The French Broad River is a freestone river in North Carolina.
2 USGS gauges on the water report flow; USDA Forest Service (Cherokee National Forest) lists 7 species, including smallmouth bass, rock bass and catfish. 10 guides and 2 shops nearby are listed here; the nearest destination hub is Asheville & Western North Carolina.
The French Broad River in Henderson County, North Carolina. Photo: Pollinator (English Wikipedia), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
French Broad River is a freestone river in North Carolina. Our destination hub Asheville & Western North Carolina is 2 mi away in a straight line and lists it among its waters.
Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.
Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.
Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles
Map of French Broad River: gauges, shops and guides
Map of French Broad River with 2 USGS gauges, and shops and guides with an exact address within 40 miles.
Restrooms within 2 miles of French Broad River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.
Map of 4 restrooms near French Broad River
Skip the map; every place is in the list belowMap of 4 restrooms near French Broad River, numbered as in the list, with the water’s point marked.
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.
Delayed HarvestBradley Creek, a stream in the Mills River watershed in Pisgah National Forest, about three miles from the North Mills River (not the North Mills itself). Photo: Will Thomas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
North Carolina · about 15 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not Carter CreekThe South Toe River, Yancey County, North Carolina. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Carter Creek.
North Carolina · about 14 mi
Delayed HarvestRepresentative photo · not Mill CreekThe Davidson River at Davidson River Campground, Pisgah National Forest. Photo: USDA / Lance Cheung, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Mill Creek.
North Carolina · about 20 mi
Delayed HarvestRepresentative photo · not Spring CreekThe Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, North Carolina. Photo: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Spring Creek.
North Carolina · about 20 mi
Delayed HarvestRepresentative photo · not Big Laurel CreekThe Tuckasegee River from Old River Road, Bryson City. Photo: Matthew T. Bradley, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Big Laurel Creek.
North Carolina · about 21 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not Newberry CreekThe Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park, Greenville County, South Carolina. Photo: John Foxe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Newberry Creek.
North Carolina · about 21 mi
Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.
Measured from the NHDPlus High Resolution (flowlines and waterbodies) (U.S. Geological Survey, read 2026-11-04) for this water’s own mapped feature. Rounded figures; they describe the channel, not today’s conditions.
Areas the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), public access (U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Project, read 2026-11-05) lists as owned or held in easement and open to the public, crossed by the mapped channel. Boundaries are mapped, not surveyed. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
7.2 of 179.5 mi on public land
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.
7 guides name it on their website
Asheville, NC · 2 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Henry's Fork & Watauga
Names this water
Asheville, NC · 2 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Snake & Henry's Fork
Names this water
Asheville, NC · 7 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Henry's Fork & South Holston
Names this water
Mills River, NC · 18 mi
Float trips · Walk-and-wade · Nantahala & French Broad
Names this water
Cashiers, NC · 45 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Chattooga & Tuckasegee
Names this water
Linville, NC · 51 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · South Holston & Watauga
Names this water
Franklin, NC · 52 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Chattooga & French Broad
Names this water
The species the agency lists here; presence varies by reach and season.
Listed by the state agency
Species guide
Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), illustration by Duane Raver for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Duane Raver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Species guide
Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), illustration by Duane Raver for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Duane Raver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Species guide
A bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus), photographed by Ryan Hagerty for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Ryan Hagerty/USFWS, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
17 hatches charted for the region, not measured on this water. From North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Midges (all year) · Blue-winged olive (February to March, May, October to December) · Early black stonefly (February to March, October to December) · Blue Quill (March to April) · Quill Gordon (March to April) · Black caddis (April to May) · and 11 more on the chart
Asheville sits on the French Broad River in the Blue Ridge, with the Davidson, Mills, Toe, Watauga, Tuckasegee and Nantahala rivers spread through the surrounding mountains.
Destination hub · 2 mi away in a straight line
A practical checklist for fly fishing small mountain trout streams: a short 3–4 weight rod, light line, a few buoyant dries and simple wet-wading gear, with estimated prices and where to buy.
