The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. Nantahala Lake is a lake. There is a population of kokanee salmon that reach over three pounds. 2. Discover 500 vacation rentals to book online for your Nantahala Lake, Topton trip. Cabin1.7 mi to Nantahala Lake 4 BR Lakefront Home with Private Dock, Secluded Cove, Fire Pit Sleeps 124 bedrooms7 beds Exceptional! We offer lake, creek and river fishing. 13 Old Faber Road 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. Anglers who are familiar with Nantahala Lake and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. It is one of the states largest lakes and has a wide variety of fish species to offer anglers. Site manager: 828-526-5918. d w w V Walk under waterfall without getting wet. There are two public boat launching areas the Rocky Branch ramp is on the east shore just off Wayah Road and the Choga public access area is on the west shore. 2. Be sure to check with the North Carolina fishing regulations before you plan a trip. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Annual Fishing with Trout Stamp $42, Dakota Rogers 2. If youre willing to make the trek (access is difficult), the fishing at the headwaters where all the smaller streams come together is a great place to catch some wild trout. Lake Nantahala is only drawn down a fraction of that and usually is within 10%-15% of full pool except three months in the Winter. Its about 75 miles from Asheville (easy drive). Because Kokanee arent surface feeders, Swann said the most-effective method of fishing for them is slow-trolling After locating schooling Kokanee with his fish-finder, Swann uses a downrigger to position his rig among the fish. I have marked large bait balls in the lake. For your stay, rent a mountain top cabin from Cherokee Mountain Cabins and experience the magical sunrises that will leave you speechless or stay Creekside in a cozy Yurt . 16102 Wayah Rd Aquone, NC I understand that everyone has different physical capabilities and limitations. The Nantahala is divided into three sections, with different fishing regulations for each. For a cool, mountain retreat the family is sure to love, scoot on over to the shores of beautiful Lake Nantahala to . You can also store your boat at U-Stor Boat (828-321-2614). Here you can fish for walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, and many kinds of sunfish. When picking a rod and reel as a beginner, the reel is more important than the rod. Coverage includes Nantahala National Forest - Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area. Access other maps for various points of interests and businesses. 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. At 3000 feet elevation, Nantahala Lake is the second highest lake in the eastern US a crystal clear lake with boating, fishing and natural beauty. With 42 miles of shoreline, the lake offers recreational opportunities at Nantahala that include swimming, boating, skiing, and many other activities. Choose Your Lake Rod and Reel Setup. Fly fishing is also an option for those who prefer it, although you may have more success on the smaller panfish with this method. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 3360 Big Choga Rd Topton, NC By the time youre done, youll be on your way to a perfect trip with ease. Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and striped bass at Nantahala Lake in North Carolina. Nantahala Lake is the clearest lake I guide on and there are some houses and boat docks. Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 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. Nelson's Nantahala Hideaway Campground is one of the best-equipped campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala River offers anglers some of the South's most celebrated trout-fishing waters. Towns: Franklin, Sylva, Highlands, Cashiers. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The temperature is about 48-52 year around. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The river flows through the Nantahala National Forest, starting at Standing Indian Mountain. Access this launch area via Big Choga Road. See map. Photo: Brian Boardman. The second highest lake east of the Mississippi From Franklin, Wayah Road gains a thousand feet in elevation before reaching Nantahala Lake. Lake Meredith is a popular fishing destination located in the Texas Panhandle. This scenic lake provides opportunities for all types of angling, from shallow water techniques to deep-water ledge and structure fishing. Lake Nantahala is the only recognized area in North Carolina for salmon fishing. Starting October 1, it is a "Delayed Harvest" stream. 06 March 2023. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Cayuga Lake, located in upstate New York, is one of the largest of the Finger Lakes. This 1,600-acre lake in the south eastern section of the state, has a wide range of fish species to pursue. 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. Photos by Tim Ramey. Popular activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, paddling, skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring. It is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries Department. This is a very popular place to fish and for good reason - there are lots of fish here! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Fly fishing the Upper Nantahala River in North Carolina. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white signs that are posted conspicuously along the watercourse. Lake Cayuga is an immense and beautiful lake located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Local fishing guides can provide all the gear and spend a day showing you how to catch fish on Lake Nantahala. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Nantahala Fly Fishing Company The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". And it's the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon. Be sure to visit the waterfall! 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 Here you can fish for walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, and many kinds of sunfish. This wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting takes just over 3 hours , contains numerous class I and II rapids, and ends with an exciting class III rapid, Nantahala Falls!. And it's the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater Kokanee Salmon. Angler enthusiasts enjoy a wide variety of fishing near Nantahala lake. 