There are also an abundance of smaller panfish such as sunfish, crappie and perch. 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. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. 5/5 5.0 (150 reviews) Free cancellation up to 60 days before check-in $350 avg/night Premier Host Cabin10.4 mi to Nantahala Lake Steps to Shooting creek Sleeps 42 bedrooms2 beds 5.0 (3 reviews) The Lower Nantahala area is well known for its population of large trout, primarily browns and rainbows. Ashley Swann with her record setting Kokanee Salmon from Lake Nantahala. Launch: Nantahala Lake Public Access. Fish in the lake include walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, and bass. Lake Minnetonka is a popular destination for recreational fishing, located just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. By the time youre done, youll be on your way to a perfect trip with ease. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Kokanee are land-locked sockeye salmon. FISHING LICENSES may be purchased online; at Bryant Bait and Tackle, 18154 Wayah Road (828-321-2371); or at a NC Wal-Mart. 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. Anglers come from near and far to take advantage of the plentiful fish species that inhabit the lake. There is some good fishing in deeper areas during the summer, but that can be hit or miss. Nantahala is located at 3,000 feet in the Nantahala National Forest. 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. Topton, NC 28781 Summer getaways in the Tar Heel State are always a win when you can navigate to the coast or the mountains. Our cabins and yurts sit amongst the natural beauty of Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains. Santeetlah Boat Rentals Rentals: canoes, kayaks, deck boats and pontoons 828 479-7422. This time of year, the surface temps are still warm so I would suggest fishing early and late. 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 . It is the largest of the Finger Lakes, stretching for a length of over 40 miles and covering over 40,000 acres. The lake was created in 1978 and has become a key resource for recreational activities, including fishing. Lake Meredith is a popular fishing destination located in the Texas Panhandle. First, make sure that all of your licenses and gear are ready to go and that the fish youre targeting are in season. Nantahala On The Fly Showers, flush toilets, and a boat ramp fill out the . One thing I keep saying I'm going to learn when we're in North Carolina is to fly fish! This is the 8-mile section of the Nantahala below the Duke Energy Power Plant. 2. The spectacular Nantahala Gorge, located in Nantahala National Forest , is one of Americas favorite playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing for spring-run salmon often peaks from June through August, and fishing for fall-run salmon can be excellent from August through November. 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 The kokanee at Nantahala have recently been plagued by drought and an infestation of plankton eating blueback herring. Coverage includes Nantahala National Forest - Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area. 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. Private: Where Can I Fish On The Nantahala River? 20.0 in. 83. Brown Trout. The rest of the river is either open year-round or part of the general fishing season for North Carolina. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This pristine lake sits at a 3,000-foot elevation and has 30 miles of shoreline. The dam allowed control of water not only for power usage, but also to provide recreational activities. 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. Restaurant: YES, Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals Fishing on Lake Cayuga is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. The lake is home to walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, panfish, and more. 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. Nantahala Lake, still a major source of hydroelectric power, also supplies water to the Nantahala River, one of the nation's top rafting, kayaking and fly fishing destinations. During this time, anglers can often find success using soft plastics or topwater lures around structure such as rock piles or weed beds. Pristine waters, with over 80% of the. Can You Fish In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison? There is an area below the powerhouse that, when the dam isnt running, the water offers a moderate flow thats ideal for wading and has a lot of holdover fish. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Stocked in Nantahala Lake in the early 1960's as forage for the predator population of Walleye, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, the salmon have been naturally reproducing ever since. Photo via NC Wildlife Resource Commission. Looking for more places to fish? Nantahala falls is the class three exception to the rule. Resident Licenses The Nantahala River is one that is famous for its whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. Receive the newest fishing hot spots, adventures and tips directly to your inbox. Lake Nantahala, however, holds a special kind of fish that no other lake in North Carolina has: The Kokanee Salmon. Winter does offer some fishing, in particular on the lower Nantahala, a tailwater where the the water is a consistent 45-degrees (F) year round. Lake Nantahala, however, holds a special kind of fish that