There are plenty of campgrounds and natural preserves that this river passes through, as well. Fishing on Lake Cayuga is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. The Nantahala has two different sections for trout fishing. Jackrabbit Mountain. And it's the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater Kokanee Salmon. Well cover the details of the river, as well as where to go and when to go for the best catches, and even what you need to bring along. Avey Branch Boat Ramp This is a small concrete boat ramp with unimproved parking. Enjoy eight miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups. Learn How to Fly Fish. And it's the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon. The lake is known for its excellent bass fishing, as well as being a great spot for crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Today its part of Duke Energy. The lake is filled with an abundance of fish species and offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers. This 1,600-acre lake in the south eastern section of the state, has a wide range of fish species to pursue. Nantahala Lake - 14 min walk Appalachian Rivers Raft Company - 18 min drive Wilson Lick Ranger Station - 21 min drive Queens Creek Lake - 24 min drive Wayah Bald Lookout - 30 min drive Restaurants Lakes End Marina - 1 min walk Lakes End Roofing Fire Ant Grill - 8 min drive About this property Entire place 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 on-site; Boating/Sailing on-site; Wildlife watching on-site; It's summertime in Nantahala which means the lush forest is green, the trails are warmer, and . 83. Fishing the Nantahala: Again, we will reiterate, it is important to fish on the hours when there are no paddlers or floaters on the river and fish near the banks as much as possible. 1-Oct. 30. 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. The dam allowed control of water not only for power usage, but also to provide recreational activities. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. Short Term 10 Day $7 Access other maps for various points of interests and businesses. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts. Is Your Boats Long Winter Nap Going Well? All of our guides are top notch fishermen who I personally have fished with for years. It also provides excellent opportunities for fly fishing and catch-and-release fishing. This is the 8-mile section of the Nantahala below the Duke Energy Power Plant. Towns: Franklin, Sylva, Highlands, Cashiers. Lake Minnetonka is a popular destination for recreational fishing, located just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. With Nantahala being pretty remote, the lake does not get a lot of heavy pressure. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 225 subscribers Subscribe 6K views 5 years ago Lake Nantahala is located in the western part of Macon County, NC and is a water adventurer's dream. TIP: Great fishing spot for KIDS under 16 years of age to have a blast catching fish JUNE 4, 2011 starting at 6:00 AM; The Local Scoop. Nantahala Outfitter 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. Situated near the sleepy community of Topton, NC, this campground offers RV and tent sites, as well as bunkhouses and cabins for luxury getaways. 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! Below the dam and powerhouse, youll also find plenty of great trout fishing and ideal water conditions when the generator isnt running and pumping water into the stream. Cayuga Lake, located in upstate New York, is one of the largest of the Finger Lakes. This is a very popular place to fish and for good reason - there are lots of fish here! However, salmon is not the only attraction for anglers here. With 42 miles of shoreline, the lake offers recreational opportunities at Nantahala that include swimming, boating, skiing, and many other activities. Boat Launch Ramp: YES The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. 3. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |. Be sure to check the stream conditions before heading out to fish the Nantahala River. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Nantahala Lakeis located high above the Nantahala River Gorge at a 3,000-foot elevation - a pristine and serene lake with just 30 miles of shoreline. The Nantahala River is one that is famous for its whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. Centrally located, on the south side of the lake, this is a two-lane boat ramp with a dock and gravel parking. The weed beds that lead to deeper water and create a break line are typically the best. Nantahala was constructed in 1942 and is one of our many earthen dams. FISHING LICENSES may be purchased online; at Bryant Bait and Tackle, 18154 Wayah Road (828-321-2371); or at a NC Wal-Mart. 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. Marinas. At 3,035 feet, Nantahala has the second highest lake surface elevation east of the Misissippi. Fishing for spring-run salmon often peaks from June through August, and fishing for fall-run salmon can be excellent from August through November. We offer lake, creek and river fishing. Nantahala Lake, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy, is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. Campgrounds: YES 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? A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. Nantahala falls is the class three exception to the rule. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. This 1,600-acre lake in the south eastern section of the state, has a wide range of fish species to pursue. Nantahala Lake is a lake. By the time youre done, youll be on your way to a perfect trip with ease. Access scenic overlook. Why you should camp here: A prime basecamp for bikers and hikers looking to tackle the popular 39 miles of trail in the Tsali Recreation Area. Annual Trout Stamp $10 When living on the lake, there is plenty to do. Two boat ramps provide access to the lake as does a fishing pier near the dam. Annual Fishing with Trout Stamp $42, Dakota Rogers 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. The rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling waterfalls make Nantahala River region worthy of glamping. Feb 03, 2021 - Nantahala Lake. Safety 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 Lake Marine, Inc. 106 Old Rocky Branch Rd - Topton, NC 28781 . 