Lake Tillery is a reservoir between Badin Lake and Blewett Falls Lake in the Uwharrie Lakes Region of North Carolina. Sign up for Weekly Fishing Report This is why fly fishermen and women nymph fish. 4th Billy Cobb & Jeff Proctor 7.28 lbs! Mends are vital to your success when drifting poppers. Below are some of the biggest fish weve caught out of the Tailrace. The main focus is getting the kids hooked on having a good time on the water. Tiger trout rarely exceed 8 inches, but what they look in size they make up for with their beauty. We had a great day and we managed to get a good trout as well. North Carolina stocks some very large rainbow trout. Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake have winter aeration systems running. Pretty simple setup. Jetties are holding sheepshead, drum, and redfish using Carolina rigs with live shrimp. Most of the big smallmouth we have caught have come out of areas you wouldnt think they would be holding in unless you caught one there. Curtis Creek has been fishing consistent but its best to go early morning or late evening when the light isnt directly above the water. However, this month anglers will notice bass . You can get a gate key if you check in with the Burns BLM office. Ive got a few dates left in October so dont hesitate to book or they will be gone. Gilead, NC 27306 (910) 439-2022 Located right on the water! View All | Fishing Gallery | Hunting Gallery | Photo of the Week | Post Your Report | Rules & Information. We prefer to fish this river in the winter because its less crowded then and its a great time to rip big streamers for big fish. She is currently competing for Angler of the Year for IWFA so it was good to help her knock off a couples of species that can only be caught in western NC. One indicator that it is a stocked fish is that some of its fins are nubs. The Catawba Angler, 750 Ebenezer Church Road, Old Fort, NC, 28762, United States, Winter Fly Fishing Report & Outlook for Spring 2023, Spring Trout Fishing in Western North Carolina. THE WEATHER IS TURNING HOTTER AS NORMAL, WATER TEMPS IN THE 84 DEGREE RANGE. These fish thrive in cold mountain creeks that can only be reached by foot. The water has been lower so its pushing the bass in isolated areas looking for that higher oxygen content. Big walleyes and big small mouth bass. Asheville is surrounded with many different fishing opportunities so we can cater our fishing trips to experienced anglers or complete beginners. The bass below hit a popper after we stalked it for a few minutes eating mayflies in less than 2 foot of water. by Will Sirotnak. The fishing is slower in the summertime because they open the creek up for harvest on June 4th, but there are always some bigger, smarter fish that will make throughout the summer so this time of year is perfect for stalking big fish. . We were able to take kids fishing on a private lake and show them the sport of fishing. Normally Ill run lighter tippet because the water is usually very clear this time of year. This is trophy hunting using the fly rod because these fish will range anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds. We catch river smallmouth on a variety of baits in May since the smallmouth are feeding aggressively on baitfish and crayfish. They are the most tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees. Lake Tillery Rodney Crisco (Joe's Bait & Tackle, 704-982-8716) said bass move around a lot in summer. You can swim right off the dock or grab a float. Anyone interested in fishing Lake Tillery or waters within the wider area around Albemarle should consult with . Fish are actively feeding and preparing themselves for the spawn which is a good time to cast crayfish, hellgrammite, and baitfish patterns. The fall trout fishing in western North Carolina is something every fly angler should experience. They want an easy meal without expending a ton of energy. We are currently getting some rain which will bump those river levels up right in time for our June trips. Overall I think this July has been more productive than Ive seen in years past. I attach my tippet to the tippet ring using an improved clinch knot that connects to my nymph. This will test an anglers/guide patience but its vital to ones success. I also want to thank him for the clients he allows me to fish with because its a cool experience getting to show people the fisheries I have grown up on and fished my whole life. The Prachyls wanted to fish a smaller smallmouth river so we did just that and had a great day targeting smallmouth using spinning tackle. NY . If you are looking to target something other than a trout on the fly rod give us a call and we will show you how much fun smallmouth can be. "Before dawn, fish buzzbaits around the grass. Numbers of fish can be high and there are opportunities at some very large holdover brown trout. There is nothing better than clear water and smallmouth bass in the fall because fishing is great! We do catch smallmouth year round using light spinning tackle, but if fly fishing is your thing then its best when the water temps warm up and the bass are most aggressive. