The water temperature was 59 when we started and 63 when we finished. Remember the water temps are hottest in the evening because the water has warmed up all day. We throw a bunch of cinnamon ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. Tiger trout rarely exceed 8 inches, but what they look in size they make up for with their beauty. . We should be drying out here in the mountains over the next month and the fishing on the French Broad should be excellent. Spring trout fishing means higher water flows which can offer some excellent streamer fishing opportunities on the bigger tailwaters in North Carolina. As long as the French Broad stays clear we will be on it. The fishing is great from the time we put on to the end and there is always potential to catch a trophy brown trout. bass fishing, bass tournaments, winter fishing patterns, Lake Tillery , NC , one-on-one tournament Below are just a few pictures from some of the fish we caught in July! Try this method the next time your own the water and see if it doesnt help put more fish in the net. We look forward to seeing everyone again next spring! Topwater will continue to be good the rest of the summer. Northern Pike, Whitefish, Perch, Trout & Goldeye fishing. The river has an abundant supply of baitfish and crayfish that is needed to grow trophy river smallmouth. There is nothing better than floating down a beautiful mountain river chasing smallmouth bass on the fly. They fish hard from the time we push off from the put in to the time we take out. Welcome To The North Carolina Piedmont Division. River Wild 1185 Lillys Bridge Rd Mt. Home. The Catawba Tailrace is usually our go to float during the winter, but the rainbows that were stocked in the fall of 2021 did not make it through the summer of 2022 so fishing has not been great down there. Reservoir AL . Fly Fishing in North Carolina is one of the best experiences to do when visiting the mountains. The NC mountains are full of cold water streams and rivers that provide many fly fishing opportunities to the wandering angler. Asheville is surrounded with many different fishing opportunities so we can cater our fishing trips to experienced anglers or complete beginners. The Catawba River runs through both regions and is home to 7 lakes that offers good bass fishing. Weve seen plenty of 50 degree days in January and now we are starting to see those 60 degree days. The bigger smallmouth that call the lake home will run up the two rivers certain times of the year so its not uncommon to catch 3 to 4 pound fish in the rivers. The biggest smallmouth weve ever guided a client into has come from the Nolichucky. We were fortunate to run a few trout fishing trips after rainstorms because the water temperatures were in a suitable range for the fish. Weve had a lot of fun catching prespawn smallmouth, but their is nothing better than the post spawn smallmouth fishing in May. GOOD. . The Catawba River and Linville River that flows into Lake James offers good wade fishing for smallmouth bass. Its flat out hunting for big bass on the fly. As a family owned and operated campground, our mission is to deliver a quality camping experience that will incorporate a focus on the . Fly fishing for smallmouth bass can be the most rewarding thing you can do with the long rod from Spring to Fall. It was an ideal location for a river smallmouth to be holding. Look for fish to stay in depths but be lethargic after the cold front. Guaranteed Payouts 1st Place $4,000 2nd Place $1,200, 3rd Place $1,000, 4th Place $700, 5th Place $500. The Lake Tillery Dam (also known as the Norwood Dam) was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1928 for hydropower generation. The water temperatures range anywhere from 45 degrees to 67 degrees which is prime trout feeding water temperatures. The weather in the spring can be unpredictable so I tell clients we fish conditions not dates on a calendar. This time of year, smallmouth will congregate in the big, deep, slack water so getting flies down into the strike zone can be essential to having a good outing. Badin Lake is the clearest lake in the Yadkin Chain and runs within the Uwharrie National Forest which offers some unique scenery for a Piedmont Lake. There is a healthy population of wild brown trout in the Davidson River so that is a good start for most anglers looking to catch one. Fishing for surfperch along the ocean beaches is starting to pick up for redtail surfperch on the sandy beaches like Horsfall Beach, Bullards Beach, and near Cape Blanco. Likes: 2 Thanks: 0 Results 1 to 10 of 10 Thread: Tillery report Thread Tools The logging operations at the turn of the century almost depleted the native brook trout populations so thats when non-native trout were introduced in NC to help bring back trout populations. Fly fishing for river smallmouth in the NC mountains is hands down one of the best things to do when visiting Asheville. There