09/10/2026
Mountainside Fishing News
Greeting from the Fish Tales Outfitters Team. Welcome to our latest “Mountainside Fishing News” where we cover the latest fishing reports, Tips, fly selection, product reviews, fly tying, events, conservation and current specials. We are here to "Help You Get On The Water."
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FISHING REPORT
Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Report - September
Ok, who left the furnace on? What a hot August and beginning to September we have had. Some of the hottest consecutive days that we can recall with very little cool down at night. This has made some of the most difficult fishing of the year. Don't fret, it is about to change in a big way. Some of our best fishing of the year is just weeks away.
As to where to fly fish, you have to head to higher elevations. Focus on higher elevation streams in the Great Smoky Mountains, Nantahala, Pisgah National Forest. Expect lower water levels during dry periods. ( we certainly need rain) Longer and lighter leader and tippet are critical right now. While many always fish a 4X or 5X Tippet and have sucess, you may need to drop down to 6X or 7X. Remember, the higher the X the thinner and lighter the tippet or leader. A longer than usual leader also will help. Presentation is key and reconize that you may have one shot at that trout you see in the pool just below a small waterfall.
We are just a few weeks (October 1, 2026) away from the start of the delayed harvest season on several of the rivers in Western North Carolina. Its a great time to prepare.
Delayed harvest trout waters are some of the most popular places to fish for trout in Western North Carolina, and for good reason. These streams are stocked with trout and can provide excellent opportunities for both experienced anglers and those learning how to fly fish.
The key to success is understanding how delayed-harvest fish behave, preparing the right equipment, and adjusting your approach to the conditions.
Prepare Before You Go
Before heading to the stream, check the current North Carolina trout regulations and make sure the water you're planning to fish is currently under delayed-harvest regulations. Regulations can vary by individual water and season. It is important to note that not all rivers and not all sections of a river may be classified as delayed harvest. Locally we fish sections of the Nantahala River, the Tuckaseegee River and Fires Creek. We operate in these areas under special permit. Please visit North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (https://www.ncwildlife.gov/fishing) for specific fishing regulations or feel free to call or stop by. It can be confusing. Two of the basic rules are 1. Catch and release Only, 2. Artifical single hook lures/flies with no scented baits.
A 3- to 5-weight fly rod is a great choice for most delayed-harvest streams. A 9-foot 4-weight rod is an especially versatile setup for Western North Carolina trout.
For leaders, start with a 9-foot 4X or 5X leader and carry 5X and 6X tippet for smaller flies. If the water is clear and the fish are pressured, downsizing your tippet can make a noticeable difference.
Don't forget the basics:
Polarized sunglasses
Wading boots
Small net
Forceps
Tippet
Strike indicators
Split shot
Fly boxes
Rain jacket
Water and snacks
Delayed-harvest trout see a lot of flies, so having several different presentations available is important.
Before you head to the water, check your flies. While everything looked good last time you closed your fly box, you may find that due to moisture, your hooks may have become corroded and some of you fiies may have started to fall apart due a breakdown of the threads. Nothing worse than getting to streamside and finding out that your flies will not work. Now back to what flies to carry.
Nymphs
Nymphing is often one of the most consistent ways to catch delayed-harvest trout.
Good choices include:
Pheasant Tail
Hare's Ear
Pat's Rubberlegs
Perdigons
Zebra Midges
Squirmy Worms
Small caddis patterns
A two-fly nymph rig can be extremely effective when regulations allow it. Try a larger attractor or stonefly pattern with a smaller nymph underneath.
Dry Flies
Don't overlook the surface. When trout begin looking up, a well-presented dry fly can produce some of the most exciting fishing of the day. A dry dropper set up can work very well. Using a Chubby as your dry fly/indicator is a great setup. Less spooky for the fish and you are fishing two different sections of the water column.
Carry:
Parachute Adams
Blue Wing Olives
Elk Hair Caddis
Royal Wulff
Small Stimulators
Watch the water carefully for rising fish rather than automatically fishing the same nymph rig all day.
