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.". Spoons are among the oldest spinning lures still readily available, but they live in the shadows of flashy inline-spinners and lifelike jerkbaits such as the Rapala Original floaters. It has a very healthy population of wild trout in the river as well as hatchery fish. The trout are so accustomed to the river traffic that it is not unusual to catch fish out from under a passing raft. Throw in some hatchery-raised fish, and youre left with fisheries where trout have optimal conditions to thrive and grow. Trout are less likely to strike a large size kastmaster. The rapids are mild by whitewater standards, but they can be rough to flip a raft and make a yard sale of your gear. They sink rapidly, making them a good option for fishing deep pools or fast currents. 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. The next point is a bit of a gamble, and I will explain why. The Nantahala River has two distinct sections of river, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown. Our guides have decades of experience instructing you for a memorable adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains! 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? Bryson City NC - Swain County Two state record brown trout have come from its waters. For this reason, I am currently in the process of removing many such links. Spoons, in my opinion, are underrated, and many of us should fish them more. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these . (How do they compare with the competition? Georgia also stocks rainbow trout in this stretch of river, but the naturally reproducing browns are the highlight of the fishery. The ride is a thrill, and the fishing is fast-paced and underutilized. Spoons, are made from chunkier denser material than spinners or minnows, which allows them to sinker faster. Turn In Poachers. Guided fishing tours are also available. So what makes the Kastmaster such a great spoon? Linville River You can catch rainbow trout in the Linville I learned to spin fish using kastmaster, or at least a very similar lure. The kind of structure to look out for is submerged trees, river deltas, shallow flats, and weedbeds. The number is 800-867-9246. The flow rate of this section of the Nantahala is dependent on releases from Nantahala Lake, which is controlled by Duke Energy. Lane said the most consistent year-round tactic is to fish smaller nymphs anchored by a size 8 to 10 stonefly. Notable rapids include "Patton's Run," "Quarry," "Whirlpool," "Surfers," "Bulls Run," and "Upper Nantahala Falls." The Nantahala River ( / nnthel /) [5] is a river in western North Carolina in the United States, within the Nantahala National Forest, and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most of the numbers that we see throughout the year are wild trout. The Kastmaster does not care about retrieval speeds, retrieve fast and it darts forward like a fleeing baitfish, or retrieve slow, which is more effective for trout and it wobbles as it swims through the water. Keep your flies near the bottom and float them into a hungry trout's mouth. Enjoy some downright beautiful scenery and some EPIC NC fly fishing action!Part 2: https://youtu.be/itsSVDiN6u0Part 3: https://youtu.be/qucQd4nL2gkTHANKS FOR WATCHING! Thanks to efforts of the US Forest Service there are many great points of entry to the river complete with restroom facilities and picnic areas. 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. The Nantahala has a great population of both native and stocked rainbows and browns. These spoons resemble tiny fish. Here, in the southeast, we have a river monster and its called a Brown Trout. Ken Kastorff is a Guide and the Owner of Endless River Adventures. Details: Brown Trout with a TUSA 12' iwana rod, 12' 2.5 pink TUSA line, 3.5' 7x tippet, #22 bwo dry fly. Ken Kastorff is the Owner and Guide at Endless River Adventures located along the Nantahala River in Bryson City, North Carolina. Use the contact page or call (828)736-1469 for booking. The Super Duper looks a bit strange with its bent boxy U sharp design. He suggested CDC midges or nymphing with small Zebra patterns and tiny pheasant tails. Doug Lane, founder of Anglers Lane, an outfitter in Forest, Va., has guided on the Jackson tailwater longer than anyone. try to replicate that swim style by varying the speed of your retrieve, put in short boosts of speed, and the occasional pause. Fish were hiding in the shallower .more water near the bank under rocks. You will need a trout stamp for everything outside the GSMNP and Tribal Waters in Cherokee, NC (unless it is Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest water). and support for an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular trout streams and old, biologically rich forests. 14 minute segment of a Fly Fish TV episode with Kelly Galloup and Bryson City guide Mac Brown fishing the Lower Nanatahala River for Browns in the Fall. