For fly fishers its hard to beat squirmy worms, mops flies, and eggs. (West to East) All three regions boasts some excellent bass fishing in the lakes and rivers. If you are on the hunt for that one big fish this is still the fishery to target. Winter trout fishing here in North Carolina has been excellent. Successful anglers recognize how fish behavior changes during different weather conditions and adapt their fly selection and presentation. I think between the warmer water temperature (72 degrees) and overcast day it created an ideal scenario. April has been nothing less than spectacular! Its proved itself over and over, year after year on these mountain rivers. All seven of the Titans two-person teams placed in the top 35. Pop Em: Normally the best time to pop poppers is early morning and late evening when the sun is low. Below are some other pictures from our guided trips this winter. On the warmer days we have been taking advantage of wading the river with clients. All American Bass Club Tournaments : Dan Mundy: 810.577.7919 Potomic Lake 01/01/2023 NC Foothills Marine Lake James Winter Trail: Dale Duncan: 828.460.7526 Lake James 01/01/23 AL All Wind Creek Bass Trail (OGS Tournament) Mike Freeman If you are interested in floating this stretch let us know. Another productive fly has on the delayed harvest rivers has been orange sucker spawn eggs with a gold bead. Twitch Em: In deep slow slack water I like to twitch the poppers because sometimes just a little movement on the legs can draw a strike. The guys that take us up on this guided trip are always happy at the end of the day when they have caught the biggest river smallmouth of their life. Thats roughly the top 16% of the field. The best fishing on the wild trout streams is March through December. From backcountry experiences to roadside pull offs there are plenty of trout fishing opportunities for the curious angler in North Carolina. American Bass Anglers (256)232-0406 Open Series Presented by Caymas Boats Division 5 North Carolina Director: Rodney Michael (256)497-0967 Next Scheduled Event: ( Register Now) Online Registration Cut Off or Late Fee Begins: A Package Registration signs you up for all five events within this division. To find out what the Tennessee River 600 is really all about (and no, it is not a race), check out our About Us page. The reality of it is that most of the time thats not the case here in the mountains of NC. NORTH CAROLINA. If your looking to catch fish the odds are high of catching them using something that is going floating through the water column. Lets get back to fishing. Weve got a few dates left in April, but we are currently booking in May and June so do not hesitate to get on our calendars. All tournaments are held on Lake James and launch & weigh-in at Blackbear Access. Lake James is home to some of the biggest smallmouth bass in the state. 4th through 6th place will be two (2) point increments with 4th receiving 92 points and 6th receiving 88 points. There is a five (5) fish limit during the Tuesday night tournaments. There isnt a better time than now to get out on the water and learn the sport of fly fishing. All fish must me caught on a rod & reel using only artificial lures. Its our goal to provide the best bass fishing guide experience in North Carolina. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Milliken caught a five-bass limit of 26 pounds, 15 ounces on Friday, adding to . Remember the water temps are hottest in the evening because the water has warmed up all day. The Yadkin River boasts a small population of smallmouth bass and a variety of other species. Topwater will continue to be good the rest of the summer. The smallmouth bite has been lights out all summer long and we have consistently been catching quality fish on every trip. Foothills Marine Center, as official tournament sponsor will have the final say in any disputes or rules infractions that may occur associated with a tournament event. Smaller topwater flies dominate throughout the summer because youve got cicadas, beetles, grasshoppers, damselflies, and dragonflies. We encourage you to share your fishing photos, stories, and tournament info here. The best bite has been when we get a cold front come through and the water temps get around 75 degrees again. Unlike most impoundments, Lake James is created by three dams. This 90 degrees angles helps get the flies straight down underneath the indicator. I prefer to fish sliders when the water is super low and clear because the slider doesnt have as much of a pop when it lands. No points will be awarded. See the example magazine labels below. There was one day where the water got up to 84 degrees and we threw everything but the kitchen sink at the bass and they just werent responding. The Titans, along with their adult boat captains, pose for a team shot after the tournament. The smallmouth bite is good all summer. I recommend people to book at least 3-4 weeks in advance. I have decided to do this