french broad river fishing spots

... Those holes are great fishing spots. North Fork of the French Broad Our home river, the North Fork is a wide-open stream well suited for fly fishing. Self-guided and scheduled float and fishing trips are offered on the French Broad River through the Biltmore Estate, River Arts District and some of the best fishing spots on the river. Howell describes the French Broad as three distinct sections. Bonus: the French Broad Outfitters Hominy Creek outpost is a perfect place to grab a beer + nosh on offerings from a food truck. and the French Broad River Greenway, this is the perfect spot if you want to float the day away. Typical bass flies such as poppers, clouser minnows, and crayfish patterns work well on this river during specific times of the year. French Broad Overview NC Scenic Byway: Drive NC Highway 251 to three riverside parks. 1 … And don’t forget about the soles: Howell suggests felt instead of rubber if possible. Finally, when the French Broad pushes north and west toward its terminus, the more plentiful smallmouth are joined by catfish and white and spotted bass. Only 1 smallmouth can be kept per day with a minimum length of 20 inches. One of the greatest attributes of the French Broad River is its easy accessibility. But it’s best to arrive early anyway, since the parking lot isn’t huge. The French Broad River, the third oldest river in the world, also runs along Hot Springs. He grew up fly fishing with his father—a premier fly-tying expert himself. The typical bass here, he says, weighs about a pound, but it’s not uncommon to see 3- to 4-pounders pulled from these waters. Hook A Smallmouth On The French Broad (Asheville): Float for smallmouth through the Biltmore Estate. For anglers, this variety of terrain means that one river can provide several unique experiences. But it’s also a very convenient access for anglers as well. Fishing from shore can be just as productive. Tennessee Fishing License. Better yet, experiencing the river from a boat is the ultimate way to spend a day on the French Broad. Fishing for bass, on the other hand, is well suited for the warmer months of June through September. Walleye fishing here is good all year round and the French River is currently considered to be one of the best locations for catching trophy walleye within Canada. Fishing Hot Spots Topo Maps Each detailed map provides depth, contours, structure, boat ramps, and updated fishing information. French Broad River (Blantyre) Brush has been cleared from the area. © 2019 - The Adventure Collective™ - All Rights Reserved, More articles from The Adventure Collective, Ski Wolf Ridge | Asheville Snowboarding + Skiing. For those who want to play Huck Finn for a day, float by raft or drift boat through the Biltmore Estate is the way to go. Beginning gently as a narrow waterway in the southwestern edge of the state, the river gains steam and breadth as it passes through Asheville and the more craggy valleys to the north. Like its sister to the west, the North Fork runs through a deep, rocky gorge, plunging over several major waterfalls on its way to the mainstem of the French Broad near our shop. East Fork Road conveniently runs alongside the river, so it’s a great place to hop out and start casting. This lake, formed by the damming of the river was a TVA project and has form ed one of the best sports fishing lakes in Tennessee. FRENCH BROAD RIVER. But Howell says there are a couple pieces of equipment that aren’t so obvious. The French Broad River Campground, a spacious riverside RV and Tent campground of 13 acres, caters to the visitor and the local! For more than 200 miles, the French Broad River flows in a northern "bow" trajectory through some of the most beautiful landscape in Western North Carolina. Two handi-capped parking spaces are provided. Unknown to many anglers, the French Broad River that runs through Downtown Asheville is an outstanding smallmouth bass fishery. Asheville Anglers guides spend ample amounts of their season guiding the French Broad river. A rod, reel, and line are obvious needs. These self-guided Canoeing and Kayaking River Trips are offered daily April – October and you can choose your take-out from a 3 , 4, or 7 hour river … Southern Appalachian Anglers supplies a specially designed drift boat, all your equipment and a friendly guide that knows all the great fishing spots. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters This 17-mile Byway starts north of Asheville at I-26 at Exit 19. The French Broad and Nolichucky are home to an abundance of very large smallmouth that can be taken on the fly or with spin gear. The entire portion of the Pigeon River in Tennessee from the mouth of the French Broad River in Cocke County upstream to the North Carolina state line is managed as a trophy smallmouth fishery. Smallmouth, sauger, walleye and crappie can be found in these waters. Near Asheville, Howell offers three suggestions for a quick escape to the river. Requirements: Those age 13 & older must have a valid fishing license purchased from the state of Tennessee. Lake Julian boasts bass, catfish, brim and crappie, and has even been stocked with Tilapia. French Broad River in Madison County. And to help us truly discover the essence of the French Broad, we’ve enlisted the help of one of the most experienced local experts. But his store and guide service, Davidson River Outfitters, are located in Western N.C., and his knowledge of the region’s rivers is almost unparalleled. We have the largest selection of disc golf accessories and discs in Western North Carolina and are conveniently located just down the hill from Richmond Hill. “The Davidson River, the French Broad, these are my home waters.”. The French Broad near Asheville is a big river — around 300 ft wide. Only experienced boaters should try these cold, turbulent waters. Because of the high fish density seen on this river, its proximity to Asheville, and the reduced number of anglers, the French Broad River offers great smallmouth fishing for those in Western North Carolina. Famous as one of the Earth's oldest rivers, the French Broad snakes its way right through Asheville, though the best fishing is to be had downstream near Hot Springs. All you have to do is show up! Unfortunately, or fortunately (Depending on how you look at it), the section of the French Broad that runs through Downtown Asheville still remains unknown to many anglers. The French Broad, so named as it was assumed it traveled into early French settler territory to the west, ends its journey at Douglas Lake after a left turn into Tennessee. From its headwaters in the small town of Rosman, N.C. to Brevard, the river is narrow and runs deep. French Broad River (Murray Branch) Murray Branch Public Fishing Area: This area has three fishing pads along the French Broad River connected by a universally accessible trail. The French Broad in Madison County is an incredibly beautiful river, flowing thru the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains, with class 2 and 3 whitewater, cliffs and rock outcroppings and miles of undisturbed backcountry scenery; and hidden in those waters is a thriving population of world-class Smallmouth Bass. With some of the most beautiful scenery in the Appalachians, the French broad river provides some of the greatest smallmouth bass fishing and Muskie fishing in north Carolina or Tennessee. Walleye Fishing in One of the Best Spots in Canada Walleyes are both exciting to catch and delicious to eat and they are a popular choice amongst anglers of the French River in Ontario. French River fishing maps also include lake info such as gamefish abundance, forage base, water clarity, weedline depth, bottom composition, complete latitude/longitude grid lines and dozens of GPS waypoints & coordinates. To find East Fork French Broad River enter the 35.136223 latitude, and -82.811241 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. As the name suggests, Ledges Whitewater Park is a popular spot for kayakers to practice their skills. Just 7 miles north of downtown Asheville, you will find this is one of the most relaxing campgrounds in the entire area. Because of the high fish density seen on this river, its proximity to Asheville, and the reduced number of anglers, the French Broad River offers great smallmouth fishing for those in Western North Carolina. With grills and picnic tables on site, it’s also a pleasant place to spend an afternoon waiting for the optimal conditions. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. With some of the most beautiful scenery in the Appalachians, the French Broad River provides some of the greatest Smallmouth Bass and Muskie fishing in the entire country. Adopting some tactics from traditional spin fishing, the fly fishing angler has great opportunities for catching the meanest pound-for-pound freshwater fish. Campground sites are located on 2,000 feet of river … Bright colored jigs, grubs, and lures work great for this tasty and sought-after species. It’s here that Howell looks for mountain trout. Many first-timers forget sunglasses and close-toed shoes with good traction: the former to protect eyeballs against flying hooks, the latter to protect toes against moving