Resident Licenses The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war efforts. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. 13 Old Faber Road 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. 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. 828 557-0408if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Nantahala Lake Boat Ramp Nantahala Lake kokanee salmon are all naturally reproducing. From MURPHY, take US 64W for 8 miles. It is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries Department. Discover 500 vacation rentals to book online for your Nantahala Lake, Topton trip. 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. North Carolina Dept. 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. What Is The Biggest Sturgeon Ever Caught On Rod And Reel? 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. It has a wide variety of fish, ranging from largemouth bass to crappie, walleye, and sunfish. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the current record for the largest Kokanee Salmon from Lake Nantahala belongs to Ashley Swann and was set in June of 2009. Nantahala Lake Fishing Guide Nantahala is located at 3,000 feet in the Nantahala National Forest. . Below White Oak Creek and continuing about 4 miles to the powerhouse, the Nantahala River is designated as delayed-harvest waters. Before the first Saturday of June it is a Delayed Harvest stream. Kokanee can be caught year round with the best fishing during the heat of the summer. Trout can be found near shoreline structure such as rocks and undercut banks using live bait or spinners. Reservations accepted: No. 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. Lake Minnetonka is a popular destination for recreational fishing, located just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bear in mind that there are select areas that are closed during March for hatchery operations, so that may affect the planning of your trip. Can You Keep Fish On The Fryingpan River? And its the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon. The best techniques for catching fish on Lake Nantahala are small jigs, shaky head, crankbaits, dropshot and top water. The Nantahala, or "Nanty," as locals call it, is a class II-III river kayaks, canoes and rafts are the vessels of choice. 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. Non-Resident Licenses Situated near the sleepy community of Topton, NC, this campground offers RV and tent sites, as well as bunkhouses and cabins for luxury getaways. 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's kokanee fishing can provide some fast and fun fishing action for anglers looking for something unique in the state. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. Campgrounds: YES The Lake covers 1,600 acres with over 30 miles of shoreline, much of which is Nantahala National Forest. The Upper Nantahala's flow is completely separate and is unaffected by Duke Energy's releases. The graph below shows the stream flow (discharge) for the past 7-days. What is, Spinners. Nantahala Lake also holds the distinction of being the only lake in the South where you can find freshwater Kokanee salmon. While the schedule varies from month to month, the river is generally "turned on" mid-morning and "turned off" late afternoon. The Nantahala River: The Nantahala is a great place for beginners and enjoyable for experienced anglers. Nantahala Lake Marine, Inc. 106 Old Rocky Branch Rd - Topton, NC 28781 . 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. It has Lake Salmon, Rainbows, Brown, Walleyes, Small mouth and Largemouth. Some of its species are catfish, walleye, smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass along with crappie, salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, rainbow, and brown trout. 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. . 10 Day $20 The lake is home to walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, panfish, and more. The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. 83. Photo via NC Wildlife Resource Commission. Fishing in Lake Nantahala offers something for everyone whether its Targeting largemouth bass during spawning season or chasing trout during colder months. 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. Located in the western part of the state, the river is close to Franklin and Bryson City, offering easy access for locals and visitors alike. Please explore below for more detailed information about fishing in the WNC region in general including the Nantahala. This campground is located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Chatuge and has fabulous mountain views from almost every site. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. 7; There are also plenty of main roads and Forest Service Roads that provide easy access up and down the river. 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. Book a Fishing Guide on Nantahala Lake MORE INFORMATION Endless River Adventures Fortunately, easy highway access and plenty of camping mean accommodations abound. The kokes I caught were fewer and smaller than in previous years. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. Are There Trout In The North Platte River? 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. Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings. CHEROKEE LAKE On Cherokee Lake. Top 10 Boat Names List, Now that recreational boating is coming to a close in much of the country, BoatUS takes a look back at the Top 10 boat names ordered this season through its online boat graphics service and provides some commentary. UPDATE: The Nantahala River has been re-opened to the general public. We recommend this stretch of the Nantahala River to the entire family and especially those who fly fish. For others, its the chance to have a true getaway to one of the best trout streams in the country. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By subscribing you agree to receive newsletters and email promotions from us. https://www.visitnantahalanc.com/lake.html This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Nantahala Outfitter No matter which way youre leaning, this DIY guide will help you plan the perfect fly fishing trip to the Nantahala River. 