The Davidson River
Pisgah National Forest is home to the Davidson River, one of the best fly fishing destinations in the Southeast. With a 14 mile stretch that’s regulated by catch and release, the river offers opportunities for every angler. The area above Avery Creek offers an excellent fly-fishing only experience on smaller waters. In the middle section, the Bobby Seltzer State Hatchery produces some of the largest trout in the state, and the proper flies will land you some prize trout. Lower elevation streams offer year-round fishing, the majority of which are private waters accessed by contacting Davidson River Outfitters. Best of all, both the public and private water sections of the Davidson River are walking distance from Pilot Cove!
Other Local Fishing Destinations
Looking to fish in other locations around Brevard? Western Carolina’s abundant rivers, streams, and lakes are a playground for fly fishing or conventional rod and reel fishing. The East Fork of the French Broad, Cascade Lake, and Little River near DuPont State Forest are great fishing destinations for beginners. More experienced folks may want to check out Avery’s Creek, Looking Glass Creek, or the South Fork of Mills River. For experts, the French Broad opportunity offers the opportunity to catch the elusive Muskullenge, also known as the “Muskie” or the “Fish of 10,000 casts”.
Fly Fishing near Pilot Cove and Brevard NC!
Fly Fishing near Pilot Cove
Author: Ross Pritchard of Wild Carolina Fly Fishing | Photos: Alexa Leahy
With so many trout streams throughout Western North Carolina, its often a challenge to know the best spots to wet your line! There are more than 3,000 miles of streams, rivers, and lakes that hold trout in the Mountains of Western North Carolina. That being said, picking a spot to fish can be an overwhelming task.
Where to fish near Pilot Cove
There are several types of streams located close to Pilot Cove. Below we will breakdown a few different locations, and the style of fishing that they offer.
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North Mills River
Drive time: 25 minutes
Regulations: Delayed Harvest
The North Mills River is a medium sized river that runs through Pisgah National forest. This is a Delayed Harvest stream and is stocked from October through May every year. Easy access can be found at the North Mills River recreation area, this lower gradient section of stream makes for a relatively easy wade and has handicapped accessible locations allowing access for all. For a more adventurous expedition, hike in from the Trace Ridge parking area and fish the higher reaches of the N Mills River, here you will find privacy and hungry fish!
Fly Recommendations:
Two fly nymph rig-
Point fly: pat’s rubber legs (or anything with legs!) size 12
Dropper: Bead head pheasant tail, hare’s ear, or prince nymph size 12-16
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Avery’s Creek
Drive Time: 5-10 Minutes
Regulations: Wild Trout Water
Avery’s Creek is a tributary stream of the Davidson River providing over 10 miles of close quarters wild trout fishing. Access this stream at any of the pull offs found on the Pisgah Horse Stables road, which follows the river for roughly 2 miles. For extra pay off hike the Avery creek falls trail to fish below scenic small stream water falls. This is a small stream with small wild trout, pack your light weight rod and bring lots of dry fly patterns.
Fly recommendations: Dry Dropper
Dry Fly-
Simulator or Parachute Adams in size 12-16
Dropper-
Bead Head pheasant tail, hare’s ear size 12-16
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Davidson River
Drive Time: 5-10 minutes
Regulations: Catch and Release/ Wild Trout
The Davidson River is a nationally recognized trout fishery that flows through Pisgah National Forest along Highway 276. This river, which produces some of the regions largest wild trout, is not for the faint of heart. The Davidson can make or break a fisherman. I have had my best days, and my absolute worst days on this river. If you have fished the Davidson before you know that is teeming with wild trout. Brown trout that reach over 30 inches in length can be seen resting patiently at the bottom of many of the deep pools. Rainbow trout, waiting to take your fly airborne at a moments notice rise to hatching mayflies on cool spring evenings. The problem is convincing these wild trout to take your fly. Light tippet (6x-7x flurocarbon) is a necessity. Small flies that specifically imitate the current aquatic insect hatch are a must. The best way to fish the Davidson is with patience, and the understanding that you might not catch a fish today. If you are up to the task you can access the Davidson on any of the many pull offs along Hwy 276, or at the parking area located at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.
Fly Recommendations:
Stop by Davdison River Outfitters and check out their recommendations board located at the front of the store.
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East Fork French Broad River
Drive time: 20-25 minutes
Regulations: Delayed Harvest
The East Fork of the French Broad River is another delayed harvest stream located near Rosman, NC. This fishery features several cascades and waterfalls as it makes it’s way from it’s headwaters to it’s confluence with the French Broad. Access this river alongany of the pull offs and parking areas along East Fork road. Be respectful as majority of the access points along the river are surrounded by private land.
Fly recommendations:
Same as North Mills River.
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Yellowstone Prong
Drive time: 40 minutes
Regulations: wild trout
For a picturesque fly fishing experience look toward an adventure on high elevation streams along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Yellowstone Prong is most well known for it’s beautiful water falls located in an area known as graveyard fields. These natural barriers have allowed the native Brook trout to remain the lone trout species populating this stream. These fish are small and spook easily due to the gin clear water, but will absolutely denlmolish a well placed dry fly! Access this stream from the graveyard fields parking area. Pack a light weight rod and light tippet.
Fly recommendations:
Stimulators, Griffiths gnats, parachute Adams, Patriot, royal wulf (any attractor patterns will do) – size 12-20
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Be sure to read up on your fishing regulations! Visit the link below to learn more:
https://www.ncwildlife.org/Fishing/Laws-Safety/Fishing-Regulations#6090404-inland-fishing
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For Guided trips contact Ross Pritchard and Wild Carolina Fly Fishing to schedule a date.
Ross can be reached at (205) 908-7853 or rosspritchard@kw.com.
Wild Carolina Fly Fishing
Guided fly fishing trips from knowledgeable local angler Ross Pritchard.
https://www.facebook.com/Wildcarolinafly/
Davidson River Outfitters
Conveniently located walking distance from Pilot Cove, this full-service fly fishing shop and guide service offers the gear, expertise, and local knowledge to make the most of your fishing experience.
http://www.davidsonflyfishing.com/
Headwaters Outfitters
Float or fish the majestic French Broad River at your leisure! Located at the confluence of the West Fork and the North Fork of the French Broad River, this full service fly fishing shop also offers guided trips, tubing rentals and shuttle service, a taproom, and canoe/kayak rentals to complete your day on the water.
http://www.headwatersoutfitters.com/