Nah, You hot spotted everything. Thanks for dumping even more brads onto already busy water. Maybe Just Maybe, if you need to watch this video you shouldn't be fly fishing.
Hey Eric, It's disappointing to hear that you feel that way. The goal of this channel and this video is to help more anglers experience success fly fishing so that we can continue to steward the sport for generations to come. While that may mean more anglers on some of our favorite rivers, it also means that others may also get to experience some of the joy and pleasure that you and I have been fortunate enough to experience from fly fishing as well. There are hundreds if not thousands of great trout streams in North Carolina. This one is already without a doubt the most common stream for anglers who are visiting to go and fish. It is by no means a "hidden" gem or anyone's secret honey hole.
@@ericsingleton7736 Hi Eric! Everything you've ever learned about fishing in general, was acquired or "learned" from another angler. Some things you figured out yourself like the rest of us, but the vast majority of your angling knowledge was gleaned from another person before you. My friend, please learn to share the wealth of our great sport!
Im looking for the hidden gem! Do you live near the area? How familiar are you with pisgah and Nantahala? My husband and are coming for an anniversary camping trip this weekend. I would love to pick your brain about places for dispersed camping and fishing that I could keep to eat. Are trout like "the" fish I'm looking for? Is fly fishing the best? How you do that? I understand this is public land, but I am looking for a little privacy. Do you know of any secret spots to camp and fish that are kind of hidden? We dont mind a hike. Thanks
I really appreciate this. It can be hard to find quality fly fishing water in nc. And the tips and techniques you showed are extremely helpful as well!
Thank you so much for the abundance of info. Far too often, I see trout fishing videos where they act like revealing the spots is like giving away state secrets.
Hi Eric... Really enjoyed your video. I fish the Davidson on occasion and just love the beauty and serenity of the river. I catch my share of trout, release them, and come back to fish another day. I think you are doing a great service for fly fishers, new and experienced, and will continue to do so. Everyone can learn something new and become even more proficient which makes fly fishing even more fun and rewarding. Keep it up youngster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great video! I love WNC. I don't get down there as much as I did when my son was going to college and playing lacrosse for North Greenville University. Please keep up these educational videos! Tightlines!
Excellent presentation. Only wish I was close at hand and could experience the southeast. Can't complain though as I am just preparing for opening on the 1st of October in New Zealand and for Tasmania in December. I miss my journeys to the USA and especially the great people I have met over the years since 1976. I'm keen to follow your informative presentations and kind regards from down-under in NZ.
A+, man. I'm not kidding, Isaac. This is the BEST youtube information guide for fly fishing I have ever seen. Very clear and specific for what your weekend catch-and-release river-stumbler really needs to know when he's tying on that first lure and prays for a trout -- any trout. Great visuals, too. (One little question: I'm a little fuzzy on just where the private water ends and public water begins. Is it close to the "hub" intersection, or a mile or so north of that?)
Thanks Richard! I appreciate the kind words. The private section starts almost right across the street from The Hub itself. There is a rope with a sign on it that hangs across the river designating where it switches from private to public. Everything upstream of that rope is public! Hope you are able to get out and find some fish on the Davidson!
Nicely done. When talking about the best seasons/months to fish the Davidson, you should make it clear that the hatchery supported section has a closed season for the entire month of March.
Thanks Jeff! I did mention the closed season on the hatchery supported section in the video but maybe I didn't emphasize it enough. Thanks for the feedback
Good luck! Let me know how it goes. The fishing on both should be pretty good although with some recent cold snaps I would recommend targeting the slower deeper areas and getting your flies down deep. The east fork should be fishing great, there are tons of public fishing access areas right off the road as you're driving along it! I'm hoping to do a video on it soon.
Very nice! The only thing I would ask is you stated "fly or artificial lure", I assume that means single hook lures only, like in other parts of NC, right? Might want to clarify for the guys tossing spinners.
Good catch! Yes this section is single hook just like the rest of catch and release water in NC. It shows it on the stream designation markers I showed in the video but I didn't mention that specifically so thanks for clarifying that.
@@isaacness I have fished this river many times...sadly, the Catch & Release section is commonly poached, otherwise the Davidson should be even better for holding fine trout in that area. More than a few times...especially in the reaches of the River farthest from the road, I find "Power Bait" bottles littered along stream side, or some other bait container.
Hey James, I've never fished with any of the guides here so I cant really officially endorse any but I know some of the more prominent guide shops would be Davidson River Outfitters, Headwaters Fly Shop, and Hunter Banks. I'm sure you would have a great experience with any of them!
