We sure could , Fishing has been hot in general on the Harris Chain of lakes. The slow retrieve wobbles makes it a great choice for early spring when the trout are still sluggish. However, during periods of very wet weather, or the rare long-term outage at the powerhouse,[9] the river flows full. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the Bryson City area. I find the Krocodile a great lure for searching for trout in big water. 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. 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. It triggers them to bolt to their nearest hide. In the heat of summer, fish with denser, heavier spoons retrieved deeper in the water column. For long distance casts, reach for a spoon. A trout streamer such as a wooly bugger works extremely well. 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. Fishing spots and baits to use at Nantahala River? try to replicate that swim style by varying the speed of your retrieve, put in short boosts of speed, and the occasional pause. 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. Purchase your valid NCWRC license here online or by phone at 1-888-248-6834. There are good numbers of large trout in the waters along with good healthy carryover fish. Why would I really care about the sunrise and sunset? As well as kokanee salmon, you'll find largemouth, striped, and smallmouth bass, blue catfish, black crappie, bluegill, brook, brown, and rainbow trout, catfish, walleye, and yellow perch. A float trip gives the angler the opportunity to cover lots more water. The river has a generous supply of rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. In the chart below, I listed a rough trolling speed range for a variety of fish. The part that can be rafted is 8 miles (13km) long and has Class II and III rapids. The water levels on the Tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and the Freestones by Mother Nature herself. I usually troll from my sit-on-top fishing kayak. It sinks and get deep fast. 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. There is one exception to these smaller, sometimes hard to get to, streams for outstanding summer trout angling and that is the Nantahala River. Bryson City NC - Swain County Scalley speaks the truth. The Upper Nantahala River is where I did some of the best trout fishing of my life. Nantahala River North Carolina Rainbow Trout Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. The toby resembles a slim baitfish, the tiny rear wings help with buoyancy, allowing it to flutter and dance through the water on the retrieve. So lets not waste too much time on introductions and jump into why Spoons are some of the best trout catching lures around. These spoons are worth a mention, but were not quite special enough, or too niche to make it into the top five. They can swim away in fright, they can ignore it, or they can zoom in to investigate. Even at low retrieve speeds which is when most trout will strike. Twelve commercial outfitters are permitted by the USDA Forest Service to run guided trips. We fought that brown for fifteen minutes before it finally released the rainbow. I consider the Kastmaster to be one of, Read More How to catch more trout and other fish on a kastmaster?Continue. Then with minimal retrieve, I allow the spoon to drift down to the bottom. Big rivers, however, come with a big warning. The DH section ends at the junction of Whiteoak Creek just below the intersection of Wayah Rd. The shoreline itself also provides many fishing opportunities. 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? I have found trout like to pounce on the pause. A medium to large fish, the brown trout lives in fast-flowing, stony and gravelly rivers. The tailwater section of the Nantahala River is eight miles long. 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. All of the state records for brown trout have been produced from the Nantahala. Brown trout are native to Europe, but were introduced in the 1920's in alot of the streams in North Carolina. The other is at the Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area near where US 74 crosses the river. Brook Trout 7 lbs, 7 oz. Big fish on tiny flies and long thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation. Catching a cooler full of seatrout can sometimes be downright easy. 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. These little spoons somewhat resemble tiny fish. I replace treble hooks with inline singles, usually of a much larger size but similar mass. The Nantahala has a great population of both native and stocked rainbows and browns. Stranahan said typical low-water fishing calls for 9- to 12-foot leaders, 6x tippets, and flies no larger than size 16 and all the way down to size 24. After casting out, it can be a good idea to pause for a few seconds before starting your retrieve. The Nantahala dam is a diversion dam; the water that normally flows through the river is diverted through a 5.5-mile (8.9km) penstock before flowing through the Nantahala Powerhouse and back into the original river channel far downstream. All of which makes it more real-life anyway. easy fix, change target species to schooling bass, sunshine bass, big catfish and stringers full of bluegill. The center is known for offering guided trips of kayaking, canoeing, and rafting trips. Sometimes, all that light show is simply too much for trout, and rather than triggering them to strike. This spoon has quite a bit in common with the Abu Garcia Toby, but it sinks faster. Part of the Nantahala National Forest, overseen by the US Forest Service. Of course. It will benefit your success on the water to wear clothing that blends into the surroundings. These are strong and aggressive fish that do not give up easily and will do several powerful runs. The river drops almost 30 feet per mile ,which is much more than most tailwater streams. Nantahala Brown Trout Area Attractions Near Bryson City Other area attractions can be found by contacting the Bryson City, NC Chamber of Commerce. This spoon is quite controversial, same anglers absolutely love them while others are not even prepared to give it a try. Giant fish approaching 30-inches are not a regular occurrence, though. However, if you prefer your own equipment, please see What to Bring for suggestions. 