Lately I have really wanted to try my hand at some trout stream fishing, so after some research and talking to a good friend who does it often, I’ve decided to give it a shot.
I’m looking at heading up to Brevard, NC in May for a three to four day trip, either May 9-12 or May 16-19. In order to keep the trip as inexpensive as possible, I’m planning to camp while I’m there. I’ve found several good campgrounds in the area that have pretty cheap campsite rental fees.
I’m thinking of fishing the Davidson and other surrounding streams. I’ve heard the stories about the trout in the D knowing what shop your flies came from, but I’m willing to give it a shot. My friend said that the surround streams had plenty of wild trout that were more than willing to eat what you present them.
Right now I’m the only one going, and don’t really want to go at it alone, since I’ve never done it before. I wish I had the money to hire a guide, but that won’t happen unless that check from Obama gets here by then. Anyone interested in going? It’s going to be a pretty cheap trip - all there is to pay for is your fishing license, campsite rental (like $15 a night per site), what food you’ll need, the gas to get there, and of course, all the flies and tackle you’ll need.
If you’re interested, let me know. I’d like to start making plans soon if this is going to happen - I foresee many long nights at the vise filling a new fly box with tiny little flies.
Take a couple of day trips up to Columbia and fish the Saluda after they stock the rivers. I love doing this, because you can catch trout, largemouth, bream, and stripers all in the same day. It will give you some great practice learning where fish hold and how to work your drifts appropriately.
“Fishing is alot like sex…when its good,it’s really good, and when its bad, its still pretty good.”
Thanks for the tip. Any idea when the Saluda will be warm enough to wade w/o waders?
FF- I have a house in highlands NC, ouTside brevard I have not been fishing there in about six years but if i got a map in front of me i think it would comeback to me. I am tossing the idea of doing a fly fishing trip with some friends up that way. ill let you know if we do it. let me know when yall go to columbia i want to check that water out, starting to miss the trout water.
02 Pathfinder 1806
Yamaha
It is always cold. The river is feed by the bottom of Lake Murray, so even in the hottest months the water is still cold. Also due to oxygen levels most of the trout will be dead or harvested by the time the water temp is up enough to “comfortably” wade without waders. Most places have a clearance on neoprene chest high duck waders now that the season is over. That is all I use, as I don’t fish these situations often enough to warrant buying anything else. Also, I think Wally World has some super cheap PVC waders you could wear that will keep you dry-just layer underneath.
“Fishing is alot like sex…when its good,it’s really good, and when its bad, its still pretty good.”
Chad, check your PMs sir.
we can do better than brevard. what about smokemont camp in da smokies? i was concieved on the Saluda, its fun, but its too easy to figure out. get on dem smart fishes. more return for your effort,IMHO
I could be interested for either set of dates. Possibly a friend of mine also. I have a bit of experience in the waters around Brevard and points east, west, north and south. Also…I would probably be pulling my camper, rather than a tent. Even with others in tents…cooking and such will be easier and quicker with stove, etc.
John Hassell
John C. Hassell
Smokemont, now your talkin my region Scotty! Better still bust it up and over the hill to Elkmont so cool there, bears everywhere fishin is great, we are doing really well with water levels this early in the year so if we keep getting rain/snow it should be a great year to fish the park! Bout time this drought stuff has been awful!
If it swims throw a fly at it!
hells yea, i love da bears. i met some locals at Tokemont and had a blast. 
cant wait till Nov in dem hills:wink: big browns are worth every mile!