10/01/2026
Mountainside Fishing News
Greeting from the Fish Tales Outfitters Team. Welcome to our latest “Mountainside Fishing News” where we cover the latest fishing reports, Tips, fly selection, product reviews, fly tying, events, conservation and current specials. We are here to "Help You Get On The Water."
If you haven't registered to receive our free newsletter, you can register at fishtaleswnc.com (http://www.fishtaleswnc.com) or give us a call and we will add you to our list.
FISHING REPORT
Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Report - October
By now you have probably heard the news from NC Wildlife that there was a large loss of hatchery fish for the fall delayed harvest season. The report is that 70% of the fish were lost and that the planned stocking for October has been cancelled and as of now the State plans to stock in November. To read the full publication, Click Here (https://www.ncwildlife.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/23/environmental-impacts-cause-wildlife-agency-adjust-fall-2026-mountain-trout-stockings)
So what does this mean for the fall fishing season and Fish Tales? Our team has been exploring new water in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Those that follow our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fishtalesoutfitters/?hl=en) pages have seen some of the incredibly beautiful wild fish that we have put many anglers on. Are we catching double digit numbers of fish on these trips, the answer is no. Are we giving you an experience that you will not forget, the answer is yes. Beautiful mountain streams, crystal clear water, very few if any other anglers. These are wild fish that bring a 2-4 weight rod to life.
We are also fully permitted for the GSMNP as well as the Upper and Lower Nantahala River system. Both sections of the Nantahala hold a large population of wild trout. This is an excellent location to learn how to "Euro Nymph".
Our private trophy water that we fish just outside of Franklin has been fishing incredibly well. This is higher elevation water and has stayed much cooler. This is an easy wade for everyone.
Our private water in North Georgia Is about to open. The Soque is world renowned for trophy trout.
Our smallmouth trips on the Little Tennessee have been very productive, both walk and wade and float. We offer both conventional gear and fly fishing on these trips. The fight of a smallmouth on a fly rod is exhilarating. Poppers, dry flies and streamers are all great choices for this time of the year when smallmouth start getting ready for the winter.
Fall bass fishing on our area Lakes including Chatuge, Glenville and Nantahala is on fire. These highland reservoir lakes are beautiful and loaded with Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass.
To learn more about our trips, including Bass Fishing and Camp and Fish Click Here (https://www.fishtaleswnc.com/s/appointments) .
RESOURCES
Check the flows before heading out. It may be sunny where you are but heavy rains upstream or scheduled releases may dramatically increase the flow rate in the stream or river you are in. Many of our rivers are tailwater systems meaning that they they are the discharge from a lake upstream. Discharges can be scheduled releases for hydroelectric power and/or flood control.
TUCKASEGEE RIVER AT SR 1172 NR CULLOWHEE, NC (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03508050&legacy=1)
TUCKASEGEE RIVER AT BRYSON CITY, NC (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03513000&legacy=1)
NANTAHALA RIVER NEAR HEWITT, NC (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03505550&legacy=1)
OCONALFTEE RIVER At BIRDTOWN, NC (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03512000&legacy=1)
DUKE ENERGY RELEASE SCHEDULE FOR THE TUCK AND NANTAHALA RIVER SYSTEMS. (https://www.duke-energy.com/community/lakes/flow-releases)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Note that due to damage as a result of last years hurricane and damage done to the hatcheries, there have been changes in the frequency and amount of fish being stocked. The State provides links on the schedule and locations.
Mountain Trout Stocking Schedule (https://www.ncwildlife.org/media/3656/open)
Daily Trout Stockings (https://ncpaws.org/PAWS/Fish/Stocking/Schedule/OnlineSchedule.aspx)
UPCOMING EVENTS AND CLASSES
CLASSES
Fly Tying Classes have resumed. We hold these classes every other Tuesday here at the shop. Click Here to Register. (https://book.squareup.com/classes/kmkqdekgm3w5nq/location/LQECNSTYQ4KB0/classes?buttonTextColor=ffffff&color=424b73&locale=en&referrer=so)
Need help with your casting or setup. Come on by the shop and one of our team members will be happy to help. Best part, its free.