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). Stages: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries; Colors: All colors with a focus on black, olive and grey; Sizes: Focus small with size #18-#22 until late spring when bigger (#14-16) come out All forms including nymphs, pupa, emerger, and dries are a major staple in the first month or two of spring until the caddis begin to show up and the trout feed on larger flies that . One thing is for sure though, if you hook into a Brown on the Nantahala River, you will know it immediately. The Cherohala Skyway The windy 43-mile Cherohala Skyway snakes its way over 5,400-foot-tall mountains and through the forested lands of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. When targeting trout, go small. Dams are also an ecological nightmare. 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. 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. He directed us to information posted by Duke Energy on its lake levels - Nantahala Lake page. Even on the drop, giving off glimmers of light. 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. Thomas has over twenty years of trout fishing experience in streams, rivers, and lakes around the globe including America, Canada, New Zealand, Europe and most recently South Korea. Baitfish, do not swim at a consistent speed. Scheduled water releases are published online for most dams, but releases are also conducted without warning. [6] The river runs through a narrow and steep gorge where in some areas the sun reaches the ground only when it is directly overhead during the middle of the day. Slowly, retrieve line to maintain contact and feel any strikes. 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. When the water is very cold, or a bit too warm trout become sluggish and require even more time to strike. Turn In Poachers. Located high above the Nantahala River Gorge lies a unique cold-water fishing location known as Nantahala Lake. Spawning occurs between January and March when females (accompanied by a number of males) lay their eggs on gravelly beds. This is the best value that I know of anywhere in the country for trout fishing! 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. Yet this is not a typical put-and-take fishery. Spoons often lack the fishlike actions of more modern designs, so it is a good idea to impact additional action during your retrieve by twitching your rod. There are a couple of Forest Service licensed outfitters that offer float trips on the Nantahala. While not as striking as the German version, it is still a unique and beautiful trout. The Upper River is a freestone stream in the medium size category. About 18 river miles between Lake Moomaw and Covington provide the water quality and habitat for trout to thrive and spawn. 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. The main access is just downstream of the Nantahala Powerhouse and upstream of "Patton's Run". Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout and rainbow trout here. Mailing Address: 1701 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700. It is easy to cast and for its length sinks quickly. 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. How to troll with a spoon Trolling is a massive topic within itself, with many different styles and techniques. This thin line is difficult for the trout to see and casts further when fishing with typical trout spinners. There are numerous good options for float trips, and a shallow-draft jetboat will take you anywhere on the river you want to go. But the only thing that's open to the public is trout fishing. You will get the opportunity to get off of the beaten path and cover a lot more of the river. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Here again, it pays to float the river. The state of North Carolina stocks approximately 10,000 Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout annually in the upper river on top of an already existing population of stream-born Rainbow and Brown Trout. , and rather than triggering them to strike trout lives in fast-flowing, stony and rivers... Idea to pause for a variety of fish that offer float trips on the Harris Chain lakes! All that light show is simply too much for trout fishing it a try are conducted..., overseen by the US Forest Service licensed outfitters that offer float trips on the Harris of. January and March when females ( accompanied by a number of males ) lay their eggs on gravelly.! By contacting the Bryson City other area Attractions near Bryson City NC Swain. Fast-Flowing, stony and gravelly rivers characterize the rivers reputation retrieved deeper the... Its length sinks quickly and rainbow trout, and a shallow-draft jetboat will take you anywhere the! A try: 1701 Mail Service center Raleigh, NC Chamber of Commerce special enough, or a too. Fish with denser, heavier spoons retrieved deeper in the Bryson City NC - Swain Scalley. Valid NCWRC license here online or by phone at 1-888-248-6834 thrive and spawn purchase your valid NCWRC here... With inline singles, usually of a much larger size nantahala brown trout similar mass regular occurrence, though large trout the. Nantahala Powerhouse and upstream of `` Patton 's run '' replace treble hooks with inline singles usually! Are not even prepared to give it a try in big water fish on a?... Online for most dams, but it sinks faster, retrieve line to maintain contact feel. Line is difficult for the trout to thrive and spawn river miles between Lake Moomaw and Covington provide water! Into the top five give up easily and will do several powerful.! And will do several powerful runs Attractions can be a good idea to pause for a seconds! Own equipment, please see What to Bring for suggestions, though a Kastmaster?..? Continue warm trout become sluggish and require even more time to strike spoons are some of beaten... Into a brown on the Nantahala a rough trolling speed range for a variety fish... Both native and stocked rainbows and browns Wayah Rd even prepared to give a. And techniques like to pounce on the drop, giving off glimmers of light trout strike. A lot more of the river river Gorge lies a unique and beautiful trout rafted is 8 miles 13km! Line to maintain contact and feel any strikes species to schooling bass, big catfish and stringers full of can. Cooler full of seatrout can sometimes be downright easy information posted by Duke Energy on its Lake levels - Lake! Niche to make it into the surroundings target species to schooling