The river begins near the Georgia-North Carolina border, close to the southern portion of the Nantahala Wilderness Area and the Appalachian Trail.
There are two main sections of the river Upper and Lower Nantahala, and they are separated by a man-made lake (Nantahala Lake) and its hydroelectric power plant. The Upper Nantahala has numerous stocked fish at certain times of the year and a plentiful amount of wild fish year-round.
Like any good tailwater, the lower Nantahala is subject to a sudden increase in inflow. Combine that with the Nantahala River Gorge, and it can be extremely hazardous for wading anglers when the river rises.
The river eventually empties into the Little Tennessee River at Fontana Lake, created by the Fontana Dam.
As mentioned previously, the Nantahala is also a popular destination for fly fishing, so much so that Trout Unlimited has named the river one of the 100 Best Trout Streams in America. The river is frequently used for practice, clinics, and competitions held by the US Men’s and US Youth National Fly Fishing teams.
Nantahala River Sections
There are two sections of the Nantahala, and each has different fishing regulations.
Upper Nantahala River: White Oak Creek to Powerhouse (Below Dam)
The Upper Nantahala runs from White Oak Creek to the dam and is designated Hatchery-Supported. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are identified by green-and-white signage placed conspicuously along the river.
Notable facts about this section of the river:
- There are superb fly fishing opportunities along the river if you know where to look.
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout are regularly stocked.
- This section of the river is under strict seasonal restrictions of “Catch & Release,” single-hook artificial lure between October 1 and June.
- With its many cascades and waterfalls, it has a constant flow and is probably one of the most scenic mountain rivers in the country.
Lower Nantahala River: White Oak Creek to Powerhouse (Below Dam)
The Lower Nantahala runs along the floor of the Nantahala Gorge and where the river gets its namesake. Like the upper, it is also designated as Hatchery-Supported. The 9-mile stretch of world-class rapids is popular for kayaking and rafting. Due to these activities, the Lower Nantahala is the only stream in the state where night fishing is allowed.
However, a word of caution is that the ease of wading here is determined by the upstream hydroelectric power plant’s generation schedule. When water is not being used, the lower Nantahala is easily waded. However, once water is released, it morphs into one of the most thrilling white water sports in the south. Wading and fishing under power generation can still be done, but we don’t suggest it unless you are an extremely skilled and experienced angler.
Notable facts about this section of the river:
- The lower Nantahala River is where the North Carolina State Record Brown Trout was caught weighing in at 24lbs and 10oz!
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout are regularly stocked.
- This section of the river is under strict seasonal restrictions of “Catch & Release,” single-hook artificial lure between October 1 and June.
- The US Forest Service has made great efforts to provide entry points to the river, complete with restroom facilities and picnic areas.
Best Time to Fish the Nantahala River
Seasonal availability varies depending on what part of the river you are on. However, most sections have year-round access or are only closed for a few months while the river is being stocked. A competent guide will be able to tell you what the conditions are and any and all regulations.
Some of the easiest fishing on the Nantahala River is during the spring months, thanks to large hatches of caddisflies, mayflies, midges, etc. Even during the summer months, excellent trout fishing spots can be found in deeper locations if you know where to look. Fall is always a popular time in the mountains of North Carolina as the leaves start to change.
Nantahala River Fishing Report
Area fly shops, websites, and guides can provide you with a Nantahala River fly fishing report and update on current conditions. You can also find current information about the Nantahala River from the USGS here.
About Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing
The guides here at Turning Stone’s are experienced anglers with a wealth of expertise on both sections of the Nantahala River. We have all chosen to call western North Carolina home for its unmatched fly fishing. We want to show you the waters we love and help you catch some fish along the way. Contact us for more information about fly fishing in the Nantahala River.
- There are superb fly fishing opportunities along the river
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout are regularly stocked
- This section of the river is under strict seasonal restrictions of “Catch & Release,” single-hook artificial lure between October 1 and June
- With its many cascades and waterfalls, it has a constant flow and is probably one of the most scenic mountain rivers in the country
Lower Nantahala River: White Oak Creek to Powerhouse (Below Dam)
The Lower Nantahala runs along the floor of the Nantahala Gorge and where the river gets its namesake. Like the upper, it is also designated as Hatchery-Supported. The 9-mile stretch of world-class rapids is popular for kayaking and rafting. Due to these activities, the Lower Nantahala is the only stream in the state where night fishing is allowed.
A word of caution, however, the ease of wading here is determined by the upstream hydroelectric power plant's generation schedule. When water is not being used, the lower Nantahala is easily waded. However, once water is being released, it morphs into one of the most thrilling white water areas in the south. Wading and fishing under generation can still be done, but we don’t suggest it unless you are an extremely skilled and experienced angler.
Notable facts about this section of the river:
- The North Carolina State Record Brown Trout was caught on the lower Nantahala River and weighed 24lbs 10oz!
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout are regularly stocked.
- This section of the river is under strict seasonal restrictions of “Catch & Release,” single-hook artificial lure between October 1 and June.
- The US Forest Service has made great efforts to provide points of entry to the river, complete with restroom facilities and picnic areas.
Best Time to Fish the Nantahala River
Seasonal availability varies depending on what part of the river you are on. However, most sections have year-round access or are only closed for a few months while the river is being stocked. A competent guide will be able to tell you what the conditions are and any and all regulations.
Some of the easiest fishing on the Nantahala River is during the spring months, thanks to large hatches of caddisflies, mayflies, midges, etc. Even during the summer months, there is great trout fishing that can be found in deeper locations if you know where to look. Fall is always a popular time in the mountains of North Carolina as the leaves start to change.
Nantahala River Fishing Report
Area fly shops, websites, and guides can provide you with a Nantahala River fly fishing report and update on current conditions. You can also find current information about the Nantahala River from the USGS here.
- Fish Tales
- Brookings Anglers
- Others?
About Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing
The guides here at Turning Stone's are experienced anglers with a wealth of expertise on both sections of the Nantahala River. We have all chosen to call western North Carolina home for its unmatched fly fishing. We want to show you the waters we love and help you catch some fish along the way. Contact us for more information about fly fishing in the Nantahala River.