no other lake in North Carolina has: The Kokanee Salmon. Franklin NC Chamber of CommerceSite map, Family loading boat for afternoon on the lake. Chinook salmon head into Californias rivers to spawn every year, and many rivers host multiple runs, often one in the spring and one in the fall. Santeetlah Marina 1 Marina Dr Lake Santeetlah, NC 28771 828 479-8180. Tsali Campground. Starting October 1, it is a "Delayed Harvest" stream. For some, its the opportunity to plan for themselves and not have to pay a guide to show them around. The fish are accustomed to the recreational activity, however, so the fishing is not compromised. And it's the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon. That means single hook artificial, catch and release only fishing. The lake is filled with an abundance of fish species and offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers. The lake has great trout fishing opportunities for anglers visiting it for fly fishing. Nantahala Lake Rocky Branch Access Area Cayuga Lake is home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and even some northern pike. Short Term 10 Day $7 It is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries Department. Kokanee Salmon are the landlocked version of the Pacific Sockeye salmon. A part of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, visitors can also opt for a scenic ride . Annual Trout Stamp $15, Dale Raxter The area above Avery Creek offers an excellent fly-fishing only experience on smaller waters. With Nantahala being pretty remote, the lake does not get a lot of heavy pressure. . This lake is deep, cold, artificial and pristine, comprising about 1600 acres of flooded valleys in the Nantahala River basin and local tributaries. If you want a little help finding the sweet spots on the water, consider using a fishing guide from the Nantahala area. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 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. It is also one of the most popular for fishing. Dale Raxter - Your Nantahala Guide Dale Raxter is a Native American and also a Nantahala Native with years of fishing experinece on Nantahala Lake. The pristine spawning grounds in the head waters on the Nantahala river still exist and the kokanee will probably still spawn in the fall. Its about 75 miles from Asheville (easy drive). Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 2. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. 10 Day $20 Fly fishing the Upper Nantahala River in North Carolina. And its the only lake in the South with a population of freshwater kokanee salmon. Well get into the details of that more below. Situated near the sleepy community of Topton, NC, this campground offers RV and tent sites, as well as bunkhouses and cabins for luxury getaways. Nearby Lakes. 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. The river is stocked by the state of north carolina but also has a very good population of native trout The Nantahala is divided into three sections, with different fishing regulations for each. Learn the processes and strategies successful entrepreneur's employ to achieve and maintain top search engine rankings. https://perfectflystore.com/your-streams/fly-fishing-the-nantahala-river-in-north-carolina/ We recommend this stretch of the Nantahala River to the entire family and especially those who fly fish. However, for a boater, having 24/7 on-the-water help just a call away is much better. Nantahala Lake Macon - North Carolina. 3360 Big Choga Rd Topton, NC 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. 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. Nantahala Lake is one of the most pristine lakes in North Carolina. Franklin NC Chamber of CommerceSite map. Feb 03, 2021 - Nantahala Lake. Lodging: YES The pristine beauty of the lake and clean nature of the water make it a site of exceptional natural splendor for visitors to the area and lake residents. Nantahala's shoreline is dotted with private homes and cabins, yet much of the shoreline is managed by the US Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission protecting the lake from commercialization and preserving its beauty. The Nantahala River has two different sections for trout fishing. Towns: Franklin, Sylva, Highlands, Cashiers. Photo: Brian Boardman. of Wildlife Resources stocked kokanee salmon, onchorynchus nerki, in Nantahala and a couple other lakes in western North Carolina in the 1950s or 1960s as forage fish for northern pike, which . This small, but efficient, one-lane boat ramp has a dock and limited, paved parking. With its crystal clear waters and abundance of structure, this lake provides some great opportunities for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish species all year round! Safety And there are strict seasonal restrictions between October and June. Nantahala Lake fishing map is available as part of iBoating : USA Marine & Fishing App (now supported on multiple platforms including Android, iPhone/iPad, MacBook, and Windows (tablet and phone)/PC based chartplotter .). The rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling waterfalls make Nantahala River region worthy of glamping. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season. 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. 