Nantahala River North Carolina
North Carolina Game and Fish named it one of the state's ten best trout streams and Trout Unlimited listed it as one of the nation's 'Top 100' trout streams. The river is stocked by the state of North Carolina but also has a very good population of native trout.
The Nantahala is divided into three sections, with different fishing regulations for each.
1. The Upper Nantahala from the dam to White Oak Creek is classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white signs that are posted conspicuously along the watercourse. This is primarily the section along Old River Road. Map
2. The Upper Nantahala from White Oak Creek to the Duke Energy Power Plant is classified as Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, which can be fished only with artificial lures with one single hook (no natural bait). And there are strict seasonal restrictions between fall and summer.
The Upper Nantahala offers a consistent flow and is arguably one of the most scenic mountain rivers in the nation with its many cascades and waterfalls.
3. The Lower Nantahala, along the floor of the Nantahala Gorge downstream of the power plant is also classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. But because this is where most of the rafting and kayaking activity occurs, the Lower Nantahala is the only stream in the state where night fishing is allowed.
North Carolina Game and Fish named it one of the state's ten best trout streams and Trout Unlimited listed it as one of the nation's 'Top 100' trout streams. The river is stocked by the state of North Carolina but also has a very good population of native trout.
The Nantahala is divided into three sections, with different fishing regulations for each.
1. The Upper Nantahala from the dam to White Oak Creek is classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white signs that are posted conspicuously along the watercourse. This is primarily the section along Old River Road. Map
2. The Upper Nantahala from White Oak Creek to the Duke Energy Power Plant is classified as Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, which can be fished only with artificial lures with one single hook (no natural bait). And there are strict seasonal restrictions between fall and summer.
The Upper Nantahala offers a consistent flow and is arguably one of the most scenic mountain rivers in the nation with its many cascades and waterfalls.
3. The Lower Nantahala, along the floor of the Nantahala Gorge downstream of the power plant is also classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. But because this is where most of the rafting and kayaking activity occurs, the Lower Nantahala is the only stream in the state where night fishing is allowed.
Fishing Access Type:
Boat Y
Kayak Y
Wading Y
Boat Y
Kayak Y
Wading Y
Fishing Access:
Upper Nantahala from the dam to White Oak Creek
Map
Upper Nantahala from White Oak Creek to the Duke Energy Power Plant
Map
The Lower Nantahala, along the floor of the Nantahala Gorge downstream of the power plant
Map
Upper Nantahala from the dam to White Oak Creek
Map
Upper Nantahala from White Oak Creek to the Duke Energy Power Plant
Map
The Lower Nantahala, along the floor of the Nantahala Gorge downstream of the power plant
Map
Fishing Style:
Nymph
Dry Fly
Spinner Fall
Terrestrials
Streamers
Nymph
Dry Fly
Spinner Fall
Terrestrials
Streamers
Equipment:
10' or 11' 3wt rod
10' or 11' 4wt rod
9' 5wt rod
9' 4wt rod
10' or 11' 3wt rod
10' or 11' 4wt rod
9' 5wt rod
9' 4wt rod
Flies: Hatch Chart
Water Flow: Data
Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brim, Crappie, Catfish, Large Mouth & Small Mouth Bass, Striper
Misc. Information: Fishing License
