Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Stream Report MAY 7th, 2024

Overview

It feels like we're finally settling into a proper summer vibe here in the PNF. We've been blessed with some pop-up thunderstorms lately, and with them, our rivers have filled up just right. Thanks to the regular rain, we've got some fantastic fishable water levels. And it looks like this weather pattern's sticking around for the rest of the week, with more rain on the way.

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 season, 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. They are 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

Cahills, March Browns, Quills, Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and a few ants have all been reelin' them in on the Davidson. Reckon something like a comparadun, hackle stacker, or sprout midge with a small soft hackle in tow has been fetchin' enough bites to make it worthwhile (all sized in the 16-20 range). If squintin' for dear life ain't your cup of tea, reckon you might snag a few fish by strippin' and swingin' them micro streamers in the riffles or driftin' them lightly weighted stonefly patterns. Regarding streamers, it's mighty hard to beat a sparkle minnow or strawberry blonde in size 10, and that tried and true girdle bug's been pullin' its weight in those lighter color variations for a stonefly.

Delayed Harvest Rivers

For these streams, you'll wanna mix it up with some bright attractor flies. Keep an eye on that stocking schedule for the latest scoop. Their streams are chock-full of hefty wild and holdover trout just itchin' to take a bite out of a well-presented streamer during the high waters. These streams will be mighty busy through the rest of May, and come June, they'll open up to harvest. So, you all, be sure to show some kindness to your fellow anglers and give them the respect you hope they'd give you.

High-Elevation Wild Trout

Our high-elevation streams are shaping up just right, and they're waiting to reward them adventurous souls. Wait for them warmer days, and don't stop fishin' a dry dropper setup or a small streamer in the deeper holes. And for your dry flies, you can't beat a Purple Haze, Para Adams, small Chubby, or a Sedge Hammer with a Thunderbug, Frenchie, or Soft Hackle for a nymph, all in size 14 - 18 range. And down deep, a wooly bugger, leech, or small sculpin will do the trick.

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

Water temps are starting to get prime for some Smallmouth Fishing. Wait for the most apparent days to fly fish for them, and you can find them on light tackle most other days.