Davidson River Fishing Report

Davidson & Area Rivers

The Davidson temps are cooling down after a grueling Summer. While it might not be as hot as it was during the summer months, the fish are still taking their time acclimating to the fall temps. The lower sections of the river are starting to show more and more signs of life every day, but the upper stretches of the river, above Cove Creek, are still showing the most promise of catching fish. Looking Glass Creek and Avery Creek are still fishing well, with the fish really enjoying caddis patterns on top like an Elk Hair Caddis or Stimulators. Terrestrials are still working even with some of the cold nights we have had lately, but this won't last too much longer. Make sure to keep moving and not stand in one hole to fish all day. It will take some walking and fishing multiple different pools or runs to be successful out there right now. 

To check water temps and levels, click here: USGS Gauge Davidson River

Flies:  Adams 16-20, Fur Ant 16-18, JEBs Worm 12, Jakes Gulp Beetle 14, Bead Head Pheasant Tail 16-20, Original Tripsaver 14-16, Chubby Chornobyl 14-16

Rod: G-Loomis IMX-Pro V2 

Reel: Lamson Guru

Line: Rio Gold Line

Delayed Harvest

Delayed Harvest Rivers are getting a restock of fish in November. There should be plenty of fish to go around in most of the rivers near us. These rivers are now in catch and release designations, which means there should be plenty of fish through the rest of the Fall and the Winter. Venturing from the easy places to get in the river will find a few more fish as they start to spread out through the river. Always remember that in the fall love swinging flies, so at the end of your drift, keep that line tight and let them come find your flies. 

Stocking Dates:

North Mills-November 3rd

Tuckaseegee- November 3rd

Green River- November 10th 

East Fork French Broad- November 10th 

Little River- November 10th 

West Fork of Pigeon River- November 9th 

Flies: Girdle Bug 12-14, Morrish Dirty Bird 16-18, Squirmy Worm 12-16, Jig Perdigon 16-18, Hot Head Squirrel Leech 10, Soft Hackle 14-18, Sparkle Minnow 8-10

Rod: St. Croix Connect

Reel: Redington Ace 

Line: Scientific Angler Amplitude Infinity Smooth 

Small Streams

The smaller streams are still a great place to spend your time, even with the cooler temperatures that we have been having. Small dry flies and small droppers are really working out there right now. You can fish these rivers all day and catch fish, but make sure to keep walking, fishing new stretches as you go. These will not be the biggest fish, but they are very energetic and live in some of the most beautiful places that you will ever see. Make sure to walk quietly and not spook the fish, because the low water will have them wary of any predators being around. 

Flies: Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Sassi Solution 18-20, Stimulator 12-16, Allen's Thunderbug 14-16, Pheasant Tail 20-22, Red Fox Squirrel Nymph 14-16, Chubby Chornobyl 14-16

Rod: Tenkara Rhodo

Smallmouth/Warmwater

Smallmouth fishing has been very productive lately, as long as you are fishing in the clear water. As the weather continues to cool, the fishing will be slower in the mornings and get better as the day warms up. If it is going to be a cold day overall, try the trout fishing, because it will be better on cold days. The French Broad, Pigeon, and Nolichucky all have large concentrations of warm-water fish like Smallmouth and Largemouth bass. Another great option right now is to take a small rod to any local pond or lake and catch bluegill and small bass. This is an easy way to get the kids out on the water for just an hour or two, and then be able to spend time with the rest of the family. Small popping bugs and little inchworms are great for this. If you want to throw a streamer, a Woolly Bugger and a Clouser Minnow have been productive. 

To check water levels and tempuratures, click here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-03451500/#dataTypeId=continuous-63680-66898262&period=P7D&showFieldMeasurements=true

Flies: Gallop's Mini Dungeon 2-4, Meat Whistle 6, Woolly Bugger 6-10, Sparkle Minnow 8, Boogle Bug 4-8 , Clouser Minnow 2-6

Rod: Sage R8 Core 

Reel: Ross Evolution 

Line: Rio Smallmouth Bass