FISHING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 90 that is excessively hot. Even though North Carolina is in the South, the High Country’s mountainous altitudes provide the cooler waters that trout need to survive. and Canada is the brook trout. Because brook trout are native to the area, many anglers value and appreciate them more than might be thought from first impressions.

Because of this, the three types of trout found in North Carolina—brown, rainbow, and native brook—do well in the cooler waters of our rivers, creeks, and streams, the majority of which have their beginnings on the summits of the neighboring mountains. For trout, the ideal water temperature range is between 45 and 70 degrees.

Originating in the streams of the Pacific Northwest, the rainbow trout was successfully introduced into the waters of North Carolina starting in the 1880s. The brown trout, a species that was introduced from Europe and Asia, is another example of human introduction. The smaller species of trout that is native to the eastern U.S.

The food that trout consume and the manner in which they do so are likewise distinctive. Smaller trout eat aquatic insects as well as similar creatures that fall into the water from the air and the ground. Older trout still consume the same terrestrial and aquatic insects, but they now eat smaller vertebrates like crawdads, fish, and other smaller animals. Being the big brutes of the trout world in North Carolina, brown trout also consume larger fish than the other species. For instance, all trout like a nice fly hatch, which will definitely occur at some time and occur where the trout will ambush the fly from below. Fly fishing rods, reels, and baits are thus required to catch trout due to their peculiar feeding habits. The artificial lure, which is at the center of the trout fishing system, is made to resemble the aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species that trout love to eat. Generally referred to as trout flies, many of these artificial lures are small and handmade. They are made from different materials to create a furry fly that will land just so on the surface of the water, prompting a strike from a waiting trout. The unique construction of the fly rod and reel is what allows a floating artificial fly lure to settle perfectly on top of the water. The fly fishing fisherman learns to forcefully yet gracefully throw a longer-than-usual rod back and forth in the air in order to release enough fishing line to reach the area where the trout are hiding.

Fly fishing as an activity is quite enjoyable to most, especially since it typically takes less than a day to learn how to use fly fishing rods, reels, and baits. Because fly fishing adds a completely new dimension to the fishing experience, many beginning fly fishing anglers quickly discover a passion for the activity.

Still unconvinced? Another option to get started would be to visit a Boonearea trout farm, presenting a wonderful way to ensure a fresh mountain trout meal in your condo, cabin, or campground. There the farm operators sell fishing equipment to help ensure a prize catch, and nearly all offer cleaning and preparation services.

Elsewhere, the numerous fly fishing outfitters found here in the High Country are helpful for people who wish to take the leap and discover a great new way of interacting with nature that will last a lifetime. They not only sell equipment, but they can also teach you how to fly fish for trout and direct you to the greatest, most secluded waters where the huge trout reside. This region is wonderful for vacations, visits, and residence for a variety of reasons, and the sport of fishing is just one such motivation.

For details on fishing restrictions, go to NCWildlife.org. Note that in 2023, hatchery supported trout waters are only open to fishing from April 1 until July 31.