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. I had a nice 24 inch brown follow a streamer right to the raft one day. Please explore Gearfor specific recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared for Winter in WNC. The fishing is special in North Carolina's Delayed Harvest sections as the NC Wildlife Resources Commissionstocks liberallyand there are some special things to know so as mentioned down below, know your signs!!! )Continue, A lot of trout rods get broken every year. For the local folks, it is called the Nanty for short. Fly fishing the Nantahala River - We went fly fishing for trout in what is arguably North Carolinas best trout fisheriesThe Nantahala River.Here we are again! Rainbows between 12 and 16 inches must be released, If you know what youre doing, there are some big fish to be caught, said Lane. Marshall, Jr. No image available Brown Trout 24 lbs, 10 oz. Two-lane U.S. Highway 19/74 runs along the river, picnic areas dotting the route. These are big rivers, with the water conditions and nutrient loads to support dense trout populations. is it winter there? I usually troll from my sit-on-top fishing kayak. Flowing through the rolling hills of Alleghany County, the Jackson River tailwater features some of the best wild trout water in Virginia. In addition to brown trout, it also offers quality rainbow trout fishing. Chris Scalley, of River Through Atlanta Guide Service, is a local who has probably logged more hours on the river than anyone. Even on the drop, giving off glimmers of light. Wading and fishing under generation can still be accomplished with caution and use of the generous access points along the river. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. We have the most experienced rowers in the entire region working the fly fishing guided float trips with decades of knowledge on what works best as conditions change. 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. Native aquatic ecosystems are gone forever, along with the natural cycles of the flora and fauna they supported. Do I really care about venturing out under the full moon? Commercial trips must be licensed in order to legally fish the river. Mayfly spinners trapped in spiders web on Upper Nantahala River. The U.S. Forest Service manages a string of recreation areas along the tailwater where boaters can set up floats. Brown trout shorter than 20 inches must be released, and only one brown may be kept as part of a four-fish daily trout limit. Chamber of Commerce Firstly the design makes casting a breeze. The Nantahala River has two distinct sections of river, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown. These little spoons somewhat resemble tiny fish. When they have their sights set on a meal, nothing will get in their way. The Lower Nantahala is also a great area for trout fishing but the trout on both portions can be finicky here as well, so change flies often and bring along some midges, crayfish, and shrimp and nymph patterns. There are fish in that river that are two feet long, but we consider an 18-incher a trophy. Once the spoon has drifted downstream slowly lift your rod tip and wind it back in before casting again. Once the gates are opened, the Nantahala River transforms into one of the most exhilarating white water destinations in the south. Wolf Laurel Hunters Camp FDR#81F. A medium to large fish, the brown trout lives in fast-flowing, stony and gravelly rivers. Purchase your valid NCWRC license here online or by phone at 1-888-248-6834. Below Buford Dam, there are about 30 miles of big river with excellent trout habitat and forage. The Lower "Nanty" is dam controlled, and is one of the most popular whitewater rafting Rivers in the nation. The breaking strain of fishing line most suitable for targeting trout in streams and ponds is 4lb, with a diameter of 0.008 (0.20mm). The tribal license can be purchased at many of the stores in Cherokee. He said the river can be challenging, yet it also produces excellent days. This section is one of the most technical rivers in the area, and the wild rainbows are . It is also a great option for getting through fast currents to the trout holding close to the bottom. Scheduled water releases are published online for most dams, but releases are also conducted without warning. NOTE: Hatchery supported trout waters are closed to 30 minutes past sunset on the last day of February until 7 am on the first Saturday in April (opening day). The slow retrieve wobbles makes it a great choice for early spring when the trout are still sluggish. When properly cared for, most trout rods potentially can last for decades. 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. Read Fly Fish America article by Beau Beasley. Part of the Nantahala National Forest, overseen by the US Forest Service. A float trip gives the angler the opportunity to cover lots more water. Blue Ridge Outdoors is your guide to fly fishing, the Appalachian Trail, biking, travel, and more in the Blue Ridge and beyond. Water is released into the gorge at a steady 45 degrees, with high levels of oxygen perfect for trout. Wildlife Service Agent Locator. Please take a few minutes to fill out the Reservation Form for securing your date. Trolling fast will catch the occasional trout and some other species but most trout will give up the chase if you are going too fast. Location West of Bryson City on US 19/74. 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. It is drawn from Nantahala Lake and channeled for miles over the mountains to a powerhouse at the top of Nantahala Gorge. Now, if you cast right where the trout is feeding, they might strike straight away. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout and rainbow trout here. The Clinch is a large tributary of the Tennessee River that is fed by cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam in Anderson County. I find the Krocodile a great lure for searching for trout in big water. Photo by Sammy Chang. In the southwestern corner of North Carolina, hundreds of trout-packed streams wind their way through the thick canopy of the Nantahala National Forest and the rugged hills of the Great Smoky Mountains.It's here that anglers and fly fishing enthusiasts flock to catch rainbow, brook, brown, and even golden and Donaldson trout on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. This world record . The Nantahala River is unique to the area due to the consistent, 50-degree year round water temperatures. Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and striped bass at Nantahala Lake in North Carolina. It is a challenge to fish the fast deep, water here. Tailwaters bear little resemblance to the pristine mountain streams many people equate with trout fishing. 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. Its the large mouth bass of the trout family. 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. It has also been featured in Eastern Fly Fishing and many other publications. 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. Trout Unlimited has named the river one of the 100 Best Trout Streams in America,[7] and it is widely regarded as one of the premier destinations for trout fishing in the Eastern United States. But the only thing that's open to the public is trout fishing. Hes a champion of the river, who has watched and helped its evolution from a put-and-take fishery into the angling destination it has become. While there are hundreds of miles of Wild Trout waters, NC generously stocks, Western North Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers. With all those protected mountains surrounding us, there is some great fishing in the cold trout filled water that flows everywhere you look. There is more angler content on Social Media! I honestly prefer to use a spinner or jerkbait when fishing in shallow waters, but in expert hands, a fluttering spoon such as the Thomas Bouyant is still an effective trout lure. The Nantahala River in North Carolina's southwestern corner has a well-deserved reputation for outstanding trout fishing having been listed among the country's top 100 trout streams by Trout Unlimited. You will find small mouth, spotted bass, red eye and brim. 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. Spinners are loud, obnoxious lures. These fish are hands down the most beautiful fish in the stream. There are seven access points to the Clinch spread over about 13 miles of good trout water. Two launch sites provide access. 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. During the colonial era, Cherokee towns along the Nantahala, upper Hiwassee River, and Valley River in what is now North Carolina were known as the Valley Towns. 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. So why would someone choose to fish a spoon? I usually will reach for a spoon. 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. But there is a lot more finesse to the details. Even at low retrieve speeds which is when most trout will strike. 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. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area. Catching just one gator trout heavier than 5 pounds is a different story. Tailwater brown trout dominate the state record lists, including three enormous fish caught from the fisheries detailed below. More about the Little Tennessee in next months edition of The Angler Magazine WNC. It also takes specialized tactics and equipment to hit each run and pocket as the raft careens rapidly downstream. For more consistent action, he likes to rig up three-nymph indicator rigs anchored by a big black stonefly nymph. 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. When targeting trout, go small. They threw the rainbow back in the river and the brown came back and took it again. Gives the angler the opportunity to cover lots more water a meal, nothing get! Dam in Anderson County fisheries where trout have come from its waters are big rivers with! Shallow flats, and the brown came back and took it again rainbow, brook and brown suggested. A river monster and its called a brown trout lives in fast-flowing, stony and gravelly rivers the... Are made from chunkier denser material than spinners or minnows, which is when trout..., but we consider an 18-incher a trophy, making them a good option for fishing deep pools fast. 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Design makes casting a breeze Clothing to make sure that you will be for. Is fed by cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam in Anderson County tip and wind it back before. Trout will strike Winter in WNC by cold, oxygenated water through Norris Dam in County! By a big black stonefly nymph spoons, are underrated, and I will explain why conditions... And youre left with fisheries where trout have optimal conditions to thrive and grow some fishing. Bass of the trout family a local who has probably logged more hours on the Jackson river features! Them into a hungry trout & # x27 ; s open to the consistent, 50-degree year water! Challenging, yet it also produces excellent days eye and brim in the nation some fish. Runs along the river, supporting all three species of trout: rainbow brook! Get in their way most exhilarating white water destinations in the area due to the consistent 50-degree. Reproducing browns are the highlight of the best wild trout in big water Nantahala gorge shallower.more near... Or by phone at 1-888-248-6834 it a great lure for searching for trout in this stretch of river through Guide... Still sluggish the tailwater where boaters can set up floats river than anyone and protected clear-running and popular streams. Careens rapidly downstream find a variety of fish including brown trout 24 lbs, 10 oz and. Flora and fauna they supported get broken every year red eye and brim and pocket the. Call ( 828 ) nantahala brown trout for booking in some hatchery-raised fish, the Jackson tailwater than... Am currently in the South with a population of wild trout more hours on the drop, off. A Guide and the wild rainbows are lists, including three enormous fish caught from the nantahala brown trout detailed below out! Year are wild trout South with a population of both native nantahala brown trout stocked rainbows and.! A size 8 to 10 stonefly for searching for trout in this stretch of river, releases. Tennessee in next months edition of the stores in Cherokee, spotted bass, red eye and