Nantahala Trout

Ask Nathaniel, my 10-year-old son, about winter trout fishing, and he'd likely point you toward North Carolina's Nantahala River, where heavy cool-season stockings and a seasonal catch-and-release requirement combine to create a stream that stays loaded with rainbows, brookies and brown trout. Of course, Nathaniel might tell you how fun it is to wade knee-deep in the rocky river or how beautiful the Nantahala' deep pools, waterfalls and narrow gorge are before he gets to the fish. The four miles of "Delayed Harvest" waters along the Nantahala, which are just upstream from the river's famous whitewater rafting section, offer a fabulous variety of riffles, runs, rapids, pools and pockets. The scenery is wonderful, the fishing can be spectacular and the access is simple, with a road running right beside the river. One warning about the Nantahala: It's very popular. Go on a weekday, if possible. Also, one important note: Only single-hook artificial lures may be used (or possessed on the water) during the catch-and-release season, which runs through the first Saturday in June. As for lures, Nathaniel's "hot bait" last time out - on a day that began in the low 20s and never got out of much past 40, was a Thill Premium Marabou Jig (1/32 ounce, Pearl Pink/White) fished very slowly, close to the bottom.