Fishing the French Broad River in North Carolina offers a rewarding experience, with its diverse habitats supporting a variety of fish species. The river stretches from the Appalachian Mountains through Asheville and offers excellent opportunities for both fly fishing and spin fishing. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your fishing adventures on the French Broad River:

Fishing Opportunities on the French Broad River

1. Trout Fishing:

• Best Times: The French Broad River is productive year-round, but spring and fall are particularly good times for trout fishing. Summer can be productive in cooler parts of the river, especially in the mornings and evenings.
• Gear:
  • Rod: A 4 to 6-weight fly rod is ideal for trout fishing. A shorter rod (8.5 to 9 feet) offers better control and accuracy.
  • Reel: Match your reel to the rod weight and ensure it has a smooth drag system.
  • Line: Use floating or sinking fly lines depending on the depth and flow of the water.
• Bait and Flies:
  • Live Bait: While fly fishing is popular, some anglers use live bait like worms or minnows.
  • Flies: Effective patterns include Adams, Blue Wing Olive, and Pheasant Tail for dry flies and nymphs. Streamers like Woolly Buggers can also attract larger trout.
  • Artificial Lures: Small spinners and spoons can be effective for spin fishing.
• Techniques:
  • Nymphing: Drift nymphs along the bottom where trout are likely feeding. Use a strike indicator to detect bites.
  • Dry Fly Fishing: Cast dry flies to rising fish, particularly during hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, or stoneflies.
  • Streamers: Use streamers to mimic baitfish and entice larger trout.

2. Smallmouth Bass Fishing:

• Best Times: Spring through fall is ideal for smallmouth bass fishing. Early morning and late afternoon often yield the best results.
• Gear:
  • Rod: A medium to heavy spinning rod (6-7 feet) is suitable.
  • Reel: Pair with a spinning reel capable of handling larger lures.
• Bait and Lures:
  • Live Bait: Use minnows or crayfish.
  • Artificial Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics are effective.
• Techniques:
  • Casting: Focus on rocky areas, eddies, and deeper pools where smallmouth bass are likely to be feeding.
  • Retrieve: Use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses to mimic the movement of prey.

3. Catfish Fishing:

• Best Times: Catfish can be caught year-round, with warmer months often being more productive. Evening and night fishing are particularly effective.
• Gear:
  • Rod: Use a heavy-duty spinning rod or baitcasting rod.
  • Reel: A strong reel with a high line capacity is recommended.
• Bait:
  • Live Bait: Use cut bait, chicken liver, or live minnows.
  • Prepared Baits: Commercially prepared catfish baits can also be effective.
• Techniques:
  • Bottom Fishing: Use a heavy sinker to keep your bait near the bottom where catfish feed.
  • Location: Target deeper pools and areas with submerged structure.

Fishing Tips for the French Broad River:

• Check Regulations: Ensure you have a valid North Carolina fishing license and be aware of local regulations, including size and bag limits for various species.
• Weather Conditions: Monitor weather and river conditions as they affect fishing. Rain can increase flow and change fishing conditions, while stable weather often leads to better results.
• Local Knowledge: Consult local fly shops, bait shops, and fishing guides for current information on fishing conditions, recommended flies, and bait.
• Safety: Always be cautious around moving water. Wear appropriate footwear and consider using a wading staff for stability. Be aware of water levels and currents.

Local Fishing Spots on the French Broad River:

1. Asheville Area:
   • Hominy Creek: Offers good fishing for both trout and smallmouth bass.
   • Bent Creek: A tributary with excellent trout fishing opportunities.
2. Marshall Area:
   • Hot Springs: The section of the river near Hot Springs provides great fishing opportunities with scenic views.
3. French Broad River Park:
   • Park Area: Located in Asheville, this urban park offers easy access and good fishing opportunities for various species.
4. Barnardsville:
   • Upper Sections: Known for its scenic beauty and productive fishing spots, particularly for trout.
5. Blannahassett Island:
   • Island Access: Provides access to various sections of the river and is good for both trout and smallmouth bass fishing.

Fishing the French Broad River provides a diverse range of experiences, from peaceful trout fishing to exciting smallmouth bass action. With the right gear, techniques, and local insights, you can enjoy a successful and enjoyable fishing trip in this beautiful and dynamic river system.

Fishing Seasons and Conditions

Spring:

• Trout Fishing: Spring is an excellent time for trout fishing as the water warms and insects become more active. Early spring can be good for catching larger trout that have become more active as temperatures rise.
• Smallmouth Bass: Begin to become more active as the water warms. Focus on rocky areas and shallow flats.

