Fly Fishing
The Davidson River — a Top 100 trout stream — plus 500 miles of fishable water
Waters
From technical wild trout streams to larger delayed harvest water.
Davidson River — Catch & Release Section
14 miles of fly-only, catch-and-release water. A Trout Unlimited Top 100 stream. Brown trout over 30 inches. Light tippet (6x-7x fluorocarbon) essential. Midge factory year-round. This is THE destination.
Davidson River — Hatchery Section
Below the hatchery, regulations are less restrictive. Good numbers of stocked rainbows with some wild fish mixed in. More accessible for beginners.
Avery Creek
Wild trout, small stream. Tight quarters require short casts and stealth. Beautiful native brook trout water in the upper reaches.
Looking Glass Creek
Crystal clear — stealth is everything. Long leaders, light tippet, careful approaches. Some of the most technical fishing in the region.
North Mills River
Delayed harvest section — artificial only Oct-June, all methods July-Sept. Accessible wading with good-sized fish.
East Fork French Broad
Delayed harvest near Rosman. Larger water with good access points. Good for beginners and nymph fishing.
French Broad River
Larger water for muskie and smallmouth bass. Float trips available. A completely different fishing experience.
Monthly Hatch Chart
What's hatching and what to throw.
Midges, BWOs (Blue Wing Olives)
#20-24 Zebra Midges, #18-20 BWO Parachute
Blue Quills, Hendricksons, March Browns
#14-18 Blue Quill, #14 Hendrickson, #12 March Brown
Green Drakes, Cahills, Caddis, Stoneflies
#10-12 Green Drake, #14 Light Cahill, #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis
Terrestrials, Caddis (evening)
#10-14 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers, #14-16 Caddis
BWOs return, Fall Caddis
#18-20 BWO, #14-16 October Caddis, Streamers
Midges, BWOs, Streamers
#20-24 Midges, #18-20 BWO, #8-10 Woolly Bugger
Outfitters & Guide Services
Davidson River Outfitters
Right at the Pisgah entrance. THE fly fishing resource. Current conditions board, guided trips, huge fly selection, expert advice. Stop here first.
Headwaters Outfitters
Full-service outfitter with kayak and canoe rentals too. Guided fly fishing trips on the Davidson and beyond.
Cross Rivers Fly Fishing
Guided trips specializing in wild trout streams. Great for learning the local waters.
Pisgah Outdoors
Guided fishing trips, paddling, and outdoor adventures. Knowledgeable local guides.
Gear Essentials
- Rod: 3-4 weight, 8.5-9 ft for most streams. 5 weight for larger water.
- Tippet: 6x-7x fluorocarbon for the Davidson. These fish see a LOT of pressure.
- Must-have flies: Zebra Midges (#20-24), Pheasant Tail Nymphs (#16-18), Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16)
- Wading: Felt soles recommended for slippery rocks. Wading staff helpful.
NC Fishing License
A valid North Carolina fishing license with trout stamp is required. Purchase online at ncwildlife.org or at local outfitters. Out-of-state 10-day licenses available.
Pro Tips
- Check the USGS gauge for Davidson River levels before heading out
- Fish weekdays if possible — the Davidson gets pressured on weekends
- Stop by Davidson River Outfitters for the current conditions board
- Early morning and late evening are prime times, especially in summer
- Long leaders (9-12 ft) are essential on the Davidson