Nantahala River Fly Fishing
The “Land of the Noonday Sun” is what the Nantahala River translates from Cherokee language. Nantahala river trout fishing stays productive on the lower throughout the year because it is a tailwater. For the local folks, it is called the “Nanty” for short. We offer guided wade fishing and float fishing on the lower Nantahala and guided wade trips for fly fishing the Delayed Harvest waters on the Upper Nantahala.
The river fluctuates on the lower seven-mile section as it is a tailwater river. It is the second most popular river for whitewater rafters in the nation during the releases. The Nanty is among the top rivers in the nation for producing excellent trout fishing opportunities. All of the state records for brown trout have been produced from the Nantahala.
Guided Float Fishing the Nanty for BIG Trout
We have the most experienced rowers in the entire region working the fly fishing guided float trips with decades of knowledge on what works best as conditions change. Conditions are always changing on this river at a rapid pace because the water is either off or on (typical of most tailwater fisheries). This is my personal favorite river of all for living here since 1987. The lower Nantahala has some of the biggest number days of trout to the net of anywhere in the region.
While the lower section of the Nantahala does receive stockings from the NCWRC, it is among the highest densities of wild trout population in the entire state of NC. Most of the numbers that we see throughout the year are wild trout. This makes for some happy customers with loads of photos to remember their float trip.
Wild Brown Trout from the Lower Nantahala River
Upper Nantahala Delayed Harvest
The Upper Nantahala River Delayed Harvest program has been well received since its inception in 1993. It has a very healthy population of wild trout in the river as well as hatchery fish. The river has a generous supply of rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. This is the perfect place for teaching new techniques! It was among my favorite rivers long before the Delayed Harvest program because of its rich aquatic life. Some of the largest hatches of insects in the spring happen on this river.
Attractions Near Bryson City, North Carolina
Other area attractions can be found by contacting the Bryson City, NC Chamber of Commerce (800-867-9246). Swain County is the trout mecca of the southern states with over 75% of the county being either Nantahala National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park visitors exceed 14 million people per year! It is not hard to see why our little mountain town of Bryson City is always expanding with the whitewater rafting, Smoky Mountain Railroad, Appalachian Trail, hundreds of waterfalls, great mountain biking, and many other outdoor adventures.
Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. Cherokee, NC is about a 10-minute drive from Bryson City. Gatlinburg, TN is a 45-minute drive over the hill (GSMNP) from Bryson City. We are about an hour drive from Highlands and Asheville NC. Knoxville and Chattanooga TN is about 2 1/2 hours away. Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC are about a 3-hour drive. Plan your next get-a-away to the trout mecca town of Bryson City, NC! My favorite addition to the town is the
Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. Cherokee, NC is about a 10-minute drive from Bryson City. Gatlinburg, TN is a 45-minute drive over the hill (GSMNP) from Bryson City. We are about an hour drive from Highlands and Asheville NC. Knoxville and Chattanooga TN is about 2 1/2 hours away. Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC are about a 3-hour drive. Plan your next get-a-away to the trout mecca town of Bryson City, NC! My favorite addition to the town is the Nantahala Brewery which also provides some very good bands all through the season!
What to bring to your trout fishing adventure!
Let us show you what it will take for learning to fly fish on your own in some of the best waters in western North Carolina! Our guides have decades of experience instructing you for a memorable adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains!
You should bring rain gear, warm clothes, sunscreen, lip balm, a hat and polarized glasses. It will benefit your success on the water to wear clothing that blends into the surroundings.
Check the weather here for layering considerations of clothes. Purchase your valid NCWRC license here online or by phone at 1-888-248-6834. You will need a trout stamp for everything outside the GSMNP and Tribal Waters in Cherokee, NC (unless it is Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest water).
Purchase a Mountain Heritage License ($5.00) for fishing the Delayed Harvest on Tuckasegee River in Jackson or Swain County. This is the best value that I know of anywhere in the country for trout fishing! The tribal license can be purchased at many of the stores in Cherokee. Use the contact page or call (828)736-1469 for booking.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the Reservation Form for securing your date. It will only take a few minutes to complete and it has important information for us providing you the proper sizes of waders, boots, rods, etc…, to customize your gear.