Did you know? Some of the Jesse Brown’s boys guide clients on local fly fishing trips. Wilson Gabriel, when he’s not in the Jesse Brown’s fly shop, is guiding many of these trips. Now through September will find him putting his Hyde Drift boat into the New River for some fly fishing near Crumpler, NC.
The New River is a popular river that’s easily accessible. On a normal, late summer day you may see 20 or more families floating down the river on rented canoes. This affords for great people watching, inexpensive shuttle service, & fantastic small mouth fishing. Many times you’ll be fighting a 3 lb. small mouth bass that are prevalent in these waters, while you float-by a picnicking family and hear, “C’mon, Bobby! I’m cheesing for the camera.”
The float is about four miles and takes about 7 hours, while fishing and eating a nice lunch. This ancient, north-flowing river provides plenty of scenery – and a whole lot of fish. Besides small mouth, you may also catch rock bass (red eye) and pan fish. Thanks to the many tributaries of mountain streams flowing into the New, you may be surprised by the occasional wayward Rainbow trout, too. A 9’ 6 weight is great for throwing green and yellow popping bugs. The size 8 & 10s available at JB’s are preferable while streamers thrown on a 7 or 8 weight will catch a healthy abundance of smallies.
Currently the water is fairly clear and features both stacked rock structure along with gravel beds that allow for a good mix of fishing styles. There are just a few big, slow moving pools that are better for a warm swim than for fishing. The river is holding its temperature in the 60’s even now and should make for a great trip.
Ready to fish the New River? Contact Wilson for a trip, or pop into see him at Jesse Brown’s for any gear advice!