LOCAL WATERS- SUMMER FLY FISHING IN NORTH CAROLINA WITH WILD WATER FLY FISHING

WATAUGA RIVER SUMMER ADVENTURE

Fly Fishing in North Carolina is a special thing; it is something that can be done year-round, and with each season comes its own beauty. When Old Man Winter finally decides to pack up and head on out, we are greeted with beautiful summer sunshine, blooming flowers, and hungry trout ready to eat. Fly Fishing in the summer months in North Carolina is an epic way to spend the day. The best part is that you don’t need much gear to get out on the river and have a great day. From May until late August, my gear is very minimal, usually consisting of Chaco sandals, a pair of shorts, my Patagonia fishing shirt, and vest, and my Wild Water fly rod and reel. The river’s temperature varies in those months between the low 40s to mid-50s depending on where you’re at. However, those water temperatures sure do make the trout active. In the beginning of spring, some of the rivers around western North Carolina are stocked with trout by the local fisheries department, depending on how far along you are in your angler career. Some people prefer fishing the rivers that are stocked, and some prefer venturing out and finding waters that are natural and not stocked. If this is your first time fly fishing, and you want to have better chances at getting your first catch, I suggest looking online at your local fisheries and seeing what rivers are being stocked and when. Doing this is just going to help with your progression, and as you gain more knowledge, you can start venturing further out in search of wild mountain trout. 

One cool summer morning, I set out for a little day trip on the Watauga River, specifically seeking out big rainbow trout. When I’m targeting bigger rainbows, I have a few sections I tend to go to on the Watauga River, where I’ve had luck in the past. During this trip, I brought my go-to flies with me, a couple of green drakes, and my blue quill mayflies for the big hungry ones. I quickly loaded up the Land Cruiser and headed to my spot. When I got there, I noticed that the river’s clarity was perfect; standing beside my truck, I could see a couple of brook trout making their way upstream. When the fish are very active, you know it’s going to be a good day. I unloaded my gear and rigged my Wild Water 3/4 weight rod, and tied on a blue quill mayfly, and started making my way up the river. Anytime I’m going after big rainbow trout, I always take the hunter’s approach by keeping low and quiet because the last thing I want to do is spook one of these beautiful fish while just trying to find a place to cast.

I found a perfect spot on the river where it dog-eared left, and there was a solid log laying on the riverbed that I decided to use as cover to conceal my shadow. I set up right there and began to cast. Within a matter of minutes, I was hooked up and fighting with a good-sized rainbow trout. I kept the tip of my rod pointed up, and I began to reel. As I brought the fish closer to me, I could see the beautiful colors flashing as he fought and resisted going into my net. As I pulled him from the net, I was speechless. I stood there in disbelief; this was the biggest, most beautiful rainbow trout I had ever caught in my life. This fish measured approximately 14 inches. I was beyond ecstatic to catch my personal record, but overall, just thankful to have caught such an amazing fish. I gently released this bow back into the river, feeling emotions of gratitude and happiness. When the stars align, and you’re able to catch a fish that brings you this much joy, you will always and forever continue to chase that feeling wherever it takes you. That feeling, to this day, continues to take me to places I’ve always dreamed of. As you gain more knowledge and skills for this craft, allow yourself to venture out and find new streams, rivers, or creeks and embrace those adventures; even if you don’t catch a single fish, just take in those moments and remember to leave these waters cleaner, and better than you found it for the next angler after their dream catch.

For more information regarding Wild Water Fly Fishing and their products, please contact Dena Vick, [email protected].

About Wild Water Fly Fishing

Wild Water Fly Fishing represents a dedication to bringing friends and family together by providing everything you’ll need to gear up for a trip to the lake. If you’re a parent or grandparent wanting to nurture a kid’s interest in fly fishing, Wild Water provides the best tools to make your fly fishing trip an unforgettable experience. Wild Water Fly Fishing is the only company to focus exclusively on affordable, easy-to-use fly fishing starter packages for all species of fish.