Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Fishing Report for October 20th, 2025

Now that October is in full swing, your flies should be too. The fishing has been really good all across the board, from delayed harvest to wild fish they have been biting. October Caddis are definitely around so lots of bugs are looking to the surface to find a snack. Dry-dropper is still proving to be very effective and quite fun getting fish to eat on and below the surface. With lower than normal water, be prepared for the fish to be a little spooky and try to be as quiet as you can while wading through the water. With the low water fishing 5x and 6x tippet will get you a lot more bites, and can be the differance between a great day and a frustrating day of seeing fish but not catching anything. Good luck and we hope to see you on the river soon.

Local fishing report

Davidson & Area Rivers

Fishing on the Davidson is really starting to pick up. With some fish biting throughout the whole river, now is a great time to get out there. While we haven't seen very many bugs yet, they should be showing up any time. A few October Caddis are showing up right at first light and right at dark, but the fishing will be looking for brown or orange colored bugs all day this time of year. Swinging soft hackles below a dry fly has proven to be a money maker this time of year. This duo gives you a very buggy presentation without spooking very many fish because of the soft landing bugs.

Flies: San Juan Worm 16, Quick Sight Beetle 14-16, Worm Farm 14, Texas Piss Ant 14-16, Chubby Chernobyl 14-16, Fat Head Beetle 14-16, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear 14-16

Rod: G-Loomis IMX-Pro V2

Reel: Lamson Guru

Line: Rio Gold Line

Delayed Harvest

Now that it is October, all Delayed Harvest waters will return to catch and release waters and will soon be stocked. The state stocking indicates that all Delayed Harvest waters will be stocked October 6th-10th. Right after a stocking, eggs and worms work really well, and swinging soft hackles will work through the entire fall. Once these rivers are stocked, there will be lots of anglers out there, so be prepared to share the river and just know that there is plenty of water for everyone.

Flies: Girdle Bug 12-14, Morrish Dirty Bird 16-18, Howell's Shuck-It Jig 14-16, Jig Perdigon 16-18, Hot Head Squirrel Leech 10, Squirmy Worm 16, Chubby Chernobyl 14-16

Rod: St. Croix Connect

Reel: Redington Ace

Line: Scientific Angler Amplitude Infinity Smooth

Small Streams

With cooler temps across WNC, the high elevation streams are already into a fall-time pattern. Fishing dry droppers is always a great option to keep from getting too many tangles in the trees close to the river. October Caddis should start to show up any time as the weather continues to cool. Woolly worms and caterpillars are still prevalent in these areas, as well as a few remaining terrestrials. Fishing can be an all-day adventure now, with cooler water, which is a nice change from only morning fishing.

Flies: Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Stimulator 16-18, Sassi Solution 18-20, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear 14-18, RS2 Midge 18-22, Pheasant Tail 20-22, Chubby Chernobyl 14-16

Rod: Tenkara Rhodo

Smallmouth/Warmwater

Although this has been a messed-up year for river access, the smallmouth fishing has been phenomenal when you can get into some clear water. While the cooling weather will push these fish a little deeper, they will be feeding heavily throughout the fall in preparation for the cold winter. Baitfish patterns in slower water and eddies will be the key to success for this time of year. Bring an intermediate line with you, and if you aren't catching anything, then continue to slow down and fish deeper water around dark colored rocks that will retain some heat. Popping bugs can also have great days this time of year, especially if you fish them very slow, lots of times we will throw a bug under an overhang tree and then just let it drift all the way down through the tree without ever moving it before the fish actually take it.

Flies: Gallop's Mini Dungeon 2-4, Meat Whistle 6, Wolly Bugger 6-10, Sparkle Minnow 8, Near Nuff Crayfish 4-6, Boogle Bug 4-6

Rod: Sage R8 Core

Reel: Ross Evolution

Line: Rio Smallmouth Bass

Great Guides!

"My son and I went on our first fly fishing trip and it did not disappoint. While mid August is not the ideal time of year to be fishing for trout necessarily, our guide put us on a lot of quality fish. He was very patient and clearly enjoys what he does which made the experience even better. We had a blast and can't wait to get back out there."

Fantastic Fishing

"Fulfilled a life long dream of going fly fishing. My guide was incredible and very patient. I know I am hooked and everyone at Davidson River Outfitters were great."

Davidson River Fishing Conditions

The Davidson is fishing well with cooler fall time temperatures in the area. If you go early in the morning or late at night, you can expect to see a few bugs flying, mostly October Caddis, with a grey colored Mayfly here or there. If you are on the river during an exceptionally cold and rainy day, then Blue Winged Olive flies should work well, and midges always seem to be effective on the Davidson. Earlier in the day, you will avoid most of the leaf clutter that you will find in the afternoons.

Avoid the crowds. Learn about our unguided trips on private waters.