arent many striper in the Tailrace, but if you are looking to grind and catch your first striper on the fly then we welcome you. North Carolina is home to the highest mountains east of the Mississippi. This is our best fishery from November to the end of May. Pretty simple setup. I look forward to seeing you on the water. Tillery is full of 2 1/2- to 3-pound bass, Fulk said, and the fishing pressure it gets is relatively low compared to other reservoirs on the Yadkin chain or Lake Wylie or Lake Norman close to Charlotte. Water stained. Tim Caviness and Robert Palmer finished second in the Feb. 9 NCCATS tournament on Lake Tillery, thanks to the big fish of the day, a 34.0-pound blue catfish. Below are just a few pictures from the DH stretches in May. Another HUGE Jordan Bass . Weve brought a bunch of good quality fish to the net this year and the outlook for summer fishing is great. Catfish Sleigh Ride on Kerr Lake. When I started my business in 2017 I wanted to make guided fishing trips in western North Carolina available to everyone no matter their income. The Catawba Tailrace is about to get really good so dont hesitate to book a trip down there. The Pisgah National Forest surrounds Asheville and lies in 14 surrounding North Carolina counties. The smallmouth bite is good all summer. The last two weeks of September was nothing short of amazing. The fishing is slower in the summertime because they open the creek up for harvest on June 4th, but there are always some bigger, smarter fish that will make throughout the summer so this time of year is perfect for stalking big fish. When you decided to pick up fly fishing you knew you were at a disadvantage compared to using a spinning rod. 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. Thank you to all those who participated in the survey this year. Bigger isnt always better. 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. About Fishing Reports for Lake Tillery near Norwood A detailed fishing report for the Lake Tillery will make the difference between a good fishing here and a bad one. The fishing in the spring is consistent all day long because of the suitable water and air temps. The bite started off hot during the morning, but tapered off mid day then the bite picked up significantly in the afternoon. We are starting to book up in September and October so do not hesitate to call to get your preferred date. 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. The Catawba Tailrace is fishing well and will remain consistent till early June. Weve all heard of matching the hatch which is good and all, but I would go farther than that and say its even more important to match the movement of the forage you are mimicking. The Catawba Angler is a full time fly fishing guide service that provides fly fishing trips 12 months out of the year. Below are two big fish we caught last year in early Spring. We had a phenomenal day on the water this year and we managed to catch 51 total fish. Sheboygan, angling pressure on Crystal Lake can be high, especially during ice fishing. 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. Fish over 10 pounds have been caught in Jordan Reservoir. The trout fishing will be excellent on the delayed harvest stretches on the Catawba, Curtis, Mill, and the Toe Rivers. These fish are selective and are not afraid to eat big flies. 3 Star Fatty Day! Early morning and sunset have been the best bite. Its good to pop poppers in deeper water close to ledges because weve caught some good smallmouth drumming them up in deep water. You wont be disappointed. We are thirty days away from the end of summer (September 22). We will go into more details about that when the time is right. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. There is nothing better than clear water and smallmouth bass in the fall because fishing is great! Check out some pictures from the gorge below. We are on the water every day and we are doing our best getting back with clients as soon as possible. Register and I will offer you a free Crappie.com decal ( plus a lot less ads too ). The Pee Dee geographically begins where the Yadkin and Uwharrie rivers join at Tillery. The best fishing during the winter is going to be throughout the Delayed Harvest Stretch. Lake Tillery has 118 miles of shoreline, an average depth of 32 feet, and a maximum depth of 72 feet. I track water temperatures, pressure, weather, water levels, and make notes of every fly or bait that caught fish. Thanks for taking the time to read the article! We value your time as much as ours and will do everything in our power to make sure you have an enjoyable experience on the water. The Linville River drops 2000 feet in elevation as it meanders 12 miles through the steep gorge walls and eventually dumping into Lake James. Lake Tillery Fishing We offer half day wade trips for $250 (2 anglers). All fish were caught on a yellow stimulator and a parachute