Fishing By Season

nc smokies

FALL

Nantahala River
The Nantahala River has two different sections for trout fishing.

The Upper Nantahala has 4 miles of great wade fishing water. It is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries Department. Starting October 1, it is a “Delayed Harvest” stream. That means single hook artificial, catch and release only fishing. Water conditions on the Upper Nantahala are almost always good. Check with the local fly shops to see what flies are working best.

The main stem of the Nantahala is considered to be one of the best tailwater streams in the Southeast. The river can be wade fished early in the morning and late afternoon, before and after the power generation releases. Be aware that the river can come up quickly. It is not a good place to get caught mid-stream with waders full of water. Water temperature varies from 60 degrees with the water off to 50 degrees during releases.

The best way to fish the river with the water on is to do a float trip. Fishing it with the water on is a real treat. There are lots of rainbow trout to be caught and also the occasional monster brown trout. The state record brown trout has come out of the Nantahala two times. Last year a potential state record brown trout was caught and released. In order to register for a state record fish you have to kill it. Most guides will discourage this and release fish back into the stream.

Spin fishermen usually do well with small spinners and bubbles with a variety of flies attached to their lines. If you plan to fly fish, try small nymphs and dry flies. Casting wooly buggers and streamers is a great way to catch big brown tout.

Little Tennessee River
The Little Tennessee is considered to be one of the best smallmouth streams in the southeast. There is an abundance of fall smallmouth bass, brim and redeye bass in the Little T. Make sure the water in the river is clear before you go. If you are spin fishing, you will do well with small rapalas and crayfish imitations. If you are using a fly rod, the most fun can be had with poppers and streamers.

The Little Tennessee can be waded or fished from a raft. This is a beautiful river with some sections that are quite remote. Be aware that after the beginning of October the smallmouth fishing on the Little T will drop off substantially.  

Be careful! Do not use waders on the Little Tennessee. The water is warm enough that you won’t need them. Wear a good pair of wading boots to protect your feet and avoid slipping or falling. It is very easy to step in over your head. Always wear a life jacket while wet wading the Little Tennessee.