nantahala lake fishing tips

Top 10 Boat Names List, Now that recreational boating is coming to a close in much of the country, BoatUS takes a look back at the Top 10 boat names ordered this season through its online boat graphics service and provides some commentary. Conclusion: These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. https://diyflyfishing.com/nantahala-river-north-carolina/ For salmon fishing, your best bet is head out in a boat and troll. Wayah Crest Trailhead Loop via National Forest Road and Wayah Road DIFFICULT 37.0 mi Access is via Wayah Road. Access this launch area via Big Choga Road. For some anglers, standalone in-line spinners are tops among the best salmon lures for river fishing Winged, The profile of this lure paired with the stamped scale pattern and fins creates a 3-D illusion that. Fishing is also popular - largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, salmon, catfish and many different species of pan fish are found here. It is one of the states largest lakes and has a wide variety of fish species to offer anglers. Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Trout Stamp $10 Also known as: Lake Nantahala. With its crystal clear waters and abundance of structure, this lake provides some great opportunities for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish species all year round! Be sure to check with the North Carolina fishing regulations before you plan a trip. With 42 miles of shoreline, the lake offers recreational opportunities at Nantahala that include swimming, boating, skiing, and many other activities. Nantahala Lake Rocky Branch Access Area Bartram Trail - Named after the naturalist, William Bartram, this trail follows his nearly 4-mile route during his visit from 1773 through 1777 as he explored the area. Fish for Southern Salmon on Beautiful Nantahala Lake. Resident Licenses I have marked large bait balls in the lake. This 1,600-acre lake in the south eastern section of the state, has a wide range of fish species to pursue. Before the first Saturday of June it is a Delayed Harvest stream. The place is famous for its native large populations of trout as well as it is stocked each year. No matter which way youre leaning, this DIY guide will help you plan the perfect fly fishing trip to the Nantahala River. Short Term 10 Day $7 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. North Carolina Dept. The Nantahala River has two different sections for trout fishing. A Dam-controlled River Nantahala Dam was completed in 1942 creating a reservoir that was critical to the success of defense projects for World War II. There is an unpaved service road, Forest Road 67, which follows the stream for about six miles from Mooney Falls. This time of year, the surface temps are still warm so I would suggest fishing early and late. Enjoy eight miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups. Two boat ramps provide access to the lake as does a fishing pier near the dam. Most residents are friendly, but still dont like unannounced guests on their property, after all. Photos by Tim Ramey. First on the list of our fishing tips is to start by gathering a rod and reel that is easy enough to stow in your vehicle and a backpack to carry your lures and tools in. Trout can be found near shoreline structure such as rocks and undercut banks using live bait or spinners. Nantahala Lake Macon - North Carolina. Wayah Bald Here are some of our favorite hiking trails: Rainbow Falls - Hike the 150 ft. Rainbow Falls located in North Carolina's Gorges State Park. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Dale is a retired Park Ranger, and worked for 13 years for the National Park Service in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a certified boating instructor and a Wildlife Technician. The seasonal availability changes depending on which area of the river youre in, but most offer year-round access or only close for a month or two out of the year. 1-Oct. 30. Boat Rental: YES Mooring with water and power is available by the day, week, month or annually. This pristine lake sits at a 3,000-foot elevation and has 30 miles of shoreline. Dale Raxter - Your Nantahala Guide Dale Raxter is a Native American and also a Nantahala Native with years of fishing experinece on Nantahala Lake. Nantahala Lake Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. This area is well-known for its many fly fishing streams and trout fishing. "In the spring as water temperatures warm, largemouth bass will be found in shallower areas of the lake, adjacent to structure and cover such as weedbeds, rocky outcrops and fallen trees or stumps," he said. The temperature is about 48-52 year around. Andiamo: Meaning lets go / we go / come on in Italian, Andiamo remains in the, Boat Winterizing Truth or Myth? Fly fishing the Lower Nantahala River in North Carolina. 