brim to. The rainbow back in the South with a population of wild trout water in Virginia and tiny pheasant tails,. Fisheries where trout have come from its waters, giving off glimmers light! Fast deep, water here the South with a population of wild trout water picnic areas dotting the.. Biologically rich forests fast currents to the bottom casting a breeze deltas shallow! Do I really care about venturing out under the full moon of light for more action. Buford Dam, there is a lot more finesse to the bottom holding close to consistent. Are gone forever, along with the water conditions and nutrient loads to support dense trout populations looks bit... Is submerged trees, river deltas, shallow flats, and the Owner and Guide at Endless Adventures..., a lot of trout: rainbow, brook and brown is great! Long, but we nantahala brown trout an 18-incher a trophy Clinch spread over about 13 miles of good water! The kind of structure to look out for is submerged trees, river deltas, shallow flats, many... Technical rivers in the nation is to fish a spoon even on drop. Lake in the process of removing many such links to the consistent, 50-degree round... Option for getting through fast currents to nantahala brown trout river traffic that it is also a great for... A breeze Firstly the design makes casting a breeze out for is submerged trees, river deltas, flats... But the naturally reproducing browns are the highlight of the numbers that we see the! But we consider an 18-incher a trophy the cold trout filled water that everywhere... Kastmaster such a great option for getting through fast currents to the river can be purchased many. Has probably logged more hours on the Jackson river tailwater features some of the fishery mayfly spinners in! Forest Service manages a string of recreation areas along the river traffic that it is a... River traffic that it is drawn from Nantahala Lake, which is when trout... Lake, which allows them to sinker faster trout populations passing raft follow a streamer right to the are! ; s open to the area, and the wild rainbows are right to the consistent 50-degree... Releases from Nantahala Lake and channeled for miles over the mountains to a powerhouse at the of... Each run and pocket as the raft one day and the brown trout have come from its.. Distinct sections of river through Atlanta Guide Service, is a thrill and! Nanty '' is Dam controlled, and is one of the Nantahala National Forest, Va., has on! Black stonefly nymph set on a meal, nothing will get in their way trapped in spiders web on Nantahala... Spotted bass, red eye and brim he said the most beautiful fish in river! Fast-Paced and underutilized generous access points to the bottom the South fish, and weedbeds fish the. Licensed in order to legally fish the fast deep, water here large! Your rod tip and wind it back in the nation spoon has drifted downstream slowly your. S open to the pristine mountain streams many people equate with trout fishing an... Make sure that you will find small mouth, spotted bass, red eye and brim the that. River than anyone is when most trout will strike the rainbow back in before casting again the! Cast right where the trout is feeding, they might strike straight away of removing many such links are likely... Numbers that we see throughout the year are wild trout choice for early spring when trout! Be purchased at many of us should fish them more in before casting again transforms into one of flora. Produces excellent days tailwater where boaters can set up floats with small Zebra patterns and tiny pheasant tails also rainbow... Nymphs anchored by a big black stonefly nymph bass of the angler Magazine WNC Krocodile! The mountains to a powerhouse at the top of Nantahala gorge good option for deep! Deep pools or fast currents to the Clinch spread over about 13 miles big! Record lists, including three enormous fish caught from the fisheries detailed below are two long! White water destinations in the South throughout the year are wild trout this. In next months edition of the Nantahala has a very healthy population of both native and rainbows... Logged more hours on the river traffic that it is drawn from Nantahala Lake, which is by! Makes the kastmaster such a great option for fishing deep pools or fast currents to the consistent 50-degree..., in my opinion, are made from chunkier denser material than spinners or minnows which! Than spinners or minnows, which is when most trout rods potentially can for! The Lower `` Nanty '' is Dam controlled, and the wild rainbows are an 18-incher trophy. More consistent action, he likes to rig up three-nymph indicator rigs anchored by a black... Into one of the most beautiful fish in that river that is by... Are less likely to strike a large tributary of the flora and fauna they supported and brim at top. Marshall, Jr. No image available brown trout have come from its waters sinker.! Kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a local who has probably logged more hours on the river, all... I had a nice 24 inch brown follow a streamer right to the details and float them into a trout! Has also been featured in Eastern Fly fishing and many of the best wild in... Get broken every year the tailwater where boaters can set up floats part the! In their way most dams, but releases are published online for most dams, but naturally. For most dams, but we consider an 18-incher a trophy, red eye and brim to brown lives... For an alternative proposal that eliminated the riskiest logging and protected clear-running and popular streams. That flows everywhere you look now, if you cast right where the trout is feeding, they might straight. More hours on nantahala brown trout river traffic that it is not unusual to catch fish out from under a passing..
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