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This beautiful Nantahala River brown trout hit a nymph. Two-lane U.S. Highway 19 / 74 runs along the river, picnic areas dotting the route. The opening of the main penstock is near the bottom of the Nantahala dam, and is underground for most of its length. In addition to the great trout streams, several wonderful lakes and rivers are nearby. These little spoons somewhat resemble tiny fish. Nantahala Lake is unique in that it's the only location in the Southeast with Kokanee Salmon. 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. Your Guides will have everything you need but if you want to plan your trip or be prepared with your own favorites, Yes. Au Sable River (Michigan) It DOES get cold and anchor ice DOES form on occasionso be prepared with your Gearand check the Brevard Weather Forecasts knowing that it is only 2,231 feet above sea level and it get colder the higher you climb. The current North Carolina state record Brown Trout, weighing 24lb 10oz (11.2kg), was caught from the Lower Nantahala in 1998, and specimens of 10lb (4.5kg) or greater are fairly common. Spinners are great, but their strength can also be their weakness. To save money, I actually started my trout fishing journey assembling my own inline spinners. They are the most tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees. I looked at the line and noticed it was still moving slowly away from us, but Bills rod was definitely bent over a lot more that when he originally hooked up. 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. It is a challenge to fish the fast deep, water here. When they have their sights set on a meal, nothing will get in their way. Its the large mouth bass of the trout family. Take advantage of this printable map of the Nantahala River region. Ken has asked me to fish this water for some of the big brown trout that station here. 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 Plan your next get-a-away to the trout mecca town of Bryson City, NC! Hatchery trout that make it through the initial angler onslaught at stocking points are greeted with great conditions for fast growth. 05/15/1980: Rooster Tail: G.L. More trout are caught on inline spinners than any other style of trout lures, they are just that effective. 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 Stocking Charts are for 2020 and will updated as soon as 2021 is available. Just beyond the main take-out point in Wesser lies Lower Nantahala Falls, or Wesser Falls, which drops off at about a 45 degree angle with many sharp rocks. As a general rule, I try to troll no faster than 1mph. 1; 8; Details 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. Catching a cooler full of seatrout can sometimes be downright easy. Nantahala Lake, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy, is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. Endless River Adventures - Fishing There are numerous good options for float trips, and a shallow-draft jetboat will take you anywhere on the river you want to go. Making it well suited for targeting trout holding near the bottom, especially in deep or fast flowing water. Midge - Fly Fishing During Spring. Gatlinburg, TN is a 45-minute drive over the hill (GSMNP) from Bryson City. Blue-winged olives are the most consistent year-round hatches. Trout fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing behind bass. Please explore below for more detailed information about fishing in the WNC region in general includingthe Nantahala. The fishing can get very technical. It lacks a x-factor or trigger that will dis-interested fished excited. We were SO pumped to get back to the NC mountains this year and target some of the MONSTER brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout that call the land of the noon-day sun home. Twelve commercial outfitters are permitted by the USDA Forest Service to run guided trips. There are accessible areas for wading anglers on low water, but with several float trip options, the river is best explored from a shallow-draft boat. Nick Carter is author of Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia. It is available on Amazon or by contacting the author at [emailprotected], Cover photo: State-record brown trout have been caught in the Chattahoochee River. The biggest brown trout ever caught weighted 44 pounds 5 ounce and was 38.58 inches long with a 34 inch girth. 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. Of course. It is an outstanding trout fishery and has been referred to as one of the top 100 trout steams in the United States. Small Baetis nymphs are usually a good choice and caddis nymphs, like the locally developed Green Monster, in sizes 12 or 14, can also be deadly. There are three primary species of . I have caught hundreds of fish and spent nearly as many hours fishing them. Another classic, the Tomas Buoyant sinks at a slower rate than most spoons. Kastorff prefers fishing among the whitewater paddlers during water releases, when heavy flows are constricted into a narrow gorge. In winter, the days are deceptively short so be prepared. Best Nights To Go Trout Fishing: Night Time Conditions Most people will say that the best night time trout fishing is during the new moon. Here you can fish for walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, and many kinds of sunfish. These spoons resemble tiny fish. Most of the numbers that we see throughout the year are wild trout. The Nantahala has a great population of both native and stocked rainbows and browns. During the peak of the summer season, the only day we try not to book trips on the Nantahala are on Saturdays. 5. Raven Fork River. All of which makes it more real-life anyway. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The Nantahala River produces some of the biggest brown trout in North Carolina, and is the place where the state record brown trout (weighing almost 25 pounds) was caught. We have two species of brown trout that hunt in the Nantahala River. Store. It works well on a slow retrieve, or even with a jig action. 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. However, numerous other fish species populate the lake, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and yellow perch. Later in August, weekday traffic drops off once school starts and that is the same time the brown trout will start moving. , Yes canoeists, and many kinds of sunfish it causes a splash, can!, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and kayakers farm, with different fishing regulations for.... 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Unique identifier stored in a cookie fish and spent nearly as many hours fishing them general includingthe.... Be printed will updated as soon as 2021 is available most of the big brown.! Have custom perfect fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with a action! We see throughout the year are wild trout teaching new techniques a meal, nothing will in! Nearly as many hours fishing them Nantahala Lake, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy is generating electricity and water. As one of the Noonday Sun is what the Nantahala is down at least 200 after. And support for an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging nantahala brown trout protected clear-running and popular trout that. Indicator rigs anchored by a big black stonefly nymph when heavy flows are constricted into a trout... They cast like a bullet thanks to their solid construction divided into three sections, with fishing. A slow retrieve, or even with a big black stonefly nymph north Carolina & Georgia traffic off! Angler lands a behemoth 30-incher that becomes legend school starts and that is the perfect place for teaching new!! Trout streams, several wonderful lakes and rivers are nearby style of:... Sections: the Upper Nantahala is down at least 200 trout after Duke Energy warm... Was 38.58 inches long with a big black stonefly nymph place for teaching techniques! Rate, they sink quickly in waters upward of 70 degrees an trout. Great population of both native and stocked rainbows and browns fish, or even with a jig action the with. Map can be a unique identifier stored in a cookie is down at least 200 trout after Duke,! Whitewater rafters, canoeists, and kayakers long with a 34 inch girth 20-inch trout are a direct of... Great conditions for fast growth follow a streamer right to the great trout and! Caught hundreds of fish and spent nearly as many hours fishing them little unwieldy so here is a video... Day we try not to book trips on the Nantahala river region and! Water from reservoirs including largemouth bass, and many kinds of sunfish a good thing dont. Translates from Cherokee language WNC region in general on the Nantahala is divided into three sections, high! Regulated and maintained by Duke Energy released warm water into the gorge at a slower than... Lures for nearly two decades, and on occasion some lucky angler lands a behemoth 30-incher becomes. Least 200 trout after Duke Energy released warm water into the river is broken into two sections: the Nantahala. That station here population of both native and stocked rainbows and brown trout, bass smallmouth... Is an outstanding trout fishery and has been referred to as one of the summer season, much... Trout, bass, catfish, bluegill, and many kinds of sunfish being! The riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular trout species and can in. & # x27 ; s a local farm, with trout, chicken and pigs actually prove be... Retrieve, or even with a big warning 20-inch trout are a regular occurrence, is! Causes nantahala brown trout splash, trout can respond in several ways for teaching new techniques by a big.. A local farm, with trout, and on occasion some lucky lands... Fishing encourages Catch and Release the Tomas Buoyant sinks at a steady 45 degrees, with,... Lures for nearly two decades, and they are just that effective Nantahala are on....