7′6″–8′6″ rod, 3–4 weight, floating line · Brook, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout
Open the checklistSeams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on reading water
Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on nymphing
Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with French Broad River.
No stories from here yet.
Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.
A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.
Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge FRENCH BROAD RIVER AT ASHEVILLE, NC. Water type is our own classification.
Warning: Rising fast: be careful, conditions are changing
At FRENCH BROAD RIVER AT ASHEVILLE, NC (USGS 03451500) · 1 of 2 gauges below Provisional USGS data
USGS 03451500 · NWS AVLN7
What the agencies suggest
Stand back from the shoreline and be aware of surroundingsRhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Wading and boating should be avoided if waters are running high and muddy and the streambed is not visiblePennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 6:30 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Much above normal for Nov 5 Rising · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 7:45 PM EDT to Nov 5, 6:30 PM EST; ranging 715 to 4,270 ft³/s; latest 4,270 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Water temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 6:30 PM EST | 4,270 | 3.18 | 61.9 |
| Nov 5, 5:30 PM EST | 4,270 | 3.18 | 61.9 |
| Nov 5, 4:30 PM EST | 4,250 | 3.17 | 61.7 |
| Nov 5, 3:30 PM EST | 4,190 | 3.14 | 62.1 |
| Nov 5, 2:30 PM EST | 4,190 | 3.14 | 61.7 |
| Nov 5, 1:30 PM EST | 4,100 | 3.1 | 61.5 |
| Nov 5, 12:30 PM EST | 4,100 | 3.1 | 61.3 |
| Nov 5, 11:30 AM EST | 4,060 | 3.08 | 60.8 |
| Nov 5, 10:30 AM EST | 4,020 | 3.06 | 60.6 |
| Nov 5, 9:30 AM EST | 3,940 | 3.02 | 60.4 |
| Nov 5, 8:30 AM EST | 3,850 | 2.98 | 60.1 |
| Nov 5, 7:30 AM EST | 3,690 | 2.9 | 59.9 |
| Nov 5, 6:30 AM EST | 3,430 | 2.77 | 60.1 |
| Nov 5, 5:30 AM EST | 3,050 | 2.57 | 60.1 |
| Nov 5, 4:30 AM EST | 2,570 | 2.31 | 60.3 |
| Nov 5, 3:30 AM EST | 2,150 | 2.06 | 60.1 |
| Nov 5, 2:30 AM EST | 1,840 | 1.87 | 60.1 |
| Nov 5, 1:30 AM EST | 1,700 | 1.78 | 60.3 |
| Nov 5, 12:30 AM EST | 1,660 | 1.75 | 60.4 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 PM EST | 1,550 | 1.68 | 60.4 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 PM EST | 1,490 | 1.64 | 60.4 |
| Nov 4, 9:30 PM EST | 1,310 | 1.51 | 60.3 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 PM EST | 1,200 | 1.43 | 60.1 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 PM EST | 1,020 | 1.29 | 59.9 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 PM EST | 947 | 1.23 | 59.5 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 PM EST | 935 | 1.22 | 59.4 |
| Nov 4, 4:30 PM EST | 852 | 1.15 | 59.4 |
| Nov 4, 3:30 PM EST | 760 | 1.07 | 59.4 |
| Nov 4, 2:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 59.2 |
| Nov 4, 1:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 59.4 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 59.4 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 AM EST | 715 | 1.03 | 59.2 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 AM EST | 715 | 1.03 | 59.2 |
| Nov 4, 9:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 59 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 59 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 AM EST | 715 | 1.03 | 58.8 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 AM EST | 715 | 1.03 | 58.8 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 4, 4:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 4, 3:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 4, 2:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 4, 1:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.8 |
| Nov 3, 11:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.8 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.3 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.3 |
| Nov 3, 6:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.3 |
| Nov 3, 5:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.3 |
| Nov 3, 4:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 3, 3:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.6 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 58.5 |
| Nov 3, 12:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 57.4 |
| Nov 3, 11:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.8 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.7 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.5 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.3 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.1 |
| Nov 3, 6:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.1 |
| Nov 3, 5:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.3 |
| Nov 3, 4:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.3 |
| Nov 3, 3:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.5 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.7 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.7 |
| Nov 3, 12:30 AM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 56.8 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 PM EST | 726 | 1.04 | 57 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57.2 |
| Nov 2, 8:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57 |
| Nov 2, 7:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57.2 |
| Nov 2, 6:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57.4 |
| Nov 2, 5:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57.4 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57.7 |
