Davidson River Fishing Report

Stream Report March 11th, 2024

Overview

With pretty regular rain, we have a fantastic fishable water level. With more rain on the way, we should see this pattern continue throughout the rest of this week with some more rain on the way. Streamers and heavy nymphs will be your best bet as the water drops, returning to our standard midge and BWO game on the main Davidson when water gets back to below 200 cfs.

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

Check the forecast for our area HERE.

For the freshest fishing report and tips on how to step up your game this fall, be sure to stop by Davidson River Outfitters at 49 Pisgah Hwy, Suite 6 in Pisgah Forest. You'll find a few trout experts passionate about fishing and eager to share their knowledge with you, full of good information, even if they occasionally sprinkle in a bit of bullsh*t.

Please stop by the shop or call us at (888) 861 0111 to learn more about the current fishing conditions and get tips on catching more fish. We'll be happy to help you start your next fishing adventure!

Davidson River and Low Elevation Wild Trout

BWO patterns and midge fishing have been most productive during midday hours. Something like a comparadun, hackle stacker, or sprout midge with a small soft hackle in tow has yielded enough results to be worthwhile (all sized in the 18-22 range). If squinting for dear life isn't your style, you can find a few fish by striping and swinging micro streamers in the riffles or dead drifting lightly weighted stonefly patterns. For streamers, it is hard to beat a sparkle minnow or strawberry blonde in size 10, and the tried and true girdle bug has been getting it done in its lighter color variations for a stonefly.

Delayed Harvest Rivers

I recommend checking the stocking schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fly selection for these streams should include a mix of bright attractor flies and more natural midge and mayfly patterns. These streams can harbor healthy populations of large wild and holdover trout that you can fool with a well-presented streamer during high water.

High-Elevation Wild Trout

Our high-elevation wild trout streams are getting back into good shape and will reward those willing to work to get there. Wait until warmer days, and don't be afraid to fish a dry dropper setup or a small streamer in the deeper holes. For dry flies, it's hard to beat a Purple Haze, Para Adams, or a Sedge Hammer with a Thunderbug, Frenchie, or Soft Hackle for a nymph, all in the size 14 - 18 range. A wooly bugger, leech or small sculpin will get it done down deep.

Remember to:

  • Keep the fish wet by minimizing their time out of the water.
  • Use barbless flies to facilitate quick and easy release.
  • Always respect the small streams that make our area such a special place.

French Broad River

Clear and at a good level for some winter musky, get out, fish long hours, and try to get lucky.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

DAVIDSON RIVER & AREA RIVERS

DELAYED HARVEST

SMALL STREAMS

SMALLMOUTH

Would you be interested in more? Check out our Regional Rivers & Streams Overview and Hatch Chart with Fly Recommendations.

overhead shot of man fly fishing on the Davidson

 

Regional Rivers and Streams Guide

Learn about the rivers and streams of WNC

Regional Rivers and Streams Guide

Learn More

What's biting in Western North Carolina?

Seasonal Hatch Chart and Fly Recommendations

What's biting in Western North Carolina?

Learn More

Avoid the crowds. Fish our private waters.

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Visit Our Store!

Located in Pisgah Forest, N.C., with the legendary Davidson River right out our back door, DRO carries a full line of fly fishing gear and apparel, as well as a wide range of fly tying materials and tools. Advice is always free, and we love pointing anglers in the right direction.

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Davidson River Outfitters

Keep up with the latest from DRO:

Stream Report

We 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. Read More

 

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