Fly Fishing North Carolina Open All Year Long

When considering cold mountain streams for fly fishing, North Carolina hot spots may seldom come to mind, but with its unique geographical location, the state offers some of the most diverse areas for angling with flies anywhere in the country. The Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Appalachian Trail offer some of the most active trout streams in North Carolina and many consider the saltwater fly fishing in the shallows along the Atlantic Ocean to be inviting all year for a variety of fish hitting on flies.

When heading out to go fly fishing, North Carolina should be researched as the natural bug growth rate may be slightly different than the location where most dip their lines. By carefully checking the growth stage of a variety of insects, especially the ones that dwell in the water that will be fished, the angler has a better chance of presenting the proper bait to the fish in the proper season. While knowing the different stages of an insect’s life is important to the success of any fishing expedition, those unfamiliar with fly fishing in North Carolina may head for home disappointed.

During the spring the waters coming down from the mountains in the western part of the state will be teaming with trout and other native species, while on the eastern coast, the lakes may be prime for bass. If fishing near docks and other manmade structures, be aware of the feeding times for fly fishing North Carolina waters.

Patience Can Pay Off With Big Rewards

Whichever lakes or rivers chosen for fly fishing North Carolina, it may take patience to understand the movement of the fish. Especially in the summer and the angler is after some of the state’s premier bass. During hot weather, bass are prone to stay near the bottom, in spots not readily accessible for fly fishing. But even tired bass have to eat and they generally choose shaded areas under docks and trees.

Following an increase in water levels, the food supply may head for shallow waters and the hungry bass will follow. They will remain natural structures or underground streams until they find what they are looking for and then strike with a ferocious appetite. By fly fishing North Carolina docks and piers at feeding time, catching bass on fly equipment is bound to happen. It just takes time to know when the fish are feeding and moving into shallower water and will likely be attracted to the offering.