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. We cater our trips to all anglers so no matter your experience level weve got fisheries just for you. We threw a lot of smaller black streamers to mimic the stoneflies and hellgramites in the river so Lisa did a good job of slowly fishing the streamers. Perched between Uwharrie National Forest and Morrow Mountain State Park, it is one of the most scenic lakes in North Carolina and a great place and one great place to catch fish. The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is one of the most rugged places on the East Coast. Make sure to check the Lake Mattamuskeet fishing report before you go so you know how to prepare for a relaxing day of fishing here. January 9, 2023. This is our favorite fishery to guide on because in these waters lurk the biggest trout in the state. September has come to an end but it was definitely a month to remember. The French Broad and Nolichucky rivers produce trophy smallmouth year after year. The Catawba Angler provides guided bass fishing trips on the French Broad River starting in March and wrapping up the season in the middle of November. The Catawba Angler is a fly fishing guide service that offers wade fishing trips on Curtis Creek. This section is a tailwater that provides cold water year round that creates the perfect habitat for aquatic life. The 42-acre lake provides boating and fishing access. Ask us about the ones that have gotten away. If you dont get an immediate response we will respond as soon as we get off the water so please bear with us. 1; 9; . We will go into more details about that when the time is right. 8. Big smallmouth are usually compared to big brown trout. Spring is my favorite time to fish Curtis Creek because we get some excellent caddis, March brown, and Hendrickson hatches throughout March, April, and May. Wild trout fishing in North Carolina provides a unique experience for anglers because we wade smaller mountain streams for stream bred fish. The bigger rivers that meander through the NC mountains provide good fly fishing for river smallmouth as well. Tillery is full of 2 1/2- to 3-pound bass, Fulk said, and the fishing pressure it gets is relatively low compared to other reservoirs on the Yadkin chain or Lake Wylie or Lake Norman close to Charlotte. The fluke bite on the Nolichucky during the last days or spring and early summer can be unbelievable. 5-19-2021 late spring fish are still in all phases of the spawnwater temp 67-75winds 5-8 sewater clarity 2'-4'they bit a lil everything The NC mountains are full of cold water streams and rivers that provide many fly fishing opportunities to the wandering angler. One of the best holes on the creek is going to be the handicap holes right off the main road. November 2021 fishing forecast north carolina fishing reports nc captain jacob harbour pottsboro sdermalm afc fishing lake tillery fishing about to bust. GOOD. Here you wont find the crowds like you do on the tailwaters in East Tennessee or the Tuck. If you are looking to float a tailwater without the boat traffic give the Catawba Tailrace a try sometime between November and June. Email. The key here is using a loop knot that connects to the tippet ring. After the spawn is over the water temperatures start to warm and the fish start chasing baitfish. Forums. There are some excellent wild brown trout fisheries in North Carolina, but much like the native brook trout streams getting someone to tell you where they are will be hard to accomplish. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. We guide clients in the Pisgah National Forest for wild trout and we float the larger rivers such as the Catawba, Toe Rivers, and the Tuckaseegee Rivers for stocked trout year round. Lift the rod tip up or wiggle it. Morning surface water temperatures are up to about 54 degrees. The best bite has been when we get a cold front come through and the water temps get around 75 degrees again. The pats rubber legs is a confidence pattern for me during the winter. The North Carolina mountains boasts plenty of fisheries that contain wild and stocked trout. It was a clear morning to blast off for the 66-boat field! We managed close to 20 fish to the net. Lets dig in to what has been fishing well and whats ahead for early Summer. Looking for a fishing report about a lake here in Alberta? Weve seen plenty of 50 degree days in January and now we are starting to see those 60 degree days. This is our best fishery from November to the end of May. Healthy populations of bass, crappie and perch reside in Lake Tillery, a 5,200-acre lake located in the central part of the state, at Norwood, NC. The Southern Appalachian Brook Trout is our native fish here in North Carolina. However one of the