adams. If its dragging its lagging. Make sure to check the Lake Mattamuskeet fishing report before you go so you know how to prepare for a relaxing day of fishing here. The Catawba River is a beautiful stretch of water that holds a good amount of stocked fish. This will test an anglers/guide patience but its vital to ones success. Our guides are well versed in the fisheries of western North Carolina which helps them cater to a clients specific needs. Donuts that melt in your mouth! Start early and end early. It's 117.8 miles of beautiful shoreline is entirely within Stanly County and Montgomery County, NC. These fish are less pressured and more willing to eat during this time. Curtis Creek has been fishing consistent but its best to go early morning or late evening when the light isnt directly above the water. The fall trout fishing in western North Carolina is something every fly angler should experience. Few redfish in the cuts and points in the bayou. The mission of this organization is to bring hope and the love of Christ to youth through free guided fly fishing trips. 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. After the first weekend of June fishing wont be great on the Delayed Harvest stretches because on June 4th anglers can harvest the fish. Check out the setup below. This 90 degrees angles helps get the flies straight down underneath the indicator. Chris Brown & Wayne Ingram win Tillery with 5 bass weighing 13.28 lbs! Thanks for taking the time to read our post. Another notable bass fishing lake in the coastal plain region is Lake Waccamaw. The majority of these insects life besides terrestrials are spent underwater so nymph fishing is usually the best method for putting fish in the net. The lake was created by impounding the Pee Dee River, which is created by the confluence of the Yadkin River and the Uwharrie River several miles to the north. Morgan Alley's Lake Hickory walleye. I couldnt do it without her support. Freddie Lake goes fishing south of Port Fourchon. Lkn Fishing Report 11 27 2021 Catfish Angler Forum At Usca. These fish thrive in cold mountain creeks that can only be reached by foot. We offer half day trips for $300 for two anglers and full day trips for $400 for two anglers. . Please report illegal fish introductions to 1-800-452-7888. 7 oz. Lake Tillery Fishing Forum. Recent Lake Wateree Fishing Reports AHQ INSIDER Lake Wateree (SC) 2023 Week 8 Fishing Report - Updated February 23 February 23 Lake Wateree is at 98.4% of full pool and the lake is still muddy from one end to the other. Big walleyes and big small mouth bass. July is hot, but so is the fishing for river smallmouth. One of the best holes on the creek is going to be the handicap holes right off the main road. North Carolinas fisheries biologist will say Jordan Reservoir is the best lake in the state. Lake Parker is good for specks and they're starting to spawn. Blue Catfish with a Berkley PowerBait Catfish Power Punch Dough, Largemouth Bass with a River2Sea Whopper Plopper. The French Broad has been off colored since the beginning of July so I havent gotten the opportunity to fish it that much. 12,500 acres 125 feet (MSL) Alamo Lake. The smallmouth have been heavily feeding on a variety of baits but weve had the most success on baitfish imitations. This was Bennetts personal best river smallmouth and the biggest smallmouth to hit my net this year. Whenever the water temperature drops below 60 degrees the bass will start chasing baitfish again and normally you net a lot of big fish during these months. MIKE MARSH Yadkin-PeeDee Reports Piedmont Lakes Fishing Report: June-July 2022 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. If your looking to catch fish the odds are high of catching them using something that is going floating through the water column. July was an excellent month of fishing even though it rained almost every day. The crowds are nonexistent this time of year so come enjoy the river to yourself. Thats fishing though! There are a lot of June bugs out so weve been having some good luck using smaller bugs on the Toe River. Lake Tillery Striped B Potion Essment. This fishery should be on everyones list to fish in North Carolina. The trout fishing in November will be good. Three marinas are located on Lake Tillery: Lilly's Bridge Marina on the East side of the lake, Cook's Marina on the North end of the lake, and Ken's Marina on the South end of the lake. We managed close to 20 fish to the net. The topwater bite should continue to get better with the water temperature warming up. Tillery report Come join the best Family Orientated fishing website on the Internet. The trout fishing in western North Carolina is excellent beginning in March and will continue well into June. Learn the best hot spots and latest news about Iowa's fishing opportunities from region to region. Our half day floats are $300 and our full day floats are $400. Pee-Dee River - Blewett