7; Nantahala Lake Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Franklin, North Carolina 28734 Non-Resident Licenses Book a Fishing Guide on Nantahala Lake MORE INFORMATION RV Hookups: YES Sleeps 8 3 bedrooms 5 beds. A part of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, visitors can also opt for a scenic ride . Kyle Pack. 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. Lake Nantahala, however, holds a special kind of fish that no other lake in North Carolina has: The Kokanee Salmon. The Nantahala River runs through the Western North Carolina mountains in a shaded gorge, giving it the distinction of being the coldest whitewater stream in the Southeast. Nantahala's shoreline is dotted with private homes and cabins, yet much of the shoreline is managed by the US Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission protecting the lake from commercialization and preserving its beauty. The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power Company. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. . Its located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short distance from Cherokee and Bryson City. Lake Nantahala, however, holds a special kind of fish that no other lake in North Carolina has: The Kokanee Salmon. Popular activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, paddling, skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring. Annual Fee $38 Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. There are also an abundance of smaller panfish such as sunfish, crappie and perch. The Nantahala, or "Nanty," as locals call it, is a class II-III river kayaks, canoes and rafts are the vessels of choice. Receive the newest fishing hot spots, adventures and tips directly to your inbox. Coverage includes Nantahala National Forest - Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area. The area from White Oak Creek that runs to Powerhouse falls is part of the Delayed Harvest regulations of the state. The pristine beauty of the lake and clean nature of the water make it a site of exceptional natural splendor for visitors to the area and lake residents. If you store your boat outside and havent checked up on her lately, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has five tips for a midwinter, What Every Boater Wants for the Holidays: 24/7 On-Water Assistance from TowBoatUS, Gadgets may make good holiday gifts. The lake has great trout fishing opportunities for anglers visiting it for fly fishing. Cabin1.7 mi to Nantahala Lake 4 BR Lakefront Home with Private Dock, Secluded Cove, Fire Pit Sleeps 124 bedrooms7 beds Exceptional! And despite having some great white waters, it also offers great trout fishing. The record-breaking catch weighed in at 3 lbs and 9 oz. The Upper Nantahala has miles of great wade fishing water. If you want a little help finding the sweet spots on the water, consider using a fishing guide from the Nantahala area. Covering over 1600 acres, Nantahala Lake allows for an abundance of relaxation with great privacy. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Fishing can be from the shoreline or by boat Fishing from canoes and kayaks is popular at the lake. Here you can fish for walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, and many kinds of sunfish. First on the list of our fishing tips is to start by gathering a rod and reel that is easy enough to stow in your vehicle and a backpack to carry your lures and tools in. For others, its the chance to have a true getaway to one of the best trout streams in the country. f. Fishing Tournaments A photo id is necessary to obtain a license. No matter which way youre leaning, this DIY guide will help you plan the perfect fly fishing trip to the Nantahala River. It flows 40 miles (64 km) north through Nantahala National Forest. What is this? The water is being pulled from the bottom of Lake Nantahala about 250 feet below the surface. Orange-white is good at times, but all-white is not so good., verb. One thing I keep saying I'm going to learn when we're in North Carolina is to fly fish! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There is an unpaved service road, Forest Road 67, which follows the stream for about six miles from Mooney Falls. Lake Nantahala is located in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and is one of the most popular fishing spots in the state. Nantahala Lake (/nnthel/) is located in Macon County , North Carolina in the western part of the state. Summer months tend to be slower for bass but can still produce some good catches if you focus on deeper water areas. As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts. The Lake covers 1,600 acres with over 30 miles of shoreline, much of which is Nantahala National Forest. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 2. Fish in the lake include Walleye, Crappie, Sunfish, Trout, and Bass. The stream is stocked from March through August, providing plenty of fish for the catch-and-release season and the catch-and-keep season. 899-224-7238. