Western NC Fishing Stream Report | Davidson River Outfitters

Fishing Report for April 1st, 2025

Lots of warm days have the fish feeding. Now is a great time to get outside and try out all those fly fishing accessories you got for Christmas that you still haven't used yet. While there are some wildfires in the area, they seem to be getting them under control. Before you go fishing, check and make sure where you are going is safe and out of the way of first responders and other emergency services. Hatchery-supported waters will become fishable again on April 5th, and there should be plenty of fish that are eager to bite. If you are planning a trip to Brevard, or the surrounding area, now is a great time to go, and there should be lots of fish waiting on you when you get here.

Local fishing report

Davidson & Area Rivers

We are still seeing a lot of bugs on the Davidson and the trout are starting to key in on those bugs more and more as time goes by. Caddis is still the most prevalent bug on the river right now and we have started to see a few Light Cahills on warm sunny days. The Hatchery Supported section of the Davidson has been stocked regularly, and there have been fair amounts of fish above Sycamore Flats and around the Davidson River Campground. Above the campground, the wild fish are still grouped up after the storm so don't be afraid to keep moving if you aren't catching any fish.

Flies: Girdle Bug 12-14, Morrish Dirty Bird 16-18, Red Fox Squirrel Nymph 16-18, Light Cahill 16-18, Copper John 16-18, Furmiskys Foam Fluttering Caddis 14-16, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear 14-16

Rod: G-Loomis IMX-Pro V2

Reel: Lamson Guru

Line: Rio Gold Line

Delayed Harvest

Delayed Harvest Rivers are still getting stocked throughout the spring, so there are plenty of fish around in these rivers. These fish are less likely to eat bugs that are hatching than wild fish, but a dry fly is not out of the question. This time of year using a Chubby Chernobyl is a great way to not have the big splash of an indicator, and still have something that you can fish heavy droppers off of. Try adding a squirmy worm or an egg off the back and you will have a deadly presentation that won't spook the fish as much as an indicator.

Flies: Girdle Bug 12-14, Morrish Dirty Bird 16-18, Howell's Shuck-It Jig 14-16, Jig Perdigon 16-18, Hot Head Squirrel Leech 10, Squirmy Worm 16, Chubby Chernobyl 14-16

Rod: St. Croix Connect

Reel: Redington Ace

Line: Scientific Angler Amplitude Infinity Smooth

Small Streams

The small streams in our area have really started to fish well. With warmer days, these fish are feeling good and are happy to take a bug off the surface. Fishing dry droppers and covering lots of water has been the key to success lately. When you are fishing these streams try and fish as much water as you can, these fish will be aggressive and should bite in the first couple of drifts in any given area. These fish should be willing to take a dry fly, but adding a dropper, only doubles your chances of success.

Flies: Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Stimulator 16-18, Sassi Solution 18-20, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear 14-18, RS2 Midge 18-22, Pheasant Tail 20-22, Chubby Chernobyl 14-16

Rod: Tenkara Rhodo

Smallmouth/Warmwater

The French Broad is warm enough to fish, but finding a boat ramp that is open can be a challenge right now. There is lots of stream work going on in these areas with heavy machinery driving up and down the river. Make sure that you know where you are going is open before you travel out there to fish. DuPont State Forest is still open and these small ponds should be full of fish that haven't seen too many lures in the last couple of months.

Flies: Weir Sculpin 4, Meat Whistle 6, Wolly Bugger 6-10, Sparkle Minnow 8, Near Nuff Crayfish 4-6

Rod: Sage R8 Core

Reel: Ross Evolution

Line: Rio Smallmouth Bass

Great Guides!

"My son and I went on our first fly fishing trip and it did not disappoint. While mid August is not the ideal time of year to be fishing for trout necessarily, our guide put us on a lot of quality fish. He was very patient and clearly enjoys what he does which made the experience even better. We had a blast and can't wait to get back out there."

Fantastic Fishing

"Fulfilled a life long dream of going fly fishing. My guide was incredible and very patient. I know I am hooked and everyone at Davidson River Outfitters were great."

Davidson River Fishing Conditions

The current fishable window on the Davidson is from first light until around 11:00 am. Terrestrials and midges teamed up with long leaders ending in no heavier than 7x tippet, are the recipe for getting takes from wary fish. Be prepared to share the river with other user groups, as well. The weather is hot, and there will be plenty of tubers and swimmers enjoying the water.

Avoid the crowds. Learn about our unguided trips on private waters.