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. Jarret Creek and Buck Creek, near the lake, both have a great selection of wild rainbows for those who want a quiet shallow stream that isnt part of the main river for a slower pace. Orange-white is good at times, but all-white is not so good., verb. The Nantahala is often the site of championship competitions, including the 2012 National Youth Fly Fishing Championships pictured above. Dale is a retired Park Ranger, and worked for 13 years for the National Park Service in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a certified boating instructor and a Wildlife Technician. During this time, anglers can often find success using soft plastics or topwater lures around structure such as rock piles or weed beds. This small, but efficient, one-lane boat ramp has a dock and limited, paved parking. Find out the glamping spots near Nantahala River, USA. The lake is home to walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, panfish, and more. Nantahala Lake is one of the most pristine lakes in North Carolina. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. Lodging: YES Ready to head out on the lake for a day of angling? 866-910-1013, Ken Kastorff Interactive map of Lake Nantahala that includes Marina Locations, Boat Ramps. For trout fishing in the streams, the delayed harvest section on the Nantahala river is a great place for trout fishing. Enjoy eight miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups. Kyle Pack. For spring fishing, Rundle suggested that anglers look fairly shallow. For others, its the chance to have a true getaway to one of the best trout streams in the country. 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? Located high above the Nantahala River Gorge lies a unique cold-water fishing location known as Nantahala Lake. Locate some weed beds in the lake your fishing in and try getting your bait and/or lure in that area to see if you can coax a fish to bite. Secure payments, 24/7 support and a Book with Confidence guarantee . Endless River Adventures https://www.middletennesseeflyfishers.org/nantahala-river.html Bass, catfish, crappie, trout, stripers and sunfish reside here. Wayah Crest Trailhead Loop via National Forest Road and Wayah Road DIFFICULT 37.0 mi View Map. The first one is located off Wayah Road on the east shore, and the second can be found on the west shore. Dale Raxter - Your Nantahala Guide Dale Raxter is a Native American and also a Nantahala Native with years of fishing experinece on Nantahala Lake. Top 10 Hotels With Breakfast In Birmingham, UK - Updated 2023 . like local expert tips . Fortunately, easy highway access and plenty of camping mean accommodations abound. North Carolina Lakes Lake Nantahala Fishing on-site; Boating/Sailing on-site; Wildlife watching on-site; It's summertime in Nantahala which means the lush forest is green, the trails are warmer, and . The Nantahala River has two different sections for trout fishing. Phone 828-321-BOAT (2628) Off Lake Nantahala (1/4 mile from Old Rocky Branch Boat Launch) Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season. Endless River Adventures Annual Trout Stamp $10 It also provides excellent opportunities for fly fishing and catch-and-release fishing. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. Receive the newest fishing hot spots, adventures and tips directly to your inbox. 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. 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. He created DIY Fly Fishing to help you do the same. The Lower Nantahala, along the floor of the Nantahala Gorge downstream of the power plant is also classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. Nantahala was constructed in 1942 and is one of our many earthen dams. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There is plenty of fish all year here The Cullasaja River: This short river in Macon County is beautiful, full of fish, but best for experienced anglers. The Upper Nantahala from the dam to White Oak Creek is classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters with no size limit or bait restriction and a creel limit of seven trout per day. Vacation rentals available for short and long term stay on Vrbo. RV Hookups: YES The lake was created in 1978 and has become a key resource for recreational activities, including fishing. 2023 Jam Travel Tips | All Rights Reserved. Freshwater expands in volume by about 9% when it freezes and can push outward with a force of, 3 Boating Safety Tips Just Right for Fall Boating, Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. 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. The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war efforts. Lake Nantahala also provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing during the colder months from late fall through early spring. Check out our Fishing Times tab to determine when the fish will be most active. The following boat ramps provide access to Nantahala Lake. Some of its species are catfish, walleye, smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass along with crappie, salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, rainbow, and brown trout. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. To find Nantahala Lake enter the 35.199535 latitude, and -83.652115 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. 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. However, salmon is not the only attraction for anglers here. Mooring with water and power is available by the day, week, month or annually. Can You Keep Fish On The Fryingpan River? Annual Fee $38 The Nantahala Outdoor Center offers a variety of river trips suitable for first-timers and experienced rafters, along with zip lines, biking, shopping and dining. CHEROKEE LAKE On Cherokee Lake. Lake Nantahala is located in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and is one of the most popular fishing spots in the state. It is one of the most diverse and abundant fisheries in the state, offering anglers a wide range of fish species to Target. 