The Davidson River in North Carolina is one of the top 100 trout stream in North America as per Trout Unlimited. It has fantastic year around fishing, and although the hatches are not unbelievable thick clouds of flying insects, they are steady and reliable.
The water is very clear, and the fish see a lot of flies. Success will depend on your presentation, 7X tippet is virtually a necessity. Try small flies Griffith Gnats and midge patterns, for if it is small the fish can't be as discriminating. For nymphs, use #18 Pheasant Tails or Hare's Ears.
For solitude, try the winter, and you may still have to walk a bit. The beauty of this stream is worth a visit regardless of the fishing.
| Insect | Size | Begin | End | |
 |
Midge | 18-22 | October 1 | February 29 |
 |
Blue Wing Olive | 18-24 | October 1 | May 31 |
 |
Black Stone | 12-16 | December 1 | April 30 |
 |
Blue Quill | 16-18 | March 1 | May 31 |
 |
Quill Gordon | 12-14 | March 1 | April 30 |
 |
Gray Caddis | 14-16 | May 1 | July 31 |
 |
Hendrickson | 12-16 | April 1 | May 31 |
 |
March Brown | 12-14 | April 1 | May 31 |
 |
Light Cahill | 16-18 | May 1 | September 30 |
 |
Grey Fox | 12-14 | April 1 | June 30 |
 |
Sulphurs | 16-18 | May 1 | June 30 |
 |
Isonychia Bicolor | 12-14 | June 1 | September 30 |
 |
Giant Stone Fly | 4-6 | May 1 | June 30 |
 |
Terrestrials | 6-14 | May 1 | September 30 |
 |
Golden Stone Fly | 6-8 | June 1 | August 31 |
