Tuckasegee River - Cullowhee - North Carolina
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Tuckasegee River – Cullowhee - Water Flow Chart
Tuckasegee River – Cullowhee - Weather report & radar
Tuckasegee River – Cullowhee - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Warmest part of day | 20-26 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Mid-day | 14-16 | BH Rubberleg Prince, Quill Gordon | |
| February | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Mid-day | 20-26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge | |
| March | Caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Tungsten Micro Caddis |
| Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Double Decker, Parachute Adams | |
| April | Light Hendrickson | Mid-day | 12-14 | Hendrickson, Parachute Adams |
| March Brown | Afternoon | 10-12 | March Brown, Light Cahill | |
| May | Sulphurs | Late Afternoon | 14-16 | Split Case PMD, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Elk Hair Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Olive Caddis Pupa | |
| June | Little Yellow Sally | Early to Mid Afternoon | 12-16 | Yellow Stimulator, Little Yellow Sally |
| Terrestrials | All day | 10-12 | Olive or Black Ant, Tan or Brown Hopper | |
| July | Terrestrials | All day | 10-12 | Ants and Beetles, Hoppers |
| Little Yellow Sally | Early to Mid Afternoon | 12-16 | Yellow Stimulator, Yellow Sally | |
| August | Terrestrials | All day | 10-12 | Ants and Beetles, Foam Hopper |
| Trico | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Tiny Blue Winged Olive | |
| September | Terrestrials | All day | 10-12 | Grasshopper, Beetle |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Dun, Parachute Adams | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Mid-day | 16-20 | Blue Dun, Parachute Adams |
| October Caddis | Evening | 8-10 | October Caddis, Foam Hopper | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Mid to Late Afternoon | 18-22 | Blue Winged Olive, Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Mid-day | 20-26 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| December | Midges | Warmest part of day | 20-26 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Mid-day | 14-16 | Prince Nymph, Hare’s Ear Nymph |
Tuckasegee River – Cullowhee Access Points
The Tuckasegee River at Cullowhee, North Carolina, offers terrific fly fishing opportunities. Here are the best access points:
- East Laporte Park: This county park offers easy river access. It’s excellent for beginners with restroom facilities available.
- Western Carolina University: The university’s ground has several public fishing sections, giving you a perfect mix of convenience and privacy.
- Dillsboro Park: Located right in Dillsboro town, it’s a popular access point featuring restrooms and picnic areas.
- Webster: Access the river behind the old Webster School. Avoid larger crowds here.
- Tuckasegee Outfitters: This rafting center allows fly fishermen access to the river. There’s a fee attached, but worth it for the prime, maintained access point.
- C.J Harris Access Point: This little-trafficked area is perfect for solitude and large catches.
Tuckasegee River – Cullowhee Fishing Spots
The Tuckasegee River in Cullowhee is well-known among fly fishing enthusiasts. The following spots promise a great fishing experience:
- Dillsboro: This is home to the Delayed Harvest Program, ensuring plenty of trout. Easy wading with gentle water perfect for beginners.
- East LaPorte Park: Excellent spot for Rainbow and Brown Trout. The area is suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers due to diverse water types.
- Webster: A popular spot known for its large variety of fish species. Access is easy from Webster Bridge.
- Cullowhee: The river here runs through Western Carolina University, providing ample locations for excellent fishing.
- Whittier: The slower, deeper waters attract plenty of fish, and can be fished from shore, a kayak, or a drift boat. Easy access from US Highway 74.
- Tuckasegee River in Bryson City: The area near the confluence with the Little Tennessee River is often productive.
Tuckasegee River – Cullowhee Local Fish Species
- Brook Trout: These fish are loved by anglers for their bright coloration. They typically inhabit cooler water temperatures.
- Brown Trout: Brown Trout provide a thrilling challenge for many fly fishers. They are wily, large, and are found in most sections of the river.
- Rainbow Trout: A backbone of the river, Rainbow Trout are abundant in the Tuckasegee River. They can be targeted throughout the year.
- Walleye: An apex predator and chief trophy fish, the elusive Walleye is a must-catch for experienced anglers.
- Musky: Known as a fish of a thousand casts, the Musky is the largest member of the pike family and provides a thrilling experience when finally hooked.
- Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass thrive in the river’s warmer sections providing terrific dry fly fishing opportunities.
- Largemouth Bass: They are fewer in number compared to Smallmouth Bass, but a fly-fishing pursuit can yield large specimens.
- White Bass: Seasonally present in the Tuckasegee River, they make an exciting fly fishing target during their migration runs.
About the Tuckasegee River – Cullowhee
The Tuckasegee River, charmingly nestled in the continuous landscapes of the North Carolina mountains, holds a history as lush as its scenery. Its name, derived from the Cherokee word “Daksiyi,” means “Turtle Place,” presenting an image of tranquil serenity.
Marked by a Native American presence, the region around the river thrived as the land of the Cherokee tribe before European settlers arrived. Over time, settlements formed along the river – including the charming community of Cullowhee.
Cullowhee’s origin is every bit as unique with a name signifying “Valley of the Lilies” from the Cherokee language. A gem in the Western North Carolina mountains, Cullowhee is now home to the region’s pride – the Western Carolina University.
- The Tuckasegee River, famed for its recreational opportunities like fishing and whitewater rafting, invites nature lovers and adventurers alike. Gliding through the scenic valley, it paints a beautiful picture of North Carolinian splendor.
- Cullowhee, with its rich history, delightful community, and unfading natural charm, remains embedded in the heart of every visitor.
Thus, the saga of the Tuckasegee River and Cullowhee resonates with historical significance, capturing hearts with its tranquility and graceful beauty.
Community Contributions
Be part of the fishing community!
No updates submitted for this river.