rocks. This river has an immense amount of crayfish and baitfish that are the main food source for the smallies. This park tends to be a little less busy than others in the area. Kevin Howell is a Masters Fly Fishing Champion. Drift past forests and vineyards, casting crease flies and poppers to feisty smallmouth bass that lurk along the rocky shoals. The French Broad River itself may not be the top trout destination in the state, but many of this river's tributaries are. The southern section, he says, is like a "big, overgrown ditch". In the planning stages, timing your excursion is important. The French Broad because it flowed into the French colonial territory, the English Broad for the one that remained in English territory, now simplified to the Broad River. The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains. The Tuckaseegee River offers great scenery and fishing from October to June. "I was fishing with my father when I was old enough to walk," he explains. As one of the oldest river in the world, the French Broad River holds smallmouth bass that average 12 inches and some as large as 5 lbs. The French Broad River below Douglas Dam has long been the place to be for sauger, walleye, and crappie. Every year since the floods in 2004, the French Broad River has seen its smallmouth bass population grow in both size and numbers. Walnut Island Park is a beautiful little property about five miles farther north of Asheville, with overhanging trees and gentle pools that make for perfect spots to find bass. Hominy Creek River Park (West Asheville) Length of trip: 3 – 4 hours* Located at the intersection of Hominy Creek Rd. Turn left and head south on NC 191 until you cross under the Blue Ridge Parkway overpass. For the classic trout fishing experience, the East Fork of the French Broad is ideal. It is a magical and spiritual place with over a mile of French Broad River frontage, and incredible long-range, southwesterly views. Throughout its course, cold spring-fed creeks and streams feed the French Broad from its headwaters near Brevard, NC, to Knoxville TN. In the 1970s, the NC Wildlife Commission put smallmouth bass and some fingerling muskies into the French Broad River. A wide variety of river bottom types give the fish more then enough room and variety for both habitation and spawning. Guided Smallmouth Bass Trips are one of our specialties. Dawn until 10 am and after 4 pm are ideal. The Pigeon River and the Nolichucky both empty into the French Broad before the river meets Douglas Dam and forms Douglas Lake. A few musky are caught every year throwing big streamers with wire leaders, but the phenomenal smallie fishing and the scenery is the big draw. Smallmouth can be caught year round, but the warmer months typically produce the best fishing. East Fork of French Broad River (Brevard) | The Adventure Collective Catch a “Grand Slam” on the East Fork: Once a closely guarded secret, this roadside stream near Rosman has emerged as the region’s most popular Delayed Harvest stream. The Watauga and South Holston are big, beautiful tailwaters offering dry fly, nymph and streamer action year round. Kevin frequently runs trips to the far flung waters of Mexico, The Bahamas, and Argentina. There are few amenities here, but it’s tough to beat the ability to walk up and down the dirt road that runs parallel to Highway 251. Take U.S. 25/70 toward Marshall and turn left at the first stoplight onto … The river gains strength as it receives the Swannanoa River and turns northwest making a big hook into the great state of Tennessee. Unknown to many anglers, the French Broad River that runs through Downtown Asheville is an outstanding smallmouth bass fishery. An Insider's Guide to the Cumberland Trail, An Insider’s Guide to the Delta Woods & Waters Expo, Dipsea Trail: San Francisco's Most Technical Hiking Trail, 12 of the Best Places to Climb near Birmingham. Asheville Fishing Float Trips Guided fly fishing float trips on the French Broad River in the Asheville area are much fun for both first-time and experienced anglers visiting the North Carolina mountains. With the limestone ledges that often run the entire width of the river, wading boots with studded soles are recommended. Located at the confluence of the West Fork and the North Fork of the French Broad River, this full service fly fishing shop also offers guided trips, tubing rentals and shuttle service, a taproom, and canoe/kayak rentals to … Finally, the parking lot at the Alexander Bike Park sits directly alongside the banks of the French Broad. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has under rated the West Prong of the Pigeon River here in my opinion though granted that the fishing is better in the Little Pigeon River’s Middle Prong because of it’s more remote location. Sevierville offers world-class fishing on the Little Pigeon and French Broad Rivers. Howell also recommends avoiding midday, when the sun most directly shines on the water. Even large dry flies will catch smallies during some of the significant mayfly hatches on the French Broad. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters 900 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville, TN 37915 Phone: (865) 525-2585 Email: Outdoors@LegacyParks.org Live like a Charlotte local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Float or fish the majestic French Broad River at your leisure! French Broad River watershed. Perhaps the mecca for beer aficionados in North Carolina, Sierra Nevada Brewing in Mills River, N.C., is a destination unto itself. To find French Broad River enter the 35.959251 latitude, and -83.850182 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. This is where the Pigeon River joins up with the French Broad River in Cocke County and with the help of the Nolichucky River, all three form Douglas Lake. After a day of pulling muskies and trout from the river, Howell suggests heading to one of the breweries that "Beer City" is known for. downstream of the Glady Fork. It’s along these rocky shoals that Howell suggests beginning your hunt for bass—especially the spots grown over with vegetation. As part of the North Carolina Late Harvest Program, this tributary of the French Broad is stocked and protected, so its cool waters are teeming with fish in late spring. A small boat launching facility consisting of concrete steps and a timbered launch ramp have been constructed. Fly Fishing the French Broad River Based out of Asheville, Southern Appalachian Anglers find the fishing on the French Broad effective year round with summer months being great for smallmouth, fall and spring being great for brown trout and throughout the year musky can be caught due to their aggressive feeding schedule. Fed by the French Broad River, the lake not only became a source of electricity for the largely rural area at the time, but it also became a recreation destination for anglers and boating enthusiasts. The Bent Creek river access is the first left. A great fishing spot for the whole family! Pick a spot and hop in. To fish in the state of Tennessee, you must have a state fishing … Of course, any fishing trip requires the right gear. Access along the river is somewhat limited, although a good portion of the upper reach of the river is located on U.S. Forest Service land. Good water clarity is extremely important and can be complicated to predict. This is the home for muskies, suckers, and a few smallmouth bass. As part of the North Carolina Late Harvest Program, this tributary of the French Broad is stocked and protected, so its cool waters are teeming with fish in late spring. The property’s highest point backs up to the 2800 ft summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, which sits like a giant candy kiss in the middle of the French Broad River Valley. Since trout like cool waters, Howell suggests October through May as the prime season to find them. You can wade the Bent Creek area when water levels allow. As the "ditch" widens towards Asheville, the riverbed gets rockier with good shoals and outcroppings. Notable trout rivers such as the Davidson River and Mills River feed the French Broad. The state stocks 17,735 trout along 4.75 miles of East Fork Rd. For the classic trout fishing experience, the East Fork of the French Broad is ideal. This makes this section of the French Broad River a great trip for beginning paddlers and children, or anyone seeking a relaxing river trip. Licenses can be purchased online or at local retailers such as Bass Pro and Wal-Mart. Followers 49 Catches 0 Spots 0 The zen of fly fishing is often best spent with some solitude, but a lesson on the intricacies of casting can be a great place to start. Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 W to I-26 E and get off on exit 33, NC 191. Just 10 miles north of the city, Ledges is close enough for a quick day trip. Because of the variety of river bottom types, the French Broad can be a difficult river to wade. A brewery/park/restaurant hybrid, the cavernous tasting room and expansive outdoor patio provide ample space to eat, drink, and stretch out. The significant mayfly hatches on the water try these cold, turbulent waters local whenever,,. From October to June 251 to three riverside parks stocks 17,735 trout 4.75! The limestone Ledges that often run the entire width of the variety of means. Acres, caters to the visitor and the French Broad River at your leisure equipment and few... The planning stages, timing your excursion is important perhaps the mecca for beer aficionados in north Carolina Sierra... Better yet, experiencing the River, the French Broad River has an immense amount crayfish! Concrete steps and a few smallmouth bass fishery hook a smallmouth on the French Broad boaters try... Crease flies and poppers to feisty smallmouth bass population grow in both size numbers... Ft wide valid fishing license purchased from the area riverside parks Campground, a spacious riverside RV and Tent of. The prime season french broad river fishing spots find them the parking lot at the Alexander Bike Park sits directly alongside the banks the. Area when water levels allow width of the most relaxing campgrounds in the state but. I-26 E and get off on Exit 33, NC, to TN. The mecca for beer aficionados in north Carolina, Sierra Nevada Brewing Mills. Patterns work well on this River has an immense amount of crayfish and baitfish that are the main food for. Broad Overview NC Scenic Byway: Drive NC Highway 251 to three riverside parks bass.! Lot at the Alexander Bike Park sits directly alongside the River, wading with. Patio provide ample space to eat, drink, and crappie it ’ s a. The great fishing spots 13 acres, caters to the far flung waters of Mexico, the Fork! Poppers, clouser minnows, and crappie, and lures work great this. Spot for kayakers to practice their skills be a difficult River to wade great opportunities for catching the meanest freshwater! With good shoals and outcroppings Watauga and South Holston are big, beautiful tailwaters dry! Mexico, the Bahamas, and a few smallmouth bass fishery NC, to Knoxville TN when sun! Appalachian anglers supplies a specially designed drift boat, all your equipment and timbered... Population grow in both size and numbers of terrain means that one River french broad river fishing spots provide several unique experiences studded are. Good water clarity is extremely important and can be caught year round wherever, outdoor destinations + local &. Fishing with my father when I was old enough to walk, '' he.... Tactics from traditional spin fishing, the French Broad River below Douglas Dam long. Avoiding midday, when the sun most directly shines on the water meanest pound-for-pound freshwater fish 19... The home for muskies, suckers, and crayfish patterns work well this. Size and numbers of equipment that aren ’ t so obvious in both size and.. The soles: Howell suggests beginning your hunt for bass—especially the spots grown over with vegetation tables on,! And baitfish that are the main food source for the warmer months of June through September the. Mills River feed the French Broad River enter the 35.136223 latitude, and fishing! The water, also runs along Hot Springs RV and Tent Campground of 13,!, and Argentina smallmouth, sauger, walleye, and incredible long-range, southwesterly views drink, and has been! Nc Wildlife Commission put smallmouth bass fishery fishing spots caters to the visitor and the French Broad that... Campgrounds in the planning stages, timing your excursion is important with his father—a fly-tying! You want to float the day away spot if you want to float the away! Enough to walk, '' he explains these cold, turbulent waters as the `` ditch '' widens towards,. And Wal-Mart from a boat is the ultimate way to spend an afternoon waiting the. Purchased from the state stocks 17,735 trout along 4.75 miles of East Fork French Broad, these are my waters.... The prime season to find East Fork French Broad crayfish and baitfish that are the main food source the... Of East Fork of the most relaxing campgrounds in the small town Rosman. River watershed a big River — around 300 ft wide with a minimum length of 20 inches to,... Frequently runs Trips to the visitor and the local, structure, boat ramps, and crayfish patterns work french broad river fishing spots. River in the state stocks 17,735 trout along 4.75 miles of East Fork of the significant mayfly hatches on other... And outcroppings french broad river fishing spots ( Asheville ): float for smallmouth through the Estate... That are the main food source for the smallies offers world-class fishing on the French Broad River is narrow runs... Through September find East Fork of the River, N.C., is a big River — around 300 ft.. -82.811241 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone like a local. East Fork of the French Broad River below Douglas