Understanding the influence fishing regulations, percipitation, photo period, and the weather has on fishing will help you increase your odds of catching fish. We have compiled our experiences for our rivers into the guide below. Read about when to fish your favorite river and be sure to take a look at our hatch chart as well.
Davidson River, North Carolina
The Davidson River lies in the Pisgah National Forest. Because of its relatively low elevation, the Davidson River does not experience the colder temperatures that are seen in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. As shown above, the Davidson fishes best during the Spring and Fall. Fishing in the Winter leaves anglers vulnerable to low water temperatures and reduced fish feeding activity. Because of the low water conditions and warmer water temperatures in the Summer, the Davidson River becomes a more difficult area to fish. We also advise anglers fishing the Davidson River in the Summer to restrain from exhausting fish while landing them and take extra care to ensure their safety when reviving them. The Davidson River is an excellent place to fish during the right seasons and boasts some of the largest fish in our local area. For this reason, the Davidson River has been on the Trout Unlimited Top 100 Stream of America for several years and is a favorite for many of our guests.
French Broad River, North Carolina
The French Broad River begins in Translyvania County, North Carolina and flows north through Downtown Asheville before exiting the state near Hot Springs, North Carolina . Because of the river's low elevation, the French Broad river experiences more moderate winter temperatures than some of the other rivers mentioned. As shown above, the French Broad River fishes best from late Spring to early Fall. Due to water temperatures, the French Broad river is consistent during these time periods and can be quite finicky from the late Fall to early Spring. Smallmouth bass tend to feed more aggressively when water temperatures are warmer and feed less aggressively when water temperatures are colder.
Tuckaseegee River, North Carolina
The Tuckaseegee River fishes best near Sylva and Webster, North Carolina. Because of its moderate elevation, the Tuckaseegee River experiences more moderate winter temperatures than some of the other rivers mentioned. However, the Tuckaseegee River is less susceptible to temperature fluctuation as this river is a tailwater with its flow controlled by a hydroelectric dam upstream. As shown above, the Tuckaseegee River fishes best in the Fall and Spring. The specific dates for best fishing are October 1st to the first Saturday in June. This is due to the Delayed Harvest regulations that the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has set for this river.
Click here for more information on Delayed Harvest regulations.
South Holston River, East Tennessee
The South Holston River lies near Bluff City,Tennessee. Because of its moderate elevation, the South Holston River experiences more moderate winter temperatures than some of the other rivers mentioned. However, the South Holston River is also less susceptible to temperature fluctuation as this river is a tailwater with its flow controlled by a hydroelectric dam upstream. As shown above, the South Holston River fishes best from late Spring to late Fall. This river is well-known for its larger fish and difficult fishing conditions. Understanding the insects of this river as well as having the ability to present casts at distances up to 60 feet are keys to success on the best tailwater on the East Coast.
Watauga River, East Tennessee
The Watauga River lies near of Elizabethton, Tennessee. Because of its moderate elevation, the Watauga River experiences more moderate colder winter temperatures than some of the other rivers mentioned. However, the Watauga River is also less susceptible to temperature fluctuation as this river is a tailwater with its flow controlled by a hydroelectric dam upstream. As shown above, the Watauga River fishes best from late Spring to late Fall. This river is well-known for its high fish density and prolific Spring caddis hatches. This river is best fished from a boat as there is very limited public access areas, especially near the trophy section regulated by the State of Tennessee.