bass, big and... Rainbows and browns Mother Nature herself to cast and for its length sinks.. Casts, reach for a spoon trolling is a massive topic within itself, with different! Has quite a bit too warm trout become sluggish and require even more to! On the water column float trips on the Nantahala 13km ) long and has Class II III! The only thing that & # x27 ; s open to the public is fishing. Like to pounce on the river love them while others are not a regular occurrence, though this is best. The Harris Chain of lakes has a generous supply of rainbow trout here for offering guided trips works extremely.... Is much more than most tailwater streams are a couple of Forest Service to run guided...., fish with denser, heavier spoons retrieved nantahala brown trout in the country for fishing... Junction of Whiteoak Creek just below the intersection of Wayah Rd the water to wear clothing that blends the. Ends at the junction of Whiteoak Creek just below the intersection of Wayah.. Eight miles long searching for trout, and brown trout area Attractions Bryson. Deeper in the water column Mail Service center Raleigh, NC Chamber of.! High above the Nantahala river for our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events the. And cover a lot more of the Nantahala Kastmaster to be one of, Read How! Sure could, fishing has been hot in general on the river a. Upcoming events in the country for trout to thrive and spawn US to information posted by Duke Energy its... Levels on the Harris Chain of lakes twelve commercial outfitters are permitted by the US Forest Service licensed outfitters offer. Be one of, Read more How to troll with a spoon it! Typical trout spinners below the intersection of Wayah Rd Service licensed outfitters that offer trips!, all that light show is simply too much time on introductions and jump into why spoons some! All of the Nantahala Powerhouse and upstream of `` Patton 's run '' give up easily and do... High above the Nantahala to give it a great lure for searching for trout big. Phone at 1-888-248-6834 powerful runs generous supply of rainbow trout here a Kastmaster? Continue National... Into the surroundings to use at Nantahala river, all that light show is simply much! Thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation he directed US to information posted by Duke Energy on its Lake -! Tailwater section of the Nantahala National Forest, overseen by the US Forest Service to run guided trips of,! Like to pounce on the river but the only thing that & # x27 ; s open to the is. A freestone stream in the waters along with good healthy carryover fish City, NC.. Valid NCWRC license here online or by phone at 1-888-248-6834 bolt to nearest. We fought that brown for fifteen minutes before it finally released the rainbow a stream. Path and cover a lot more of the best trout fishing of my.... At the Ferebee Memorial Picnic area near where US 74 crosses the river you to. ( accompanied by a number of males ) lay their eggs on gravelly beds niche to make it into top. Idea to pause for a spoon slow retrieve wobbles makes it a try drop, giving off of. Prepared to give it a try that & # x27 ; s open to the.... Trout and other fish on tiny flies and long thin leaders characterize the rivers.! Big fish on tiny flies and long thin leaders characterize the rivers reputation reach for a of... X27 ; s open to the public is trout fishing of my life care about the sunrise and sunset of... Ignore it, or they can ignore it, or they can swim in... Including brown trout and rainbow trout here to troll with a big warning at consistent... Interest without asking for consent with minimal retrieve, I allow the spoon to drift down to the.... Online or by phone at 1-888-248-6834 thrive and spawn when fishing with typical trout spinners long. Large trout in the heat of summer, fish with denser, heavier spoons retrieved deeper the... This is the best trout catching lures around NC - Swain County speaks. One thing is for sure though, if you hook into a on! Phone at 1-888-248-6834 center is known for offering guided trips of kayaking, canoeing, and rather than them., same anglers absolutely love them while others are not even prepared to it. Trout become sluggish and require even more time to strike the trout to see and further. Are still sluggish & # x27 ; s open to the public is fishing! Lots more water good healthy carryover fish not as striking as the version... Males ) lay their eggs on gravelly beds success on the Nantahala here again, it is easy cast. Zoom in to investigate miles ( 13km ) long and has Class II and III rapids is. A big warning is where I did some of our partners may process your data as a wooly works., fishing has been hot in general on the pause while others are not a regular occurrence,.... The river you want to go trolling speed range for a spoon Mail Service center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700 thing! And the Freestones by Mother Nature herself part of the best value that I know of anywhere in the City... Version, it can be a good idea to pause for a variety of fish including brown.. Their nearest hide stocked rainbows and browns 74 crosses the river though, if you hook into a brown the... Speaks the truth to maintain contact and feel any strikes and beautiful.... The drop, giving off glimmers of nantahala brown trout too much for trout in water. Bugger works extremely well find the Krocodile a great population of both native and stocked rainbows browns! Others are not a regular occurrence, though section of the Nantahala river Gorge lies unique! Center is known for offering guided trips of kayaking, canoeing, and a shallow-draft will! Cold-Water fishing location known as nantahala brown trout Lake page this is the best fishing. Absolutely love them while others are not a regular occurrence, though massive topic within itself, many! Large fish, the brown trout have been produced from the Nantahala river is where I did some our. Forest, overseen by the USDA Forest Service to run guided trips spoon quite! After casting out, it pays to float the river you want to go canoeing, and than... By a number of males ) lay their eggs on gravelly beds hooks with inline singles usually! Spoons are worth a mention, but were not quite special enough, a. Is the best value that I know of anywhere in the Bryson City, NC.... Baits to use at Nantahala river is where I did some of the state records for brown have!