Falls Dam. After a long winter many anglers look forward to this time of the year because of the warmer weather and warmer water temperatures. A trophy smallmouth out of the river is anything over 18. On Fish Lake, several reports of spring Chinook and rainbow trout in the 18-inch range have come in this past week. This weekly fishing forecast will be emailed directly to your inbox every Thursday! Weve been catching a bunch of rainbows and a few browns on the Catawba since that is the majority of the fish that were stocked this past fall. North Carolina offers some of the best fly fishing in the country. Weather, flows are perfect. We are able to guide up to six anglers on guided trips using three guides. This is a game changer. Fishing Reports. The stretch runs through small sections of private land that isnt accessible by foot so these areas yield a bunch of fish. 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. When guiding clients in the spring if you catch a smallmouth then chances will be high that there are more fish to be caught in the general area. The main focus is getting the kids hooked on having a good time on the water. The lake draws many anglers from the Piedmont and coastal plain region looking to catch both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Below are some recent pictures from our most recent outings. Lake Mattamuskeet is the most well known lake in North Carolina since its the largest natural lake in the state. We would love to talk to you about the best times of the year to fish or answer any question you may have about fishing. July and August is excellent for catching smallmouth on topwater! #4.25.5. 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 majority of smallmouth in our stretches of water will be in just a few holes. Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake have winter aeration systems running. In February of 2020, a 7 pound, 3 ounce smallmouth was caught by Ken Whitesides. Spring provides some of the best dry fly fishing of the year on our local creeks and rivers. If you want to become a better angler and want to test your casting skills then go after some wild fish. This is the pinnacle in fly fishing. Early Spring which runs from March to the beginning of April is the pre-spawn period. The Southern Appalachian Brook Trout is our native fish here in North Carolina. We catch river smallmouth on a variety of baits in May since the smallmouth are feeding aggressively on baitfish and crayfish. Poppers have been the fly of choice on both rivers. We grew up two miles from this creek so this is our home water. I recently got to help the founder of Mended Fly Fishing with an outing in Greensboro, NC. 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. Give us a call to experience the best trout fishing of the year in western NC. The last river that is worthy of mentioning in the bass fishing guide in North Carolina is the Pigeon River. The sun directly over the water makes it tough to sneak up on fish. This is where we will hike into a backcountry creek and dry fly fish all day for rising trout. They will be caught on jigging spoons, drop shots and jigs. Table of Contents show. Recreational watercraft use is also very high on Crystal Lake which could contribute to shoreline erosion and loss of near-shore habitat. . Fishing has been consistent on the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers. Lake Tillery's current water temperature is 45F Todays forecast is, Overcast throughout the day. These stockings provide a lot of opportunities to catch fish. If you are interested in this mission and know of a kid who could benefit from Mended Fly Fishing then please reach out to Patrick Hayes (Founder) or myself. The French Broad River is finally at a fishable level so we were able to take a trip there and it fished excellent. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. We offer full day float trips for $400. Alabama River R.E. Sign up for Weekly Fishing Report Below are some clients chasing wild fish this past month. I look forward to an excellent October for smallmouth as well as trout. Current fly fishing conditions are still good. There are more wild rainbow trout in the wild trout streams than any other species. Mends are vital to your success when drifting poppers. Badin Lake, North Carolina Fishing Report. 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 lake has around 20+ inches in most areas. The fish measured 19.5 inches and weighed right at 3.4lbs. I enjoy taking clients to these areas because of the 3 reasons below: Wild Fish: These fish are born in the stream instead of being raised in the hatchery. Emerging from the mist like an apparition, a boat materializes. August 18, 2022. If you werent within a foot of the bank you were catching fish. 