Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Fishing Report for July 10th, 2024

Abnormally hot temperatures have locked in over the Southern Appalachian Mountains during the past few weeks, with little cooling at night. Water temperatures on the Davidson, Mills River, and French Broad drainages are only dropping into the high 60’s during the night, and warming into the mid 70s during the day. Water temperatures 70º and up, can be lethal for trout. Dissolved oxygen in the water is greatly reduced, and fish mortality rates increase exponentially.

In an effort to protect our trout fisheries, DRO is encouraging anglers to only fish from daylight until late morning. Including at higher elevations where water temperatures may be slightly cooler, but water levels are very low.

Now is the time to explore warm water options in our area. Bass, Panfish, Carp, and Gar can all be targeted within a 1.5 hour radius of Brevard. Swing by, or call the shop, and our staff can give you some ideas, as well as set you up with the right gear for the job.

Davidson

The current fishable window on the Davidson is from first light until around 11:00 am. Terrestrials and midges teamed up with long leaders ending in no heavier than 7x tippet, are the recipe for getting takes from wary fish. Be prepared to share the river with other user groups, as well. The weather is hot, and there will be plenty of tubers and swimmers enjoying the water.

Flies: Fat Head Beetle 12-14, Loco Beetle 12-14, Texas Piss Ant 16-18, Egan’s Bionic Ant 12-14, Money Midge 22-24, WD-40 22, Ju Ju Baetis 22

Wild Trout

You will find cooler water temperatures on the higher elevation streams, and this will be your best option if you are a die-hard trout enthusiast. Terrestrials, Small Attractor Dry Flies, and Midges will all be effective on most smaller streams. Anglers should be sure to wear muted colors, approach pools slowly, and stay low to have shots at fish. 6x tippet, and manageably longer leader

Flies: Chubby Chernobyl 14-16, Stimulator 16-18, CDC Flying Ant 16, Fat Head Beetle 12-14, WD40 22, Pheasant Tail 20-22

Smallmouth/Warmwater

Smallmouth fishing has been good. Low water makes for some of the better fishing on the French Broad. Anglers can find good wading access north of Asheville along Riverside Drive. Dupont State Park lakes can also be a nice option for those with inflatable water craft and the will to hike a little. Bass and Bluegill are found throughout Dupont, and there is some limited shore access.

Flies: Boogle Bug 4-8, Stealth Bomber 6, Big Nasty 6, Just Keep Swimming 4, Near Nuff Crayfish 4-6