Winter Fishing in the North Carolina Mountains

submitted by Curtis Wright Outfitters

Did the Gopher see his shadow? Who knows, and who pays attention to stuff like that? "Whatever is outside the window is the weather for the day", that’s just how it is. But regardless of the weather, there is always fishing year round in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. 

photo courtesy Curtis Wright Outfitters

Winter has always been one of the favorite times to get out and probe the depths for salmonoids, and this season has not been a disappointment. Slightly elevated stream flows due to snow melt and rain have left us with only one thing to do - add more split shot! With mountain weather refusing to be a complete science, it never hurts to be totally prepared for anything... gloves, wool socks, hand warmers, a thermos, and possibly, looking at the forecast for this weekend, a T-shirt and maybe, just maybe a hand full of dries. 

Soon we should be expecting the first major hatch of the season, the Epeorus pleuralis, ("Quill Gordon" for those of us that didn’t study Latin) and for our friends from PA, “March Grays”. The guides at Curtis Wright Outfitters live by the hatches; and if you have any questions about what’s happening bug wise, or would like to take a Guide Trip for some early season risers, just call us - Curtis Wright can get you on the water. 

Cherokee Winter Fishing Tournament

February 1  Shiver in the River  Winter fishing tournament in Cherokee for $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters). Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters.

When a tagged fish is caught it can be redeemed for cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500 based on the color of the tag. Redemption location and times to be announced. The tournament is open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration is necessary to redeem cash prize. 

Get more information about Cherokee NC HERE.