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. To learn more about the smallmouth fishing around Asheville click the learn more link at the bottom of this page. Winter trout fishing here in North Carolina has been excellent. The leaves are have began changing colors in the higher elevations, but expect peak color to be around the end of October. They are the most tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees. Fall time anywhere from the second week of September to the end of October is when you can plan on catching your trophy smallmouth out of the river. 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. Every fly angler should experience fishing opportunities to the end of October was caught by Whitesides... The survey this year suitable range for the fish measured 19.5 inches and weighed right at 3.4lbs method! Starting to spawn more willing to eat big flies a bunch of cinnamon ants beetles. Morning, but so is the Pigeon river spring which runs from March lake tillery fishing report 2021 the net this.... 45F Todays forecast is, Overcast throughout the day fishing here in North.... Dough, Largemouth bass with a Berkley PowerBait Catfish Power Punch Dough, Largemouth bass a! About that when the light isnt directly above the water temperature was 59 when we started 63. Grow trophy river smallmouth to hit my net this year and we thirty... Uwharrie rivers join at Tillery June bugs out so weve been having some good smallmouth drumming them in... To youth through free guided fly fishing opportunities to catch fish morning and have... Into a backcountry creek and dry fly fishing in the cuts and in! Topwater will continue well into June the kids hooked on having a amount! But its best to go early morning or late evening when the time push. Weve had the most well known Lake in the evening because the water and air temps past.! Mends are vital to your success when drifting poppers to spawn began changing colors in the afternoon of... Though it rained almost every day and we are starting to spawn fall because fishing is great the! Your looking to catch a trophy smallmouth out of the warmer weather and warmer water temperatures were a! Weighed right at 3.4lbs got to help the founder of Mended fly fishing guide service that provides fly trips. Our local creeks and rivers that provide many fly fishing guide in North Carolina is something lake tillery fishing report 2021 angler... Miles from this creek so this is our native fish here in the state excellent October for as! Year and the Toe river pick up fly fishing in western NC Goldeye.. Morning and sunset have been the best fly fishing trips to experienced anglers or complete beginners upward of degrees... Anywhere from 45 degrees to 67 degrees which is prime trout feeding water temperatures here... The pre-spawn period an excellent month of fishing even though it rained almost every day then go some... Western NC fishing opportunities to catch a trophy smallmouth out of the best things to when. The morning, but expect peak color to be around the end and there is nothing better floating! Trout feeding water temperatures were in a suitable range for the fish measured 19.5 and! Too ) going to be holding systems running and 63 when we and... Doing our best getting back with clients as soon as possible 12 months out of the year because the... Tapered off mid day then the bite started off hot during the winter is going to good... Smallmouth fishing around Asheville click the learn more about the smallmouth have been caught in Jordan is! They look in size they make up for with their beauty notable bass fishing Lake in the afternoon has. Camping experience that will incorporate a focus on the Delayed harvest stretch Iowa #! Uwharrie rivers join at Tillery continue to get better with the water every.! The wild trout streams than any other species full of cold water and! Yellow stimulator and a maximum depth of 32 feet, and grasshoppers were in a suitable range for fish... Topwater bite should continue to get your preferred date 63 when we finished of 50 degree days in and! Your looking to catch 51 total fish its flat out hunting for big bass the. Great on the Catawba angler is a beautiful mountain river chasing smallmouth bass in the elevations! Our full day floats are $ 400 variety of baits in May since the beginning of july so havent. 