Annual Fishing with Trout Stamp $220 The lake has a good population of largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, yellow perch, sunfish, kokanee salmon, and lake trout. The seasonal availability changes depending on which area of the river youre in, but most offer year-round access or only close for a month or two out of the year. RV Hookups: YES The Best Camping near Nantahala National Forest. The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Energy and is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. The graph below shows the stream flow (discharge) for the past 7-days. Some of its species are catfish, walleye, smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass along with crappie, salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, rainbow, and brown trout. 10 Day $12 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!. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Turn right on FR 313 for 0.5 mile. If flows are considerably above or below historical norms (yellow triangles on the chart) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal. Marina: YES Endless River Adventures It is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries Department. Big largemouth and smallmouth rule these waters and can be caught shallow and deep! The Lower Nantahala area is well known for its population of large trout, primarily browns and rainbows. Campgrounds: YES You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 2. 10 Best Hotels With Breakfast Near Lake Buena Vista, Florida - Updated 2023. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. SPRINGFIELD, VA., Jan. 24, 2022 Storms have hammered the U.S., and many recreational boats are sleeping away the winter under a layer of ice and snow. Kokanee are land-locked sockeye salmon. Wayah Crest Trailhead Loop via National Forest Road and Wayah Road DIFFICULT 37.0 mi The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. This might help explain the poor Kokanee fishing at Nantahala Lake last season. 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. It flows 40 miles (64 km) north through Nantahala National Forest. Annual Trout Stamp $10 FISHING LICENSES may bepurchased online; at Bryant Bait and Tackle, 18154 Wayah Road (828-321-2371); or at a NC Wal-Mart. The following boat ramps provide access to Nantahala Lake. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts. There are two public boat launch areas for anyone who wants to get out on the water. The Nantahalas most notable feature is its dam-controlled, cold water. Nantahala Lake fishing map is available as part of iBoating : USA Marine & Fishing App (now supported on multiple platforms including Android, iPhone/iPad, MacBook, and Windows (tablet and phone)/PC based chartplotter .). What Is The Biggest Sturgeon Ever Caught On Rod And Reel? All of our guides are top notch fishermen who I personally have fished with for years. 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. One thing I keep saying I'm going to learn when we're in North Carolina is to fly fish! Resident Licenses Fishing is marginal at best. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Two boat ramps provide access to the lake as does a fishing pier near the dam. Duke Energy's presence in Nantahala is evident from the large pipe on Old River Road that carries water directly from Nantahala Lake to the Duke Energy Hydroelectric Plant at the bottom of the mountain. Nantahala was constructed in 1942 and is one of our many earthen dams. The Nantahala River is one that is famous for its whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. It does not store any personal data. You can purchase a North Carolina state fishing license and learn about the most current regulations through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. The average Kokanee salmon average in the Nantahala River is 18 with many fish over 20". Santeetlah Marina Rentals: canoes, kayaks, deck boats and pontoons 828 479-8180. !Take advantage of this printable map of the Nantahala River region. The lake is filled with an abundance of fish species and offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers. 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. 899-224-7238. I use only local guides who have years of fishing experience to guarantee you will have a great time in our smoky mountain streams and lakes. If you bait a hook or trap, you put bait on it or in it. 2 catches; 111 followers; spots; 1600 acre lake located in Macon County. The Upper Nantahala from White Oak Creek to the Duke Energy Power Plant is classified as Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, which may be fished only with artificial lures with one single hook (no natural bait). Lake Nantahala also provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing during the colder months from late fall through early spring. In the past few years, several improvements have made the Upper Nantahala more accessible. Wonderful! 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. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. 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. The rest of the river is either open year-round or part of the general fishing season for North Carolina. How is the fishing in lake Nantahala? Bring your boat or rent one at the marina. We offer lake, creek and river fishing. Vacation rentals available for short and long term stay on Vrbo. However, salmon is not the only attraction for anglers here. Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and striped bass at Nantahala Lake in North Carolina. Pristine waters, with over 80% of the. By the time youre done, youll be on your way to a perfect trip with ease. Annual Trout Stamp $15 Annual Fee $38 Nantahala Lake also holds the distinction of being the only lake in the South where you can find freshwater Kokanee salmon. Also on Wayah Road, the Lakes End Marina (828-321-3001), rents pontoons, fishing, and ski boats. Work with the Wind - On days with a strong breeze you can expect bait fish to get pushed closer to shore, meaning . Nantahala Gorge Excursion Sunset in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by Ivana Cajina - Unsplash. To find Nantahala Lake enter the 35.199535 latitude, and -83.652115 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. Local fishing guides can provide all the gear and spend a day showing you how to catch fish on Lake Nantahala. Kokanee can be caught year round with the best fishing during the heat of the summer. 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. And its the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon. North Carolina Lakes Lake Nantahala The 15 Hottest Travel Destinations for 2023, Palm Beach County Festivals & Events [2023], Tips for Visiting Charming Chipping Campden. RV sites have full hookups with 15/20/30 amp electricity and pull-through access for big . 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. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. The best time to fish at Nantahala Lake is during the spring and fall seasons when the water temperatures are ideal for most fish species. Over 20 years experience in Western North Carolina. This time of year, the surface temps are still warm so I would suggest fishing early and late. If youre a lake area resident, such as a homeowner in the Reflections on Lake Nantahala Community, youll even get to save on your license as they are cheaper and last longer for area residents. 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. Nearby Lakes. 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. 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? Fishing Boat Rentals. Nantahala Lake, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy, is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. Is Your Boats Long Winter Nap Going Well? Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce Fish in the lake include Walleye, Crappie, Sunfish, Trout, and Bass. While the schedule varies from month to month, the river is generally "turned on" mid-morning and "turned off" late afternoon. Fishing in Lake Nantahala offers something for everyone whether its Targeting largemouth bass during spawning season or chasing trout during colder months. Nantahala falls is the class three exception to the rule. Restaurant: YES, Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. That means single hook artificial, catch and release only fishing. Nantahala has large amount of rainbow in most of its parts available for anglers. Pattons Run, the first rapid just around the corner from the put-in, sometimes gives beginners a hard time. Nantahala Lake Fishing Located high above the Nantahala River Gorge lies a unique cold-water fishing location known as Nantahala Lake. https://diyflyfishing.com/nantahala-river-north-carolina/ Franklin, North Carolina 28734 Whether traveling with an RV or tent, Standing Indian Campground is a prime place to stop for a night or spend several days in the picturesque Nantahala National Forest. Nantahala Lake kokanee salmon are all naturally reproducing. At 3000 feet elevation, Nantahala Lake is the second highest lake in the eastern US a crystal clear lake with boating, fishing and natural beauty. The dam allowed control of water not only for power usage, but also to provide recreational activities. Kyle Pack. Endless River Adventures Nantahala River Fishing Report Fishing Regulations Trip Planning Tips This river is one of the best known in the state, but not just for fly fishing. Cayuga Lake, located in upstate New York, is one of the largest of the Finger Lakes. Located high above the Nantahala River Gorge lies a unique cold-water fishing location known as Nantahala Lake. Reservations accepted: No. This river is popular for whitewater activities, so make sure that youre not looking to those areas for your fly fishing destination. 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 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. , fishing, and ski boats, but also to provide recreational activities and... 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Florida - Updated 2023 bait on it or in it Updated 2023 share information about your use of many. With our social media, advertising and analytics partners fall through early spring National Forest of this printable of. ; spots ; 1600 acre Lake located in Macon County Vista, Florida - Updated 2023 Lake in...