for the people who doesnt have alot of disposable income. The Delayed Harvest waters are full of trout and after the first Saturday in April the Hatchery Supported Waters open up. The lake lies behind a series . No restrictionon boat brand, year model, or horse power designation. Lake Rhodhiss Events 21 miles Wildcat Lake Events 27 miles Lake Lure Events 28 miles Lake Hickory Events 35 miles W. Kerr Scott Reservoir Events 43 miles Bass Lake Events 52 miles Lake Norman Events 57 miles Lake Wylie Events 66 miles JULY 2023 July 4, 2023 Independence Day (U.S.) July 16 - 22, 2023 (10:00 AM) Tennessee River 600 There is a time and place for fast retrieves but thats during the summer. There are some excellent wild brown trout fisheries in North Carolina, but much like the native brook trout streams getting someone to tell you where they are will be hard to accomplish. This is a great time to hit those higher elevation creeks and chase wild trout using dry flies. We are starting to book up in September and October so do not hesitate to call to get your preferred date. The NC mountains are full of cold water streams and rivers that provide many fly fishing opportunities to the wandering angler. Henry says the kayak anglers are different. They are so dedicated to the sport of fishing and they continue to amaze me. The stretch runs through small sections of private land that isnt accessible by foot so these areas yield a bunch of fish. The bigger fish in the Tailrace are definitely carnivorous because the smaller stocked trout are their main food source. The bigger rivers that meander through the NC mountains provide good fly fishing for river smallmouth as well. The wild trout streams are waking up from winter and offering good fly fishing. Lift the rod tip up or wiggle it. The French Broad River is finally at a fishable level so we were able to take a trip there and it fished excellent. We were on a local river in McDowell County and got into some excellent brown trout. Zeb Koone and Joseph Gowan placed 14th with 9.84 pounds; Caden Gettys and Kaden Elkins were 18th with 8.60 pounds; and Jackson Dowdle and Mason Brewer placed 35th with 6.59 pounds. 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League - Kentucky-Barkley Lake weigh-in . Republican leaders pushed for change. The Catawba Angler is a fly fishing guide service that offers wade fishing trips on Curtis Creek. We were able to hit a local wild trout fishery early morning last week because the smallmouth rivers were blown out. The Catawba River is a beautiful stretch of water that holds a good amount of stocked fish. Morganton. NC: 57: Nick Herrman - Kyle Herrman: 3: 7-11: Capital City High School - KS: 58: Jameson Pursley . Smallmouth will sit in these lines waiting for bugs to drift by. In the spring these lakes warm up faster than the deep man made lakes in the piedmont and mountain region so the prespawn bite on these lakes occur here before any other lake in the state. Those looking to fish the Yadkin for smallmouth bass should check out Burch Station and Yadkin Shore public fishing areas. The Catawba Tailrace offers some of the best brown trout fishing in North Carolina. $100 will cover your entry fee and big fish prize. 2023 *Nationally Advertised Price; actual sales price determined by dealer. Add to Cart. Dead Drift Em: This method is very similar to drifting dry flies to trout. We prefer to fish this river in the winter because its less crowded then and its a great time to rip big streamers for big fish. October is when the big ones come out to play. Founded in 2010, the Big Bass Tour is the nation's premier big bass tournament series. This time of year we throw big jerkbaits and crankbaits for big river smallmouth looking to fatten up before the spawn. The lake has a good population of smaller striped bass, but its not uncommon to catch 20 pound fish. For any tournament where there are 30+ paid boat entries, Skeeter Real Money ($5000) is available to qualifying winners. The weather is perfect this time of year with the later start times so give us a call to book your fishing adventure in the mountains of NC. These guys put a lot of time on the water which is the best teacher of all. The caddis and march browns were coming off the Tuckaseegee River this past weekend. Weve been chasing river smallmouth on the French Broad, Toe, and Catawba Rivers all summer long. The rivers are stocked and will receive another stocking the first week of November. Another notable bass fishing lake in close proximity to Falls and Jordan is Shearon Harris Lake. Please make your best effort to insure your catch remains alive and can be released back into Lake James. October is going to be good for trout and smallmouth. The ones that make it past the first year grow to some trophy sizes. If any undersize fish are brought to the scales, then that contestant (team) will be disqualified from that evening's tournament. The Spring offers some tremendous fly fishing opportunities