New River
river in North Carolina
Flows through the northern NC mountains with excellent freestone trout water in the upper New River and smallmouth sections downstream.
Cooler fall temperatures mean slower metabolism for fish
- 01Cooler fall temperatures mean slower metabolism for fish; adjust your retrieve accordingly.
- 02Subsurface patterns like midges, hellgrammites, and crayfish will be consistent producers.
- 03Look for opportunistic surface feeders on warmer, overcast afternoons when caddis or mahogany duns may emerge.
- 04Target deeper pools, current seams, and areas with rocky structure or submerged vegetation.
- 05Focus on the main stem and its larger tributaries where these species tend to congregate in fall.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Mohogany Dun
Late summer and fall often see hatches of Paraleptophlebia (Mahogany Duns), providing dry fly opportunities for rising Bluegill, Panfish, and Redear.
October Caddis
October marks the season for the largest caddis hatch of the year in many regions. This dry fly will imitate the adult caddis, drawing opportunistic strikes from Bluegill, Panfish, and Redear.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A classic and versatile subsurface pattern, imitating leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for Bluegill, Panfish, and Redear in fall.
Clouser Crayfish
Crayfish are a primary food source for bass and panfish in rocky areas of the river. This streamer/nymph pattern is crucial for subsurface feeding in the fall.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round. As water temperatures drop in the fall, midge pupae become crucial for subsurface feeding Bluegill, Panfish, and Redear.
Buy at AmazonPopping Bug (Bass)
On warmer fall days, topwater action can still occur. This popper creates an enticing surface disturbance, drawing aggressive strikes from Bluegill, Panfish, and Redear.
Hellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a consistent, protein-rich food source in rocky river environments year-round. This nymph pattern is highly effective for predatory Bluegill, Panfish, and Redear in fall.
Elk Hair Caddis
Caddisflies remain active through the fall, offering consistent dry fly opportunities. This pattern effectively imitates the adult caddis on the water for Bluegill, Panfish, and Redear.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Green Valley / Jefferson Access
Downstream smallmouth and mixed-species fishing near Jefferson with good bank access.
New River State Park Access (Price Park)
Popular access with parking and trails to good trout runs and pools.
Todd Fishery Access
Upper New River access near West Jefferson and Todd with consistent trout holding water.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Elk Creek Outfitters
High Country Guide Service
Due South Outfitters
Virginia Creeper Fly Shop
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North Carolina season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Quick answers
Common questions about New River.
What flies work best on New River?
Our top scored fly patterns for New River right now are Mohogany Dun (80% confidence), October Caddis (80% confidence), Woolly Bugger (Olive) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in New River?
New River holds Bluegill, Panfish, Redear. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is New River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for New River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.