| Nov 2, 2:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 57 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.7 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.1 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.6 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.4 |
| Nov 2, 8:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.2 |
| Nov 2, 7:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.2 |
| Nov 2, 6:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.2 |
| Nov 2, 5:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.4 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.4 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.4 |
| Nov 2, 2:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.4 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.4 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.6 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.6 |
| Nov 1, 10:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.8 |
| Nov 1, 9:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.8 |
| Nov 1, 8:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.8 |
| Nov 1, 7:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.8 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.9 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.9 |
| Nov 1, 4:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.1 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 PM EST | 748 | 1.06 | 56.1 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.1 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.1 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 PM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.1 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.9 |
| Nov 1, 10:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.9 |
| Nov 1, 9:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.9 |
| Nov 1, 8:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 55.9 |
| Nov 1, 7:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.1 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.1 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.1 |
| Nov 1, 4:30 AM EST | 748 | 1.06 | 56.3 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 AM EST | 737 | 1.05 | 56.3 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 AM EST | 748 | 1.06 | 56.3 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM EST | 748 | 1.06 | 56.5 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 56.5 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 AM EDT | 737 | 1.05 | 56.5 |
| Oct 31, 11:30 PM EDT | 737 | 1.05 | 56.5 |
| Oct 31, 10:30 PM EDT | 737 | 1.05 | 56.7 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 PM EDT | 737 | 1.05 | 56.7 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 56.8 |
| Oct 31, 7:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 56.8 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 56.8 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57 |
| Oct 31, 2:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57 |
| Oct 31, 1:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 56.8 |
| Oct 31, 12:30 PM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57 |
| Oct 31, 11:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 56.8 |
| Oct 31, 10:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 56.7 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 56.8 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57 |
| Oct 31, 7:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57.2 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57.4 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57.4 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57.4 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57.4 |
| Oct 31, 2:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57.4 |
| Oct 31, 1:30 AM EDT | 748 | 1.06 | 57.6 |
| Oct 31, 12:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 57.7 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 57.9 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 58.1 |
| Oct 30, 9:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 58.1 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 58.1 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 58.3 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 58.3 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 58.6 |
| Oct 30, 4:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 59 |
| Oct 30, 3:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 58.6 |
| Oct 30, 2:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 58.1 |
| Oct 30, 1:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 57.4 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 56.5 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 55.8 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 55.6 |
| Oct 30, 9:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 55.6 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 55.8 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 55.9 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 56.1 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 AM EDT | 771 | 1.08 | 56.3 |
| Oct 30, 4:30 AM EDT | 771 | 1.08 | 56.3 |
| Oct 30, 3:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 56.5 |
| Oct 30, 2:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 56.7 |
| Oct 30, 1:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 56.8 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 AM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 57 |
| Oct 29, 11:30 PM EDT | 760 | 1.07 | 57.2 |
| Oct 29, 10:30 PM EDT | 771 | 1.08 | 57.4 |
| Oct 29, 9:30 PM EDT | 771 | 1.08 | 57.6 |
| Oct 29, 8:30 PM EDT | 771 | 1.08 | 57.6 |
| Oct 29, 7:45 PM EDT | 771 | 1.08 | 57.7 |
Normal for Nov 5: 847–2,010 ft³/s (middle half of 131 years of record). Now: 4,270 ft³/s, much above normal.
