Nantahala River, North Carolina

The Spring North Carolina trip was a success once again. We spent 3 days on the Nantahala River Southwest of Bryson City, NC.

The weather couln't have been any better, the best we've ever had. Mid to high 60's during the day and lows in the mid 40's. Had a little rain but most was in the late evening or at night. Not enough to effect the fishing.

We shacked up in the same cabin as in the past. It's a great place for a small or large group. If you stay there tell them Fly and Shot sent you. Like usual the Nantahala has an incredible number of fish and everyone on the trip had daily trifectas of Brookies, Rainbows and Browns.
There were plenty of insects coming off the water throughout the day with the most prolific being during the evening hours until dark. Stones, Sulfurs, Caddis, BWO's were some of the flyers.

Midges were the mainstay for the biggest fish, size 18 tan and gray. Look at the fly tying bench section on the website for step by step instructons on tying these midges. These are also great flies for a few of our local rivers; the Cumberland River and the Dix River, Kentucky and Brookville Tailwater, Indiana.

Streamers were also effective in hooking some nice fish. Olive and White were the colors of choice.

Anyone who hasn't made it to the Nantahala is missing out. If you need directions or suggestions on flies and gear come in or call the shop. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a great place to stay or visit while fishing the Nantahala. They offer numerous accomodations from camping to full amenity mountain cabins. There is a really cool atmosphere to the NOC area that makes it a great place to be. It kind of feels like a small ski village but with summer sports. You can do a float trip or ride mountain bikes and horses around the local mountain trails.

If you do go there are also many other fishing opportunities in the immediate surrounding area. Check out Bryson City

Whatever you do you'll have a great time visiting this area.