Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Fishing Report for July 3rd, 2025

Slightly cooler weather is in the area, with afternoon thunderstorms providing much-needed rain to the area. Most rivers have been fishing well in the morning, especially after a rainstorm the night before. For your best chance of catching fish, and the best chance of survival for fish this time of year, try and fish from daylight until 11 o'clock and then give the fish a break for the rest of the day. Finding shade, and fishing small, high elevation creeks can be a great way to get away from people, and still catch some fish this time of year, but most of these places you will have go on a short hike to get into.

Local fishing report

Davidson & Area Rivers

Afternoon thunderstorms have been cooling the Davidson off enough to catch a few fish in the mornings, but it is still warm, and the fish are still feeling a bit lethargic. Dry dropper set ups have been working well, not only to catch fish, but the fish will be less skiddish of a dry fly than they will be of an indicator. Places with moving water, and deeper pools are more likely to have resident fish than shallow areas with no moving water.

Flies: Girdle Bug 12-14, Quick Sight Beetle 14-16, J.E.B's Worm 12-14, Light Cahill 16-18, Chubby Chernobyl 14-16, Furmiskys Foam Fluttering Caddis 14-16, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear 14-16

Rod: G-Loomis IMX-Pro V2

Reel: Lamson Guru

Line: Rio Gold Line

Delayed Harvest

Lots of Delayed Harvest waters are starting to fish a little tough in the easy-to-get-to get to places. If you find yourself on one of these rivers, then your best bet is to walk up the river a little bit to find some water that is a little tougher for other anglers to get to. These fish have been in the river for a while, so they are a little more prone to eating bugs than they were when they were first stocked. Fishing the fast-moving water, where the most oxygen is, will likely be your best chance of catching multiple fish in the same area.

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

Now is the best time of the year to get lost in a creek somewhere. These small streams will have the coldest water during the summer, meaning these fish will be the most active and have the best chance of survival after catching them. Right now, bugs like caddis and yellow sallies are still working, and those should work for a few more weeks. Anything with bright colors, especially yellow, will work well to attract these fish. Small roll casts and light presentations are going to be what gives you the best chance of success on these streams.

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

Smallmouth fishing on the French Broad has been pretty productive. Boat Ramps below Redman Dam are all open, but it is hit or miss as to whether the boat ramps above the dam are open. With most areas getting an afternoon thunderstorm, the French Broad has been a little off-colored, making it tough to fly fish, but the conventional fishing has been good, when there are clear water conditions. Bass and Bluegill in the lakes have been up shallow, guarding fry and looking for something to eat. If you have access to a boat or a paddleboard, then find some shady areas and you should find some fish.

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 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.

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