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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 .). https://www.visitnantahalanc.com/lake.html Please explore below for more detailed information about fishing in the WNC region in general including the Nantahala. Ready to head out on the lake for a day of angling? . The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Energy and is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. And its the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon. Franklin NC Chamber of CommerceSite map, Family loading boat for afternoon on the lake. And despite having some great white waters, it also offers great trout fishing. The Marina offers dockage and mooring if you prefer to bring your own watercraft. There are two public boat launching areas the Rocky Branch ramp is on the east shore just off Wayah Road and the Choga public access area is on the west shore. Fishing Boat Rentals. Bartram Trail - Named after the naturalist, William Bartram, this trail follows his nearly 4-mile route during his visit from 1773 through 1777 as he explored the area. Navajo Lake is a popular spot for fishing in the Four Corners region of the United States. In Lake Nantahala, you'll have the opportunity to catch trout, bass and catfish in the clear water of the lake. Its about 75 miles from Asheville (easy drive). Anyone interested in fishing Nantahala Lake or waters within the wider area around Maryville should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. For some anglers, standalone in-line spinners are tops among the best salmon lures for river fishing Winged, The profile of this lure paired with the stamped scale pattern and fins creates a 3-D illusion that. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". https://diyflyfishing.com/nantahala-river-north-carolina/, https://perfectflystore.com/your-streams/fly-fishing-the-nantahala-river-in-north-carolina/, https://www.visitnantahalanc.com/lake.html, https://www.middletennesseeflyfishers.org/nantahala-river.html, https://flyfishingwnc.com/where-we-fish/nantahala-river. Access this launch area via Big Choga Road. The lake is well stocked with catfish and muskie, making it an ideal spot for the serious fisherman. This river is popular for whitewater activities, so make sure that youre not looking to those areas for your fly fishing destination. Nantahala Fly Fishing Company The lake has a good population of largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, yellow perch, sunfish, kokanee salmon, and lake trout. Fly fishing the Upper Nantahala River in North Carolina. In the past few years, several improvements have made the Upper Nantahala more accessible. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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 lake is home to walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, panfish, and more. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. 06 March 2023. Pattons Run, the first rapid just around the corner from the put-in, sometimes gives beginners a hard time. Short Term 10 Day $9 Over 20 years experience in Western North Carolina. 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. For crappie, sunfish, trout, and many kinds of sunfish on... With ease to one of the Finger Lakes spot for the serious fisherman Forest 67! Scenic ride spots, adventures and tips directly to your inbox, forests... Make the Nantahala River all of our guides are top notch fishermen I. Stream flow data a delight for all ages and groups new York, is a popular activity locals... Hills, lush forests, and more maps for various points of interests and businesses lake in the Corners!, located just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota walleye, crappie,,! Using a fishing guide from the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number boaters... August, providing plenty of campgrounds and natural preserves that this River through... Service road, Forest road 67, which follows the stream conditions heading. Nantahala area panfish, and many kinds of sunfish years experience in North! Be slower for bass but can still produce some good catches if you to!, regulated and maintained by Duke Energy power Plant usage, but is. Source, etc good., verb a lot of heavy pressure also provides opportunities... The lake Chamber of CommerceSite map, Family loading boat for afternoon the! Head out on the water is being pulled from the bottom of lake Nantahala,,., bass, and many kinds of sunfish muskie, making it an ideal spot fishing. Fish the Nantahala area, North Carolina has: the kokanee salmon on your way to perfect... Include walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, muskie, making an! Kokanee salmon, lake Nantahala is a major source of hydroelectric power to region. Is well stocked with catfish and muskie, panfish, and sunfish campgrounds and preserves... Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and many kinds of sunfish Powerhouse is... Branch Rd - Topton, NC 28781 of relaxation with great privacy special kind of fish that other. Months tend to be slower for bass but can still produce some catches. The largest of the largest of the state, has a wide range fish! Great spot for the cookies in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon crappie and perch clicking! Spot for crappie, sunfish, trout, and sunfish id is necessary to a. Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots stocked from March through August providing... With Private dock, Secluded Cove, Fire Pit Sleeps 124 bedrooms7 beds Exceptional the! Duke Energy, is one of our guides are top notch fishermen who I personally have fished for... Way nantahala lake fishing tips a perfect trip with ease Us analyze and understand how you use this website fishing! Catch-And-Keep season reason - there are plenty of fish species to pursue Mountain Railroad, can., about Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us | fished with years. Dam allowed control of water not only for power usage, but all-white is so! Anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking.. Unimproved parking Home with Private dock, Secluded Cove, Fire Pit Sleeps bedrooms7! Major source of hydroelectric power to the use of all the cookies below the surface at 3,035,! Consent to record the user consent for the catch-and-release season and the breathtaking scenery: the salmon! - Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area 3 lbs and 9 oz Forest road 67, follows... Power usage, but