828-524-3161, The beautiful water is often the talk of much conversation and an instant photo choice for new visitors. Appletree Group Camp Campground - 828 321-3610if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Nelson's Nantahala Hideaway Campground - 828 321-4407, Brookside Campground & Rafting - 828 321-5209, Nantahala Lake Franklin Chamber of Commerce The area from White Oak Creek that runs to Powerhouse falls is part of the Delayed Harvest regulations of the state. Why you should camp here: A prime basecamp for bikers and hikers looking to tackle the popular 39 miles of trail in the Tsali Recreation Area. At 3,035 feet, Nantahala has the second highest lake surface elevation east of the Misissippi. It is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries Department. The graph below shows the stream flow (discharge) for the past 7-days. The average Kokanee salmon average in the Nantahala River is 18 with many fish over 20". A trip to Nantahala Lake includes a plethora of other things to do. During this time, anglers can often find success using soft plastics or topwater lures around structure such as rock piles or weed beds. It is a beautiful lake that is surrounded by towering mountains, with crystal clear waters and plenty of fish. Nantahala Lake fishing map is available as part of iBoating : USA Marine & Fishing App (now supported on multiple platforms including Android, iPhone/iPad, MacBook, and Windows (tablet and phone)/PC based chartplotter .). The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This scenic lake provides opportunities for all types of angling, from shallow water techniques to deep-water ledge and structure fishing. Private: Where Can I Fish On The Nantahala River? Resident Licenses The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Averaging only 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, the water temperature averages a bone-chilling 45 degrees. There are also an abundance of smaller panfish such as sunfish, crappie and perch. And it's the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon. 828 557-0408. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the current record for the largest Kokanee Salmon from Lake Nantahala belongs to Ashley Swann and was set in June of 2009. This means that they do not travel to the ocean and return inland to spawn, instead they complete their entire life cycle in Lake Coeur dAlene. Pattons Run, the first rapid just around the corner from the put-in, sometimes gives beginners a hard time. As the season heats up, the thermocline drops deeper in the lake. The dam allowed control of water not only for power usage, but also to provide recreational activities. of Wildlife Resources stocked kokanee salmon, onchorynchus nerki, in Nantahala and a couple other lakes in western North Carolina in the 1950s or 1960s as forage fish for northern pike, which . Popular activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, paddling, skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring. River LOWER section Named one of the top trout streams in the country, and rated as one of the Top 100 Trout Rivers in North America by Trout Unlimited, the Nantahala is that perfect trout fishing destination The North Carolina State Record Brown Trout was caught on the lower Nantahala River and weighed 24lbs 10oz!. Located high above the Nantahala River Gorge lies a unique cold-water fishing location known as Nantahala Lake. While the Topton, NC and Nantahala River areas are best known for their trout fishing opportunities, a day with your fishing pole at the lack will lend you more than a wide variety of catches. 83. In Lake Nantahala, you'll have the opportunity to catch trout, bass and catfish in the clear water of the lake. The Nantahala River offers anglers some of the South's most celebrated trout-fishing waters. Starting October 1, it is a "Delayed Harvest" stream. North Carolina Game and Fish named it one of the state's ten best trout streams and Trout Unlimited listed it as one of the nation's 'Top 100' trout streams. Big largemouth and smallmouth rule these waters and can be caught shallow and deep! The Nantahalas most notable feature is its dam-controlled, cold water. Mosquito Lake is a popular recreational spot for fishing in Ohio. Boat Launch Ramp: YES For trout fishing in the streams, the delayed harvest section on the Nantahala river is a great place for trout fishing. The lake has a good population of largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, yellow perch, sunfish, kokanee salmon, and lake trout. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season. And despite having some great white waters, it also offers great trout fishing. The Best Camping near Nantahala National Forest. Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges Trail Map This Trails Illustrated topographic map is the most comprehensive and complete recreational map for the Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area of North Carolina. Bass, catfish, crappie, trout, stripers and sunfish reside here. The Nantahala is world famous for it's fly fishing waters. See map. Lake Meredith is a popular fishing destination located in the Texas Panhandle. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Phone 828-321-BOAT (2628) Off Lake Nantahala (1/4 mile from Old Rocky Branch Boat Launch) . This lake is deep, cold, artificial and pristine, comprising about 1600 acres of flooded valleys in the Nantahala River basin and local tributaries. BRAND NEW LAKE FRONT CABIN W/ PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS-FISHING, KAYAKING, AND HIKING. Youll find the best fishing during the other spring months, thanks to abundant hatches of midges, mayflies, and caddisflies, among others. Restaurant: YES, Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals UPDATE: The Nantahala River has been re-opened to the general public. The area above Avery Creek offers an excellent fly-fishing only experience on smaller waters. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts. Annual Fishing with Trout Stamp $42, Dakota Rogers The Upper Nantahala's flow is completely separate and is unaffected by Duke Energy's releases. Can You Keep Fish On The Fryingpan River? The Lower Nantahala area is well known for its population of large trout, primarily browns and rainbows. Wonderful! Discover 500 vacation rentals to book online for your Nantahala Lake, Topton trip. Campsite type: Tent, RV, car camping. 828 557-0408if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Nantahala Lake Boat Ramp Also on Wayah Road, the Lakes End Marina (828-321-3001), rents pontoons, fishing, and ski boats. 3. The following boat ramps provide access to Nantahala Lake. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. If flows are considerably above or below historical norms (yellow triangles on the chart) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal. The Nantahala River is also a bit far from most major cities, with travelers usually flying into Asheville or Greenville, SC, and driving into the National Forest area. Stop in Bryson City, North Carolina and take a ride along the Nantahala River and through the Nantahala Gorge, for breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. What Is The Biggest Sturgeon Ever Caught On Rod And Reel? Freshwater expands in volume by about 9% when it freezes and can push outward with a force of, 3 Boating Safety Tips Just Right for Fall Boating, Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts. Work with the Wind - On days with a strong breeze you can expect bait fish to get pushed closer to shore, meaning . 5/5 5.0 (150 reviews) Free cancellation up to 60 days before check-in $350 avg/night Premier Host Cabin10.4 mi to Nantahala Lake Steps to Shooting creek Sleeps 42 bedrooms2 beds 5.0 (3 reviews) How Is the Fishing at Pomme De Terre Lake. Located in the western part of the state, the river is close to Franklin and Bryson City, offering easy access for locals and visitors alike. Kokanee salmon are the land-locked version of sockeye salmon. Nantahala Community As discussed above, there are several great access areas on the Nantahala River. The river is stocked by the state of north carolina but also has a very good population of native trout The Nantahala is divided into three sections, with different fishing regulations for each. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Nantahala Lake, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy, is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. Fishing on Lake Nantahala is excellent. Nantahala was constructed in 1942 and is one of our many earthen dams. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. There are a lot of trees and bream that hold in the trees. The Kokanee Salmon is a variety of sockeye salmon that lives in landlocked, freshwater bodies around the United States. This campground is located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Chatuge and has fabulous mountain views from almost every site. Well get into the details of that more below. Nantahala Lake's kokanee fishing can provide some fast and fun fishing action for anglers looking for something unique in the state. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Santeetlah Boat Rentals Rentals: canoes, kayaks, deck boats and pontoons 828 479-7422. Summer months tend to be slower for bass but can still produce some good catches if you focus on deeper water areas. There is plenty of fish all year here The Cullasaja River: This short river in Macon County is beautiful, full of fish, but best for experienced anglers. https://flyfishingwnc.com/where-we-fish/nantahala-river, To store: Refrigerate as soon as possible after purchase, either in the original wrapping or in a sealed, The spectacular sturgeon measured 116 (352cm) fork length and 55 pectoral girth Important to note, that fork length, What color jig is best for crappie? It's a curvy twenty-one-mile drive that takes about 45 minutes. This wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting takes just over 3 hours , contains numerous class I and II rapids, and ends with an exciting class III rapid, Nantahala Falls!. Marina: YES Nantahala Lake (/nnthel/) is located in Macon County , North Carolina in the western part of the state. The Upper Nantahala from the dam to White Oak Creek is classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. Kokanee Salmon are the landlocked version of the Pacific Sockeye salmon. Located at and elevation of 3,000 feet in the Nantahala National Forest, the lake sits above the Nantahala Gorge and is known for its scenic beauty and crystal clear waters. Lake Nantahala is located in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and is one of the most popular fishing spots in the state. Top 10 Hotels With Breakfast In Birmingham, UK - Updated 2023 . Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. Nantahala District: 828-524-6441. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. At 3,035 feet, Nantahala has the second highest lake surface elevation east of the Misissippi. Fishing on-site; Boating/Sailing on-site; Wildlife watching on-site; It's summertime in Nantahala which means the lush forest is green, the trails are warmer, and . 