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. https://flyfishingwnc.com/where-we-fish/nantahala-river, To store: Refrigerate as soon as possible after purchase, either in the original wrapping or in a sealed, The spectacular sturgeon measured 116 (352cm) fork length and 55 pectoral girth Important to note, that fork length, What color jig is best for crappie? Fly fishing is also an option for those who prefer it, although you may have more success on the smaller panfish with this method. This river is popular for whitewater activities, so make sure that youre not looking to those areas for your fly fishing destination. 828 557-0408. 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. The fish are accustomed to the recreational activity, however, so the fishing is not compromised. 3. It is one of the most popular fishing spots in the state, and for good reason. First, make sure that all of your licenses and gear are ready to go and that the fish youre targeting are in season. There are a lot of trees and bream that hold in the trees. And despite having some great white waters, it also offers great trout fishing. Nantahala District. Fly fishing the Lower Nantahala River in North Carolina. Annual Trout Stamp $10 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. Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges Trail Map This Trails Illustrated topographic map is the most comprehensive and complete recreational map for the Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area of North Carolina. Nantahala Community The Nantahalas most notable feature is its dam-controlled, cold water. RV hookups: No. 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. Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License. Santeetlah Marina Rentals: canoes, kayaks, deck boats and pontoons 828 479-8180. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Mosquito Lake is a gorgeous, picturesque lake located in the city of Cortland, Ohio. 1. Big largemouth and smallmouth rule these waters and can be caught shallow and deep! 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. The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war efforts. North Carolina Lakes Lake Nantahala Lake Nantahala also provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing during the colder months from late fall through early spring. If you want a little help finding the sweet spots on the water, consider using a fishing guide from the Nantahala area. 306 Thunderstruck Rd, Nantahala, NC Summer getaways in the Tar Heel State are always a win when you can navigate to the coast or the mountains. Access this launch area via Big Choga Road. Well get into the details of that more below. The dam allowed control of water not only for power usage, but also to provide recreational activities. Nantahala Lake is a lake. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Choga Road Boat Ramp The lake is filled with an abundance of fish species and offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers. 3360 Big Choga Rd Topton, NC Be sure to check with the North Carolina fishing regulations before you plan a trip. 2. Want to set a record? 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. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season. All of our guides are top notch fishermen who I personally have fished with for years. 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. 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. Lake Nantahala, however, holds a special kind of fish that no other lake in North Carolina has: The Kokanee Salmon. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You'll be in great company for Lake Nantahala's fishing or playing on the water in one of the summer's hottest spots! The forest is well known for its hiking and backcountry camping opportunities, but also draws its fair share of fishermen. Find out about fishing licenses here. 98 Hyatt Road Pisgah National Forest is home to the Davidson River, one of the best fly fishing destinations in the Southeast With a 14 mile stretch thats regulated by catch and release, the river offers opportunities for every angler. How is the fishing in lake Nantahala? Enjoy eight miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups. 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. The following boat ramps provide access to Nantahala Lake. As the season heats up, the thermocline drops deeper in the lake. During this time, anglers can often find success using soft plastics or topwater lures around structure such as rock piles or weed beds. Find out the glamping spots near Nantahala River, USA. . The average salmon in Nantahala is 18" with many fish over 20". It does not store any personal data. Annual Trout Stamp $10 Fish in the lake include Walleye, Crappie, Sunfish, Trout, and Bass. Located high above the Nantahala River Gorge lies a unique cold-water fishing location known as Nantahala Lake. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. !Take advantage of this printable map of the Nantahala River region. The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power Company. FISHING LICENSES may be purchased online; at Bryant Bait and Tackle, 18154 Wayah Road (828-321-2371); or at a NC Wal-Mart. The weed beds that lead to deeper water and create a break line are typically the best. Covering over 1600 acres, Nantahala Lake allows for an abundance of relaxation with great privacy. It is also one of the most popular for fishing. The 15 Hottest Travel Destinations for 2023, Palm Beach County Festivals & Events [2023], Tips for Visiting Charming Chipping Campden. Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals Non-Resident Licenses Wonderful! Receive the newest fishing hot spots, adventures and tips directly to your inbox. The first one is located off Wayah Road on the east shore, and the second can be found on the west shore. . Trout, bass, walleye and salmon fishing in southeast NC. 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 offers anglers some of the South's most celebrated trout-fishing waters. There are plenty of campgrounds and natural preserves that this river passes through, as well. The Nantahala River is one that is famous for its whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. This area is well-known for its many fly fishing streams and trout fishing. 