NEW PRODUCTS
We continue to grow our inventory on both our fly fishing and our conventional fishing gear.
A large selection of Winston Fly Rods have hit the display. We have several models of the the Air 2 and Pure 2. The new Air 2 Max, 9' 5wt will be available in just a few days.
On the conventional gear side, come check out the new model from Cashion Rods, the Elite Pro. For those that aren't familiar with Cashion Rods, they are made right here in North Caroline. Every component of these rods are American Made. We are proud to carry this brand and you will be surprised at the quality, warranty and price point of these exceptional rods. We have clearance pricing on several Cashion Rod Models as we make room for more Elite Pros.
We have the gear you need for the fall season.
IN CLOSING
Need help? Stop by your local fly shop, give us a call or drop us a note, we are here to help make your day on the water the best it can be. Remember, SAFETY FIRST. Check the water conditions, flows and depth, current and future weather, extra clothes and provide loved ones with details on your plans.
Come on by and chat with us in the shop. Even better, come visit Franklin, NC and see how beautiful the mountains of Western North Carolina are.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN FRANKLIN, NC
Experience Franklin, NC (https://experiencefranklinnc.com/) is an excellent resource for things to do, places to eat and upcoming events. As a hint, make sure you plug in Franklin, NC and not Franklin, TN. They are not close in distance but close in names. One local business recently reported receiving a big order for cupcakes and after making the learned that the customer was actually in Tennessee. We have had many calls at the shop for fishing reports on lakes and rivers we know nothing about and realize that Google routed the caller to the wrong Franklin.
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for things to do in the mountains of Western North Carolina (https://franklin-chamber.com/ #) and the quaint town of Franklin, NC. The mountains of Western North Carolina offer so much. Water falls, shopping, hiking, dining, gem mining, museums and more.
Visit Smokies (https://www.visitsmokies.org/) is another great resource. Its a great time to visit the quiet side of the Smokies. The Mountains are full of color, weather is perfect and some of the best fishing of the year is going on.
Franklin Downtown Merchants Association (https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDowntownMerchants) is a great resource for all of our local businesses and upcoming events. For those that have never visited Franklin, come enjoy life as it once was. Mom and Pop businesses, unique restaurants, plenty of activities, down home charm and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
Hiking - We are surrounded by trails. The Greenway, (https://www.littletennessee.org/) The Appalachian Trail (https://www.atmile110.com/) , the Bartram Trail (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/trails/bartram-trail) are just the start. Waterfalls? We are surround by waterfalls and trails.
Looking for the perfect family vacation? Franklin, NC is the place. Interested in a guided fishing fly fishing trip? We have you covered. Walk and Wade, float trips and 3 day back country, camp and fish trips. Fly fishing or conventional gear trips, we have you covered. Our conventional gear selection continues to grow. Want something you don't see, let us know and we will get it in.
Set your watch back 50 years and give us a visit. Come as visitors and leave as friends.
THANK YOU!! All of our local business greatly appreciate the support of small businesses here in Western North Carolina. Money you spend here, stays here. Our small family businesses support each other and all give back to the community. We can't thank you enough for the support. Stay tuned for an upcoming report on things to do here in Franklin this Spring.
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION DESTINATION?
The Franklin North Carolina area is rich in history and charm. Fishing is just one of the many activities that the area offers. Gem mining, kayaking, hiking, water falls, craft fairs, antiquing are just a few. Many of our mountain towns have special events throughout the year. The fall is a great time to visit. The mountains are full of color, temperatures are perfect and many of the mountain towns host a variety of fall festivals.
Click here for an update from Fish Tales Outfitters & Guide Service!