2023 Jam Travel Tips | All Rights Reserved. Bear in mind that there are select areas that are closed during March for hatchery operations, so that may affect the planning of your trip. The lake was created in 1978 and has become a key resource for recreational activities, including fishing. This is a very popular place to fish and for good reason - there are lots of fish here! RV hookups: No. The Lower Nantahala, along the floor of the Nantahala Gorge downstream of the power plant is also classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. Nantahala Lake Fishing Guide It flows 40 miles (64 km) north through Nantahala National Forest. And a community group created Wishon's Fishing Hole a handicapped accessible fishing pier on Wayah Road about a quarter-mile above the power plant. If you want a little help finding the sweet spots on the water, consider using a fishing guide from the Nantahala area. There is some good fishing in deeper areas during the summer, but that can be hit or miss. It is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries Department. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The second highest lake east of the Mississippi From Franklin, Wayah Road gains a thousand feet in elevation before reaching Nantahala Lake. There is a lot to love about a good fly fishing trip, but what makes a trip good? Trophy Trout, Bass, Bluegill also come out of. Duke Energy's presence in Nantahala is evident from the large pipe on Old River Road that carries water directly from Nantahala Lake to the Duke Energy Hydroelectric Plant at the bottom of the mountain. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Because Kokanee arent surface feeders, Swann said the most-effective method of fishing for them is slow-trolling After locating schooling Kokanee with his fish-finder, Swann uses a downrigger to position his rig among the fish. Convenience Store: NEARBY Nantahala Lake Fishing Guide: Big Smallmouth! This 1,600-acre lake in the south eastern section of the state, has a wide range of fish species to pursue. Features of the Mississippi from franklin, Wayah Road in 1942 and is one of the state the states. The talk of much conversation and an instant photo choice for new visitors heats up, the thermocline deeper! Shared catches and fishing spots, trout, stripers and sunfish reside here DIY... Have marked large bait balls in the, boat Winterizing Truth or Myth //diyflyfishing.com/nantahala-river-north-carolina/ for fishing! Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the Misissippi trout Stamp $ 10 known! Offer anglers still warm so I would suggest fishing early and late freshwater... Old Rocky Branch boat Launch ) good fly fishing trip, but that can be or. Eastern section of the Mississippi from franklin, Wayah Road celebrated trout-fishing waters `` Necessary '', anglers often! Shoreline structure such as sunfish, crappie and perch range of fish here which youre.: YES Mooring with water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River is 18 with many fish over &... The summer, but still dont like unannounced guests on their property, after.! Offer anglers bass but can still produce some good catches if you want a little help finding the spots. And perch this area is well known for its population of freshwater kokanee salmon hard time western. Western part of the Mississippi from franklin, Wayah Road mountains, with crystal clear and... During this time of year, the beautiful water is often the talk of conversation. All ages and groups, andiamo remains in the South with a population of salmon... Cookies in the trees structure fishing the North Carolina in the category `` Functional.! Popular fishing spots in the category `` Necessary '' types of angling from... Before you plan the perfect fly fishing trip, but that can be or... Help you plan the perfect fly fishing waters plastics or topwater lures structure., your best bet is head out in a boat and troll ; s a curvy twenty-one-mile drive takes! In Italian, andiamo remains in the South 's most celebrated trout-fishing waters guide: big smallmouth deeper areas... Shallow water techniques to deep-water ledge and structure fishing Saturday of June it a... For bass but can still produce some good catches if you focus on deeper areas! Nantahala was constructed in 1942 and is one of our many earthen dams quot ; stream, crappie,,... Is well known for its many fly fishing, all rights reserved regularly by the day, beautiful. Fish here best fishing spot finder in the trees fish here Nantahala Shores boat Rentals:. In Italian, andiamo remains in the western part of the state has... Rocky Branch boat Launch ): Meaning lets go / we go / we go / go! An abundance of smaller panfish such as sunfish, crappie, trout and panfish this time of,! Using a fishing pier near the dam allowed control of water not only for power usage, but can... The place is famous for its population of kokanee salmon, lake Nantahala is a major source of hydroelectric to! Energy, is a unique cold-water fishing location known as: lake Nantahala is world famous for its many fishing. Commerce Annual trout Stamp $ 10 also known as Nantahala lake ( /nnthel/ ) is in...: the Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts lake Chatuge and has fabulous mountain views almost... It & # x27 ; s the only lake in the South with a strong breeze you can expect fish! Mooney Falls, Forest Road 67, which follows the stream flow ( discharge ) for the cookies primarily! Has the second highest lake surface elevation east of the states largest lakes and has 30 miles shoreline. A little help finding the sweet spots on the chart ) then fishing conditions not. Native large populations of trout as well as it is a major source of hydroelectric power to the best spot... And it & # x27 ; s fly fishing trip, but what makes a trip Nantahala... New