Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Fishing Report for August 18th, 2026

We are finally starting to see some of the wet weather that we were supposed to be having all summer. Nightly thunderstorms have helped add a little more water to the local rivers and areas. Although the area in general has had a fair amount of storms, they are very spotty; some areas have been getting more rain, and others are still not getting as much as they need. Our best recommendation is to watch the weather and try to find the places that have been getting more rain. Balsam Grove and Rosman have had much more consistent rain than Pisgah Forest has. Finding places with added water, like the North Fork of the French Broad in Rosman, will take longer to heat up, so they will be more productive.

Fishing early in the mornings is still a good idea, staying in the coolest water, and monitoring temps around lunchtime. If you see that it is starting to get really warm (68 degrees and above), then it is a good idea to leave the fish alone and let them survive to be caught another time.

Fishing for warmwater fish like Smallmouth and Largemouth bass is still one of the most productive ways of fishing. Try to find places that aren't too muddy, and throw minnow-imitating patterns like Clouser Minnows and Woolybuggers. Big popping bugs and hopper patterns are working in the shady areas and under overhanging trees.

If you are not familiar with the area, feel free to stop in the store, and we will be happy to help point you in the right direction and choose some flies that have been working well lately.

Local fishing report

Davidson & Area Rivers

The Davidson has had a very, very hot summer. With nighttime temps staying really warm and not many afternoon thunderstorms, the river has not had much of a break from the heat. Looking Glass Creek and Avery's Creek are staying a little cooler, with the added shade and slightly higher gradient. Trying to fish the riffles and the faster moving water will generally result in a little better success. With the low water, make sure that you are casting a good ways in front of you to keep from spooking the fish by wading right on top of them. Fishing on the Davidson has been best above the hatchery, fishing small shade pockets and moving water with small dry flies and very small nymphs and midges.

To check water temps and levels, click here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-03441000/#period=P7D&dataTypeId=continuous-00010--1127634364&showFieldMeasurements=true

Flies: Adams 16-20, Fur Ant 16-18, JEBs Worm 12, Jakes Gulp Beetle 14, Bead Head Pheasant Tail 16-20, Original Tripsaver 14-16, Chubby Chornobyl 14-16

Rod: G-Loomis IMX-Pro V2

Reel: Lamson Guru

Line: Rio Gold Line

Delayed Harvest

The Delayed Harvest rivers are very warm right now. If you plan on fishing these rivers, then make sure you are there at daylight and done by 10 am. All of these waters are now open to catch and keep for the summer. While these rivers will not be stocked again until October, there are still some fish swimming around. The harder you work to find fish that other people haven't, the easier it will be to catch them. Go for a nice hike before you start casting, instead of just jumping out of the truck and going for it. Fishing with something that has rubber legs or is brightly colored usually works pretty well for these fish. Fishing dry- dropper rigs and double-nymph rigs are both very effective methods, as well as Euro Nymphing. These rivers really are a dealer's choice of how you want to spend your time fishing. After a big rain, the East Fork and North Mills usually stay muddy a little while longer than most rivers. Be on the lookout for terrestrials while you are on the river; they have been hot and heavy lately.

Flies: Girdle Bug 12-14, Morrish Dirty Bird 16-18, Squirmy Worm 12-16, Jig Perdigon 16-18, Hot Head Squirrel Leech 10, Soft Hackle 14-18, Sparkle Minnow 8-10

Rod: St. Croix Connect

Reel: Redington Ace

Line: Scientific Angler Amplitude Infinity Smooth

Small Streams

Small, high-elevation streams are the place to be right now. Fishing early in the morning and monitoring the water temps after lunch are a great idea. Dry droppers, or just a dry fly, are very effective right now. Fish are going to be a little spooky with the low water, so make some longer casts, and after you have made 5-10 casts in a pool or run, you can walk on to the next. 6x tippet is a good idea just to make sure that you are getting as many bites as possible. Anywhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Looking Glass Creek, Courthouse Creek, and Avery's Creek are great places to spend the morning this time of year.

Flies: Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Sassi Solution 18-20, Stimulator 12-16, Allen's Thunderbug 14-16, Pheasant Tail 20-22, Red Fox Squirrel Nymph 14-16, Chubby Chornobyl 14-16

Rod: Tenkara Rhodo

Smallmouth/Warmwater

Smallmouth fishing has been very productive lately, as long as you are fishing in the clear water. The French Broad, Pigeon, and Nolichucky all have large concentrations of warm-water fish like Smallmouth and Largemouth bass. Another great option right now is to take a small rod to any local pond or lake and catch bluegill and small bass. This is an easy way to get the kids out on the water for just an hour or two, and then be able to spend time with the rest of the family. Small popping bugs and little inchworms are great for this. If you want to throw a streamer, a Woolly Bugger and a Clouser Minnow have been productive.

To check water levels and tempuratures, click here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-03451500/#dataTypeId=continuous-63680-66898262&period=P7D&showFieldMeasurements=true

Flies: Gallop's Mini Dungeon 2-4, Meat Whistle 6, Woolly Bugger 6-10, Sparkle Minnow 8, Boogle Bug 4-8 , Clouser Minnow 2-6

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.