Fishing for largemouth bass in western North Carolina

In this article I will cover fishing for largemouth bass in western North Carolina rivers. Most anglers associate these mountain streams with trout and smallmouth bass, and rightfully so. However, most of the best smallmouth rivers have populations of largemouth bass as well. These bass are often times overlooked by anglers. Yes, some are caught accidently by those targeting smallmouth. However, a few subtle changes in tactics can result in more largemouth bass being caught.

The main thing to keep in mind when chasing largemouth bass in western North Carolina rivers is that smallmouth prefer more current while largemouth like slower moving water. That is the primary consideration. Therefore, concentrating on those areas will be the most productive, These include large, slower pools, the outside bends in the river, sloughs and backwaters, and areas where the river flattens out and slows down.

Another main point to keep in mind when fishing for largemouth bass in these waters is to downsize baits and tackle. Most of the fish will be of modest size, averaging a pound or so. The water is also often quite clear. That being the case, light spinning tackle is often the best choice. The same lures that produce in larger lakes do well, again just in smaller sizes. The same goes for anglers fly fishing for largemouth bass in western North Carolina rivers; lighter is better.

Largemouth bass fishing in western NC rivers

As is true with most fishing, identifying the best spots to concentrate on is the first step. One of the reasons that I enjoy river fishing is that the holding spots are obvious compared to larger lakes. The river condenses the fish into likely spots. Very seldom will bass be found in the faster riffle sections.

Most fish are structure oriented, none more so than largemouth bass. They love cover! It is unusual to find them in open water in rivers. Downed trees are the primary cover in rivers, along with rocks and boulders. If aquatic vegetation is present, bass will certainly relate to that as well. Also, these same spots will attract the forage that largemouth bass feed on. This includes bream, crayfish, minnows, and more.

Best tackle for fishing western North Carolina rivers

The best choice for fishing for bass in these smaller rivers in light spinning tackle. I like a 7 foot light rod with a fast action. This means that the tip is limber but quickly stiffens up. This allows anglers a sensitive tip for casting and feeling bites with the power to land a nice fish. I pair it with a 1000 series reel loaded up with 10 lb braided line or 8 lb monfilament line. A quality combo can be purchased for less than $100.

Top lures

Lure selection for river fishing does not need to be complicated; a handful of proven baits will get the job done. I love fishing topwater lures when it is warmer. My personal favorite is the smaller Whopper Plopper in white. It casts well and is reeled in slow and steady, calling bass up to it. The Heddon Torpedo is my second choice.

If I had to pick one lure for fishing western North Carolina rivers it would be the 08 Rapala X-Rap Extreme Action Slashbait, basically a jerkbait. Olive and white are my preferred colors. The lure is cast out and retrieved back using a series of jerks. Small spinnerbaits work well in rivers. I like the humble Beetle spin, but any quality spinnerbait will be fine in the 1/4 ounce size. The Booyah Pond Magic spinnerbait is a good example. Steady retrieves work best.

Finally, soft plastic baits are very productive. My only issue is dealing with snags. These lures will hang up more often as they are dragged across the bottom. However, they are deadly effective and will often be the only bait the bass will take. I like the 5″ white Zoom fluke and the 5: green Pumpkin Senko. I fish them weightless, Texas rigged most of the time. I will use the Senko on a Ned Rig head.

Fly fishing for NC river bass

Anglers who enjoy fly fishing can certainly get in on the action as well. I use a 5wt rod with a floating line and a 9′ tapered leader going down to 12 pounds. This is a great rig for smaller bass and inevitably smallmouth will take the fly as well. I usually fish poppers and deer hair bugs. I will cast a black wooly bugger or chartreuse Clouser Minnow if they won’t take on top. Again, keep fly selection simple.

It is important to keep in mind the current when fly fishing. It is best to present the fly across or downstream, otherwise there will be a big bow in the line resulting in an unnatural presentation.

Best Rivers for largemouth bass fishing in western North Carolina

The list of top rivers will be very familiar to anglers who target smallmouth bass. Almost every one of them holds a population of largemouth bass as well. Here are the top largemouth bass rivers;