With the Davidson River, unfortunately that last tropical storm that tore through there, a couple of years ago and dumped a ton of rain, caused a HUGE flash flood that tore up the river bank for a long way down river like nothing I've ever seen. The Hatchery section was really damaged and changed in a way that was not good. A good stretch of large Rhododendron overhanging the bank that the largest trout used to shelter under was all ripped out. Ever since, it seems like the depth of water through the Hatchery section is permanently lowered...also not good. A well know pool near the Hatchery definitely no longer holds the water depth it once did; used to never be able to see the bottom...now you can. I've been there a few times since that bad flooding and damage and that infamous pool doesn't seem to hold the large trout like it once did. The parking lot of the Wildlife center was flooded...I think the building too was badly flooded and been closed ever since, including the Restrooms there. The Hatchery did also flood and stocked fish escaped into the river. The Hatchery Center has been closed to the public for two years now at least and the Forest Service looks like they are in no hurry to repair it and re-open - our Tax dollars not at work. They tore up the pavement in the Parking lot and now is just gravel - a downgrade. I used to fish that area on the Davidson regularly...never did high numbers but always caught fish. Now no longer go there as much - sad.
This is some great added context and you're completely right. the river has changed a lot since that storm. I think it was Fred, does that sound right? I recently heard from an inside source that they are going to do a renovation on that hatchery in the next year or so hopefully allowing them to stock more and bigger fish in some nearby streams in the future.
@@isaacness - Yes, that Storm name sounds familiar. It REALLY changed the way a long stretch downstream, and a little upstream, from the Hatchery fishes...and not in a good way. I've been there 4 or 5 times since and the water through there is always lower than it normally was. Even far downstream, there is a 90 degree bend with a large pool I knew of and that pool water level is also commonly lower than it normally was. I sometimes would wade across the river just before the pool and water level was always waist high...now it's knee high. And the river banks along there was severely damaged...likely from both high, rapid water flow and floating debris pushed along. The river is subjected to flash flood conditions, depending on rainfall, but I never seen damage like that done on the Davidson. You are right about the refurbishment on that Hatchery...soon there is to be a major renovation I'm told...the Hatchery will be moved farther back away from the river, among other upgrades. The Trout stocking program has already put out the alert that Trout stocking quantity within the entire state of NC will be much reduced in 2025, and maybe also reduced some in 2026, until this renovation in completed.
Hey Irene, I would look at airbnb's/hotels in the areas of Brevard, Mills river, Fletcher, Arden, or Asheville if you also want to explore the city and are ok with about a 30 min drive to the river.
Do you live near the area? How familiar are you with pisgah and Nantahala? My husband and are coming for an anniversary camping trip this weekend. I would love to pick your brain about places for dispersed camping and fishing that I could keep to eat. Are trout like "the" fish I'm looking for? Is fly fishing the best? How you do that? I understand this is public land, but I am looking for a little privacy. Do you know of any secret spots to camp and fish that are kind of hidden? We dont mind a hike. Thanks!
Insert warning about the Goretex hatch. The first pleasant weather in Spring brings out the posers and wannabees. Brand new Simms waders, Helios rod, Fishpond net and nearly zero chance for success. I try to coach up the folks that seem approachable, but it's amazing how many people feel like they deserve their own half mile of river. They call it the Davidson River Social Club. You don't go to the D to be lonely.
Was there anything you think I missed? Let me know!
Nah, You hot spotted everything. Thanks for dumping even more brads onto already busy water. Maybe Just Maybe, if you need to watch this video you shouldn't be fly fishing.
Hey Eric, It's disappointing to hear that you feel that way. The goal of this channel and this video is to help more anglers experience success fly fishing so that we can continue to steward the sport for generations to come. While that may mean more anglers on some of our favorite rivers, it also means that others may also get to experience some of the joy and pleasure that you and I have been fortunate enough to experience from fly fishing as well. There are hundreds if not thousands of great trout streams in North Carolina. This one is already without a doubt the most common stream for anglers who are visiting to go and fish. It is by no means a "hidden" gem or anyone's secret honey hole.
@@isaacness Agreed. A guide buddy out of Cashiers told me the Davidson in the most highly fished river east of the Mississippi.
@@ericsingleton7736 Hi Eric! Everything you've ever learned about fishing in general, was acquired or "learned" from another angler. Some things you figured out yourself like the rest of us, but the vast majority of your angling knowledge was gleaned from another person before you. My friend, please learn to share the wealth of our great sport!
