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Current ConditionsWe finally received some much-needed rain, and after a few days of water too high to fish safely, we are back at it and back in the swing of things. |
Stream Report
Seasonal Hatches
Stream GuideFishing Report for March 14th, 2025
Spring is here, and the fish are biting. With Daylight Savings time in effect, we have been able to spend much longer days on the river, and now you can get on the river for a few hours after work even. While on the river, be sure to keep an eye out for bugs hatching, especially around evening time. Lots of reports of bugs in the area and the fish are now taking note and looking towards the surface waiting for the right one to pass for them to eat. Expect to find fish starting to find their way from the deep pools into the shallower runs and riffles as the rest of the srping progresses.
Davidson
Lots of bug activity in the area has proven that dry flies are a great option to take to the river right now. If you are fishing later in the evening, fishing only a dry fly is a great option, and might find lots of fish. March Browns, Caddis, Quill Gordons, and Blue Quills have been the most prevelant in the area, and they are still much smaller than some might expect. Some Stoneflies and other small subsurface bugs are showing up as well, so these are great options for dropper flies.
Flies: Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, Parachute March Brown 16-18, Tripsaver 16-18, WD-40 18-22, Sassi Solution 18-20, Soft Hackle Phesant Tail 16-18, Copper John 18-20, Girdle Bug 14-18
Delayed Harvest
Delayed Harvest streams have been stocked for the month, and many people are finidng lots of success on these rivers. Some rivers were not stocked due to damage from Hurricane Helene. To find the schedule of what and when rivers will be stocked, click here. While there might be lots of people on these rivers right now the fishing is still hot and there is plenty of room for everyone. These fish will have seen most of the junk flies by now, so think of some bug patterns to take with you to offer something differnt for the fish that have seen it all.
Flies: Chartreuse egg 14-16, Squirmy Worm 14-16, Jig Perdigon 14-16, Girdle Bug 12-14, Parachute March Brown 16-18, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail 14-16, Tripsaver 16-18, Elk Hair Caddis 14-16
Wild Trout
With warm sunny days in the forecast, many of the small streams that wild trout call home will heat up throughout the day and can produce lots of fish this time of year. When planning on going wild trout fishing, try to go on a sunny day and find the areas of the river that are the warmest. If you can find warm areas, there will be lots of hungry trout waiting to attack a bug of your choosing. Dry dropper rigs will be the most effective way to catch this fish. To avoid spooking fish, use a dry fly as your indicator, and who knows, maybe you will even get a few to rise to the surface.
Flies: BWO 18-22, March Brown 16-18, BH Pheasant Tail 14-16, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear 14-18, Flexi Midge 18-22, Memory Maker 16-18, WD-40 20-22, Zebra Midge 20-22
Smallmouth/Warmwater
The French Broad is fishable now, but you might still find lots of debris, especially below the Ashville Airport. If you are looking to catch a smallmouth, they will be in the deepest holes in the river or around structure that will produce a little bit of heat. Try fishing slow, as most of the fish will not be looking to chase their food down this time of year. DuPont lakes are open and fishable, with most of the fish being off the bank, closer to the middle of the lakes. Now is the time to take a kayak or a small boat to the lake and try fishing in the middle of the lake or around any structure that you can find.
Flies: Slump Buster 1/0-#2, Meat Whistle 6, Wolly Bugger 6-10, Sparkle Minnow 8, Near Nuff Crayfish 4-6
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
DAVIDSON RIVER & AREA RIVERS
- Rod: G Loomis NRX+ 9ft 5wt
- Reel: Sage Spectrum Reel
- Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Trout 5wt
DELAYED HARVEST
- Rod: St Croix Imperial 8'6" 5wt
- Reel: Redington Run Reel
- Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Smooth
SMALL STREAMS
- Rod: G-Loomis IMX-Pro Creek 2-4wt
- Reel: Lamson Guru Reel
- Line: Amplitude Trout Smooth 3-4wt
SMALLMOUTH
- Rod: Sage Payload 8ft 9in 7wt
- Reel: Redington Run Reel
- Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Smooth
Keep up with the latest from DRO:
Stream Report
Just after the first snow of the year, the fish are slow and the temps are cold. If you plan to fish this time of year, sleep in and make a cup of coffee before heading to the river. Around 10:00 the water and the air will warm up and the fish will start feeding for the day. The fish will feed until 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon until the sun goes behind the trees and the air temps start to drop again. Make sure you wear layers so you can add and subtract clothes throughout the day. As always when fishing during the winter, make sure that you have a plan of where you are going and tell others where you expect to be and what time you expect to be off the water, in case something happens while you are fishing. Read More
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