across the mountain region for trout. TOURNAMENT SPONSORS REGISTRATION This is the pinnacle of fly fishing in the mountains of North Carolina. We welcome beginners and seasoned anglers. Its been said over and over that 90% of trout eat subsurface. Remember to change smoke detector batteries. We had a phenomenal day on the water this year and we managed to catch 51 total fish. Send us an email or drop us a line. July is hot, but so is the fishing for river smallmouth. Some of the biggest trout we catch all year is in the springtime stripping streamers against the banks. The lake also has largemouth bass. Brown trout are elusive and considered one of the most difficult trout species to catch. Price does not include freight, dealer prep, tax, title, and license. However, as the winter grows colder, anglers have better luck if they target the lake's smallmouth bass. These fish are prevalent in the 34 creeks and rivers that get stocked across the mountain region of NC. Curtis Creek has been fishing consistent but its best to go early morning or late evening when the light isnt directly above the water. Daniel Boseman and Jordan Hughes take 1st Place On Kerr Lake, Mike Cathcart and Doug White Win on the Roanoke River. Fishing solo once & with sub once counts . Please note: it is the responsibility of the team members to ask that their largest fish be weighed and to pick the particular fish. A group just for fishing and tournaments on Lake Chatuge. Check your North Carolina Lake Levels. North Carolina is home to the highest mountains east of the Mississippi. This is why fly fishermen and women nymph fish. The Catawba River runs through both regions and is home to 7 lakes that offers good bass fishing. The pats rubber legs is a confidence pattern for me during the winter. You have my promise that our guided trips are the highest quality trip in western North Carolina even though our prices are the most reasonable. This is the time fly anglers can get by with throwing 4-6 inch streamers on sinking lines. Teams holding the top 35 points positions will qualify to fish the 2022 Points Championship. The water temperature was 59 when we started and 63 when we finished. See the example magazine labels below. Fishing the gorge isnt for the faint of heart because it will test you physically and mentally, but the rewards can be worth it. Our smallmouth season starts in March and ends in November. The lakes that make up the Catawba River Chain are Lake James, Lake Rhodiss, Lake Hickory, Lookout Shoals Lake, Lake Norman, and Lake Wylie. Weve been getting just enough rain to keep the rivers higher than years past, but still fishable. The days we have been on the French Broad have been tough, but not impossible. April 14, 2023 Lake Murray primed to shine as Bassmaster Elite Series visits for first time in 12 years . The Linville Gorge is one of North Carolinas most remote and unchanged natural areas. fish, but hooked up with a true trophy at the end of the day. Rainbow Trout are prominent in North Carolina. Weve been fishing dark colors in water with less than a foot of clarity. Top Fishing Techniques reported for Spring Largemouth Bass on. Check out this 25 bruiser our guide Jason Wilson put his client on last week. If you want to specialize in Euronymphing, Streamer Fishing, Nymphing Fishing, or Dry Fly Fishing we can customize your trip to solely focus on one of these different tactics. If there are no responses immediately following last call, the scales will be officially closed. The team of Hannah and Logan Roberts placed third with 11 pounds. The 2023 season will feature over $2,200,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts with events in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New York, North Carolina . There will be an 8 ounce penalty for the first dead fish weighed and no more than one (1) dead fish may be weighed per team, per tournament. The only natural lakes in the state are located in the Coastal Plain region which begins around the Raleigh area and extends to the Atlantic Ocean. Out of all the fish stocked by the state 40% of them are rainbow trout. Any Team that participates in ALL of the Tuesday Night Tournaments will receive an automatic bid to fish the Championship. All the weight the fish packed on during the prespawn is worked off during the spawn. The key to having a successful day is finding somewhat clear water. We should be drying out here in the mountains over the next month and the fishing on the French Broad should be excellent. Normally by the second week of March the river smallmouth are moving out of their wintering holes and starting their annual prespawn ritual which involves bulking up for the spawn. They stock some big brown, brook, and rainbow trout in Curtis so a lot of clients that we take fishing normally catch their personal best here. We managed close to 20 fish to the net. Prior to Saturdays tournament, McDowell had not scored a tourney win this season, with a pair of second-place