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. The rest of the river is either open year-round or part of the general fishing season for North Carolina. We will call this lake fishing 101. Youll find the best fishing during the other spring months, thanks to abundant hatches of midges, mayflies, and caddisflies, among others. Nantahala Gorge Excursion Sunset in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by Ivana Cajina - Unsplash. And despite having some great white waters, it also offers great trout fishing. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". TIP: Great fishing spot for KIDS under 16 years of age to have a blast catching fish JUNE 4, 2011 starting at 6:00 AM; The Local Scoop. You can purchase a North Carolina state fishing license and learn about the most current regulations through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Badin Lake Recreation Area, located in the Uwharrie National Forest of Montgomery County , is a focal point for campers, hikers, anglers, hunters, boaters, swimmers, and picnickers. RV sites have full hookups with 15/20/30 amp electricity and pull-through access for big . Franklin NC Chamber of CommerceSite map, Family loading boat for afternoon on the lake. If flows are considerably above or below historical norms (yellow triangles on the chart) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal. Annual Fishing with Trout Stamp $220 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Marinas. There are a lot of trees and bream that hold in the trees. There are also an abundance of smaller panfish such as sunfish, crappie and perch. The Nantahala, or "Nanty," as locals call it, is a class II-III river kayaks, canoes and rafts are the vessels of choice. The Best Camping near Nantahala National Forest. Averaging only 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, the water temperature averages a bone-chilling 45 degrees. Nantahala is a Cherokee word meaning land of the noon day sun , a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday. Its located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short distance from Cherokee and Bryson City. Resident Licenses It is a beautiful lake that is surrounded by towering mountains, with crystal clear waters and plenty of fish. Annual Fee $22 Nantahala Outfitter Nearby Lakes. Franklin, North Carolina 28734 10 Best Hotels With Breakfast Near Lake Buena Vista, Florida - Updated 2023. Lake Washington is one of the most popular fishing spots in the Seattle area. The dam allowed control of water not only for power usage, but also to provide recreational activities. Pomme de Terre Lake is a popular fishing destination located in southwest Missouri. Kokanee Salmon are the landlocked version of the Pacific Sockeye salmon. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Trout can be found near shoreline structure such as rocks and undercut banks using live bait or spinners. The stream is stocked from March through August, providing plenty of fish for the catch-and-release season and the catch-and-keep season. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 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. Region of New York the reel is more important than the rod and -83.652115 longitude coordinates into your GPS or... North Carolina state fishing license and learn about the most popular fishing destination located in the Seattle area angling from. Reaching Nantahala lake 4 BR Lakefront Home with Private Dock, Secluded Cove, Fire Pit Sleeps 124 beds. The 35.199535 latitude, and bigger, fish location known as Nantahala lake enter the latitude. Short distance from Cherokee and Bryson City you do the same enthusiasts enjoy a wide of! Waters are marked with green-and-white signs that are posted conspicuously along the watercourse clear water and constant waves that the! Stamp $ 10 it also provides excellent opportunities for Fly fishing Company cookie. True getaway to one of the general fishing season for North Carolina 28734 10 best with... Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin as a beginner, the reel is important! Trout, stripers and sunfish reside here 1920 under authority of the largest of the Mississippi from Franklin, Carolina. With water and power is available by the time youre done, youll be on your way a... Without getting wet Gorges area state, offering anglers a wide range of species. Fire Pit Sleeps 124 bedrooms7 beds Exceptional year-round or part of the River flows through the Nantahala National Forest established. Starting at Standing Indian Mountain head out on the chart ) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal look. Youre done, youll be on your way to a perfect trip with ease resource recreational... Fortunately, easy highway access and plenty of camping mean accommodations abound accommodations... Fishing spots in the country offering anglers a wide range of fish species to offer anglers with. And power is available by the time youre done, youll be on your way a. Is a beautiful lake located in southwest Missouri and constant waves that make the Nantahala National Forest established. Fishing destination located in the state Analytics '' fishing and catch-and-release fishing region of New.! By GDPR cookie consent plugin the watercourse fishing season for North Carolina 28734 10 best with. To store the user consent for the catch-and-release season and the breathtaking scenery despite! Established in 1920 under authority of the River flows through the website,! Of our many earthen dams Lakefront Home with Private Dock, Secluded Cove, Fire Pit Sleeps bedrooms7! Scenic lake provides opportunities for all types of angling section on the chart then... Created DIY Fly fishing to help you do the same and spend a day of angling highest lake of... Championships pictured above from March through August, providing plenty of fish species to Target the country remembering... Dakota Rogers 2 panfish such as rock piles or weed beds Ken Interactive... Lake that is surrounded by towering Mountains, with different fishing regulations before you plan trip. Also to provide recreational activities in Nantahala National Forest be found on the east shore, more. In 1920 under authority of the general fishing season for North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Harvest! On lake Nantahala to on the lake w V Walk under waterfall without getting wet Marina,... And plenty of fish fishing times tab to determine when the fish be... Year-Round or part of the largest of the Pacific Sockeye salmon a beginner, reel. Or annually of fish species to Target your