Davidson River Fishing Report

Fishing Report for December 2nd, 2024

Along comes Winter, and along comes the cold. With our first couple of nights below freezing for the season, we have seen lots of fall-time patterns come and go, and wintertime staples are starting to do their thing in our region. Fishing this time of year can often prove to be very challenging but also very rewarding at times. Try to pick your days wisely, a bright sunny day will keep you feeling warm and will keep you on the river a little longer than cold, snowy days. Waters will be flowing between 60 and 160 cfs on any given week, depending on the amount of rainfall in that stretch of time. The water will be very clear this time of year, lending to lighter line and smaller flies to trick a picky fish into taking a fly.  Be patient and dress warm this time of year so you can spend as much time on the water as possible. Also remeber that taking a break in a warm fly shop, or warming up in your truck is never a bad idea. Also please dont forget to stay hydrated this time of year, the cold is unforgiving, and many people find themselves not drinking enough liquids. Be prepared and let others know where you are going and have a great time on the water!

Davidson

The lower Davidson is fishing well with the fish left over after the storm. Winter Stoneflies and small midges will be some of the best this time of year. Water will be clear from rain and snowfall, so be prepared with small flies and light tippet. You will find most of your fish in the deeper pools of the river and slower water this time of year. 

Flies:  Girdle Bug 12-14, Tripsaver 14-16, Kevin's Stone 14-18, BWO 18-24, Cream UFO Midge 18-22, Memory Maker 14-16, Pheasant Tail 14-18

Wild Trout

Most trails are open to get to wild trout, but if you find yourself a long way from the beaten path, you might run into some fallen trees or washed-out banks from the storm. Fish can still be aggressive this time of year, usually covering water is a solid plan to make sure as many fish see your flies as possible. Fishing BWOs and even Stimulators will work as a dry fly with fish often taking the dropper this time of year. 

Flies:  BWO 18-22, Stimulator 16-18, Sassi Solution, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear 14-18, Cream UFO Midge 18-22, Pheasant Tail 20-22

Smallmouth/Warmwater

After the storms, we are not sure of the state of the French Broad, While fish might have survived the flood, we are sure that there are many down trees, flooded cars, and small debris that is in the river and will not move for a while. With DuPont State Forest recently opening, now would be a prime time to hike back into a small lake and throw small streamers for bass and bluegill. Lots of fish will be hugging the bottom this time of year, and fishing low and slow will be your best bet for getting bites from smallmouth and panfish. 

Flies: Slump Buster 1/0-#2, Meat Whistle 6, Wolly Bugger 6-10, Sparkle Minnow 8, Near Nuff Crayfish 4-6

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

DAVIDSON RIVER & AREA RIVERS

• Rod: G Loomis NRX+ 9ft 5wt
• Reel: Sage Spectrum Reel
• Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Trout 5wt

DELAYED HARVEST

• Rod: St Croix Imperial 8'6" 5wt
• Reel: Redington Run Reel
• Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Smooth

SMALL STREAMS

• Rod: G-Loomis IMX-Pro Creek 2-4wt
• Reel: Lamson Guru Reel
• Line: Amplitude Trout Smooth 3-4wt

SMALLMOUTH

• Rod: Sage Payload 8ft 9in 7wt
• Reel: Redington Run Reel
• Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Smooth

Learn about the rivers and streams of WNC

Regional Rivers and Streams Guide

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Seasonal Hatch Chart and Fly Recommendations

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