The Davidson River flowing through the Pisgah National Forest is considered as one of the best trout streams in North Carolina, by experts and small-time anglers alike. The river is under wild trout regulations from the headwaters to the confluence with Avery Creek, where fly fishing is allowed year-round, but only catch-and-release with artificial lures only. Below the creek, the river is stocked and managed by the state.
The fly fishing only section is one of the most popular destinations for fly fishing in the state. It can be a real experience but depending on when you go, there may be more pressure due to heavy traffic. The spring and fall, especially, see big crowds and the convenient proximity to Asheville makes this a weekend getaway for many locals. The takeaway? Try to plan during less popular times, such as during the week if you come during peak seasons.
The Davidson River is a freestone mountain stream that has plenty of trophy-size trout in addition to standard-size fish. It offers a large population of trout, including browns, brook trout, and rainbows. You can find plenty of good fishing throughout the season, including in the often-overlooked headwaters area.
There are several different access points for this stream, which offers year-round fishing with the exception of the hatchery-supported waters (closed in March). The section below Avery Creek is heavily stocked on a monthly basis, so catches are rewarding and fun with less struggle.
Best Places to Fish the Davidson River
The portion of the the catch-and-release area upstream of the hatchery offers some great fishing for small wild trout and a bit more solitude. The river here is paralleled by FR 475 that provides easy road-side access. The Daniel Ridge Trail provides access by foot to the headwaters.
Downstream of the hatchery is where you will find the the large wily brown trout the Davidson is known for. Nutrient laden water from the fish hatchery is discharged to river and provides a food source for aquatic insects which flourish here. The amble bug life in turn fuels the growth of the resident wild brown trout that routinely will exceed 20-inches in length.
Easy access and the large wild trout in the catch-and-release, flyfishing only area downstream of the hatchery means you won’t be fishing alone. This area receives extremely heavy angling pressure. Try to fish during the week and plan to arrive early to get a good spot.
The hatchery-supported area offers plenty of fun angling right below the confluence with Avery Creek, and you’ll even find some small wild trout in Looking Glass Creek, which is located just above the falls of the Davidson River.
Best Time to Fish the Davidson River
You can find great fishing in the spring when the insect hatches are kicking since the midges, mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies keep these trout fat and happy. The spring is also less busy, for the most part, and may require less effort. Those who are in for a challenge or like the bustle of a busy creek will enjoy a summer trip to the Davidson River.
Summer is when the weekenders and tourists flock to the area, though, so you’ll want to plan carefully. If you want an escape, come during a less busy time. The fall brings back the cooler water and as some of the bigger wild trout move around to spawn, they will provide plenty of potential catches.
Midges provide a year-round food source so fishing during the winter can be quite productive, in particular on warmer days.
Also, you’ll want to go early or late in the day, and during the week when you can, to avoid the crowds.
Stream Flow and Current Conditions
Be sure to check the stream conditions before heading out to fish the Davidson River. The USGS stream gauge near Brevard, NC provide a good indication of current conditions.