Are you planning your next fly fishing adventure? North Carolina offers some of the best fly fishing destinations in the United States. With its diverse landscapes, North Carolina is home to many different types of fish, and each location offers a unique fly fishing experience. In this guide, we’ll cover the 8 best places to fly fish in North Carolina, including the nearest town to stay in, the nearest major airport, the driving time to that town, the best time of the year to visit, and the types of fish that can be caught.
- Watauga River: Located in the town of Boone, the Watauga River is a popular destination for fly fishers. This river is home to brown and rainbow trout, and anglers can also catch smallmouth bass. The Watauga River is a tailwater stream that flows from the Watauga Dam, offering year-round fishing opportunities. The nearest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is approximately a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Boone. The best time to visit is from April to October.
- Tuckasegee River: The Tuckasegee River is located near the town of Sylva and offers some of the best trout fishing in North Carolina. The river is stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and it also has a healthy population of smallmouth bass. The Tuckasegee River is easily accessible, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced anglers. The nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Sylva. The best time to visit is from March to November.
- Davidson River: The Davidson River is located in the town of Brevard and is known for its crystal-clear water and challenging fishing conditions. This river is home to wild rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and anglers can also catch smallmouth bass. The Davidson River is catch-and-release only, making it a great spot for conservation-minded anglers. The nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from Brevard. The best time to visit is from March to October.
- Nantahala River: The Nantahala River is located near the town of Bryson City and is known for its scenic beauty and challenging fishing conditions. This river is home to rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and it also has a healthy population of smallmouth bass. The Nantahala River is a great spot for experienced anglers looking for a challenge. The nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Bryson City. The best time to visit is from April to November.
- South Toe River: The South Toe River is located near the town of Burnsville and is known for its wild rainbow, brown, and brook trout. This river is a great spot for both beginners and experienced anglers, and it also offers great hiking trails and scenic views. The nearest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from Burnsville. The best time to visit is from April to October.
- Stone Mountain Creek: Stone Mountain Creek is located in the town of Roaring Gap and is known for its wild rainbow and brown trout. This creek offers a challenging fishing experience, with fast-moving water and deep pools. Stone Mountain Creek is a great spot for experienced anglers looking for a challenge. The nearest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from Roaring Gap. The best time to visit is from April to October.
- New River: The New River is located near the town of Jefferson and is known for its smallmouth bass and musky fishing. This river is also home to some of the largest rainbow and brown trout in North Carolina. The New River offers a variety of fishing conditions, from fast-moving rapids to calm pools. The nearest major airport is Tri-Cities Regional Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from Jefferson. The best time to visit is from May to October.
- Linville River: The Linville River is located near the town of Linville and is known for its wild rainbow and brown trout. This river offers a challenging fishing experience, with fast-moving water and deep pools. The Linville River is a great spot for experienced anglers looking for a challenge. The nearest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is approximately a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Linville. The best time to visit is from April to October.
In summary, North Carolina offers some of the best fly fishing destinations in the United States. From the Watauga River in Boone to the Linville River near Linville, there is a fly fishing destination for every angler. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, North Carolina’s diverse landscapes and fish populations offer a unique fly fishing experience. So, grab your gear and head to one of these 8 best places to fly fish in North Carolina for an unforgettable adventure.
If you enjoyed this post, then check out this one with more fly fishing places in the USA.