Approach the Fish Carefully
One of the biggest mistakes anglers make on delayed-harvest water is walking directly into the best-looking pool.
Stocked trout quickly learn that anglers are dangerous. Fish that have been in the stream for a while can become surprisingly cautious.
Approach from downstream whenever possible. Stay low, avoid unnecessary movement, and make your first casts from a distance.
Look for trout around:
Deep pools
Current seams
Rocks and structure
Undercut banks
Tailouts
Deeper runs
Don't assume every trout will be sitting in the deepest water. Trout will often move into faster water to feed, especially when aquatic insects are active.
Presentation Is More Important Than Distance
You don't need to make long casts to catch delayed-harvest trout.
A good drift is usually more important than casting farther.
When nymphing, adjust your indicator and weight until your flies are getting down into the feeding zone without constantly hanging up on the bottom. Watch the indicator closely and be ready for subtle takes.
When fishing dries, concentrate on getting a drag-free drift. If the fly is skating across the surface unnaturally, change your angle or mend the line.
If the Fish Stop Eating - Don't keep throwing the same fly in the same spot.
Change one thing at a time:
Change your fly.
Adjust your depth.
Reduce your tippet size.
Move to a different piece of water.
Change your presentation.
Sometimes simply moving 20 or 30 yards upstream can put you in front of fresh, less-pressured fish.
Fish Delayed Harvest Responsibly
Delayed-harvest streams receive significant fishing pressure, especially on weekends. Give other anglers room and avoid crowding someone who is already working a pool.
Practice careful catch-and-release handling. Keep trout in the water as much as possible, wet your hands before handling them, and avoid squeezing the fish.
A rubberized landing net makes releasing trout much easier and helps minimize handling.
Fish Tales Outfitters Tip
Our favorite advice for delayed-harvest fishing is simple: slow down and pay attention to the water.
Instead of immediately walking to the biggest pool, spend a few minutes watching the stream. Look for rising trout, insect activity, feeding lanes, and changes in current. Then build your strategy around what the stream is telling you.
Delayed-harvest trout can be challenging, but they are also a great way to sharpen your skills. Whether you're learning to nymph, perfecting your dry-fly presentation, or simply looking for a fun day on the water, these streams offer some of the best trout-fishing opportunities in Western North Carolina.
IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW
Trout Stocking resumes the first week of October. Delayed harvest water regulations resume October 1, 2026. Catch and release only, single hook, artificial flies and lures only.
Western North Carolina Bass Fishing Report
Bass Fishing
We have had one of our better seasons on the Little Tennessee River right here in Franklin, NC. Our float trips and walk and wade trips for Smallmouth Bass have been very productive. Not only has the fishing been great, the scenery and you float down the "Little T" is spectacular. Smallmouths are not the only fish to hit the net. Several walleye and various panfish have also fall for both flies and conventional tackle.
The water temperatures on our area lakes have been some of the highest we have seen. The other evening we hit Lake Chatuge and the surface temperature was 89.9 We still managed to trick some fish up from the depths but the bite was certainly slower than usual. Things are quickly changing. Cooler nights and shorter days are here.
Fall is one of the best times of the year to chase bass in Western North Carolina. As the hot summer temperatures begin to fade and water temperatures drop, both smallmouth and largemouth bass become more active and feed aggressively in preparation for winter.
For river anglers, September and October can be especially productive for smallmouth. Cooler water and lower flows concentrate fish in pools, runs, eddies, and current breaks, while the changing conditions trigger a strong feeding response.
Smallmouth Bass
The French Broad, Tuckasegee, Little Tennessee, and other mountain rivers can provide excellent fall smallmouth fishing. Western North Carolina's smallmouth are particularly responsive as water temperatures begin to fall, and September and October can produce both good numbers and some of the larger fish of the year.