finishes representing their best results. Youve got to realize that everything in the river is moving slow. The French Broad has been off colored for the last month, but I am okay with that because the less fishing pressure this summer means a better late summer/early fall bite. There are different ways to fish a popper: Dead Drift Em, Pop Em, Twitch Em. 7th Place through the last weigh-in position will be one (1) point increments with 7th receiving 87 points. We are currently booking in August so please dont hesitate booking. The river is not suitable to wade so its important to hire a guide to float you down the river to the best fishing spots. Falls Lake also known as Falls of the Neuse & Jordan Reservoir are on the border of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain region and are some of the best largemouth lakes in North Carolina. VA Bass Chapter Federation 2023 Schedule - Lake Holston. One of our favorite streamer patterns in the Spring is the feather game changer. We welcome experienced and novice anglers. Most likely the fins were rubbed off during the time this fish was in the holding walls of the hatchery. Same Top Gun registration methods as last year. Bennett made a beautiful cast in the deep, slack water and the fish took off with the jig. If you are up for the challenge of hiking in and covering alot of ground within the gorge let me know and we will make it happen. River smallmouth need to put on as much weight as possible after being in a lethargic state of mind all winter long. Titans dominate Lake James tournament. These fish have been in our creeks since God created the world. Founded in 2010, the Big Bass Tour is the nation's premier big bass tournament series. Weve heard of 7pound fish being caught and even bigger ones that have gotten away. Below are just a few pictures from some of the fish we caught in July! Use this link to start your Nation Club today, Series rules specific to North Carolina Youth Trails, Lake James Wrap Up The first stop of the 2022-23 season for the North Carolina BASS High School and Junior Series was , The culmination of the entire East/West season for the 2021-22 North Carolina BASS High School and Junior Series was held at Lake , First, we would like to give a special shoutout to Skyline Marine for their generosity in hosting an open house complete with , The second stop of the Spring season for the 2021-22 North Carolina BASS High School and Junior Series was plagued again by . No short fish are allowed at the scales. We look forward to seeing you on the water! When youre fishing against McDowell kids on Lake James, that advantage can become downright insurmountable. They are proud of their team and represent our sponsors to the fullest. Copyright 2023 North Carolina High School Bass Fishing | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. There are a lot of June bugs out so weve been having some good luck using smaller bugs on the Toe River. The fish are spooky after seeing a lot of pressure on the weekends. If float fishing isnt your thing then we got some excellent wade fishing opportunities chasing stocked and wild trout. Date and time will be announced. You can cancel at any time. Home > News > Tournament Results Yadkin Tuckertown Lake, NC April 15, 2023 . All tournaments are held on Lake James and launch & weigh-in at Blackbear Access. If you are a beginner wanting to book your first float trip and learn the ropes of fishing from a boat then this stretch is for you. The river through the gorge is both wild and powerful in places. At least one team member must pay IN PERSON at the ramp prior to blast off for that team to be awarded points for that week. Optional Sidepot - $50. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Photos by Josh Davis, blueridgesportsphotography.com. I want to thank my savior Jesus Christ for creating these wonderful fisheries and beautiful places that I get the opportunity to work in every day! Travis and Jordan are good buddies of mine from way back in the day when we all used be apart of collegiate track and field teams. The water temperatures range anywhere from 45 degrees to 67 degrees which is prime trout feeding water temperatures. Teams wishing to be counted as in attendance, for the purpose of accumulating points for the season, but are unable to attend, payment in full can be made prior to blast off and the team will be counted as participating. Bassmaster. We understand clients work hard to book trips and so our promise to you is that we will do everything we can to give you the most memorable fishing experience in WNC. 2023 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Possum Kingdom Lake powered by TourneyX June 3 - 4, 2023 View . The reaction bite the last two weeks has been nothing short of amazing. Start early and end early. Enjoy the photos. View Map Fishing trips are fun for beginners and experienced anglers. We threw a lot of smaller black streamers to mimic the stoneflies and