Trip brief · Nantahala River
How to go fish the Nantahala River
The months we list for the Nantahala River are April, May, June, July, September, October, November. You are inside that window now, so this brief is written for October.
October
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — October
Blue-winged Olive#18-22
Parachute BWO
Mahogany Dun#14-16
Access
Nantahala Dam Outflow
35.401, -83.679parking
Nantahala Gorge Upper Pullouts
35.386, -83.661parking
Nantahala Outdoor Center
35.342, -83.640parking
Whittier Access
35.351, -83.623parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Valid North Carolina fishing license required. The Nantahala tailwater has hatchery-supported and trophy sections with varying regulations. A designated catch-and-release section exists below the dam. Check current NCWRC regulations for size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures. The river flows through Nantahala National Forest; respect forest road access restrictions.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Nantahala River page →