What flies are hatching on the Oconaluftee River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Oconaluftee River include Blue-Winged Olive. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Oconaluftee River?

The Oconaluftee River is running at 135 CFS at the At Birdtown gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Oconaluftee River fishable today?

Yes — Oconaluftee River is rated fishable right now. Current flow is 135 CFS at the At Birdtown gauge.

Oconaluftee River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Oconaluftee River — At Birdtown

Fishable

135CFS

Discharge

1.10ft

Gauge Height

56.7°F

Water Temp

Updated 59 min agoView on USGS ↗

24-Hr Pressure

28.12 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

58°FClear sky

Wind 6 mph28.12 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

🌦️

Drizzle

58° / 50°

0.09"

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

66° / 53°

Tue

☁️

Overcast

70° / 51°

Wed

🌧️

Rain showers

65° / 58°

1.16"

Stable conditions — watch for afternoon hatches, especially BWOs on overcast stretches.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

9.4

Time of Day

Using: 135 CFS · 56.7°F · Midges and BWOs on mild afternoons. Brown trout spawning — RESPECT REDDS. Cold flows from Newfound Gap.

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Oconaluftee River conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Oconaluftee River · November · Late Fall

Full calendar →

🟢 Active now at 56.7°F water

Blue-Winged Olive

Select month

JanDec

Midges and BWOs on mild afternoons. Brown trout spawning — RESPECT REDDS. Cold flows from Newfound Gap.

Blue-Winged OliveMidge

🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Oconaluftee River

The Oconaluftee flows through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Newfound Gap down to Cherokee, NC. One of the most accessible and heavily visited trout streams in the eastern US — wild rainbow and brown trout in a stunning mountain setting. The stretch through Cherokee is particularly popular with visitors.

Quill GordonHendricksonSulphurYellow SallyLight CahillBlue-Winged OliveMidge

Regulations

Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations: artificial lures only, single hook only, all brook trout must be released, 7-inch minimum on rainbow and brown. Valid NC fishing license required. GSMNP entrance fee applies.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Oconaluftee River with more confidence.