1. The Davidson River
The Davidson River, located in the Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, NC is one of the most popular fly fishing destinations in the state. And if you got there for yourself, you’ll quickly discover why.
The beautiful freestone stream’s crystal clear waters are full of feisty rainbow and brook trout, with the occasional lunker brown hiding under cover. Fly fishermen will spend all day bringing in 12-14 inch fish, only to be blindsided with a 20-inch buck nasty brown trout.
Where to Fly Fish on The Davidson River:
But the river is quite large, with miles and miles of river holding trout, so sometimes people are paralyzed with opportunity. You’re not gonna let that happen to you.
Below the Pisgah Fish Hatchery is a section of the river referred to by locals as the Big D. It is not stocked with fish, but nutrients and oxygenated water escape the hatchery producing a significant population of large fish in the area. Follow the stream below the hatchery by staying on National Forest Rd. 475, and fish at any pull-off that isn’t occupied.
If you decide to fish on the Davidson but don’t want to figure it out for yourself, there are plenty of guides in the area that will take you out. I highly recommend this, as many shops also have access to private water that will let you get away from the crows.
Recommended Flies for The Davidson River:
The Davidson River gets fished hard, but if you choose the right gear, flies, and tactics, you’ll slay these picky fish. Fish 6x or 7x tippet, 9.5-foot leaders, and high stick as much as you can. Effective flies include:
Red, olive, and cream midges size 20-28. The smaller, the better, usually.
Tan San Juan worms and glo bugs can work as good attractor flies.
If the water is dirty, strip zonkers, buggers, and other small streamer patterns slowly and with a lot of action.
2. Raven Fork
North Carolina is home to the Cherokee Indian Tribe, which owns several large reservations in the state. One of which contains the famous Raven Fork- one of the best places in the state to catch trophy trout.
To fish in this area you will need to purchase a tribal permit, which can be found easily online. This investment will easily be worth the price, and if you decide to fish here you won’t even need a North Carolina Fishing license.
Where to Fish on the Raven Fork
From where the Blue Ridge parkway crosses the Raven Fork and north, there is a 2.2-mile long stretch of specially designated trophy water. This area is catch and release and fly fishing only, making the fish both eager to eat as well as significantly larger than other areas in the state. Seeing 20-inch fish here is common- it’s the 30-incheres that get the people excited.
In fact, the state record brook trout was caught on the Raven Fork. It weighed over 7 pounds- talk about a football!
Recommended Flies for Raven Fork:
Zebra and blood midges size 20-28
San Juan worms and other flies with natural movement
In the summer months, throw hoppers, ants, beetles, and other terrestrial patterns.
3. The Oconaluftee River
Another River located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation is the Oconaluftee. This river is stocked TWICE A WEEK with rainbow, brown, brook, and palomino trout. The Cherokee Indians take great pride in managing their natural resources, and the Oconaluftee’s excellence as a fishery demonstrates that fact.
This water holds some of the biggest trout in the state, with rainbows approaching 30 inches, and browns surpassing that mark. Fish in the Oconaluftee River average nearly 20 inches.
Where To Fish on the Oconaluftee River
The Oconaluftee doesn’t get as much fishing pressure compared to other trout streams in the area. Luckily for you, that means there’s an abundance of productive fishing spots. They stock over 300,000 fish per year.
Park in the pullouts located off Highway 441, and work your way upstream. Hit any hole you think might hold fish, and every hole you don’t think will hit twice. There are trophies to be found.
Recommended Flies for the Oconaluftee River:
BWOs are the most consistent hatch on the Oconaluftee. Fish size 14 dries, with an emerger beneath.
Midges, stoneflies, and caddis are plentiful, especially during the summer.
4. Lake Fontana
Lake Fontana changes the pace a little bit, compared to the three destinations we just discussed. It’s a 10,000-acre lake with over 400 miles of shoreline, making it a much larger fishery. And the fishing here is some of the best in the state.
The lake holds warm water species such as large and smallmouth bass, as well as walleye, lake trout, and even Muskeye. Now that would be a surprising catch in the South.
To truly experience Fontana, you’ll probably need access to a boat. But shore fishing can still be productive. And while you’re working your way around the lake, hit the small feeder streams for some more trout action.
5. The Watauga River
The Watauga River is the perfect fly fishing spot for groups of fly fishermen of different skill levels. The beginners will enjoy the large river with plenty of room for casting, and the eager, plentiful fish. More experienced fly fishermen will find the Watauga to also contain its share of more difficult water, as well as larger, more educated fish.
One of the best parts of the Watauga, though, is the easy access. Fishermen can easily get to the river from Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga River Gorge Access area. And the nearby town of Banner Elk is used to catering for trout enthusiasts.
Fishing the Watauga River will have you thinking you’re fishing in the Rockies, not the Smokies. The river is large and deep enough to fish effectively from a drift boat, but shallow enough to wade.
When you’re done fishing the Watauga, head on over to the nearby town of Boone and enjoy one of the most adventure-friendly towns in the country. Sip craft beer, lie about fishing, and enjoy yourself- you’re on vacation.