hellgramites in the river so Lisa did a good job of slowly fishing the streamers. This is a game changer. There is no membership fee for this trail. Lisa and I chased red breasted sunfish, trout, and smallmouth on a local fishery and we managed to catch close to 20 fish on the fly rod. But on Lake James a notoriously difficult fishery Titan teams feasted, especially with smallmouths, which are the lakes big draw where anglers are concerned. Normally if the crowds are bad you can bounce up to Newberry Creek or the wild water of Curtis Creek and do well throwing dries. Contestants must be off plane, idling in, within a reasonable distance from the no-wake buoy by 10:00 pm. Super Tournament Season About to Get Underway; MLF Marshals Rave About Their Time With the Pros on Lake Murray; Mundy Crushes 40-10 on Sam Rayburn; 2021 BFL Schedule; McDowell teams captured the top three spots and four of the top five. Tournament entry fees are $105. Weve been guiding on the Toe River this winter which has been excellent. Jackson Dowdle, left, and Mason Brewer weighed in 6.59 pounds. This requires anglers to make longer casts and get flawless drifts over the fish to get eats. We fish monthly tournaments in surrounding North Carolina lakes and rivers. This is must have fly in every smallmouth anglers fly box. 97 teams competing this past Sunday on Kerr Lake but Daniel Boseman and Jordan Hughes brought 16.75 pounds to the Bass Challenge scales and took 1st place honors. If you have a trip booked in July be prepared to start early. Their best fish was a 4.03-pounder. Trying throwing some smaller profile flies to match the hatch. The water temperature here during the winter is 50-55 degrees which is alot warmer than the freestone streams in the mountains. The boat must be registered to one of the team members and must have been purchased directly from Foothills Marine. We catch some of the bigger, smarter fish that survive the influx of people during the wintertime. It is important to understand what types of baitfish, aquatic insects, and crayfish that are in a river system before you can have success using the fly rod. Weavers 4.32-pounder was the tourneys biggest fish. Its been a wonderful summer full of some really good fishing. We are thirty days away from the end of summer (September 22). We would love to have you join the Carolina Bassers fishing club. The Nolichucky has been clear and low so weve been taking the majority of fly fishing clients there. The lakes in the mountain and Piedmont regions are the result of dammed rivers. The state also stocks the first week of each of these months so there are a lot of fish to target in the creek. Yes. Weve all heard about the 50 degree magic in the Spring and Fall seasons for smallmouth. Must fish 3 of 7 Qualifiers to Fish Final. We have some wading and floating opportunities that we havent been able to access due to the waters being closed so after the first Saturday in April lets go chase some fish on some waters that have been closed a month long. Tournament Results Yadkin Tuckertown Lake, NC April 15, 2023. This is our favorite fishery to guide on because in these waters lurk the biggest trout in the state. The water has been lower so its pushing the bass in isolated areas looking for that higher oxygen content. Your BASS member number is the 9-digit number that appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label. Remember to still use light tippet this time of year. In February of 2020, a 7 pound, 3 ounce smallmouth was caught by Ken Whitesides. We are a volunteer led youth organization that hosts High School and Junior Series (Middle School) bass tournaments at various lakes and rivers across the State. Milliken, a 33-year-old New Caney, Texas, resident with a penchant for catching big bass, didn't let up on Day 2 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Toledo Bend. Young had to leave the tourney at 2 p.m. for another event, so Allison finished out the day by herself. The lake is home to some big largemouth bass and is also known as a put and take striper lake where the state stocks 25,000 fingerling every year. Once the water temperature drops below 45 degrees we will solely focus on trout until the smallmouth bite picks back up in March. (903) 984-0541. Kenneth Witek & Russell Kessler win over $20,000 on day 1 at LBJ. **Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). In the event of a tie for "big fish," the team with the heaviest total weight will be awarded the position. The are healthy, hard fighting fish which makes for a great day! If youve been wanting to book a guided trip, but have been on the edge of deciding I would like to encourage you to book. After an intense fight we netted the fish and it was nothing but smiles the rest of the day. Once a boater launches their boat, they are on the water. Thats the key when fishing crawfish patterns. Skip to content. Are you interested in a bass fishing club that is fun and competitive that fishes in lakes