Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Stream Report June 5th, 2023

OVERVIEW

When you head down to the water right now, you can't miss the fact that the water level is pretty darn low. We could use a good rain to give us a boost and keep those water temps from going off the charts. If we get some cooler nights, that'd be awesome 'cause it'll help us keep the water below that 68-degree mark for catch-and-release fishing.

Oh, and let me tell you about the cool bugs we've been seeing lately! We've got these snazzy Green Sedges and Mottled Brown Caddis cruising around. Then there are the Yellow Stoneflies, Sulphurs, Lt Cahills, Midges, and all sorts of Terrestrials strutting their stuff. When these bugs are most active it can make for some excellent dry fly fishing. Otherwise, stick to the nymphs.

Be sure to call the shop to get the latest river conditions, or you can check the flows HERE.

Check the forecast for our area HERE.

If you have a great day of fishing or catch something special, we want to hear about it! DM us on Instagram or email Jason your report or your day's photo.

DAVIDSON RIVER

In June, the Davidson River has different regulations and requires different tactics depending on the section you're fishing. The initial few miles of the river are supported by a hatchery, while from Avery Creek upstream, it becomes a single-hook artificial lures-only river.

A dry-dropper setup can work wonders. Experiment with different dry fly patterns, ranging from CDC Comparaduns with a soft-hackle to Terrestrials, and pair them with a faster-sinking fly. The dropper can vary from a small bead head mayfly nymph to an unweighted soft hackle. It's crucial to pay attention to how the fish are responding and where they are suspended in the water column and adjust your fly selection accordingly.

So, when you hit the Davidson River in June, make sure to follow the regulations and adapt your fishing techniques accordingly. Whether you're in the hatchery-supported section or the rest of the river, there are plenty of opportunities to fool the fish and have a successful angling adventure.

DELAYED HARVEST

For the stocking schedule, I recommend referring to this link to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. It's worth noting that these streams are popular among anglers throughout the year, which means increased fishing pressure. As responsible anglers, it's essential to be good stewards of the environment.

For DH, it's important to note that it opens for harvest on the first Saturday in June at Noon. The morning is reserved for kids fishing. However, once it's open, don't hesitate to try out flies like the squirmy worm or mop, as they have proven to be quite effective in this area

To ensure a positive fishing experience for everyone, please respect other anglers' space and practice Leave No Trace principles. Remember, there's plenty of fish to go around, so let's all share the opportunity.

When it comes to fly selection, it's often beneficial to start with what I like to call "fast food" flies. These include eggs, worms, and leeches. These patterns tend to attract fish readily. If you find the fish aren't responding to these offerings, you can gradually switch to more natural patterns such as girdle bugs, sheep flies, and bead head nymphs. Experimentation is key, so don't be afraid to try different flies until you find what works best.

By being mindful of the environment, respecting others, and adapting your fly selection, you can maximize your chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

WILD TROUT

With the recent warmer days, the wild trout fishing action is starting to heat up in our area. To attract those elusive little critters, using attractor dry flies has been quite productive. Consider flies like Purple Haze, Stimulators, Parachute Adams, Super Sedges, and Hackle Stackers. They have been enticing the wild trout to rise to the surface. For added effectiveness, try adding a small perdigon or another tungsten-beaded nymph as a dropper. This combination has proven to be deadly in enticing strikes.

Don't forget about the effectiveness of fishing inchworms as well. These little flies can be a great option when the trout are selective and will shift into being a go-to fly once we really get into the heat of summer.

As more anglers hit the water and the pressure increases on our wild trout streams, it becomes crucial to be a responsible resource steward. This means taking steps to ensure the continued health of our favorite streams for future seasons. Remember to keep the fish wet by minimizing their time out of the water, use barbless flies to facilitate quick and easy release, and always show respect to the small streams that make our area such a special place.

By practicing these principles and being mindful of the impact we have as anglers, we can contribute to the preservation and sustainability of our wild trout fisheries for years to come.