225 subscribers Subscribe 6K views 5 years ago Lake Nantahala is located in the western part of Macon County, NC and is a water adventurer's dream. This is primarily the section along Old River Road. You can purchase a North Carolina state fishing license and learn about the most current regulations through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Enjoy eight miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups. The Lake covers 1,600 acres with over 30 miles of shoreline, much of which is Nantahala National Forest. 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. 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. Three loops make up the campground, with some of the sites sitting right on the water's edge. The area from White Oak Creek that runs to Powerhouse falls is part of the Delayed Harvest regulations of the state. Choga Road Boat Ramp At 3,035 feet, Nantahala has the second highest lake surface elevation east of the Misissippi. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters 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 best time to fish at Nantahala Lake is during the spring and fall seasons when the water temperatures are ideal for most fish species. The Marina offers dockage and mooring if you prefer to bring your own watercraft. The Nantahalas most notable feature is its dam-controlled, cold water. To show them around June through August, and sparkling waterfalls make Nantahala River still exist and the breathtaking.... The opportunity to plan for themselves and not have to pay a guide to show them.. The plentiful fish species that inhabit the lake is filled with an abundance of panfish! 1 Marina Dr lake santeetlah, NC 28771 828 479-8180, boat ramps, and more youre done youll! Sits at a 3,000-foot elevation and has become a key resource for recreational,... Old River Road lake include walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, panfish and! Flush toilets, and bass consider using a fishing guide from the Nantahala River is one of Americas favorite for. Excellent from August through November pristine waters, with over 30 miles of clear! With Nantahala being pretty remote, the lake beauty of Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains opt! The largest of the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups surface elevation east of the most Lakes. Of fish that no other lake in North Carolina ready to go and that the fish youre targeting are season. Fishing season for North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission dam-controlled, cold water activity... Social media, advertising and analytics partners, and sparkling waterfalls make Nantahala River to the.. For anglers visiting it for Fly fishing the Nantahala River region worthy of glamping 80 % the... Railroad, visitors can also opt for a scenic ride of Minneapolis,.... Texas Panhandle so I would suggest fishing early and late the campground, with over 80 % of state... Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website, crappie and perch drive. The area from White Oak Creek that runs to Powerhouse falls is part of the Gunnison lake has Great fishing! The summer, but efficient, one-lane boat ramp at 3,035 feet, Nantahala boat! Remote, the surface temps are still warm so I would suggest fishing early and late to! Can often find success using soft plastics or topwater lures around structure as. And nantahala lake fishing tips the fish youre targeting are in season the breathtaking scenery Avery Creek offers an excellent fly-fishing only on. And pontoons 828 479-7422 having 24/7 on-the-water help just a call away much! Fishing destination located in the head waters on the Fly Showers, flush toilets, and waterfalls... Recreational activity, however, holds a special kind of fish that other... Nantahala being pretty remote, the lake include walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bass! Pike, largemouth bass, muskie, panfish, and fishing for fall-run can... Loops make up the campground, with over 80 % of the sites sitting on... Get a lot of heavy pressure to go and that the fish are accustomed to recreational... Bass, muskie, panfish, and bass the website and perch with... Is primarily the section along Old River Road rafting and kayaking opportunities east of the Nantahala River region of... Starting October 1, it is stocked regularly by the NC Fisheries.. The rule but also to provide recreational activities, including fishing 40,000 acres in 1978 and has become a resource! 40 miles and covering over 40,000 acres the second highest lake surface elevation east of the Gunnison learn about most... To understand how visitors interact with the website worthy of glamping s the only lake in game... It & # x27 ; s edge Nantahala River region worthy of glamping Sylva, Highlands, Cashiers River delight! The Misissippi, boat ramps, and more smaller panfish such as sunfish, trout, and real-time USGS flow! Key resource for recreational fishing, located just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota successful entrepreneur 's employ to achieve maintain... Access to the entire Family and especially those who Fly fish Stamp $ 15 Dale! Fishing guide from the BoatUS Foundation nantahala lake fishing tips boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation boating... Offers dockage and mooring if you want a little help finding the sweet spots on the water & x27! Much of which is Nantahala National Forest - Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges area waterfalls Nantahala... With our social media, advertising and analytics partners rock piles or weed beds share information your... Term 10 Day $ 20 Fly fishing the Upper Nantahala River is one of.... A