Im looking for the hidden gem! Do you live near the area? How familiar are you with pisgah and Nantahala? My husband and are coming for an anniversary camping trip this weekend. I would love to pick your brain about places for dispersed camping and fishing that I could keep to eat. Are trout like "the" fish I'm looking for? Is fly fishing the best? How you do that? I understand this is public land, but I am looking for a little privacy. Do you know of any secret spots to camp and fish that are kind of hidden? We dont mind a hike. Thanks
I really appreciate this. It can be hard to find quality fly fishing water in nc. And the tips and techniques you showed are extremely helpful as well!
Glad it helped!
thanks for the information
Absolutely! hope it helps you catch some fish out there!
Thank you so much for the abundance of info.
Far too often, I see trout fishing videos where they act like revealing the spots is like giving away state secrets.
Glad it could help you!
Hi Eric... Really enjoyed your video. I fish the Davidson on occasion and just love the beauty and serenity of the river. I catch my share of trout, release them, and come back to fish another day. I think you are doing a great service for fly fishers, new and experienced, and will continue to do so. Everyone can learn something new and become even more proficient which makes fly fishing even more fun and rewarding. Keep it up youngster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Iassc! Appreciate your help man!
Great video! I love WNC. I don't get down there as much as I did when my son was going to college and playing lacrosse for North Greenville University. Please keep up these educational videos! Tightlines!
Thanks! hoping to make some more river guides on other streams soon
Thanks but health will not let me travel but if you in NZ sometime I could show you some nice spots. Regards
Excellent presentation. Only wish I was close at hand and could experience the southeast. Can't complain though as I am just preparing for opening on the 1st of October in New Zealand and for Tasmania in December. I miss my journeys to the USA and especially the great people I have met over the years since 1976. I'm keen to follow your informative presentations and kind regards from down-under in NZ.
Thanks John! If you're ever heading back this way let me know and Ill show you some of the best spots on the Davidson
"The Catch and Release section….. These trout have seen a lot of flies…". One of the greatest understatements of all time. 😅
Great video. I’ll be giving the Davidson a shot in December.
Great time of year to get out! Try targeting the deeper and slower areas of the river and get your flies down deep.
@@isaacness appreciate the tip. I think I’ll be planning a Slovenia trip now after watching your other videos.
You definitely should! it was our favorite place we have been to. Thanks for watching!
A+, man. I'm not kidding, Isaac. This is the BEST youtube information guide for fly fishing I have ever seen. Very clear and specific for what your weekend catch-and-release river-stumbler really needs to know when he's tying on that first lure and prays for a trout -- any trout. Great visuals, too. (One little question: I'm a little fuzzy on just where the private water ends and public water begins. Is it close to the "hub" intersection, or a mile or so north of that?)
Thanks Richard! I appreciate the kind words. The private section starts almost right across the street from The Hub itself. There is a rope with a sign on it that hangs across the river designating where it switches from private to public. Everything upstream of that rope is public! Hope you are able to get out and find some fish on the Davidson!
Great video! Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Hey Isaac - I appreciate the video. It's very helpful. Are you a guide in the Brevard/Asheville area?
Glad you liked it! I am not a guide, just someone who likes to get out and fish!
Nicely done. When talking about the best seasons/months to fish the Davidson, you should make it clear that the hatchery supported section has a closed season for the entire month of March.
Thanks Jeff! I did mention the closed season on the hatchery supported section in the video but maybe I didn't emphasize it enough. Thanks for the feedback
Very informative. Thanks man.
Do they stock Oct-April?
Hey Anthony, they stock the hatchery supported section only from March-August! hope that helps!
Heading up Friday for Some action on the Davidson and East Fork, Any Videos on the East Fork area or tips, Great Video!
Good luck! Let me know how it goes. The fishing on both should be pretty good although with some recent cold snaps I would recommend targeting the slower deeper areas and getting your flies down deep. The east fork should be fishing great, there are tons of public fishing access areas right off the road as you're driving along it! I'm hoping to do a video on it soon.
Very nice! The only thing I would ask is you stated "fly or artificial lure", I assume that means single hook lures only, like in other parts of NC, right? Might want to clarify for the guys tossing spinners.
Good catch! Yes this section is single hook just like the rest of catch and release water in NC. It shows it on the stream designation markers I showed in the video but I didn't mention that specifically so thanks for clarifying that.
