Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Fishing Report for September 18th, 2026

You can feel fall in the air in the mornings, but that doesn't mean that the afternoon temps are any cooler. Bright sun, no rain, and high temps are making the afternoon fishing very tough still. The mornings are starting to get better and better as the weather continues to cool. Fishing the higher elevation streams is still the most productive fishing around. Terrestrails and small nymphs continue to be the best producers.

Make sure that you are continuing to monitor the water temperatures after lunch time, and get out of the water whenever it starts to rise above 68-70 degrees. The shady sections of the river and areas that are getting more rain will stay cool later in the day. Think of places like Avery Creek, Looking Glass Creek, and the Davidson above Cove Creek.

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. Not much shade, and no added rain to help low water flows; these fish aren't getting much of a break at all. 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 as droppers.

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."