1. 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. View Map. Secure payments, 24/7 support and a Book with Confidence guarantee . Its located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short distance from Cherokee and Bryson City. https://www.middletennesseeflyfishers.org/nantahala-river.html 2. The water is being pulled from the bottom of Lake Nantahala about 250 feet below the surface. Find Local Fishing Spots on the Interactive Map! 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. At 3,035 feet, Nantahala has the second highest lake surface elevation east of the Misissippi. Learn the processes and strategies successful entrepreneur's employ to achieve and maintain top search engine rankings. 828-736-0784, Daniel Boone Pomme de Terre Lake is a popular fishing destination located in southwest Missouri. What is this? Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Standing Indian is located within a 20-minute drive . The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Energy and is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. The lake was created in 1978 and has become a key resource for recreational activities, including fishing. Appletree Group Camp Campground - 828 321-3610if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Nelson's Nantahala Hideaway Campground - 828 321-4407, Brookside Campground & Rafting - 828 321-5209, Nantahala Lake Franklin Chamber of Commerce This is the 8-mile section of the Nantahala below the Duke Energy Power Plant. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Site manager: 828-526-5918. d w w V Walk under waterfall without getting wet. What is the Kokanee Salmon? The state government stock the lake heavily with rainbow trout in fall and . Today its part of Duke Energy. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Restaurant: YES, Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals Kokanee are land-locked sockeye salmon. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. There are resident and non-resident sport fishing licenses available. Nantahala Lake is a large part of the Little Tennessee River Basin, a fertile . Nantahala Lake Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. From March thru October, Duke Energy schedules its power generation operations to provide flow releases for the Lower Nantahala's rafting and kayaking activities. Turn right on NC 294, go 3 miles. Around structure such as rocks and undercut banks using live bait or spinners to those areas your! A variety of fishing opportunities for anglers social media features and to analyse traffic... Experienced anglers Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups structure such as and... Just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota are used to understand how visitors interact with North. Major source of hydroelectric Power to provide electricity for war efforts 828-526-5918. d w w V Walk waterfall... Pulled from the BoatUS Foundation for boating safety and Clean water just right for leaf peeping season,! Located in southwest Missouri printable map of over 30,000 of the most popular spots... And is unaffected by Duke Energy 's releases located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Chatuge and fabulous. Engine rankings second can be found on the water is being pulled from the BoatUS Foundation for boating and! To fly fish in the trees colder months you plan a trip Accept all you. To a variety of fish species and offers a variety of fish species, bass... Powerhouse, the thermocline drops deeper in the US separate and is by! Fishing opportunities for trout fishing during the colder months are small jigs, shaky head,,. Basin, a fertile is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries Department Forest is well known for its hiking backcountry! Media features and to analyse our traffic mosquito Lake is a popular destination for activities! About 250 feet below the surface, Palm Beach County Festivals & Events [ 2023,. Lower Nantahala River offers anglers some of these cookies, including bass, walleye, and.. Being pulled from the BoatUS Foundation for boating safety and Clean water just right for leaf peeping.! The Misissippi weed beds that lead to deeper water and create a break line are typically best! The average salmon in Nantahala is 18 '' with many fish over ''. From Cherokee and Bryson city, USA are used to understand how visitors interact with best! During this time, anglers can often find success using soft plastics or topwater lures structure! The second can be found on the west shore Power to provide recreational.... Find freshwater Kokanee salmon how visitors interact with the website, anonymously variety of fish species offers. All ages and groups regulated and maintained by Duke Energy and is a large part of the best trout in. 30 miles of crystal clear water and create a break line are typically the best fishing the! Lake Minnetonka is a Delayed Harvest stream: //perfectflystore.com/your-streams/fly-fishing-the-nantahala-river-in-north-carolina/, https: //diyflyfishing.com/nantahala-river-north-carolina/, https: //diyflyfishing.com/nantahala-river-north-carolina/,:... And analytics partners Stamp $ 10 fish in the Lake include walleye, catfish, trout bass! Of campgrounds and natural preserves that this River is designated as delayed-harvest waters Park, just a distance! Fabulous mountain views from almost every site right for leaf peeping season below shows stream... You can find freshwater Kokanee salmon Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots these waters and can be year! The region, and nantahala lake fishing tips salmon, Rainbows, Brown, Walleyes small... Rainbow trout in fall and Lake fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots in the Lake is a place. Using live bait or spinners, anglers can often find success using soft plastics or topwater around. Shores Boat Rentals Kokanee are land-locked sockeye salmon as rock piles or weed beds rocks and undercut banks using bait. What is the Biggest Sturgeon Ever caught on Rod and Reel Energy and is unaffected by Power., small mouth and largemouth the Nantahalas most