The WNC Rivers We Fly Fish

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North Carolina’s Best Fly Fishing Rivers: Nantahala, Tuckasegee, & More

The Nantahala River is a true four season fly fishing destination, including summer fly fishing, because it is a cold water stream, fed from the bottom of Nantahala Lake, high in the mountains.The river is a hatchery supported river and home to all three species of trout: brook, brown and rainbow, with both wild trout and stocked trout. It is it is no wonder that the Nantahala River is ranked as one of Trout Unlimited’s Top 100 Trout Rivers in North America.

Endless River Adventures Fly-Fishing is one of the only outfitters licensed through the US Forest Service to provide float trips on the Nantahala River.

Women getting out to fly fish - Endless River Adventures Fly Fishing

Nantahala River Fishing – Lower Float

The Nantahala River has two distinct sections of river – the Lower, that is for float trips and commercial rafting trips, and the Upper, that is wade only. The river support all three species of trout: rainbow, brook and brown. The Nantahala River enjoys a healthy population of native trout, and it is also a delayed harvest river from October to June.

    More Information on the Nantahala River

    Between the quality of stocked and native trout and the beautiful scenery on both sections of river, it is no wonder that the Nantahala River is ranked as one of Trout Unlimited’s Top 100 Trout Rivers in North America.

    Endless River Adventures Fly-Fishing is one of the only outfitters licensed through the US Forest Service to provide fly-fishing services on the Nantahala River.

    Man holding fish while fishing on river - Endless River Adventures Fly Fishing

    Nantahala River Fishing – Upper Wade

    The Upper Nantahala River is a perfect destination-based wade section with convenient access from top to bottom. The Upper Nantahala is a delayed harvest stretch of river with stocking done between March and November.

    • River Miles – 4
    • Trips Available: Wade, Full and Half Day
    • Location: Upper Nantahala Gorge
    • See also Nantahala Fishing Report
    • Our trips include guide, boots, waders, and all essential gear. *Does not include a validNC fishing license.
      More Information on Upper Nantahala River

      The Upper Nantahala River is a perfect destination-based wade section with convenient access from top to bottom. The Upper Nantahala is a delayed harvest stretch of river with stocking done between March and November.

      Woman fly fishing on the Nantahala River - Endless River Adventures Fly Fishing

      Tuckasegee River Fishing

      Conveniently located outside of Bryson City, NC.
      The Tuckasegee is a Delayed Harvest Stream.
      Repeated stocking occurs in October, November, March, April and May.

      • River Miles –
      • Trips Available: Full day and Half Day Float Trips
      • Location: Sylva to Bryson City, NC
      • Includes boat, guide, and all essential gear. *Does not include a valid NC fishing license.
        More Information on Tuckasegee River

        Conveniently located outside of Bryson City, NC, the Tuckasegee is a Delayed Harvest Stream. Repeated stocking occurs in October, November, March, April and May.

        Additional WNC Fly Fishing Rivers Available By Request

        best trout fishing near Bryson City is the Nantahala River

        Snowbird Creek

        A gem of a river. Snowbird is more remote than the more well-known rivers of WNC and better suited for wade fishing. Snowbird Creek is a Delayed Harvest Stream.

        best trout fishing near Bryson City is the Nantahala River

        Little Tennessee River

        The Little Tennessee is our favorite summer small mouth stream to float fish. It is a bordered by wilderness and boasts warm clear water full of small mouth bass, brim and red eye.

        best trout fishing near Bryson City is the Nantahala River

        Cheoah River

        The Cheoah River is a great small mouth, brim and red eye bass fishery. It is hands down one of the most challenging of all the rivers we offer wading trips on.