Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Fishing Report for October 1st, 2026

All of a sudden, we have shifted from Summer to Fall in the blink of an eye. Daytime temps are in the mid 70's with the nights getting into the 50's. Hard to argue with spending your time outside with the weather as beautiful as it has been. Still not much rain in the area, but the cooler weather is making the fishing so much better than it has been lately. October Caddis and Iso Mayflies are starting to show up as the weather continues to cool down. Orange Caddis imitators and Parachute Adams are starting to work well and will be prevalent through all of Fall. Terrestrials will be around until the first frost, which is tough to say when that might be.

The smaller tributaries are continuing to fish better than the larger rivers are. Feeder creeks of the Davidson are fishing well, and the forks of the French Broad have been producing some fish the last couple of days as well.

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 temps are cooling down after a grueling Summer. While it might not be as hot as it was during the summer months, the fish are still taking their time acclimating to the fall temps. The lower sections of the river are starting to show more and more signs of life every day, but the upper stretches of the river, above Cove Creek, are still showing the most promise of catching fish. Looking Glass Creek and Avery Creek are still fishing well, with the fish really enjoying caddis patterns on top like an Elk Hair Caddis or Stimulators. Terrestrials are still working well, also as we close out the summer months. Make sure to keep moving and not stand in one hole to fish all day. It will take some walking and fishing multiple different pools or runs to be successful out there right now.

To check water temps and levels, click here: USGS Gauge Davidson River

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

Delayed Harvest regulations are now back to catch and release, single hook artificial lure/flies only. While the state is not restocking any fish in October, they still plan to stock fish in November. There are still a few wild fish and holdover stocked fish from the Spring. Fishing with light line and staying away from pressured/skiddish fish is going to be important, as these fish have seen about all the tricks in the book this Summer. Take your time and fish touroughly and you will find a few fish in these rivers.

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

The smaller streams are still a great place to spend your time, even with the cooler temperatures that we have been having. Small dry flies and small droppers are really working out there right now. You can fish these rivers all day and catch fish, but make sure to keep walking, fishing new stretches as you go. These will not be the biggest fish, but they are very energetic and live in some of the most beautiful places that you will ever see. Make sure to walk quietly and not spook the fish, because the low water will have them wary of any predators being around.

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."