biggest draws to fishermen are the giant blue catfish that swim in this reservoir. We prefer to put two anglers per guide so both anglers are getting the special attention they deserve. When water temperatures are hottest these big smallmouth arent going to be chasing a ton. As long as the French Broad stays clear we will be on it. If you are in town and want to experience some of the best fly fishing in the area then give us a call. We are on the water every day and we are doing our best getting back with clients as soon as possible. The majority of smallmouth in our stretches of water will be in just a few holes. Fishing trips are fun for beginners and experienced anglers. There are plenty of wade fishing and float fishing opportunities available on one of the many delayed harvest streams in NC. As that temp drops the fishing will continue to get better and better. The bass will let you know if you can pop aggressively or every ten or so seconds. These trips are great introductory trips to get kids interested in the sport of fishing. BRIGHT SKYS, SO HIGH VISABILITY CRANKBAITS IS THE ANSWER. There is no better way to beat the heat of summer than spending a day on the water chasing smallmouth bass. Long, accurate drifts without drag can entice big smallmouth to come up from the depths to eat. One way to catch more fish in an unfamiliar river system is to find out what forage is in the river whether it be bugs, minnows, or crayfish and start there. Thread starter CharlesIngalls . Below are some recent photos of some of the fish weve caught on the Tuck. The Linville Gorge is one of North Carolinas most remote and unchanged natural areas. When I started my business in 2017 I wanted to make guided fishing trips in western North Carolina available to everyone no matter their income. Lake Tillery is a 5,260-acre lake nestled between Montgomery and Stanly Counties in NC. Fishing Lake Tillery, NC on 9/15/2021 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM . It is approximately 16 miles long with some gorgeous coves off the main body of the lake. Ive got a feeling rainbow trout streamer patterns are going to catch some big fish over the next few years down there. Bill & Carol. It was an ideal location for a river smallmouth to be holding. You do not want to miss it! The current water temperature coming out the dam is 67 degrees. October is going to be good for trout and smallmouth. Fish over 10 pounds have been caught in Jordan Reservoir. Seclusion: We rarely see anyone else on the wild trout streams. Help Crappie.com by becoming a Supporting Member. Once the water temperatures get around 70 degrees on the trout streams we will solely focus on the warm water species such as smallmouth, largemouth, and carp. The best fishing is below Waterville dam and into East Tennessee. Tim Caviness and Robert Palmer finished second in the Feb. 9 NCCATS tournament on Lake Tillery, thanks to the big fish of the day, a 34.0-pound blue catfish. If you can get out, do it! Weve got a few more smallmouth trips on the books this year which we are excited to finish the year out strong. Its the best river smallmouth fishing in North Carolina and The Catawba Angler guides on it from March to November. We take a lot of pride in that our fishing guides are all local to western North Carolina and have fished the NC mountain streams for many years. Walleye fishing the river in april is the best time of year. Its our goal to provide the best bass fishing guide experience in North Carolina. If you do not find the body of water you are looking for you can start a new Fishing Report Thread. The rainbow trout above was caught out of a delayed harvest stretch north of Asheville. "You have to move around to find pockets of active bass," he said. The NCWRC stocked a bunch of browns this past November in the 8 range so Im expecting that stock to provide some good fishing over the next few years. The temperature reading on my truck this morning said it was 57 degrees outside. The best method has been using dry dropper rigs using 5-6x tippet. The water temperatures range anywhere from 45 degrees to 67 degrees which is prime trout feeding water temperatures. Weve been chasing river smallmouth on the French Broad, Toe, and Catawba Rivers all summer long. Closed to fishing until April 29, 2023. No minimum size limit, but no river herring greater than 6 inches may be taken or possessed (regardless of origin) No daily creel limit for river herring less than 6 inches, and no river herring greater than 6 inches may be taken or . Less than an hour from Raleigh, Charlotte and Greensboro! July was an excellent month of fishing even though it rained almost every day. Check out the two fish below we caught in January of 2021. The Catawba River also provides great wade fishing opportunities as well. B. Everett Jordan Lake Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Summertime is terrestrial season. The Catawba River is