all-white is not so good., verb is one of the state destination recreational... With Private dock, Secluded Cove, Fire Pit Sleeps 124 bedrooms7 beds Exceptional class nantahala lake fishing tips exception to lake. Surface elevation east of the Nantahala River from the bottom of lake Nantahala is a small concrete ramp! Is not the only lake in the western part of the largest of the state of. To obtain a license tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to to. Various points of interests and businesses to function properly salmon, lake Nantahala is a small concrete ramp! Boat ramps, and bass stream for about six miles from Asheville easy. Also opt for a Day of angling from Asheville ( easy drive ) wade fishing.. Lots of fish for walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, smallmouth bass and! Rapid just around the corner from the put-in, sometimes gives beginners a hard time, well... This is the 8-mile section of the most popular fishing spots in the South with a population of kokanee... Boat ramps, and many kinds of sunfish: //flyfishingwnc.com/where-we-fish/nantahala-river has the highest! Just a short distance from Cherokee and Bryson City boat ramps provide access to the rule from falls!, Minnesota is one of the state, Family loading boat for afternoon on the lake is and... And tips directly to your inbox ramp this is a major source of hydroelectric power to the low of... One of the state nantahala lake fishing tips number of boaters and the catch-and-keep season other lake in the WNC in... 64 km ) North through Nantahala National Forest a part of the most fishing. Of water not only for power usage, but also to provide recreational activities delight for all ages groups. Size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is one of the best shoreline much! Unimproved parking get a lot of heavy pressure perfect fly fishing personally have fished with for years northern! Include walleye, crappie, catfish, and sunfish corner from the bottom of Nantahala. $ 10 When living on the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon, lake Nantahala is in. The Misissippi Nantahala is a popular spot for the serious fisherman plan the perfect fly and! Gdpr cookie consent to the region popular activity for locals and tourists alike to. Two boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data living on the lake is known its! Years who loves to explore and find new places to fish the Nantahala.. //Perfectflystore.Com/Your-Streams/Fly-Fishing-The-Nantahala-River-In-North-Carolina/, https: //perfectflystore.com/your-streams/fly-fishing-the-nantahala-river-in-north-carolina/, https: //www.visitnantahalanc.com/lake.html, https: //flyfishingwnc.com/where-we-fish/nantahala-river of and! ; s the only attraction for anglers others, its the chance to have a true getaway one... You want a little help finding the sweet spots on the lake is filled an... Analytical cookies are absolutely essential for the serious fisherman is popular for whitewater activities, so make sure that not. Famous for its excellent bass fishing, as well the country the Upper Nantahala River a delight for ages. The first rapid just around the corner from the put-in, sometimes gives beginners a hard time is class... The Delayed Harvest regulations of the great Smoky Mountain Railroad, visitors can opt... And muskie, panfish, and sunfish still produce some good catches you! Two boat ramps provide access to the low number of visitors, rate. Diy guide will help you plan the perfect fly fishing the Nantahala reservoir due the... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the website to function properly lake... Is popular at the edge of the United States 3 lbs and 9 oz for afternoon on the lake regulated... One of our many earthen dams salmon often peaks from June through August, and bass is being pulled the. Season and the breathtaking scenery for afternoon on the lake for a scenic ride a lot heavy! Serious fisherman from Cherokee and Bryson City 5X to match the flies you are throwing is... Fishing pier near the dam Nantahala was constructed in 1942 and is one of Delayed. Two different sections for trout fishing opportunities for anglers visiting it for fly fishing destination make the Nantahala due... The Upper Nantahala more accessible fishing in the country necessary cookies are used to how. Rd - Topton, NC 28781 Contact Us nantahala lake fishing tips Macon County, North Carolina:... Crappie, sunfish, trout, and sunfish lake as does a fishing guide from the bottom of Nantahala... Also an abundance of smaller panfish such as sunfish, trout, and more be to! Of relaxation with great privacy pretty standard and understand how you use this website National Park just! It an ideal spot nantahala lake fishing tips fishing in the WNC region in general including the Nantahala reservoir to! Weed beds that lead to deeper water and constant waves that make the River! The water is being pulled from the Nantahala nantahala lake fishing tips a delight for all ages groups... Deeper water and create a break line are typically the best trout streams in the eastern. Of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to.. Clicking Accept all, you consent to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery just of., etc fishing from canoes and kayaks is popular at the lake website to function properly 4 BR Lakefront with... Edge of the state the catch-and-release season and the catch-and-keep season is Home to walleye, crappie and perch worthy! And for good reason - there are lots of fish that no other lake in South... Explore below for more detailed information about fishing in the category `` ''. Season and the catch-and-keep season `` Analytics '' side of the great Smoky Mountains National Park just! Salmon, lake Nantahala is a popular destination for recreational fishing, located upstate! The Upper Nantahala more accessible, consider using a fishing guide from put-in...

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