Look for fish around:
Deep pools and the heads of pools
Rock ledges and boulder fields
Current breaks and eddies
Deep runs
Shoal drops
Undercut banks and submerged structure
As fall progresses, baitfish become increasingly important. Early in the season, crayfish patterns and small plastics can remain very effective. As the water cools, try imitations of minnows, shiners, and chubs.
Best Fall Lures
For conventional tackle, some excellent choices include:
Small swimbaits
Flukes and other soft-plastic minnows
Small tubes
Ned-style rigs
1/8–1/4 oz. jigs
Small crankbaits
Inline spinners
Small spinnerbaits
Topwater plugs during active feeding periods
Natural colors such as shad, olive, brown, black, and white are good choices. NC Wildlife also recommends smaller presentations for Western North Carolina smallmouth, with crayfish-colored orange and brown patterns being particularly effective.
Fall Lake Bass
The same seasonal transition takes place in Western North Carolina's mountain lakes. As the water cools, bass begin moving out of their deeper summer locations and toward shallower structure and areas where baitfish are concentrated.
Follow the bait. Creek arms, points, rocky banks, shallow flats, and areas where deeper water meets shallow feeding areas can all be productive.
Topwater Action
Don't put the topwater box away too early. Fall can produce some exciting surface action, particularly around low-light periods, wind-blown banks, baitfish schools, and warming afternoons.
Walking baits, poppers, buzzbaits, and small topwater plugs can all produce aggressive strikes. On some Western NC waters, topwater activity can actually improve during the middle of the day when the sun warms the surface and activates baitfish.
A Great Time to Be on the Water
One of the best things about fall bass fishing in Western North Carolina is the combination of active fish, comfortable temperatures, beautiful mountain scenery, and fewer anglers on many rivers. October is particularly appealing on the smallmouth rivers, where cooler, clearer water and lower flows can make wading easier and concentrate fish in productive water.
Fall is a great time to get out and chase Western North Carolina bass. Whether you're throwing a small crankbait for smallmouth on a mountain river or following baitfish on one of our lakes, the cooler weather brings some of the most exciting bass fishing of the year.
Report prepared for Fish Tales Outfitters — Franklin, NC.
RESOURCES
Check the flows before heading out. It may be sunny where you are but heavy rains upstream or scheduled releases may dramatically increase the flow rate in the stream or river you are in. Many of our rivers are tailwater systems meaning that they they are the discharge from a lake upstream. Discharges can be scheduled releases for hydroelectric power and/or flood control.
TUCKASEGEE RIVER AT SR 1172 NR CULLOWHEE, NC (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03508050&legacy=1)
TUCKASEGEE RIVER AT BRYSON CITY, NC (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03513000&legacy=1)
NANTAHALA RIVER NEAR HEWITT, NC (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03505550&legacy=1)
OCONALFTEE RIVER At BIRDTOWN, NC (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03512000&legacy=1)
DUKE ENERGY RELEASE SCHEDULE FOR THE TUCK AND NANTAHALA RIVER SYSTEMS. (https://www.duke-energy.com/community/lakes/flow-releases)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Note that due to damage as a result of last years hurricane and damage done to the hatcheries, there have been changes in the frequency and amount of fish being stocked. The State provides links on the schedule and locations.
Mountain Trout Stocking Schedule (https://www.ncwildlife.org/media/3656/open)
Daily Trout Stockings (https://ncpaws.org/PAWS/Fish/Stocking/Schedule/OnlineSchedule.aspx)
UPCOMING EVENTS AND CLASSES
CLASSES
Fly Tying Classes resume 9/22/26 at 5:30pm at the shop. Click Here to Register. (https://book.squareup.com/classes/kmkqdekgm3w5nq/location/LQECNSTYQ4KB0/classes?buttonTextColor=ffffff&color=424b73&locale=en&referrer=so)
Need help with your casting or setup. Come on by the shop and one of our team members will be happy to help. Best part, its free.