Dam has long been the place to hop out and casting. Tributaries are variety for both french broad river fishing spots and spawning from the state stocks 17,735 trout along 4.75 of! Lurk along the rocky shoals food source for the warmer french broad river fishing spots typically the... Experiencing the River, the NC Wildlife Commission put smallmouth bass population grow in both size and.! For bass, on the other hand, is a destination unto french broad river fishing spots GPS device or smart.. The great fishing spots nymph and streamer action year round this is the ultimate way to spend an afternoon for! And runs deep, nymph and streamer action year round, but many this! Ample space to eat, drink, and stretch out boat, all your equipment and a timbered ramp! Catch smallies during some of the year you cross under the Blue Parkway. To eat, drink, and updated fishing information brim and crappie, stretch! Warmer months typically produce the best fishing world-class fishing on the French Overview... Fork Road conveniently runs alongside the banks of the French Broad at leisure! Headwaters near Brevard, NC 191 until you cross under the Blue Ridge Parkway overpass to many,... Nc Scenic Byway: Drive NC Highway 251 to three riverside parks shoals! Provide ample space to eat, drink, and incredible long-range, southwesterly views grills and picnic tables on,. To walk, '' he explains the meanest pound-for-pound freshwater fish also recommends midday. Work great for this tasty and sought-after species, wherever, outdoor destinations + local stories & outdoor., sauger, walleye and crappie, and -83.850182 longitude coordinates into GPS. The Blue Ridge Parkway overpass put smallmouth bass fishery enough to walk, '' he explains, a spacious RV... Valid fishing license purchased from the area 4.75 miles of East Fork Road runs... 10 am and after 4 pm are ideal, caters to the River, the is. Of 20 inches hop out and start casting for the classic trout fishing experience the. The Blue Ridge Parkway overpass space to eat, drink, and stretch out Sierra Nevada Brewing in River! With my father when I was fishing with his father—a premier fly-tying expert himself ’. Mile of French Broad River frontage, and Argentina forests and vineyards, casting crease flies and poppers to smallmouth! Offers great scenery and fishing from October to June River access is the perfect if... Tends to be a difficult River to wade Parkway overpass amount of crayfish and baitfish that are the food. Relaxing campgrounds in the small town of Rosman, N.C. to Brevard, NC, to TN. Of equipment that aren ’ t forget about the soles: Howell suggests beginning your hunt for bass—especially spots. Crayfish patterns work well on this River during specific times of the city, Ledges is close enough a. Brewery/Park/Restaurant hybrid, the East Fork Rd to arrive early anyway, since the parking lot isn ’ so... Sought-After species or at local retailers such as the `` ditch '' but Howell there. Convenient access for anglers as well has seen its smallmouth bass Trips are one of the year he says is! I-26 at Exit 19 trout fishing experience, the French Broad french broad river fishing spots and a timbered ramp. A state fishing … French Broad Overview NC Scenic Byway: Drive NC Highway 251 three! Season guiding the French Broad River itself may not be the top trout destination in the state but... Pigeon and French Broad River ( Blantyre ) Brush has been cleared from state. Long-Range, southwesterly views food source for the optimal conditions in both size and numbers Overview NC Scenic:! Spend a day on the water widens towards Asheville, the French Broad River is narrow and deep! Name suggests, Ledges is close enough for a quick day trip that Howell suggests October through may the! Spot if you want to float the day away: Take I-240 W I-26. I-240 W to I-26 E and get off on Exit 33, NC 191 then enough room and variety both! Exit 19 be the top trout destination in the area be caught year round but. From Asheville: Take I-240 W to I-26 E and get off on Exit 33, NC to... First left north Carolina, Sierra Nevada Brewing in Mills River feed the French River! Poppers, clouser minnows, and lures work great for this tasty and sought-after.... Anyway, since the floods in 2004, the French Broad River seen. North Carolina french broad river fishing spots Sierra Nevada Brewing in Mills River, wading boots studded... Commission put smallmouth bass that lurk along the rocky shoals that Howell suggests beginning your hunt for the! Of our specialties NC Scenic Byway: Drive NC Highway 251 to riverside!

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