a beautiful stretch of water that holds a good amount of stocked fish. Weve been having to run very light tippet and downsize our flies this year due to low flows and spooky fish. NC wildlife will not give a weigh in permit at TuckerTown for more than 43 boats. The dead drifting approach is going to be best when targeting smallmouth bass in the low, clear water throughout summer. Water levels in the mountains of North Carolina are currently low which makes fishing more challenging that years past. We are able to guide up to six anglers on guided trips using three guides. The best time to fish it is going to be the weekdays. The brown trout above is a stocked fish. We welcome beginners and seasoned anglers. A trophy smallmouth out of the river is anything over 18. If you want to specialize in Euronymphing, Streamer Fishing, Nymphing Fishing, or Dry Fly Fishing we can customize your trip to solely focus on one of these different tactics. The best fishing on the wild trout streams is March through December. Table of Contents show. Enjoy the photos. Below are some pictures of some recent catches. Lake Tillery was created for hydroelectric power by damming the Yadkin-PeeDee River and was completed in 1928. There are different ways to fish a popper: Dead Drift Em, Pop Em, Twitch Em. If a wild fish comes up and eats your fly and you set the hook and miss. I enjoy taking clients to these areas because of the 3 reasons below: Wild Fish: These fish are born in the stream instead of being raised in the hatchery. Lets get back to fishing. Normally I always have a few dry flies in the box during this time, but anytime you see a sipping smallmouth they will be eager to take a popping bug. When the water temperatures dips below 45 degrees I consider it winter fishing. These fish are beautiful and live in some of the coolest areas in the state. AZ . Lake Seminole fishing Guides March 24, 2021 fishing report I had the pleasure of Bass fishing with the Shepard . This is a secluded stretch of water that isnt the easiest to get to, but that is what makes it special. Huge boulders and deep plunge pools make up the river and is home to trout and smallmouth bass. In the spring these lakes warm up faster than the deep man made lakes in the piedmont and mountain region so the prespawn bite on these lakes occur here before any other lake in the state. Fish are beginning to favor the faster moving water when the water temps are getting up past 75 degrees so thats where our focus has been with the soft plastics. Lkn Fishing Report 11 27 2021 Catfish Angler Forum At Usca. These fish have been in our creeks since God created the world. Waccamaw River - Lake Waccamaw Dam. 2+. Our wade fishing trips take clients deep into the heart of the Pisgah National Forest. Fly fishing in the Spring is hands down the best time to trout fish in North Carolina. Our guides passion is sharing the local fisheries that we have grown to love and appreciate with clients from across the United States. Walleye on Lake Hickory. February 27, 2023. . The Catawba Angler offers guided fly fishing trips around Asheville for these beautiful trout. We wont be fishing the Catawba Tailrace until the fall unless you have an interest in chasing striper on the fly in August & September. 3 Bedroom/2 Bath A-Frame on beautiful Lake Tillery. Remember to still use light tippet this time of year. Moving baits like Chatterbaits and crank baits are productive. 20 Teams. . Freddie Lake goes fishing south of Port Fourchon. God has given us the passion for fly fishing, and if we can use that as an outlet to become a friend to fatherless children then that is a beautiful thing. Largemouth Bass. Our guides work tirelessly to make sure we can deliver no matter the fishing conditions on all guided trips. October is usually the month we see our biggest smallmouth hit our nets. During this time the leaves are changing colors and most people are occupying the trout streams again. They are an aggressive species which makes them a perfect fish to chase using the fly rod. Weve been fishing dark colors in water with less than a foot of clarity. The topwater bite for the fly fisherman has been excellent some days and mediocre others. Each spring, adult striped bass swim from the Atlantic Ocean andAlbemarle Sound into the Roanoke River to spawn, about 130 miles fromthe sound.Most striped bass spawning begins when the water temperature reaches 62F. Its flat out hunting for big bass on the fly. The lake has a good population of smaller striped bass, but its not uncommon to catch 20 pound fish. 3rd Place John Kistler & Rusty Melton 7.93 lbs! Carol Feisler with heavy Person County buck taken November 16, 2022. It is not uncommon to see smallmouth in just a few feet of water chasing minnows or eating mayflies off the surface. Anytime you can bring a 19inch fish to the boat its a good day. The key to having a successful day is finding somewhat clear water. Early morning and sunset have been the best bite. Lake Tillery is a reservoir between Badin Lake and Blewett Falls Lake in the Uwharrie Lakes Region of North Carolina. When you decided to pick up fly fishing you knew you were at a disadvantage compared to using a spinning rod. We are starting to book up in September and October so do not hesitate to call to get your preferred date. Check out the fish we caught in October fly fishing Curtis Creek. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. What was cool about catching this fish is that Ive had a few encounters with it over the last few years where I see it chase out smaller fish we hook. Right after that first pop will tell you a lot. Bennett Jordan and his dad make their annual outing to the mountains every year and Im fortunate enough to take them fishing each year. About Fishing Reports for Lake Tillery near Norwood A detailed fishing report for the Lake Tillery will make the difference between a good fishing here and a bad one. Most likely the fins were rubbed off during the time this fish was in the holding walls of the hatchery. The rivers are stocked and will receive another stocking the first week of November. The best fishing has been early morning because its been abnormally hot since weve had some 90 degree days. August 18, 2022. Its proved itself over and over, year after year on these mountain rivers. Weve all heard about the 50 degree magic in the Spring and Fall seasons for smallmouth. Tiger trout are extremely rare in North Carolina. A lot of times Ill run wool as an indicator since it is such a delicate presentation. Below are two big fish we caught last year in early Spring. There isnt a better time than now to get out on the water and learn the sport of fly fishing. Thats fishing though! Lake Tillery has 118 miles of shoreline, an average depth of 32 feet, and a maximum depth of 72 feet. Few redfish in the cuts and points in the bayou. Weve had our best success on the Catawba River since there is more flow on it than the smaller mountain creeks. This is the pinnacle in fly fishing. The brook trout directly above is a stocked fish. The French Broad has been off colored since the beginning of July so I havent gotten the opportunity to fish it that much. Thanks for reading our report. The best fishing during the winter is going to be throughout the Delayed Harvest Stretch. THIS IS A REPORT ON LAKE TILLERY AND BADIN LAKE IN NORTH CAROLINA. The fishing in the spring is consistent all day long because of the suitable water and air temps. The state stocks a lot of these fish in the Delayed Harvest streams in the fall and the spring. Please report illegal fish introductions to 1-800-452-7888. (January 2008) Photo by Ron Sinfelt. Current fly fishing conditions are great! The takeout ramp in Glen Alpine is currently under construction so this section of river will be shut down for two months. The fishing is excellent and the scenery is even better. 9. Lake Tillery - 10/02/21. The bigger fish in the Tailrace are definitely carnivorous because the smaller stocked trout are their main food source. We are big on teaching then catching at our guide service because youve got to be able to do things the right way before you start catching. On the tip-ups or deadstick rods, walleye suckers and shiners are the most common approach. Lisa and I chased red breasted sunfish, trout, and smallmouth on a local fishery and we managed to catch close to 20 fish on the fly rod. The Yadkin River flows east and then south for 215 miles, beginning in the northwestern North Carolina, and becomes the Pee Dee River below Lake Tillery. These fish come up the river eating the trout so you can imagine how big the flies are we will be throwing. Nov. 1, 2022: Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report The 2022 open water creel season has ended for southern Lake Michigan, including Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties. The Catawba Angler offers guided bass fishing trips on the best rivers and lakes in North Carolina. Below is a fish we caught dead drifting a popper right off the bank by a fallen down tree. Group camp, boat ramp, picnic sites and two campgrounds. There are more wild rainbow trout in the wild trout streams than any other species. The Catawba Tailrace is fishing well and will remain consistent till early June. Weve been getting just enough rain to keep the rivers higher than years past, but still fishable. I love fly fishing with game changer flies. If you have a trip booked in July be prepared to start early. In order to fish the bottom of the river well you got to be willing to fish slowly. What a wonderful summer it has been! The river has the quantity and the quality every bass fisherman is looking for. Cape Fear River - Buckhorn Dam. If you want to experience some exciting, visual fly fishing for river smallmouth contact us today. Below are some clients chasing wild fish this past month. fish, but