Stream Report:
UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: May 4, 2012
WATER CONDITIONS:
Nolichucky is at a good flow and warming up.
French Broad River is slightly off color but fishable and should be perfect this weekend . Visibility is approximately 2′.
FLY SUGGESTIONS: Crawfish Patterns, Clousers, Poppers, Green and Black Streamers.
GENERAL INFORMATION: The Nolichucky River offers diverse fishing and some beautiful scenery all within an hour of Asheville. The gorge section fishes great and is easier to move around on when water level is under 1800 cfs. Like any gorge, the getting around can be tough on foot but well worth the hike. This section has class IV rapids with lots of fishy holes, so bring a 9′ 5 or 6 wt. rod, heavy flies and respect for the white water.
If you float the river, try the section from the bottom of the gorge at Chestoa down river 4 miles to Erwin, TN. This section offers great Smallmouth fly fishing opportunities; as well as, the ability to fish for the elusive Musky and the occasional Trout. If you don’t have access to a vessel, CWO offers guided float trips for Smallmouth Bass and Trout on several rivers. The Nolichucky is one of those rivers that offers a chance at more than one species of fish. This is a Smallmouth Bass fishing report, but nice rainbows can be caught on the Chestoa section.
Smallmouth Bass
PROJECTED CONDITIONS: Rising temperatures will peak this weekend and then start cooling off. Fish will more than likely be on the banks in the shade or down deep during the middle of the day. Morning / evening fishing should be great. Click here for current weather.
GEAR SUGGESTIONS:
Rod: Fast Action comparable to Scott “S” Series rods 8’6”–9’ 6wt.
Leader: 9-12’ 3x-5x Florocarbon. Option: Blue Sky furled leader.
Vest: A vest with a work station and plenty of room for big flies. Fishpond Waterdance or comparable.
