Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Fishing Report for November 4th, 2025

Fall fishing has been good, and should continue to stay productive for the next couple of weeks. With Delyed Harvest rivers being stocked again this week, that is where a lot of the fishing focus will be. Swinging flies is a great way to catch lots of fish this time of year. Holding your line tight at the end of a drift and letting your flies rise from the bottom of the water column to the top can produce high numbers of fish this time of year, and get some very aggressive bites. Make sure to dress warmly because the river will be cold when you are going for extended periods of time.

Local fishing report

Davidson & Area Rivers

Fall fishing has still been going strong and should stay consistent for the foreseeable future. If we get any amount of rain, then the fish will really feed during the rain and the following hours, but the next day might be tough because the fish will be full from all the bugs getting washed around during the rain. Since we have just started to have the first frosts, the terrestrial fishing will slow down drastically in the next few weeks. Things like BWOs and October Caddis will be a primary forage for the fish this time of year. The Hatchery Supported section has been a little tougher fishing than the catch and release waters recently, so keep that in mind next time you head to the river.

Flies: Adams 12-16, Blue Winged Olive 14-16, Worm Farm 14, Flash Bang Midge 18-22, Girdle Bug 14-16, Howells Shuck It Jig 14-16, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear 14-16

Rod: G-Loomis IMX-Pro V2

Reel: Lamson Guru

Line: Rio Gold Line

Delayed Harvest

Delayed Harvest rivers are about to get their second fall-time stocking, which should make the fishing on these rivers even better than what it already is. Right after stocking, the fish will hold in a few pools for a day or so, and then they will slowly start to spread out. If you are headed to one of these streams, make sure to use your common courtesy and let other people fish the areas that they are in, and hopefully, they will do the same for you.

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 time to get your last little bit of backcountry dry fly fishing in before the winter months. With the higher elevation streams staying colder year-round, these fish will be a little less likely to take a dry fly as we get later into November. Dry droppers are always a great way to fish these streams, because of their delicate presentation. Even if the fish are not taking the dry fly, you will catch more fish than trying to fish with a big indicator. October Caddis, Blue Winged Olive, and Stoneflies are going to be the main forage for these fish right now. During the middle part of the day, when the sun is up, will be when these fish are the most active, and the most willing to bite.

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, Swing Caddis 16-18

Rod: Tenkara Rhodo

Smallmouth/Warmwater

Smallmouth fishing is definitely starting to slow down, with most of the fish hanging out in the deeper pools and not feeding as aggressively. Musky fishing is also starting to pick up now, with cooler temps and nasty days, catching a musky is not out of the question, so be prepared for a fight if you are fishing big sand drops, or deep holes where small fish that musky can eat might hang out.

Flies: Gallop's Mini Dungeon 2-4, Meat Whistle 6, Wolly Bugger 6-10, Sparkle Minnow 8, Near Nuff Crayfish 4-6, Slump Buster 6-8

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.