Nolichucky River
Fly fishing the Nolichucky River in Tennessee, a rugged big river for smallmouth bass and tiger musky near Erwin and Embreeville.
- 141 miRiver length
- 3Game fish
- 48Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Nolichucky
The Nolichucky is one of the most rugged big rivers left in the Southeast. It runs out of the North Carolina mountains through gorges and into Tennessee. It sees less pressure than most rivers in the state, and for good reason.
The fish are smallmouth bass and tiger musky. Brook trout live in cold feeder streams like Shelton Laurel Creek and Big Laurel Creek. The river is listed as Wild Trout Waters, but the main river is better known for smallmouth bass.
Flows can change fast, and drift boats have been lost in the gorges. Check flow throughout the day. Huntdale to Poplar is a well known float. Chestoa and Erwin have access. Smallmouth fishing is also strong near Crockett Reservoir.
Smallmouth fishing is a warm season game. A heavier rod and poppers, streamers and crayfish patterns are the norm. Buford's and Dungeons are favorites.
Check the current Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations before you go.
Nolichucky River below Nolichucky Dam, TN
Is the Nolichucky fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Big Limestone Creek near Limestone, TN9.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03466208
- French Broad River at Hot Springs, NC16.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03454500
- French Broad River near Newport, TN23.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 03455000
- Pigeon River at Newport, TN24.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03461500
- French Broad River at Marshall, NC24.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03453500
- Ivy River near Marshall, NC26.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03453000
- Pigeon River below Power Plant near Waterville, NC29.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03460795
- Clinch River near Looneys Gap, TN31.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 03527220
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the French Broad-Holston watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Nolichucky
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Watch the flow
Gorge water can rise fast. Check gages before and during the day.
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Float with experience
Rapids and rocks have claimed boats. Scout and go with a local if needed.
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Use a heavier rod
A 7 or 8 weight handles poppers and streamers.
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Fish tributaries
Brook trout live in cold feeder streams.
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Try Crockett Reservoir
The lake area holds good smallmouth fishing.
Every access point on the Nolichucky, in your pocket.
- 48 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Nolichucky
Nolichucky River FAQ
What is the best time to fly fish the Nolichucky River?
Warm months are the main season for smallmouth bass.
Where can I fly fish the Nolichucky near Erwin?
Chestoa, Erwin and Embreeville have access. The app map shows mapped access points and gages along the river.
Can you wade the Nolichucky River?
In some places. Gorges and rapids make boating the better choice for long stretches.
What flies work on the Nolichucky River?
Poppers, streamers and crayfish patterns for bass. Buford's and Dungeons are local picks. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working on the Nolichucky today.
What fish are in the Nolichucky River?
Smallmouth bass and tiger musky in the main river, and brook trout in cold tributaries.
Are there special rules on the Nolichucky River?
Yes. Tennessee and North Carolina have their own rules. Check the current regulations before you go.
