By Andrew Howell
Nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of North Carolina’s most popular trout fisheries, the Davidson River. It is known as a popular tourist destination for fall foliage and year-round cool temperatures, and also widely regarded as one of the best trout fisheries in Western North Carolina. In 2021, Tropical Storm Fred flooded parts of WNC and caused significant damage along the Davidson River. The riparian buffer, which provides year-round shade to rivers and keeps them cool, makes it the perfect habitat for rainbow, brown, and brook trout. In 2024, Hurricane Helene destroyed lots of mountain towns in WNC and Eastern Tennessee, flooding rivers and lakes in those respective areas and causing extensive damage to river beds and riparian buffers, including another hit to the Davidson River. After the initial response, and the area started to begin the long restoration process, our first thought as fishermen was, “How did the fish fare?”
As the months passed after the storm, we observed that there were still plenty of fish left in the river. However, the bug life had clearly taken a big hit because rocks and trees were ripped from the ground, therefore displacing the bugs and forcing bug life cycles to completely start over. Additionally, we noticed that after catching a fish, you could often catch a few more in the same area, but then you would have to travel a long distance to find another group of fish.
Throughout the fall and winter, these patterns persisted with the fish clustering together and bug life being virtually nonexistent. Fortunately, things began to change as spring arrived and we began to see much more bug life, and the fish fed increasingly more on the familiar bugs they once relied on before, indicating a slow return to our normal conditions.
The Davidson has always been a technical fishery, but even more so now than before Hurricane Helene. For those planning to travel to the Davidson River, make sure to bring your spools or 6x and even 7x tippet, pack lots of patience, and don’t be discouraged if the fishing is a little tough at first. As I always say, if you can catch fish on the Davidson year-round, than you can catch trout anywhere in the world. Staying attentive to the hatches remains critical, as there are always fish that are willing to sip a dry fly on the surface, which makes for an awesome winter day when you have been stuck in the house tying flies for months.
Once you’re on the river, fish slowly, make long casts, and mind your wading. One of the biggest mistakes I see is anglers charging straight towards their fish; your legs create waves as you approach, and the fish sense something unnatural, becoming skittish if you move too fast or loudly. By fishing a light line, taking your time, and approaching the Davidson with patience and the right techniques, your odds not only improve, but the river can offer spectacular fishing year-round. I hope these tips help you land a few more fish, and I look forward to meeting you on the river or in the fly shop soon!
Andrew Howell is a fourth generation fly fisherman, and currently works as a guide at Davidson River Outfitters along with doing marketing for the shop. He went to the University of Montevallo to compete nationally for their bass fishing team. After traveling the country fishing, Andrew found his way back to the mountains of North Carolina where he has always called home.