Summer:

• Trout Fishing: Summer fishing can be more challenging due to warmer water temperatures, which may drive trout to seek cooler, deeper waters. Fish early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Smallmouth Bass: Summer is prime time for smallmouth bass fishing. They are active and aggressive, making it a great time to use topwater lures and crankbaits.
• Catfish: Night fishing for catfish is often productive during the summer months.

Fall:

• Trout Fishing: Fall is another prime season for trout fishing as water temperatures drop and trout become more active. This is a great time to use nymphs and streamers.
• Smallmouth Bass: Fall can also be excellent for smallmouth bass fishing as they feed heavily to prepare for winter. Look for them in deeper pools and around structure.
• Catfish: Continue fishing for catfish as they remain active before the winter chill sets in.

Winter:

• Trout Fishing: Winter fishing can be more challenging due to lower water temperatures. Focus on deeper pools and use slow, deliberate presentations.
• Smallmouth Bass: Fishing for smallmouth bass is less productive in winter, but you might still catch some if you fish slow and deep.
• Catfish: Winter catfishing is possible, though it can be less productive. Try fishing deeper holes and use live or cut bait.

Fishing Techniques

Fly Fishing:

• Dry Fly Fishing: Use dry flies like Adams or Parachute Adams to match the hatch of local insects. Look for rising trout and cast upstream to them.
• Nymph Fishing: Employ nymphs like Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear to fish the depths. Use a strike indicator to detect subtle bites.
• Streamer Fishing: Use streamers such as Woolly Buggers or Clouser Minnows to imitate baitfish and provoke strikes from larger trout.

Spin Fishing:

• Casting: Use light to medium spinning gear for trout and smallmouth bass. Focus on casting to likely feeding areas like undercut banks and submerged structures.
• Lures: Small spinners, crankbaits, and soft plastics work well for smallmouth bass. Use small spoons and inline spinners for trout.
• Bait: Live bait like worms, minnows, or crayfish can be effective, especially for trout and smallmouth bass.

Local Fishing Tips

Local Guides and Outfitters:

• Guided Trips: Consider hiring a local guide or outfitter to get the most out of your fishing experience. Guides provide valuable local knowledge, equipment, and expertise.
• Fly Shops: Visit local fly shops in Asheville or nearby areas for up-to-date advice on fishing conditions, fly patterns, and river conditions.

River Access:

• Wade Fishing: The French Broad River offers good wading opportunities, but always check water levels and current conditions. Use a wading staff for stability in fast-moving water.
• Float Trips: Consider a float trip using a kayak or drift boat. Floating allows you to cover more water and access different sections of the river.

Safety Considerations:

• Water Levels: Be mindful of river flow and water levels. Check recent rainfall and river flow reports to ensure safe fishing conditions.
• Weather: Dress appropriately for the weather, as temperatures can vary significantly. Always carry rain gear and layers.
• Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife, such as snakes or bears, and practice proper precautions while fishing.

Environmental and Conservation Efforts

Catch and Release:

• Practice Conservation: Follow catch and release practices to help preserve fish populations and maintain the river’s ecological balance.
• Handling Fish: Use wet hands or a rubber net to handle fish to minimize damage and stress.

Clean Up:

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and dispose of waste properly. Help keep the river clean and protect its natural beauty.

Popular Fishing Spots on the French Broad River

1. Asheville Area:
   • French Broad River Park: Offers easy access and good fishing for various species.
   • Hominy Creek: Good for trout and smallmouth bass with accessible fishing spots.
2. Marshall Area:
   • Hot Springs: Provides beautiful scenery and excellent fishing opportunities.
3. Blannahassett Island:
   • Island Access: Great for exploring different parts of the river and finding productive fishing spots.
4. Bent Creek:
   • Trout Fishing: A tributary with good fishing opportunities and scenic surroundings.
5. Upper Sections:
   • Barnardsville: Offers more solitude and excellent fishing in a less crowded area.

Fishing the French Broad River can be a highly enjoyable experience, whether you’re targeting trout, smallmouth bass, or catfish. With the right preparation, techniques, and respect for the river’s environment, you can make the most of your time on this beautiful river in North Carolina.

For more fishing tips and advice and to find the very best fishing guides in America visit us at www.usfishingguides.com. At USFG we bring only the very best guides in the United States together under one roof to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible.

Check us out, tell a friend and get out and go fishing. To learn more visit www.usfishingguides.com

How to Fish the French Broad River in North Carolina