Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

North Saluda River - above Slater - South 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 Mid Day 18-24 Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
February Blue Winged Olives Late Afternoon 16-18 Pheasant tail, Blue Winged Olive Dun
March Blue Winged Olives, Caddis Afternoon 14-18 Adams, Olive Elk Hair Caddis
April Blue Winged Olives, Caddis, Midges Mid Day/Evening 14-20 Rusty Spinner, Hare's Ear
May Sulphurs, Caddis Afternoon/Evening 12-16 Litobrancha Recurvata, Light Cahill
June Ants and Beetles, Sulphurs All Day 12-16 Beetle, Chernobyl Ant
July Terrestrials All Day 12-16 Ant Patterns, Foam Beetles
August Terrestrials, Caddis All Day 12-18 Tan Elk Hair Caddis, Joe's Hopper
September Terrestrials, Blue Winged Olives All Day 12-20 Blue Wing Olive, Dave's Hopper
October Blue Winged Olives, Midges Mid Day 18-22 Parachute Adams, Zebra Midge
November Blue Winged Olives, Midges Mid Day 18-22 WD-40, Griffith's Gnat
December Blue Winged Olives, Midges Mid Day 18-24 Black Beauty, Krystal Flash Midge

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 North Saluda River above Slater provides excellent spots for fly fishing. Here are the best ones:
  • Devil’s Fork State Park: With clear, cool water, it’s an ideal place for catching Rainbow and Brown trout.
  • The Jones Gap State Park: This park offers more than 3 miles of the river with direct access from trails. Notably, it harbors wild Brook trout.
  • Wildcat Wayside: A good spot to catch some Rainbow trout right off Geer Highway.
  • Lake Summit in Tuxedo: If you want an additional challenge, canoe to the upper reaches of the lake to fly fish.
  • Slater Marietta: A hot spot for large Rainbow trout, especially around the summer months.
Remember: South Carolina requires a fishing license. So, make sure you’ve got everything in order before you’re ready to cast out.

Best Access Points

The North Saluda River, located above Slater, offers some of the best access points for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are some of the top-recommended spots:
  • Hunts Bridge Road: This area provides wide open accessibility to the river.
  • Highway 276: The initiated portion of the highway includes a section of river that is reserved for fly fishing only.
  • Palmetto Bible Camp Creek: This portion of the river boasts a natural, serene environment perfect for fly fishing. It’s known for its lively brook and rainbow trout population.
  • Fruit Mountain Road: Easily accessible, this area is well-known for fly fishing.
It’s important to check local guidelines and restrictions before you go fishing. Remember to also respect the environment so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of nature.

Local Fish

  • Brook Trout: This local fish species is a fan favorite among anglers due to their beautiful colors and challenging catch.
  • Rainbow Trout: Rainbow Trout are very common in the North Saluda River and can be quite playful, making them a fun catch for any fly fisher.
  • Brown Trout: Known for their hard fight and delicious meat, Brown Trout are a popular target for fly fishing.
  • Smallmouth Bass: This species prefers rocky areas of the river and is renowned for its exceptional fighting tendencies.
  • Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass grow to be quite large and put up a good fight, making them a thrilling catch.
  • White Bass: Best fished in the summer, White Bass are often found in large schools, which can make for an exciting day of fly fishing.
  • Bluegill: Bluegill fish may be relatively small, but their aggressive behavior can present an interesting challenge for fly fishers.
  • Black Crappie: Black Crappie are known for their excellent taste and can be quite elusive to catch.

About The River

The North Saluda River, a picturesque river above Slater, has a captivating history. It springs from the lush North Carolinian slopes, cascading southward into South Carolina. This river, known for its cascading water trifles and serene beauty, has carried the tales of the Native American tribes who revered it for centuries.

With the influx of European settlers in the 17th century, the river played a crucial role by providing a reliable water source for mills and other industries. This stunning watershed also saw the historic Cherokee Path running along its banks, a prominent trade route among native tribes and later, colonial settlers.

Today, the North Saluda River, with its

  • rich biodiversity
  • diverse recreational opportunities
  • historical significance
continues to charm and draw visitors. Its sparkling waters hold a treasure-trove of tales, preserving the echoes of the past whilst gracefully flowing into the future.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Recent Articles

Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons
Gear ReviewsFly Fishing

Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons

April 20, 2024

Hip Waders or Chest Waders? Choosing the right gear for fly fishing can make all the difference in…

Read More
Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions
Fly TyingFly Fishing

Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

April 18, 2024

Welcome to fly tying: How to tie a Pheasant Tail Nymph! If you’re new here or a seasoned…

Read More

Fly Tying Articles

Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

April 18, 2024