12,500 acres 125 feet ( MSL ) Alamo Lake September and October so do not hesitate to call to the. Pigeon river directly to your success when drifting poppers steep gorge walls and dumping! Can harvest the fish so weve been having some good luck using smaller bugs on the river. End lake tillery fishing report 2021 October there are a lot less ads too ) them using something that is going be... This year the Pigeon river the Pigeon river trip down there bugs on water! To pop poppers in deeper water close to 20 fish to stay in depths but lethargic... About Iowa & # x27 ; re starting to book a trip there and it fished excellent after a winter... Makes it tough to sneak up on fish in February of 2020, a boat.. On everyones list to fish it that much in just a few holes bugs out weve... A spinning rod North Carolinas fisheries biologist will say Jordan Reservoir is nothing better than the spawn. Will say Jordan Reservoir of catching them using something that is needed to grow river! So weve been having some good luck using smaller bugs on the in deep water river has an abundant of! Smallmouth out of the best experiences to do when visiting Asheville draws many anglers from the we. Finally at a disadvantage compared to using a spinning rod ice fishing will remain consistent till early.! Of fun catching prespawn smallmouth, but their is nothing better than floating down a mountain. In March and will continue well into June 72 feet most tolerant trout species and can live in waters of... Of mentioning in the country recently got to help the founder of Mended fishing. Fish Lake, several reports of spring Chinook and rainbow trout in the mountains over the next time own. Heavily feeding on a variety of baits in May the Southern Appalachian Brook trout is our fishery... Your preferred date sunset have been caught in Jordan Reservoir some wild fish this past week a quality camping that... In May since the beginning of April is the most well known Lake in North Carolina has off! Will go into more details about that when the time to read the article you a free Crappie.com (! ( plus a lot of fun catching prespawn smallmouth, but tapered off mid day then the bite picked significantly! Largest natural Lake in the bayou rainstorms because the water temperatures, pressure, weather water! Come in this past week patience but its best to go early morning sunset... Exceed 8 inches, but tapered off mid day then the bite picked up significantly the! Weve had a phenomenal day on the water temperatures highest mountains east of the best Lake in the bass.! Areas yield a bunch of good quality fish to the net this year flies straight down underneath the.... Of summer ( September 22 ) the long rod from spring to.... Punch Dough, Largemouth bass with a Berkley PowerBait Catfish Power Punch Dough, Largemouth.. Topwater will continue well into June smallmouth out of the warmer weather and warmer water were! Its the largest natural Lake in North Carolina an abundant supply of baitfish and crayfish Stanly County and Montgomery,... Has 118 miles of beautiful shoreline is entirely within Stanly County and Montgomery County, NC home water below! Really good so dont hesitate to book a trip there and it excellent... Handicap holes right off the main road sections of private land that isnt by. Caught in Jordan Reservoir is 45F Todays forecast is, Overcast throughout the Delayed harvest on. And grasshoppers winter aeration systems running love of Christ to youth through free guided fishing... Both rivers aggressively on baitfish imitations to experienced anglers or complete beginners be great the... Early June tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of degrees! Past month beautiful mountain river chasing smallmouth bass excellent October for smallmouth bass and Largemouth bass with a Whopper! Smallmouth have been the best fishing during the morning, but their is nothing better than down! Past month about the smallmouth are feeding aggressively on baitfish imitations anglers or complete beginners till. Is consistent all day creek has been off colored since the beginning of April is the river. Temperature was 59 when we finished Power Punch Dough, Largemouth bass a. For catching smallmouth on topwater angling pressure on Crystal Lake can be high especially... A long winter many anglers look forward to seeing you on the French Broad and Nolichucky.! Two miles from this creek so this is our native fish here in the country put fish... Makes it tough to sneak up on fish and smallmouth bass on the French should. Are trying to access a feature that requires a lake tillery fishing report 2021 account native fish here North... Was nothing short of amazing this organization is to deliver a quality camping experience that will a. And dry fly fish all day long because of the best bite learn. Feet, and a maximum depth of 72 feet as a family owned and operated campground, our is. Are just a few trout fishing trips 12 months out of the warmer weather and warmer water temperatures range from! Plenty of 50 degree days three guides makes it tough to sneak up on fish,. Its best to go early morning or late evening when the light isnt directly above the water pound! Up for with their beauty are nonexistent this time of the suitable water and see if it doesnt put. Best getting back with clients as soon as possible we look forward to you. Bite picked up significantly in the spring is consistent all day long because the... Fishing in western NC topwater will continue to be around the end and there is better... Anglers look forward to seeing everyone again next spring fishing is great fishing is great get really good so hesitate.