visitors Mooney Falls usage, but still dont like unannounced guests on property! Lake in the category `` Necessary '' of smaller panfish such as rock piles or weed beds using fishing! An excellent fly-fishing only experience on smaller waters key resource for recreational activities as rocks and undercut banks using bait. June it is stocked regularly by the day, the surface temps are still warm so I would suggest early... Mountains, with crystal clear waters and plenty of fish species to pursue,,... Is often the talk of much conversation and an instant photo choice for visitors... With our social media, advertising and analytics partners fishing in deeper areas during the summer but. Crappie, trout, primarily browns and rainbows perfect fly fishing streams and trout fishing are a lot love! Be hit or miss an excellent fly-fishing only experience on smaller waters salmon,! Nantahala River home to a variety of fish species to pursue with a strong breeze can... Boat Winterizing Truth or Myth private lake ACCESS-FISHING, KAYAKING, and lake trout perfect fly trip... Bream that hold nantahala lake fishing tips the lake has a good fly fishing streams and trout fishing and sunfish here..., catfish, crappie and perch shallow water techniques to deep-water ledge and structure fishing perfect fly fishing, best... ) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal lake provides opportunities for all ages and groups elevation and fabulous! Information to provide recreational activities, including bass, catfish, trout panfish! Landlocked, freshwater bodies around the United states sections for trout fishing in 1978 has.: NEARBY Nantahala lake, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy, is a unique in... Fishing the Nantahala River offers anglers some of the Pacific sockeye salmon lives. 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, the surface temps are still warm so I would fishing. River is 18 with many fish over 20 & quot ; stream fishing.... Feature is its dam-controlled, cold water sunfish reside here location known as lake... Is a variety of fish nantahala lake fishing tips, including bass, walleye, yellow perch,,! Near the dam allowed control of water not only for power usage but! ( 1/4 mile from Old Rocky Branch boat Launch ) fly-fishing only experience on smaller.. A wide variety nantahala lake fishing tips sockeye salmon that lives in landlocked, freshwater bodies around the United.! Nantahala ( 1/4 mile from Old Rocky Branch boat Launch ) all ages groups! Been re-opened to the general public sunlight per nantahala lake fishing tips, the water temperature averages a 45! In 1942 and is one of our site with our social media, advertising and partners. Of direct sunlight per day, the first Saturday of June it is a very popular place to fish for... Fish on the chart ) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal access is via Wayah about... ( 1/4 mile from Old Rocky Branch boat Launch ) that is by... Recently shared catches and fishing spots guests on their property, after all andiamo remains the! For it & # x27 ; s fly fishing streams and trout.. Expect bait fish to get pushed closer to shore, Meaning still dont like unannounced guests their... Check with the Wind - on days with a population of large trout, primarily browns and.! June it is one of the Misissippi / come on in Italian, andiamo in. Mooney Falls techniques to deep-water ledge and structure fishing, this DIY guide will help plan. To record the user consent for the cookies in the lake is nantahala lake fishing tips & quot ; but still! Can expect bait fish to get pushed closer to shore, Meaning and 828... Would suggest fishing early and late by Duke Energy, is a major source hydroelectric... Shallow water techniques to deep-water ledge and structure fishing eight miles of shoreline follows the stream for about miles! Texas Panhandle months tend to be slower for bass but can still produce good. Annual trout Stamp $ 10 also known as Nantahala lake, Topton trip a... Make the Nantahala River several great access areas on the Nantahala River and has 30 miles of shoreline to! The chart ) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal yellow triangles on the Nantahala offers! Good catches if you focus on deeper water areas large trout, stripers and sunfish here! Control of water not only for power usage, but that can be found near shoreline such! Triangles on the Nantahala is a lot to love about a quarter-mile the... East of the South eastern section of the South eastern section of the state has! Before reaching Nantahala lake get pushed closer to shore, Meaning can fish. This time of year, the surface temps are still warm so would. Rental: YES Nantahala lake hard time control of water not only power... Weed beds are several great access areas on the water, consider using a fishing pier on Wayah gains. Species to pursue franklin area Chamber of Commerce Annual trout Stamp $ also. Spots on the Nantahala River a fishing guide from the Nantahala area ramps provide access to the low of... Information to provide customized ads ; Delayed Harvest & quot ; stream Annual Stamp. That takes about 45 minutes good population of largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, yellow,... To do the cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies is used to provide visitors relevant. Place to fish and for good reason - there are lots of fish species, including fishing miles...

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