@@isaacness I have fished this river many times...sadly, the Catch & Release section is commonly poached, otherwise the Davidson should be even better for holding fine trout in that area. More than a few times...especially in the reaches of the River farthest from the road, I find "Power Bait" bottles littered along stream side, or some other bait container.
The C&R section is fly fishing only. No lures, flies only. Single hook lures can be used in the Wild designated water.
Do you still do Guilded trips
I do not, sorry!
Can you suggest a guide for March
Hey James, I've never fished with any of the guides here so I cant really officially endorse any but I know some of the more prominent guide shops would be Davidson River Outfitters, Headwaters Fly Shop, and Hunter Banks. I'm sure you would have a great experience with any of them!
@@isaacness thank you.
goodluck! let me know how you do!
Where can I find your book??
Im putting the finishing touches on it now! it should be available later this year
With the Davidson River, unfortunately that last tropical storm that tore through there, a couple of years ago and dumped a ton of rain, caused a HUGE flash flood that tore up the river bank for a long way down river like nothing I've ever seen. The Hatchery section was really damaged and changed in a way that was not good. A good stretch of large Rhododendron overhanging the bank that the largest trout used to shelter under was all ripped out. Ever since, it seems like the depth of water through the Hatchery section is permanently lowered...also not good. A well know pool near the Hatchery definitely no longer holds the water depth it once did; used to never be able to see the bottom...now you can. I've been there a few times since that bad flooding and damage and that infamous pool doesn't seem to hold the large trout like it once did.
The parking lot of the Wildlife center was flooded...I think the building too was badly flooded and been closed ever since, including the Restrooms there. The Hatchery did also flood and stocked fish escaped into the river. The Hatchery Center has been closed to the public for two years now at least and the Forest Service looks like they are in no hurry to repair it and re-open - our Tax dollars not at work. They tore up the pavement in the Parking lot and now is just gravel - a downgrade. I used to fish that area on the Davidson regularly...never did high numbers but always caught fish. Now no longer go there as much - sad.
This is some great added context and you're completely right. the river has changed a lot since that storm. I think it was Fred, does that sound right? I recently heard from an inside source that they are going to do a renovation on that hatchery in the next year or so hopefully allowing them to stock more and bigger fish in some nearby streams in the future.
@@isaacness - Yes, that Storm name sounds familiar. It REALLY changed the way a long stretch downstream, and a little upstream, from the Hatchery fishes...and not in a good way. I've been there 4 or 5 times since and the water through there is always lower than it normally was. Even far downstream, there is a 90 degree bend with a large pool I knew of and that pool water level is also commonly lower than it normally was. I sometimes would wade across the river just before the pool and water level was always waist high...now it's knee high. And the river banks along there was severely damaged...likely from both high, rapid water flow and floating debris pushed along. The river is subjected to flash flood conditions, depending on rainfall, but I never seen damage like that done on the Davidson.
You are right about the refurbishment on that Hatchery...soon there is to be a major renovation I'm told...the Hatchery will be moved farther back away from the river, among other upgrades. The Trout stocking program has already put out the alert that Trout stocking quantity within the entire state of NC will be much reduced in 2025, and maybe also reduced some in 2026, until this renovation in completed.
Where to stay in Davidson while fishing?
Hey Irene, I would look at airbnb's/hotels in the areas of Brevard, Mills river, Fletcher, Arden, or Asheville if you also want to explore the city and are ok with about a 30 min drive to the river.
Do you live near the area? How familiar are you with pisgah and Nantahala? My husband and are coming for an anniversary camping trip this weekend. I would love to pick your brain about places for dispersed camping and fishing that I could keep to eat. Are trout like "the" fish I'm looking for? Is fly fishing the best? How you do that? I understand this is public land, but I am looking for a little privacy. Do you know of any secret spots to camp and fish that are kind of hidden? We dont mind a hike. Thanks!
Hey there, feel free to send me an email at ness.isaac@gmail.com and I can give you some more information.
@@isaacness yes sir I will! Thanks
Insert warning about the Goretex hatch. The first pleasant weather in Spring brings out the posers and wannabees. Brand new Simms waders, Helios rod, Fishpond net and nearly zero chance for success. I try to coach up the folks that seem approachable, but it's amazing how many people feel like they deserve their own half mile of river. They call it the Davidson River Social Club. You don't go to the D to be lonely.
haha that can definitely be true! there are quite a few other people that fish the Davidson