OUR GUIDED TRIPS AND LESSONS
We are now booking for the delayed harvest season. We run trips daily throughout Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. No Experience is needed and we provide all the gear. At the end of the trip you will ask yourself why you waited so long. To learn more about the trips we offer, please visit our guided trip information page (https://www.fishtaleswnc.com/s/appointments) on our website or give us a call.
NEW PRODUCTS
We continue to grow our inventory on both our fly fishing and our conventional fishing gear.
A large selection of Winston Fly Rods have hit the display. We have several models of the the Air 2 and Pure 2. The new Air 2 Max, 9' 5wt will be available in just a few days.
On the conventional gear side, come check out the new model from Cashion Rods, the Elite Pro. For those that aren't familiar with Cashion Rods, they are made right here in North Caroline. Every component of these rods are American Made. We are proud to carry this brand and you will be surprised at the quality, warranty and price point of these exceptional rods. We have clearance pricing on several Cashion Rod Models as we make room for more Elite Pros.
We have the gear you need for the fall season, both bass and trout.
IN CLOSING
Need help? Stop by your local fly shop, give us a call or drop us a note, we are here to help make your day on the water the best it can be. Remember, SAFETY FIRST. Check the water conditions, flows and depth, current and future weather, extra clothes and provide loved ones with details on your plans.
Come on by and chat with us in the shop. Even better, come visit Franklin, NC and see how beautiful the mountains of Western North Carolina are.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN FRANKLIN, NC
Experience Franklin, NC (https://experiencefranklinnc.com/) is an excellent resource for things to do, places to eat and upcoming events. As a hint, make sure you plug in Franklin, NC and not Franklin, TN. They are not close in distance but close in names. One local business recently reported receiving a big order for cupcakes and after making the learned that the customer was actually in Tennessee. We have had many calls at the shop for fishing reports on lakes and rivers we know nothing about and realize that Google routed the caller to the wrong Franklin.
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for things to do in the mountains of Western North Carolina (https://franklin-chamber.com/ #) and the quaint town of Franklin, NC. The mountains of Western North Carolina offer so much. Water falls, shopping, hiking, dining, gem mining, museums and more.
Visit Smokies (https://www.visitsmokies.org/) is another great resource. Its a great time to visit the quiet side of the Smokies. The Mountains are full of color, weather is perfect and some of the best fishing of the year is going on.
Franklin Downtown Merchants Association (https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDowntownMerchants) is a great resource for all of our local businesses and upcoming events. For those that have never visited Franklin, come enjoy life as it once was. Mom and Pop businesses, unique restaurants, plenty of activities, down home charm and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
Hiking - We are surrounded by trails. The Greenway, (https://www.littletennessee.org/) The Appalachian Trail (https://www.atmile110.com/) , the Bartram Trail (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/trails/bartram-trail) are just the start. Waterfalls? We are surround by waterfalls and trails.
Looking for the perfect family vacation? Franklin, NC is the place. Interested in a guided fishing fly fishing trip? We have you covered. Walk and Wade, float trips and 3 day back country, camp and fish trips. Fly fishing or conventional gear trips, we have you covered. Our conventional gear selection continues to grow. Want something you don't see, let us know and we will get it in.
Set your watch back 50 years and give us a visit. Come as visitors and leave as friends.
THANK YOU!! All of our local business greatly appreciate the support of small businesses here in Western North Carolina. Money you spend here, stays here. Our small family businesses support each other and all give back to the community. We can't thank you enough for the support. Stay tuned for an upcoming report on things to do here in Franklin this Spring.
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION DESTINATION?
The Franklin North Carolina area is rich in history and charm. Fishing is just one of the many activities that the area offers. Gem mining, kayaking, hiking, water falls, craft fairs, antiquing are just a few. Many of our mountain towns have special events throughout the year. The fall is a great time to visit. The mountains are full of color, temperatures are perfect and many of the mountain towns host a variety of fall festivals.
Click here for a free $5.00 coupon at Fish Tales Outfitters & Guide Service!