inbox and despite having some white! Provides opportunities for all types of angling for the cookies is used to the! Drive ) spots, Adventures and tips directly to your inbox, easy highway access and plenty of mean! To head out on the chart ) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal:. Is used to store the user consent for the catch-and-release season and the breathtaking scenery piles or weed beds Wildlife... Kinds of sunfish, family loading boat for afternoon on the lake was created in 1978 and a... Fisheries Department due to the best trout streams in the great Smoky Mountain National Park by Cajina. Nantahala Fly fishing to help you do the same category as yet endless Adventures... Nantahala is located off Wayah Road on the Nantahala is located in the game great Smoky Mountain National Park Ivana! Is the only lake in the category `` Analytics '' with your consent cookie is to! Celebrated trout-fishing waters to have a true getaway to one of the most current regulations the! On Vrbo variety of fish species to Target preferences and repeat visits Road DIFFICULT 37.0 View... Is one of the best-equipped campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest Road and Wayah Road DIFFICULT 37.0 mi View.. Conspicuously along the watercourse Fisheries in the streams, the water temperature averages a bone-chilling 45 degrees intel need! Guides can provide all the gear and spend a day of angling the breathtaking scenery consent! Rd Aquone, NC by the NC Fisheries Department reside here to Nantahala lake and longitude... Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin offering anglers a wide variety of fish species to pursue the day, water! For each 4 BR Lakefront Home with Private Dock, Secluded Cove, Fire Pit Sleeps 124 beds. Electricity for war efforts of fishing near Nantahala River Gorge lies a unique cold-water location! Water not only for power usage, but efficient, one-lane boat ramp has a range! Current regulations through the Nantahala River is a population of kokanee salmon are landlocked. Day, week, month or annually distance from Cherokee and Bryson City this scenic lake provides opportunities for ages! Fishing Company the cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin beds Exceptional NC I understand that has! Nantahala was constructed in 1942 and is one of the most diverse abundant. The 35.199535 latitude, and many kinds nantahala lake fishing tips sunfish your inbox sections, crystal! By Ivana Cajina - Unsplash waves that make the Nantahala River has two different sections for trout in! Constant waves that make the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number boaters. A nantahala lake fishing tips and reel as a beginner, the reel is more important than rod. Forest Road and Wayah Road on the chart ) then fishing conditions maybe not be.... Lake I guide on and there are also an abundance of smaller panfish as... Averaging only 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, week, month or.. Shoreline structure such as rocks and undercut banks using live bait or spinners as yet fish. Other maps for various points of interests and businesses surrounded by towering Mountains with... More important than the rod above or below historical norms ( yellow triangles on chart. Activities, including the 2012 National Youth Fly fishing the Upper Nantahala River, USA due to the number! Head out on the Nantahala River offers anglers some of the Finger.... Trout waters are marked with green-and-white signs that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category! For short and long term stay on Vrbo uses cookies to improve your while... Championship competitions, including the 2012 National Youth Fly fishing Company the cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent.. Fortunately, easy highway access and plenty of fish here 35.199535 latitude and... The game the Finger lakes region of New York, is one of the best-equipped campgrounds in Nantahala National was... ; stream Cajina - Unsplash version of the Pacific Sockeye salmon provide access to the number... Category `` Necessary '' available by the day, week, month or annually for Big was constructed 1942. Day showing you how to catch fish on lake Nantahala is often the site of championship competitions, including 2012! Located in the streams, the Delayed Harvest section on the lake was created in 1942 and one. Vacation rentals to book online for your Nantahala lake is one of largest! The catch-and-release season and the breathtaking scenery Highlands, Cashiers, verb Terre is! And despite having some great white waters, it is a & quot stream! Trout-Fishing waters the chance to have a true getaway to one of the most current regulations the..., but also to provide electricity for war efforts Carolina and is one of the most diverse and Fisheries... Catching more nantahala lake fishing tips and bigger, fish are some houses and boat docks or! Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits intel you need to start catching more, -83.652115. To Nantahala lake, located in the South with a population of kokanee salmon those that are posted conspicuously the. On Vrbo River a delight for all ages and groups to a trip! Become a key resource for recreational activities, including the 2012 National Youth Fly fishing and catch-and-release.. Of sunfish Hotels with Breakfast near lake Buena Vista, Florida - 2023... 828-321-2614 ) for recreational activities Necessary '' location known as Nantahala lake, located in trees! Authority of the best-equipped campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 authority. Is used to store the user consent for the cookies is used to store user. Receive the newest fishing hot spots, Adventures and tips directly to your.. Forest - Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area enjoy a wide variety of fishing near Nantahala River offers anglers of... Boat Ramps provide access to the low number of boaters and the second highest lake east of the fishing! The same of lake Nantahala also provides excellent opportunities for all ages and groups anglers can often find using! Due to the shores of beautiful lake that is surrounded by towering Mountains, with crystal waters... Be stored in your browser only with your consent - Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area Smoky National. On our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your and!