Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Mill's River - near Mill's River - North Carolina

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 18-22 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Blue Winged Olives Late Morning/Afternoon 18-22 CDC Thorax Blue Winged Olive
Little Black Stoneflies All Day 14-18 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midges Afternoon 18-22 Disco Midge, Miracle Nymph
Blue Winged Olives Late Morning/Afternoon 18-22 BWO Sparkle Dun
Little Black Stoneflies All Day 14-18 Black Stonefly Nymph
March Blue Quills All Day 16-18 Blue Quill Nymph
Quill Gordons All Day 12-14 Quill Gordon Dry Fly
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Griffith's Gnat
April Blue Quills Early Afternoon" 16-18 Blue Quill Dry Fly
Sulphurs Evening 14-16 Sulphur Dry Fly
March Browns Mid-day/Evening 12-14 March Brown Parachute
Caddis All Day 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis
May Sulphurs Evening 14-16 Sulphur Emerger
Caddis All Day 14-16 X-Caddis
Yellow Sally Stoneflies Evening 14-16 Yellow Sally Fly
Green Drakes Evening 8-10 Green Drake Cripple
June Sulphurs Late Afternoon/Evening 14-16 Sulphur Dun
Yellow Sally Stoneflies Evening 14-16 Yellow Sally Dry Fly
Brown Drakes Evening/Night 10-12 Brown Drake Dun
Caddis All Day 14-16 Poverty Peacock
July Caddis All Day 14-16 Tan Caddis
Little Yellow Stoneflies Evening 14-16 Yellow Stimulator
Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Spinner Fall
Midges All Day 20-24 Griffith's Gnat
August Caddis All Day 14-16 Neversink Caddis
Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Parachute
Midges All Day 20-24 Griffith's Gnat
September Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Spinner
Caddis All Day 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon/Early Evening 16-20 BWO Sparkle Dun
Midges All Day 20-24 Griffith's Gnat
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon/Early Evening 16-20 BWO Comparadun
Caddis All Day 14-16 Peacock Caddis
Midges All Day 20-24 Griffith's Gnat
November Blue Winged Olives Afternoon/Early Evening 16-20 BWO Emerger
Midges All Day 20-24 Griffith's Gnat
December Midges All Day 20-24 Griffith's Gnat
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon/Early Evening 16-20 BWO Comparadun

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Mill’s River, located near Mill’s River, offers excellent opportunities for exciting fly fishing adventures. Each spot uniquely presents a variety of fish species coupled with breathtaking surrounding views. The top selections include:

  • Hendersonville Water Treatment Plant: A favorite among locals due to the diverse fish population such as the rainbow and brown trout.
  • Upper Mill’s River: Large populations of brook trout can be caught here. It’s less crowded, providing a peaceful fishing experience.
  • North Mills Campground: This site has excellent access to the river, and offers a good mix of brook, rainbow, and brown trout.
  • Mill’s River Basin: An area popular for catching large brown trout, providing thrilling fishing experiences.
  • Catch and Release section: This section offers diverse fish species, making it perfect for avid fly fishers.

It’s essential to check local regulations before you head out as some areas might require special permissions or have specific fishing rules.

Best Access Points

The Mill’s River, near Mill’s River region, offers a great fly fishing experience and here are some of the best access points:

  • Bent Creek Access Point: This spot is ideal for beginners, with plenty of shallows for easy wading. The area is stocked, enhancing the chances of a good catch.
  • North Mills River Recreation Area: This site offers a more challenging experience with faster currents and deeper water. It’s also regularly stocked, maintaining a good fish population.
  • Schoolhouse Falls: An experienced angler’s paradise, this tricky access point rewards with large-sized trout. However, this spot is catch-and-release only.
  • Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education: Nestled close to the fish hatchery, this site gives anglers a unique option to catch different varieties of trout in pristine habitat. Permits are required for fishing here.

Each location in Mill’s River offers something different to suit every type of fly fisherman.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Known for their elusive nature and their propensity to eat larger flies, this species is a favorite amongst Mill’s River fly fishers.
  • Rainbow Trout: These fish are identified by their beautiful shimmering skin color. They are a bit easier to catch than the brown trout due to their aggressive feeding habits.
  • Brook Trout: This species is native to the Mill’s River. They are easily recognizable by their marbled pattern across their back.
  • Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass are known for their aggressive strikes and the exciting fights they provide once hooked.
  • Bluegill: These fish can be found in almost every body of freshwater in North Carolina. With their small mouth, light tippets, and small flies, they offer a challenging target.
  • Carp: With their drag stripping runs and ability to reach large sizes, they provide a game fish option for fly anglers.
  • Redeye Bass: These are an overlooked game fish in this region. They often out-fight all other species their size.
  • Walleye: More commonly caught on conventional tackle, a Walleye can be a great surprise on the end of a fly rod.

About The River

Mill’s River is a small but significant river near the charming town of Mill’s River. It has a rich history and contributes greatly to the surrounding landscape. The river is approximately 60 miles long and its waters have been quietly flowing for hundreds of years!

The river was first documented in the mid 18th century by European settlers. Notably, its name is derived from the many gristmills that were constructed along its bank in the 1800s, making it vital to the local economy.

  • 1800s: The river was a hub for gristmills.
  • 1900s: It became a resource for hydroelectric power.

Today, it mainly serves as an attraction for adventure enthusiasts offering fishing, kayaking, and hiking opportunities along its serene banks. Mill’s River, with its telltale ripples and whispers, truly holds the history of Mill’s River town within its flows.

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