Davidson River
Pisgah Forest, NC
With recent showers in Pisgah Forrest, the Davidson rose 6X times its normal size in the last weeks. Because of this, many of the channels have shifted in the river and the river bottom has been rinsed of most silt and algae. Because of this, the bug activity for the Davidson may be less than average for the Spring but this may give way to excellent early Summer and Fall fishing this year.
As usual, Fish can be taken on the surface with #24 or #26 Tan or Gray Midges and #20 Parachute Adams are another set of options. Sub-surface try a small (#22 or smaller) olive or black midge larvae, small (#18 or smaller) caddis larvae, non-beaded pheasant tails and prince nymphs. It's very unlikely that you'll see any hatches but a few caddis may still be lingering for the rest of the month. If you're tired of fishing really tiny flies, consider a larger stonefly pattern (#8-12) in black or brown. These flies will work better in the lower river but there's no reason they shouldn't have a shot at the Hatchery.
More often than not, the fish have seen your flies if they have drifted in front of them. Be sure to use fluorocarbon tippet in sizes from 5X - 8X. These fish see a lot of flies and they will not feed on heavy tippet.
As for the lower river, Hatchery Supported stocking has begun and there are fish to be had there too. Sporadic mayfly hatches have been observed but mainly in the evenings. Consider fishing imitations of small Caddis, Black and Brown Stoneflies, and Blue Winged Olive patterns.
Lower River:
Stonefly season has come and black and brown stones in larger sizes (#8-12) should produce some fish. The baetis mayfly nymphs are also in the water this time of year so consider any Blue Wing Olive nymph (#18-22). Standard mayfly attractor nymph patterns will also produce fish - pheasant tails, prince nymphs, and hare's ears.
Hatchery:
Like the Lower River, the Hatchery Section has its share of stoneflies and baetis this time of year. The large fish may be less eager to take a large stonefly so consider midges, caddis larvae and pupae, and baetis nymphs ranging from #18-24. Fluorocarbon is a must in this sections so don't forget your 7X.
This time of year is a great time to be fishing - cooler temperatures and ever decreasing fishing pressure. Make this the season to make up for lost fishing time.
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