West Fork of the French Broad River

[Milesawayfrom]

Anybody have any information on this river? We are renting a cabin on a private section this weekend and was wondering if any fellow NGTO's have any input about it. Also, if anyone else has any suggestions on other rivers or streams to fish in this area please feel free to help just in case the fishing is not that freat at the cabin. If needed, feel free to PM me.

If this helps at all, the cabin is located between Brevard and Lake Toxaway. I am not so familiar with this part of NC and the Pisgah, just the Nantahala. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys :cheers:

[Milesawayfrom]

Also, does anyone know where or have any links to where to get a decent map of the area? Thanks again!

[trout_boy II]

Try the Western NC Fly Guide by J.E.B. Hall. He mentions the West Fork in detail I don't have it handy so I can't check, but I believe the Pisgah Forest Nat. Geo. Soc. map has the West Fork on it. It is a "must have" for this area and only costs about $10.00.

Other streams would be Davidson, N. Mills (DH), East fork of the French Broad (DH), and tons of others. Check in at Headwaters Fly Shop/outfitter on 64 at 215 and/or Davidson River Outfitters in Pisgah Forest (Brevard) for more info. Won't get more details from most of us up here, but you'll be smack dab in the middle of good streams. :cool:

Good luck.

TB

[finless brown]

I used to fish the W. Fork all the time when I lived in Asheville. I don't know why, there aren't any fish in it.....:huh:

[JOHNKIES]

Gee, I have not been there since Sunday ................ Someone else mentioned JEB Hall's book and that is really all you need. If you can't find it in Georgia, the good shops in NC all carry it. Since you will be in Brevard area, DRO carries it and there is a new store at the intersection of 64 and 152 that may have - but they look more like a white water shop than fly shop.

All the French Broad forks should be pretty good, we have had some rain and the water levels have improved, but still not fully recovered. This weekend our DH opens which provides some additional opportunities. You can always give the Davidson a try, but it does get busy on weekends. If you like more solitude, try the Forks instead. Some take a bit of a hike though. My visit on Sunday required a 20 minute hike in and a 15 minute hike out. The downhill part took longer than the uphill back out because this goat path called a trail ....... well, if it was any steeper you'd need a ladder. Highly recommend a day pack for fishing any of the Forks and take lunch with you.

To keep the ladies happy, have dinner one night at Hob Nob, in an older house just west of the main downtown intersection, and of course Hawg Wild BBQ is right next door to DRO so plan you visit to DRO for lunch time. For some great gormet groceries and killer sandwiches, try 'Poppies' on 64 between DRO and downtown. You will see the sign on the right as you are headed from DRO into town.

[David Richards]

Second everything Johnkies said - plus JEB Hall was working at DRO this time last year and may still be - either way Kevin Howell and Walker Parrot at DRO can also steer you to some great water.

[finless brown]

I didn't know Jeb was back on this side of the world. I thought he was in Alaska. It was my impression that he wrote the epistle on WNC than skipped town to aviod being hunted down and given a wedgie by those of us who fish the streams.

[Milesawayfrom]

For the help and suggestions. I will definately put them to good use! Does anyone know if a map of the area is available online anywhere? Also, could someone give me directions to the Davidson just in case we dont get a chance to stop by DRO? I looked online and havent found any as of yet....

Thanks again everyone and if anyone else has any suggestions as well, please feel free to chime in! (PM's of course are always ok)

[Rusty Fowler]

http://www.amazon.com/North-Carolina-Atlas-Gazetteer/dp/0899332773

[trout_boy II]

Also, could someone give me directions to the Davidson just in case we dont get a chance to stop by DRO? I looked online and havent found any as of yet....

Assuming you will be west of the Davidson, just get on 64 and head east. You'll go through Brevard, actually cross the Davidson just before a major intersection with light. Turn left at the light (276 North) and DRO is on your left next to Hawg Wild BBQ (which I recommend). The D is on the left all the way until the road really begins to gain altitude at the confluence of Looking Glass Creek. bear to the left and you will wind up at the entrance to the hatchery. The ease of access is the reason for the crowds (along with the big a$$ fish of course :D ).

You really can;t miss it. The Wallymart at that same major intersection has the Pisgah map I mentioned earlier and you can get a license there if you don't have one or didn't get one on line. Be sure to get one - the fine is steep and unlike TN, NC out of state license is reasonable

TB

[fishmonger]

Just got the book for my Bday, it is a good one. New water for me to explore, I will defend him from a wedgie attack :p

FM

[Milesawayfrom]

A defender from a wedgie attack.....now thats a book I have to pick up! TB, I do have the license so no worry there. Also, thanks for the directions to the "D". Like I mentioned earlier, we want to keep our options open in case we want to venture out and explore beyond the private waters we are on. Thanks again to all that helped and I will report back next week with how we did! :cheers: