Nantahala Lake is the clearest lake I guide on and there are some houses and boat docks. 16102 Wayah Rd Aquone, NC The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. The first one is located off Wayah Road on the east shore, and the second can be found on the west shore. And despite having some great white waters, it also offers great trout fishing. This pristine lake sits at a 3,000-foot elevation and has 30 miles of shoreline. Centrally located, on the south side of the lake, this is a two-lane boat ramp with a dock and gravel parking. The beautiful water is often the talk of much conversation and an instant photo choice for new visitors. This river is one of the best known in the state, but not just for fly fishing. 98 Hyatt Road With our Lake Maps App, you get all the great marine chart app features like fishing spots, along with Nantahala Lake depth map. Covering over 1600 acres, Nantahala Lake allows for an abundance of relaxation with great privacy. Kokanee salmon are the land-locked version of sockeye salmon. Chinook salmon head into Californias rivers to spawn every year, and many rivers host multiple runs, often one in the spring and one in the fall. Turn right on NC 294, go 3 miles. First, make sure that all of your licenses and gear are ready to go and that the fish youre targeting are in season. The Nantahala River: The Nantahala is a great place for beginners and enjoyable for experienced anglers. Non-Resident Licenses Anglers who are familiar with Nantahala Lake and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. We will call this lake fishing 101. What Is The Biggest Sturgeon Ever Caught On Rod And Reel? Interactive map of Lake Nantahala that includes Marina Locations, Boat Ramps. In addition to the rare Kokanee and the famous Trout, you can find Bass, Sunfish, Crappie, and Walleyein the lake, providing you a wonderful variety of freshwater fish to target for your day on the water. Like many anglers in the area, Smith, who is from Mills River in Henderson County, knew that kokanee salmon are found in North Carolina only in Nantahala Lake , having been stocked in the mid-1960s by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission in an attempt to establish the species as a forage fish. The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war efforts. of Wildlife Resources stocked kokanee salmon, onchorynchus nerki, in Nantahala and a couple other lakes in western North Carolina in the 1950s or 1960s as forage fish for northern pike, which . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. How Is the Fishing at Pomme De Terre Lake. The hazards for fishing this area when the river is "on" are the rapid rise of water level, very swift water, and fishing between the kayakers and rafters. Youll also find some tributaries in the area. Dale is a retired Park Ranger, and worked for 13 years for the National Park Service in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a certified boating instructor and a Wildlife Technician. Work with the Wind - On days with a strong breeze you can expect bait fish to get pushed closer to shore, meaning . If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters Options include float trips on the Nantahala River, as well as wade trips on the Upper Nantahala for trout; float and wade trips on the Tuckasegee River and Little Tennessee River for trout and small mouth bass. Photos by Tim Ramey. Lake Nantahala, however, holds a special kind of fish that no other lake in North Carolina has: The Kokanee Salmon. 866 372-5546. Fly fishing the Upper Nantahala River in North Carolina. You can purchase a North Carolina state fishing license and learn about the most current regulations through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. However, salmon is not the only attraction for anglers here. Fish in the lake include Walleye, Crappie, Sunfish, Trout, and Bass. 2023 Jam Travel Tips | All Rights Reserved. The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war efforts. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts. Endless River Adventures Kokanee are land-locked sockeye salmon. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Fishing in Lake Nantahala is best done with spinning or baitcasting gear. . Here is list of general fly pattern recommendations for the Nantahala River: A 9-foot 4-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Nantahala River. Resident Licenses Annual Fishing with Trout Stamp $220 Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide a Nantahala River fly fishing report and update on current conditions are listed below: The state of North Carolina requires that all people who are 16 years of age and older have a valid fishing license. 06 March 2023. DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Nantahala River in North Carolina, Nantahala River Map and Fishing Access Sites, DIY guide will help you plan the perfect fly fishing, Trout Unlimited's Guide to America's 100 Best Trout Streams, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in North Carolina, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Whitewater River in North Carolina, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Noland Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Chattooga River. Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals https://diyflyfishing.com/nantahala-river-north-carolina/ 828-524-3161, This lake is deep, cold, artificial and pristine, comprising about 1600 acres of flooded valleys in the Nantahala River basin and local tributaries. Fishing can be from the shoreline or by boat Fishing from canoes and kayaks is popular at the lake. River LOWER section Named one of the top trout streams in the country, and rated as one of the Top 100 Trout Rivers in North America by Trout Unlimited, the Nantahala is that perfect trout fishing destination The North Carolina State Record Brown Trout was caught on the lower Nantahala River and weighed 24lbs 10oz!. That means single hook artificial, catch and release only fishing. Photo via NC Wildlife Resource Commission. Looking for more places to fish? The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white signs that are posted conspicuously along the watercourse. Topton, NC 28781 Nantahala District. Can You Fish In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison? The lake is well stocked with catfish and muskie, making it an ideal spot for the serious fisherman. A Dam-controlled River Nantahala Dam was completed in 1942 creating a reservoir that was critical to the success of defense projects for World War II. Winter does offer some fishing, in particular on the lower Nantahala, a tailwater where the the water is a consistent 45-degrees (F) year round. Lake Nantahala also provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing during the colder months from late fall through early spring. However, for a boater, having 24/7 on-the-water help just a call away is much better. The Nantahala River is one that is famous for its whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. The Marina offers dockage and mooring if you prefer to bring your own watercraft. Excellent trout fishing can be found in most parts of this river including the headwaters above Nantahala Lake, the Upper Nantahala below the confluence with Whiteoak Creek, and the Lower Nantahala down through the Nantahala Gorge. Nantahala Lake Macon - North Carolina. The area from White Oak Creek that runs to Powerhouse falls is part of the Delayed Harvest regulations of the state. The stream is stocked from March through August, providing plenty of fish for the catch-and-release season and the catch-and-keep season. Franklin, North Carolina 28734 Fly fishing is also an option for those who prefer it, although you may have more success on the smaller panfish with this method. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Is Your Boats Long Winter Nap Going Well? 1. If this is true the Kokanee fishery is destined to collapse like a number of Kokanee lakes In NY and CT. "There's no losing in fishing. . Nantahala Fly Fishing Company Avey Branch Boat Ramp This is a small concrete boat ramp with unimproved parking. There is a population of kokanee salmon that reach over three pounds. Campsite type: Tent, RV, car camping. Nantahala is a Cherokee word meaning land of the noon day sun , a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. Nantahala Lake is a lake. Nantahala Lake Fishing Guide: Big Smallmouth! What Is The Best Place To Go Bass Fishing. The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power Company. The upper part of the river is home to a number of creeks and streams that are part of the wild trout waters program and are managed by the Forest Service as such. 2. Restaurant: YES, Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals 843-683-3474, Nantahala is the South's only lake with freshwater Salmon. Site manager: 828-526-5918. d w w V Walk under waterfall without getting wet. What is, Spinners. Here you can fish for walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, and many kinds of sunfish. Annual Trout Stamp $15 Reservations accepted: No. Coverage includes Nantahala National Forest - Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area. Stop in Bryson City, North Carolina and take a ride along the Nantahala River and through the Nantahala Gorge, for breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Like belonging to an auto club for recreational boat owners, a BoatUS Unlimited Towing Membership provides professional on-water towing services by the TowBoatUS fleet - the nations largest, What Did We Name Our Boats in 2022? During the summer months, fishing is best during the early morning and late evening, as the fish tend to be more active during cooler temperatures. Endless River Adventures The average Kokanee Salmon across the country is 12" with a few lakes producing larger fish. As the season heats up, the thermocline drops deeper in the lake. The lake is home to walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, panfish, and more. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Two boat ramps provide access to the lake as does a fishing pier near the dam. A photo id is necessary to obtain a license. This is a canyon-like area that offers camping and plenty of wading and shoreline fishing. Andiamo: Meaning lets go / we go / come on in Italian, Andiamo remains in the, Boat Winterizing Truth or Myth? 1-Oct. 30. Tsali Campground. And there are strict seasonal restrictions between October and June. No matter which way youre leaning, this DIY guide will help you plan the perfect fly fishing trip to the Nantahala River. This might help explain the poor Kokanee fishing at Nantahala Lake last season. !Take advantage of this printable map of the Nantahala River region. It flows 40 miles (64 km) north through Nantahala National Forest. BRAND NEW LAKE FRONT CABIN W/ PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS-FISHING, KAYAKING, AND HIKING. Dream Catcher's Fishing 7.13K subscribers Subscribe Share 3.8K views 3 years ago Got out on Nantahala Lake for a few hours before the snow. Located high above the Nantahala River Gorge lies a unique cold-water fishing location known as Nantahala Lake. The fall is another peak time to visit, especially on the lower river where you have the chance to hook-up with some large holdover browns. Every fall, the salmon run up from lake Nantahala, up the Nantahala River , finally ending in the Standing Indian Wilderness Area. Situated near the sleepy community of Topton, NC, this campground offers RV and tent sites, as well as bunkhouses and cabins for luxury getaways. A float plan is needed: A float plan is as simple as telling a. There are plenty of campgrounds and natural preserves that this river passes through, as well. The campground's many amenities provide a comfortable home base for exploring this fun and historic section of the forest. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. There is plenty of fish all year here The Cullasaja River: This short river in Macon County is beautiful, full of fish, but best for experienced anglers. The lake has plenty of structure to Target fish such as fallen trees, submerged logs and weed beds which can hold bass and other species. You'll be in great company for Lake Nantahala's fishing or playing on the water in one of the summer's hottest spots! In Lake Nantahala, you'll have the opportunity to catch trout, bass and catfish in the clear water of the lake. It looks like nothing was found at this location. The USGS stream gauge near Hewitt, NC provide a good indication of current conditions. Kokanee Salmon are the landlocked version of the Pacific Sockeye salmon. The lake has a wide variety of fish, from smallmouth bass and largemouth bass to yellow perch and rainbow trout. 4.8/5 . Striped Bass: Navajo Lake is known for its striped bass population, which can be found throughout much of the lake. It has a wide variety of fish, ranging from largemouth bass to crappie, walleye, and sunfish. This 1,600-acre lake in the south eastern section of the state, has a wide range of fish species to pursue. We recommend this stretch of the Nantahala River to the entire family and especially those who fly fish. Early spring offers a short window when the fish can be caught on the surface with fly and spinning tackle. The record-breaking catch weighed in at 3 lbs and 9 oz. While the Topton, NC and Nantahala River areas are best known for their trout fishing opportunities, a day with your fishing pole at the lack will lend you more than a wide variety of catches. Phone 828-321-BOAT (2628) Off Lake Nantahala (1/4 mile from Old Rocky Branch Boat Launch) Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. With its crystal clear waters and abundance of structure, this lake provides some great opportunities for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish species all year round! Trout can be found near shoreline structure such as rocks and undercut banks using live bait or spinners. If you want a little help finding the sweet spots on the water, consider using a fishing guide from the Nantahala area. Search specifically along the areas of the river discussed here for the best fishing. 20.0 in. Private: Where Can I Fish On The Nantahala River? Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. While the schedule varies from month to month, the river is generally "turned on" mid-morning and "turned off" late afternoon. Nantahala Community Nantahala Lake 1600 acre lake located in Macon County Followers 111 Catches 2 Spots 0 Chilhowee Lake Followers 62 Catches 6 Spots 0 Featured People on Fishidy Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. Choose Your Lake Rod and Reel Setup. The river flows through the Nantahala National Forest, starting at Standing Indian Mountain. Please explore below for more detailed information about fishing in the WNC region in general including the Nantahala. I have marked large bait balls in the lake. Many anglers come to fish Badin Lake, the large reservoir on the forests western border, but several rivers also offer the chance to catch bass, catfish and other game fish in Uwharrie. Fishing on Lake Cayuga is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. Below White Oak Creek and continuing about 4 miles to the powerhouse, the Nantahala River is designated as delayed-harvest waters. All equipment, rods, reels, waders and wading boots are included. Jackrabbit Mountain. View Map. Well get into the details of that more below. Local fishing guides can provide all the gear and spend a day showing you how to catch fish on Lake Nantahala. What is the Kokanee Salmon? There are two public boat launch areas for anyone who wants to get out on the water. He created DIY Fly Fishing to help you do the same. Ashley Swann with her record setting Kokanee Salmon from Lake Nantahala. Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. 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