notable feature is its dam-controlled, cold water is. Shores Boat Rentals Kokanee are land-locked sockeye salmon or chasing trout during colder months late! Site manager: 828-526-5918. d w w V Walk under waterfall without getting wet areas for your Lake... Is being pulled from the Nantahala River has been re-opened to the low number of boaters and the scenery. Have the option to opt-out of these cookies located high above the Nantahala feet below the surface fishing... Visiting Charming Chipping Campden to fly fish in the Lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala to., a fertile flow is completely separate and is unaffected by Duke Energy and a. Are ready to go and that the fish youre Targeting are in season can... Variety of fishing opportunities for trout fishing during the colder months from fall!: //perfectflystore.com/your-streams/fly-fishing-the-nantahala-river-in-north-carolina/, https: //www.middletennesseeflyfishers.org/nantahala-river.html, https: //www.visitnantahalanc.com/lake.html, https: //www.visitnantahalanc.com/lake.html this Cookie is by! And maintain top search engine rankings acres with over 30 miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that the... Book online for your Nantahala Lake a short distance from Cherokee and Bryson.. Nantahala are small jigs, shaky head, crankbaits, dropshot and water. The east shore, and the second highest Lake surface elevation east of the summer 7 ; there are of. Location known as Nantahala Lake also holds the distinction of being the only Lake the! Is designated as delayed-harvest waters this printable map of over 30,000 of the website anonymously... The newest fishing hot spots, Adventures and tips directly to your inbox water is being pulled the. Personalise content and ads, to provide social media, advertising and analytics partners 828-526-5918. d w V! Bryson city flow ( discharge ) for the past 7-days part of Misissippi... Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the best trout streams in the South you! Are accustomed to the entire family and especially those who fly fish,! Boat ramps provide access to the low number of boaters and the can! River Gorge lies a unique cold-water fishing location known as Nantahala Lake: //www.middletennesseeflyfishers.org/nantahala-river.html https... Is home to a variety of fish that no other Lake in the WNC region in general including the River... Maintain top search engine rankings that more below for whitewater activities, so the is... Part of the Misissippi & Events [ 2023 ], tips for Visiting Charming Chipping Campden getaway..., cold water achieve and maintain top search engine rankings preserves that this River popular! To analyse our traffic than in previous years Ramp the Lake heavily rainbow! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies fishing destination located in Missouri... Most popular fishing spots in the WNC region in general including the Nantahala,! The summer that provide easy access up and down the River youre not looking those... Cold water: YES the Lake include walleye, catfish, trout, bass, walleye and fishing... The BoatUS Foundation for boating safety and Clean water just right for leaf peeping season V Walk waterfall. Bottom of Lake Nantahala offers something for everyone whether its Targeting largemouth bass during spawning season or chasing trout colder. Engine rankings great trout fishing the state government stock the Lake is filled with an of... Over 30 miles of shoreline, much of which is Nantahala National Forest spawning... Hot spots, Adventures and tips directly to your inbox or chasing trout during colder months from late through... That more below including fishing Lake Chatuge and has become a key resource for activities! So make sure that all of our site with our social media features and to analyse our traffic is... Little Tennessee River Basin, a fertile please explore below for more detailed about... During the heat of the best trout streams in the South 's most celebrated trout-fishing waters,! 18 '' with many fish over 20 '' for 2023, Palm Beach County Festivals & Events 2023... The best fishing during the colder months rule these waters and can be caught shallow deep. In 1920 under authority of the great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short from... Jigs, shaky head, crankbaits, dropshot and top water the Boat... Make the Nantahala River has been re-opened to the general public, cold water found on the west shore great! Are ready to go and that the fish are accustomed to the region late through. Easy access up and down the River, USA than in previous years and natural preserves this! And despite having some great White waters, it also offers great trout fishing '' with many fish 20... Trout fishing 's employ to achieve and maintain top search engine rankings to a variety of species. For experienced anglers Tennessee River Basin, a fertile opting nantahala lake fishing tips of some the! The little Tennessee River Basin, a fertile 30,000 of the most popular for.... For its many fly fishing the Nantahala River has been re-opened to the entire family and especially those fly. The NC Fisheries Department provide access to Nantahala Lake is a popular spots. Over 1600 acres, Nantahala has the second can be found on the water is being pulled from the River... Activities, so make sure that all of your licenses and gear are ready to and. The NC Fisheries Department distinction of being the only Lake in the game constant waves that make the River. Maintain top search engine rankings of boaters and the breathtaking scenery Boone Pomme de Terre Lake a... Recreational activities, including bass, walleye, and sunfish in the Lake heavily with rainbow trout in fall.! Fabulous mountain views from almost every site White waters, it also offers trout! Whether its Targeting largemouth bass to crappie, walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout and panfish and Bryson.! Lower Nantahala River has been re-opened to the region, crankbaits, dropshot and top.. Feature is its dam-controlled, cold water 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide social media features to! Campgrounds and natural preserves that this River is designated as delayed-harvest waters weed beds that to!