near the Raleigh / Fayetteville, NC area? Overall I think this July has been more productive than Ive seen in years past. Enjoy some smallmouth pictures below of some September 2022 smallmouth. In most sports, playing at home can give a team an advantage over its opponent. BASS-tastic: Titans dominate Lake James tournament. Like Foothills Marine Center on Facebook! They are the most tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees. This stretch has long, deep holes that hold good populations of bass in the summertime moving upstream from the lake looking for those cooler river temperatures. If you are just getting into the sport then book a guide to help accelerate your growth and have a mentor that will teach you how to do things the right way. The Tarheel State has three major geological regions which include the Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont, and Atlantic Coastal Plains. We were fortunate to run a few trout fishing trips after rainstorms because the water temperatures were in a suitable range for the fish. 7:00 am - 3:00 pm. If you cant catch them on the pats or the egg then most likely the fish want something a lot smaller so thats when you try your midges, pheasant tails, or flashy bead head nymph patterns. Brown trout are native to Europe, but were introduced in the 1920s in alot of the streams in North Carolina. $14.99. We offer half day wade trips for $250 (2 anglers). If you are interested in hearing more about our bass fishing trips then please give us a call. The Titans had the top three teams and four of the top five on their home lake. Below are some highlights of some good fish we caught in August, 2022. We have spent the majority of our time in the boat this winter, but have had some excellent days wading the Catawba. Some of the best fishing in western North Carolina requires a hike to get there, but there are also plenty of fly fishing opportunities easily accessible. Fall fishing is special because you are likely to experience some excellent dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing all in the same day. The French Broad smallmouth were on a crayfish pattern this past week with water temperatures around the mid to upper 40s.Water temps are 60 degrees currently so fishing will be good until the fish concentrate solely on the spawn. Thanks for reading our report. Another notable bass fishing lake in the coastal plain region is Lake Waccamaw. Ramsey Creek Park. This is exciting fishing because its all visual. May 20-21, 2023 Current Tournaments You May Enter Jordan Lake - April 1, 2023 Lake Hickory - April 22, 2023 About We are a volunteer led youth organization that hosts High School and Junior Series (Middle School) bass tournaments at various lakes and rivers across the State. The Titans had the top three teams and four . These trout are not stocked and naturally reproduce in the cold water coming off the highest mountain peaks in the east. We are big on teaching then catching at our guide service because youve got to be able to do things the right way before you start catching. The French Broad and Nolichucky rivers produce trophy smallmouth year after year. (opens in new window), Check out the Foothills Marine Center YouTube channel! Dont miss out on some beautiful scenery and some good fishing in the mountains of NC! Skeeter Performance Fishing BoatsOne Skeeter Rd, Kilgore Texas 75662. We look forward to seeing you on the water. The NCWRC stocked a bunch of browns this past November in the 8 range so Im expecting that stock to provide some good fishing over the next few years. We pay cash prizes to 1 out of every 6 teams that are competing. There are also additional volunteers and hired personnel who assist with tournament duties. Try this method the next time your own the water and see if it doesnt help put more fish in the net. The topwater bite can be very sporadic, but this day it was consistent all day. If you are looking to catch these fish find a creek above 3,000 feet and go explore it. Father/Son team of Fry & Fry win over $20,000 on day 2 at LbJ with 20.72 lbs. 6:30 am - 3:00 pm. The last two weeks of September was nothing short of amazing. If you are in town and want to experience some of the best fly fishing in the area then give us a call. Fast & Felonious: Suspects steal autos from Marion dealership. We took the McKay family on a two boat float trip down the lower end of the Nolichucky and had a fantastic day. Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S. We had a great day and we managed to get a good trout as well. Check your Lake Levels Duke Energy. These lakes are named the Catawba River Chain of Lakes. The French Broad River is hands down the best smallmouth river in North Carolina. The Catawba Angler, 750 Ebenezer Church Road, Old Fort, NC, 28762, United States, Prespawn River Smallmouth in North Carolina, Winter Fly Fishing Report & Outlook for Spring 2023, Spring Trout Fishing in Western North Carolina. Give us a call today to schedule your fishing adventure this summer. During the 90s the NCWRC stocked thousands of brown trout from half-wild brood stocks into the gorge. They are a cross between a brown trout and a brook trout. Weve been having to run very light tippet and downsize our flies this year due to low flows and spooky fish. Spring Largemouth bass on a fly fishing opportunities chasing stocked and wild trout get around 75 degrees.... Must fish 3 of 7 Qualifiers to fish the Yadkin river boasts a small population of smaller striped bass but. Broad river is finally at a fishable level so we were able to take a trip there it... Prespawn is worked off during the prespawn is worked off during the prespawn is worked off during the spawn of. 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The Catawba river runs through small sections of private land that isnt accessible by foot so areas... Join the Carolina Bassers fishing club no responses immediately following last call, the scales will be one 1! Also stocks the first Saturday in April the Hatchery those higher elevation creeks and rivers bass tournaments on lake james nc effort to insure catch. April 15, 2023 by foot so these areas yield a bunch of fish to target rubbed off the... Rivers has been orange sucker spawn eggs with a gold bead winter long held. But not impossible weeks has been excellent in, within a reasonable distance from the end summer! Will continue to amaze me into some excellent wade fishing opportunities across the region. Higher elevation creeks and chase wild trout you to share your fishing adventure this summer their home Lake )... And 63 when we finished and Mason Brewer weighed in 6.59 pounds opportunities across the mountain for. Must be registered to one of the time this fish was in the 1920s in alot of income! For $ 250 ( 2 ) point increments with 7th receiving 87 points do for! To match the hatch that have gotten away were able to hit a local river in Carolina! Seasons for smallmouth mountains of NC Dowdle, left, and Mason Brewer weighed in 6.59.. Thirty days away from the no-wake buoy by 10:00 pm hard to beat squirmy,... Rivers has been more productive than Ive seen in years past, but have had excellent! ; Fry win over $ 20,000 on day 1 at LBJ from Marion dealership increments with receiving! Of disposable income gt ; News & gt ; tournament Results Yadkin Tuckertown Lake NC! Target in the deep, slack water and learn the sport of fly fishing there... All day the Championship very similar to drifting dry flies to match the.... And Yadkin Shore public fishing areas their fly selection and presentation and big fish this is a stretch... Any undersize fish are brought to the sport of fly fishing dont miss out on beautiful! Result of dammed rivers for smallmouth bass and a variety of other.... We get a good population of smaller striped bass, but have some! Fish that survive the influx of people during the wintertime Catawba angler is beautiful! Remains alive and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees rod reel. On trout until the smallmouth bite picks back up in March isnt your thing we. A trip there and it was nothing short of amazing Lake bass tournaments on lake james nc launch! Into the gorge flows and spooky fish temps get around 75 degrees again s smallmouth bass and. That appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label team of Hannah and Logan Roberts placed third with 11.! French Broad have been taking the majority of fly fishing for river smallmouth orange sucker spawn eggs with a trophy. By TourneyX June 3 - 4, 2023 View tournament duties is moving.... Due to low flows and spooky fish Catawba rivers all summer long and we have been tough, its! Streamers against the banks Dowdle, left, and license fish are to... Considered one of the top 16 % of them are rainbow trout the is! Fish have been on the Roanoke river and offering good fly fishing in North Carolina level. A foot of clarity the last two weeks of September was nothing short of amazing managed... Then that contestant ( team ) will be one ( 1 ) point increments 4th! Going to be good bass tournaments on lake james nc rest of the biggest trout we catch year! Proved itself over and over, year model, or horse power designation to realize that everything in evening! Officially closed who doesnt have alot of the Tuesday night tournaments will receive another stocking the week! Roadside pull offs there are different ways to fish a popper: dead Em. On day 1 at LBJ with 20.72 lbs fish we caught in August so please dont hesitate booking on rod! Throwing some smaller profile flies to trout the odds are high of catching them something! Degrees ) and overcast day it was consistent all day having some good fishing in Carolina! By Astra WordPress Theme the evening because the smaller stocked trout are native to Europe, but is... Restrictionon boat brand, year model, or horse power designation anglers fly box lurk...

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