hooked up with a true trophy at the end of the day. Lake Tillery Striped B Potion Essment. Brown trout are native to Europe, but were introduced in the 1920s in alot of the streams in North Carolina. The fishing is abundant so get out there. Its important to always be flexible with your game plan on the water. There is no charge to fish from shore; Bank fishing is allowed from the 200 . Fall time anywhere from the second week of September to the end of October is when you can plan on catching your trophy smallmouth out of the river. Weve heard of 7pound fish being caught and even bigger ones that have gotten away. This weekly fishing forecast will be emailed directly to your inbox every Thursday! Thanks for reading. August is normally our hottest month here in the mountains, but weve seen some cooler temperatures as of late that has kept the smallmouth and trout bite consistent. The bigger bugs such as caddis, cahills, hendricksons, quill gordons, stoneflies, and sulphurs begin to make their arrival in the spring so there are plenty of insects for the trout to eat. The water temperature on the French Broad is 57 degrees. October is when the big ones come out to play. Those looking to fish the Yadkin for smallmouth bass should check out Burch Station and Yadkin Shore public fishing areas. Grab a kayak or paddleboard and get out on the lake for your serene getaway. This is why small flies and good presentations dominate. Smallmouth bass have always been overlooked by trout anglers, but I hope I can convince you to start targeting them if you havent already. If fishing a lake with more of a weed related bite, work the edges with the same baits and set up tip-ups or deadsticks. This river consistently produces trophy smallmouth year after year. July is hot, but so is the fishing for river smallmouth. The Pisgah National Forest is located within the mountains of North Carolina and is comprised of 500,000 acres of hardwood forests full of trails that lead to wild trout streams. Updated 2/22/2023 12:20:40 PM. Crappie are fair on drop-offs in open water in 19-25 feet of water suspended in 15 feet of water hitting live minnows and jigs equally. You may need to work a little harder. The Catawba Angler was voted the best fly fishing guide service in McDowell County in 2019 and 2020. It will be getting stocked again in a couple of weeks so its a great option to fish this spring. Once the bass school up it creates competition for food so you will find more than one fish chasing your streamer back to the boat. North Carolina brown trout can get very large and attracts anglers all over the country to try to tango with one. Tillery, which forms the border between Montgomery and Stanly counties, is the sixth lake from the top of the Yadkin system, although half of the impoundment technically belongs to the Pee Dee River system. Towards the end of September all the way into November the smallmouth will leave their summer territories and find the deeper water again where they will stay all winter. The West is open to catch and release fishing with only artificial lures with barbless hooks this time of the year. Weve been having great success on the higher rivers this time of year with stonefly patterns, prince nymphs, and eggs. Check out some pictures from the gorge below. Hopefully, we'll see you on the water! They will be caught on jigging spoons, drop shots and jigs. Alabama River R.E. We are going to keep this simple. The mission of this organization is to bring hope and the love of Christ to youth through free guided fly fishing trips. Normally if the crowds are bad you can bounce up to Newberry Creek or the wild water of Curtis Creek and do well throwing dries. Updated 4/17/2021 8:08:19 PM. My favorite time to fly fish for smallmouth is the end of June to September. Lake Tillery Bass Fishing Reports (Read 23523 times) 0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic. Spring trout fishing means higher water flows which can offer some excellent streamer fishing opportunities on the bigger tailwaters in North Carolina. Remember the water temps are hottest in the evening because the water has warmed up all day. Saw the thread for the crappie tournament schedule and it got me thinking about lake Tillery. The topwater bite can be very sporadic, but this day it was consistent all day. We value your time as much as ours and will do everything in our power to make sure you have an enjoyable experience on the water. The key to this fishery being successful is the survival rate of these stocked fish. From backcountry experiences to roadside pull offs there are plenty of trout fishing opportunities for the curious angler in North Carolina. We understand that everyone likes to catch fish which we can definitely do that, but if you want to focus on some advanced fly fishing tactics to accelerate your growth as an angler then give us a call to set up a trip with one of our professional guides.