September Fishing Report
After a very rainy August, the spigot turned off in September. Our water levels are currently low and the water is clear. We are on the verge of our weather starting to flip. Forecasted cool mornings and days will have water temperatures dropping and the fish being happier in the near future.
Over the last few weeks we have really focused on finding small streams off the beaten path. That approach has paid dividends on our guide trips. It has been a wonderful summer, but we are definitely looking forward to cooler weather and stockings in our delayed harvest streams starting in about two weeks.
Wild Water (Western North Carolina)
There are plenty of fish to be caught in the wild water even with the low water levels. We have found the most success and the happiest fish in the small wild creeks that are off the beaten path. We have made it a point to fish streams that we know a lot of folks aren’t venturing to. The larger wild streams in our area have seen a lot of pressure this summer and are on the cusp of being too warm some days.
We are still seeing fish being caught in the larger wild streams; we are just seeing more production in the smaller, cooler streams at higher elevation. Light and small dry droppers has been the name of the game.
Wild Water Recommendations
Fly Recommendations
- Chubby Chernobyl (14–16)
- Elk Hair Caddis (12–14)
- Rubber Leg Stimulator (12–14)
- Beetle (12–14)
- Frenchie (18–20)
- Perdigon (18–20)
- Blowtorch (18)
- Zebra Midge (18–20)
Delayed Harvest (Western North Carolina)
We are about two weeks away from stocking beginning in our delayed harvest streams. This year is slightly different with the stockings being more spread out throughout the months of October and November instead of the bulk of fish being stocked in the first few days of the month like they’ve done in the past.
To ensure you don’t fish a stream that hasn’t been stocked yet due to the range of dates that the rivers can be stocked, use the NC daily stocking report tool. This website will show you when streams got stocked so you can plan where to fish. The reports come out daily and the site is updated consistently, so remember to check back for updates.
Delayed Harvest Recommendations
Stocking Schedule
- Watauga River (Valle Crucis & Lower DH section): Oct 12–16
- Helton Creek: Sept 28–Oct 2
- Big Horse Creek: Oct 5–9
- New River (Todd Island Park): Oct 12–16
- Wilson Creek: Oct 12–16
Fly Recommendations
- Chubby Chernobyl (12–14)
- Egg Pattern
- Squirmy Worm
- Mop Fly
- Pat’s Rubber Leg
- Frenchie (16–18)
- Zebra Midge (16–20)
- Wooly Bugger
Watauga River (East Tennessee)
What we’ve found on the Watauga is that the morning pulse makes the fishing better. When they pulse from 6–7 AM, fishing is better that day. That burst of cold water cools everything down and gets the bugs moving around. On days they don’t release in the morning, we’ve found the fishing to be tougher. I predict that as we get closer to October and the temperatures begin to drop we will start to see the fishing improve and not be so dependent on the morning release.
Watauga Recommendations
Fly Recommendations
- Chubby Chernobyl (12–14)
- Midge Dries (18–22)
- Frenchies (18–20)
- Zebra Midge (18–24)
- Perdigon (18–20)
South Holston (East Tennessee)
South Holston has been releasing water in the afternoon daily. This is giving the wade fisherman opportunities in the morning and the drift boat guys water in the afternoon. We’ve heard reports of sulphur hatches in the afternoon once the water comes on. As always, pay attention to the release schedule to ensure safety when wading.
South Holston Recommendations
Fly Recommendations
- Chubby Chernobyl (12–16)
- Sulphur Dry (14–18)
- Zebra Midge (16–22)
- Scud / Sow Bug Patterns (16–18)
- Frenchie (18–20)
- Squirmy Worm
- Perdigon (18–20)
Live Tailwater Flows
Always check current dam release schedules from TVA before heading out — flows can change without notice.
We hope y'all find this fishing report helpful and look forward to fishing with you and seeing you in the fly shop this fall. As always, if there is anything we can help you with whether it be fly recommendations, where to fish, etc, please give us a call. We're always happy to help!