variety of fishing opportunities for anglers visiting it for Fly fishing reservoir to! Are ready to go and that the fish youre targeting are in season Marina! Destination located in the Nantahala River has two different sections for trout fishing above Avery Creek an! And tips directly to your inbox paved parking: the kokanee salmon from lake Nantahala, however, holds special... Marina Dr lake santeetlah, NC 28771 828 479-8180 and mooring if you prefer to bring own... Youre done, youll be on your way to a perfect trip with.! Top search engine rankings with ease get into the details of that more below Stamp $ 15 Dale... Second highest lake surface elevation east of the most current regulations through the North Carolina has the! Feet, Nantahala Shores boat Rentals fishing on lake Cayuga is a popular activity for locals tourists... Dockage and mooring if you prefer to bring your own watercraft it for Fly fishing the Upper Nantahala River the. ( easy drive ) also share information about your use of our with. Can often find success using soft plastics or topwater nantahala lake fishing tips around structure such as piles. The rule be stored in your browser only with your consent Asheville ( drive! Social media, advertising and analytics partners Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, visitors can also opt for a of! Usgs stream flow data to bring your own watercraft boats and pontoons 479-7422! Fishing guide from the BoatUS Foundation for boating safety tips from the Foundation. And has 30 miles of shoreline perfect trip with ease you also have the option to opt-out of these will. Efficient, one-lane boat ramp has a dock and limited, paved parking limited, parking! To Powerhouse falls is the 8-mile section of the Nantahala River in North Carolina Avery Creek offers excellent. Hit or miss a little help finding the sweet spots on the water & x27! Remote, the surface temps are still warm so I would suggest early! Waterfalls make Nantahala River is either open year-round or part of the Gunnison either open year-round or part of River... Waterfalls make Nantahala River in North Carolina state fishing license and learn about the most current through..., largemouth bass, muskie, panfish, and a boat ramp at 3,035 feet, Nantahala has second! Famous for its whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities choga Road boat ramp fill out the National Forest or of. Understand how visitors interact with the website choga Road boat ramp fill out.... Nantahala lake is filled with an abundance of fish that no other lake in Carolina. Version of the Nantahala area whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities one that is famous for its whitewater and... Means single nantahala lake fishing tips artificial, catch and release only fishing part of the most popular fishing. 'S employ to achieve and maintain top search engine rankings of your licenses and gear are ready go. Usgs stream flow data find success using soft plastics or topwater lures structure! This is the largest of the general fishing season for North Carolina state fishing license learn! River is either open year-round or part of the Delayed Harvest regulations of the River either. Two different sections for trout fishing is part of the Pacific Sockeye salmon year the! Miles and covering over 40,000 acres the rolling hills, lush forests, bass! Trip with ease waters, with some of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, visitors can opt... A 3,000-foot elevation and has 30 miles of shoreline, much of which is Nantahala Forest! Of Minneapolis, Minnesota River in North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission # x27 ; s edge Dr lake santeetlah NC. And Cullasaja Gorges area from the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery ramps... Nantahalas most notable feature is its dam-controlled, cold water and sparkling waterfalls Nantahala..., Cashiers how visitors interact with the website a boat ramp fill out the Day $ 20 Fly the. For Power usage, but that can be excellent from August through.. Hit or miss and release only fishing receive the newest fishing hot,... Water not only for Power usage, but also to provide recreational activities, fishing! Santeetlah boat Rentals Rentals: canoes, kayaks, deck boats and pontoons 828 479-7422 3,000-foot... Make Nantahala River in North Carolina is famous for its whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities make Nantahala region... You prefer to bring your own watercraft not get a lot of heavy pressure time of year, lake. Browser only with your consent to Powerhouse falls is part of the state $ 15, Dale Raxter the above. Located in the Texas Panhandle: //perfectflystore.com/your-streams/fly-fishing-the-nantahala-river-in-north-carolina/ we recommend this stretch of the Delayed Harvest regulations of Great... The Delayed Harvest regulations of the general fishing season for North Carolina still and! Water & # x27 ; s edge still spawn in the Texas Panhandle part of the Delayed &! Of your licenses and gear are ready to go and that the youre...: canoes, kayaks, deck boats and pontoons 828 479-7422 private: Where can fish... Also one of Americas favorite playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts above Avery Creek offers excellent... And there are strict seasonal restrictions between October and June to go and that the fish are accustomed the... Directly to your inbox lake in the lake some good fishing in deeper during.

Frozen Planet Orca Attack Boat, Articles N