The Nantahala is one of the best trout fisheries in the United States. For a stream in the southeast it offers an incredible abundance of different trout fishing options. The Nantahala offers both small stream fishing and big water fishing. Anglers also have the option to wade or float the river. The variety of trout fishing opportunities in the Nantahala Gorge are truly amazing. Being that the Nantahala River is stocked in the winter and spring months, there are some regulations that must be recognized. There are three main sections of the Nantahala river. The natural section above White Oak Creek, the upper section between white oak creek and the duke energy spillway, and the lower section that runs from the duke energy spillway to Fontana Lake which is commercially rafted.
The Upper Nantahala is stocked and designated as a delayed harvest trout stream. This means that anglers must obey the rules of delayed harvest. The lower Nantahala is located immediately below the upper Nantahala, many anglers are curious whether or not the Lower Nantahala is delayed harvest.
Is the Lower Nanathala River delayed harvest?
Although the lower Nanathala River is supported by a delayed harvest stream, it is not designated as delayed harvest. This means that you do not need to follow delayed harvest fishing rules when fishing the lower Nantahala River. You are able to use whatever lures or baits you’d like. You can also keep fish caught on the lower Nantahala any time of year. While there may be less fish in the lower Nantahala, the fish caught here can be much larger than on the upper Nantahala.
Can you use live bait on the lower Nantahala?
Being that the lower Nantahala is not a delayed harvest trout fishery, anglers are permitted to use live baits such as worms and crickets as well as scented baits like Powerbait. These baits can be used on the Lower Nantahala year round even when such fishing tactics are not permitted on the upper Nantahala river between October 1st and June 5th. If you want to fish the upper Nantahala river which is located upstream of the duke energy spillway on Wayah Road, check out our guide to fishing delayed harvest rivers in North Carolina. You will find answers to frequently asked questions about fishing delayed harvest streams.