Delayed Harvest Season Begins
Fall is one of the most exciting times to be on the water in Western North Carolina, with the return of the Delayed Harvest program. The Tuckasegee River kicks off the season with its first round of stockings October 6th-10th, bringing thousands of trout back into this famed fishery. Rainbows, browns, and brook trout will all be stocked, offering fantastic opportunities for anglers through the fall months.
Likewise, the Nantahala River Delayed Harvest section receives its first big stocking at the beginning of October. Already home to wild trout and an icy-cold tailwater section, the Nantahala fishes exceptionally well this time of year. Anglers can expect excellent action for brook, brown, and rainbow trout, with fish rising to hatches during the day and feeding aggressively on nymphs and streamers as water temperatures cool.
Call or Text (828)-421-6378
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fishing
Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a favorite season for fly fishermen. Crisp mountain air, brilliant fall foliage, and the peaceful sounds of tumbling streams combine to create the perfect setting for chasing wild trout. Rainbows and browns feed steadily throughout the day, while brook trout light up in their vibrant spawning colors in higher-elevation streams.
The fall scenery is simply unmatched, with fiery reds, golds, and oranges reflecting off cool mountain creeks. This is the time of year when solitude and spectacular fishing come together, making it one of the most popular seasons to fish the Smokies.
Cherokee Fly Fishing Only Trophy Section
The Cherokee Fly Fishing Only Trophy Section is fishing incredibly well this fall. This special water is known for holding some of the largest trout in the region, and anglers have excellent chances of hooking trophy-sized rainbows and browns. Cool mornings and active fish make for exciting days on the water, and as a bonus, anglers often spot elk roaming the valley while fishing — an unforgettable Smoky Mountain experience.
Hatch Chart – Fall in the Smokies
• Blue Winged Olives (#18–20) – reliable mid-morning into afternoon
• Slate Drakes (#12–14) – scattered but effective, especially in afternoons
• October Caddis (#12–14) – a fall favorite, especially at dusk
• Terrestrials (ants, beetles, hoppers) – effective through mid-fall
• Midges (#20–24) – consistent year-round, especially in cooler tailwaters
Recommended Fly Patterns
- Dries: Parachute Adams (#16–18), Royal Wulff (#14–16), BWO Parachute (#18–20), October Caddis (#12–14)
- Nymphs: Pheasant Tail (#16–20), Prince Nymph (#14–16), Copper John (#16–18), Zebra Midge (#20–22)
- Terrestrials: Beetles (#12–14), Ants (#16–18), Dave’s Hopper (#10–12)
- Streamers: Woolly Bugger (olive/black #8–10), Sculpin patterns, Zonkers for big browns
Guided Trip Specials
Fall is one of the busiest seasons for guided trips with Fly Fishing the Smokies, and for good reason. We offer two excellent packages for anglers this season:
- Fall Trout Special – A perfect Wade Trip for anglers looking to experience the very best of fall fishing in the Smokies. Target rainbow, brook, and brown trout during the most colorful and peaceful season in the mountains.
- Fall Float Trip Special – Drift down one of the South’s coldest and most productive tailwaters, the Tcukasegee River, in comfort with our professional guides. This trip offers great opportunities for larger browns and rainbows while soaking in the beauty of the changing season.
New for 2025 – Twilight Drifters Trip
Fly Fishing the Smokies is proud to announce our brand-new Twilight Drifters guided trip, launching this fall. Designed to take advantage of the magical evening hours, this float trip puts anglers on the water when big browns and rainbows feed most aggressively. As the sun sets over the mountains and crisp night air settles in, anglers drift quietly through one of the South’s premier tailwaters in search of trophy trout. This trip blends the serenity of a Smoky Mountain evening with the electrifying experience of chasing large fish at the best time of day.
Call or Text (828)-421-6378