Nantahala River Trout Fishing

In this article I will discuss trout fishing in the Nantahala River. This is a gorgeous trout streams. It has been named one of the top 100 streams in the United States! It flows south to north and lies 45 minutes or so west of Franklin, North Carolina. There is a windy mountain road (Wayah Rd) that is a bit shorter than going around to the north off of 76

The Nantahala River runs through a gorge. The scenery is spectacular! This is classic “pocket water” and is a pretty easy river to fish, In many spots, anglers can fish while keeping their feet dry, no waders needed. However, getting wet will increase the odds and it is a pretty easy river to wade.

This article will focus mostly on the locations and regulation on the Nantahala River. Anglers can read a detailed article I wrote on trout fishing in Franklin North Carolina to get more detailed information on trout fishing techniques.

Trout fishing in the Nantahala River

There are several sections of the Nantahala River. In the very upper reaches, it is a classic mountain stream. This area is not stocked and the trout are all wild. This is a place for shorter, lighter rods and fine tippets. Also, there is not a ton of public access. The best spot is Standing Indian campground. Stay away from the private water atRainbow Springs, they do not fool around.

The river is dammed to form Nantahala Lake. Below the lake there are several section, and it can be a tad confusing. Instead of a classic tailwater, there is a pipe that runs from the dam 5 miles or so to a pumping station. The water between the dam and pumping station is referred to as the “upper Nantahala”, though it really is in the middle.

This section is broken down into 2 areas, delayed harvest and hatchery supported. The stretch between the dam and White Oak Creek is hatchery supported. Anglers can use any lure, fly, and even bait and may keep a few fish. Anglers can fish every month except March, which is when they stock. This section of the Nantahala River is very accessible from Old River Road, which is a nice dirt road between Junaluska Road and Wayah Rd. Tharer are a ton of easy access pulloffs.

From White Oak Creek to the pumping station is designated “delayed harvest”. This stretch is heavily stocked in the fall. Anglers can only fish single hook lure sand fly, no bait, from Oct 1 to the first Saturday in June. It is catch and release. After that first Saturday in June, anglers can keep fish and use any legal tactic. While this gets a lot of pressure, especially on the weekends, there are a lot of places to park and fish.

The water below the pumping station is whitewater when they are pumping. It gets a LOT of recreational traffic in the warmer months. Wading can be dangerous. However, some big fish live here. It is designated hatchery supported. There are a couple of outfitters that are permitted to run float trips. This is both exciting and productive.

Nantahala River trout fishing tackle and techniques

Tackle requirements for trout fishing in the Nantahala are pretty basic. Both fly and spin tackle works well, depending on angler preference.

Fly fishing tackle and flies

I use a 9′ 4wt outfit for most of my fly fishing in the Nantahala River. Anglers can certainly go up or down in size if desired. There is plenty of room for back casts in most spots, so no need for a shorter rod. I use a 9′ 5x leader, but will go to a 6x if needed when the water is low and clear.

Fly selection can run the gamut. Since most of the fish are stocked, they really are not as fussy. Attractor flies such as mop flies, egg patterns, and squirmy worms will work. Pat’s rubber leg and most ant black nymph are also productive. I like to fish them 3′ below a small strike indicator. A #10 black wooly bugger is a great all round choice. Dry fly patterns include coachmans, yellow Sally, and many other patterns. Best to check with a local shop to see what is hatching. The fellas at Fish Tales Outfitters in downtown Franklin are a terrific resource!

Spin fishing tackle and lures

I use a 5′ 5″ ultralight spinning rod, matching reel, spooled up with 4 pound flourocarbon line. Anglers can purchase a quality outfit for $75, no need to spend a ton of money. If the water is very clear I may use a 4′ leader of 2 lb test, though that leaves little margin for error.

I use a Rooster Tail spinner the vast majority of the time. Black with a gold blade is my top choice, followed by rainbow trout with a gold blade. If these don’t produce, I will try white with a silver blade. They are available in a single hook version., great for catch and release in the delayed harvest sections. I will also drift a Trout Magnet under a small float. This is a good tactic for novice anglers. There are many prepared and live baits that work fished on a #8 hook under a float, I just do not fish this way very often.

Tactics and techniques for fishing in the Nantahala River

One of the things that I like best about fishing the Nantahala River is that reading the water is really pretty easy. It is easy to identify the pools and runs. As I mentioned earlier, this is classic pocket water with nice pools between the riffles and rapids. Anglers should fish both the slower pools and faster water to determine a pattern. Heads and tails of pools are prime spots.

I generally like to fish across and downstream. This is true with both lures and flies. When fly fishing, mending the line is important to get a natural drift. With a spinner, a slow steady retrieve usually produces best. Often times the take occurs as the fly or lure swings on a tight line at the end of the drift.

In conclusion, this article on Nantahala River trout fishing will help anglers catch more trout when fishing this gorgeous stream!