Much above normal for this date. 4,270 ft³/s is above the 90th percentile of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 131 years of record (1896–2026): 10th 582, 25th 847, median 1,100, 75th 2,010, 90th 3,410 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 401 ft³/s, highest 7,010 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Rising over 24 hours: discharge up 350.9%, from 947 to 4,270 ft³/s. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 3.18 ft stage, 4,260 ft³/s at Nov 5, 6:30 PM EST (NWS gauge AVLN7; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 7:56 AM EST. Highest point: 3.3 ft, 4,510 ft³/s on Nov 5, 7:00 PM EST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 3.3 ft | 4,510 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 3.3 ft | 4,510 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 2.7 ft | 3,300 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 2.1 ft | 2,200 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 1.8 ft | 1,730 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 1.6 ft | 1,440 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
The agency list on file names no trout, salmon or steelhead here; these are the lines for coldwater fish if you are after them.
Federal guidance. NC Wildlife Resources Commission publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a North Carolina rule, with N.C. Cooperative Extension's own figure added:
Under the federal 68°F line. Water 61.9°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 62.1°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”
High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)Species the agency lists for French Broad River: smallmouth bass, rock bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, carp, sauger.
Source: Cherokee National Forest | French Broad River | Forest Service (USDA Forest Service (Cherokee National Forest)).
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Rising water. Rising over the last 24 hours (discharge up 351%). Keep your way back to the bank in sight and watch the level while you fish. “Rising” is our rule of thumb: more than 10% in discharge or 0.2 ft of gauge height in 24 hours, not a USGS or NWS class.
Flow far above normal. Above the 90th percentile of daily mean flow for this date (USGS class “much above normal”), from 131 years of record. Expect higher, faster water than usual for the season.
hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) Statistics documentation (percentiles of daily mean discharge) (U.S. Geological Survey)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 03443000 · NWS BLAN7
What the agencies suggest
Stand back from the shoreline and be aware of surroundingsRhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Wading and boating should be avoided if waters are running high and muddy and the streambed is not visiblePennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 6:30 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Much above normal for Nov 5 Rising · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 7:45 PM EDT to Nov 5, 6:30 PM EST; ranging 317 to 2,890 ft³/s; latest 2,690 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 6:30 PM EST | 2,690 | 12.9 |
| Nov 5, 5:30 PM EST | 2,760 | 13.1 |
| Nov 5, 4:30 PM EST | 2,820 | 13.3 |
| Nov 5, 3:30 PM EST | 2,870 | 13.4 |
| Nov 5, 2:30 PM EST | 2,890 | 13.4 |
| Nov 5, 1:30 PM EST | 2,890 | 13.4 |
| Nov 5, 12:30 PM EST | 2,880 | 13.4 |
| Nov 5, 11:30 AM EST | 2,860 | 13.4 |
| Nov 5, 10:30 AM EST | 2,810 | 13.2 |
| Nov 5, 9:30 AM EST | 2,760 | 13.1 |
| Nov 5, 8:30 AM EST | 2,680 | 12.9 |
| Nov 5, 7:30 AM EST | 2,570 | 12.6 |
| Nov 5, 6:30 AM EST | 2,470 | 12.4 |
| Nov 5, 5:30 AM EST | 2,340 | 12 |
| Nov 5, 4:30 AM EST | 2,180 | 11.6 |
| Nov 5, 3:30 AM EST | 2,020 | 11.2 |
| Nov 5, 2:30 AM EST | 1,820 | 10.7 |
| Nov 5, 1:30 AM EST | 1,580 | 9.97 |
| Nov 5, 12:30 AM EST | 1,300 | 9.11 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 PM EST | 997 | 8.05 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 PM EST | 697 | 6.87 |
| Nov 4, 9:30 PM EST | 544 | 6.16 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 PM EST | 447 | 5.66 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 PM EST | 387 | 5.32 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 PM EST | 357 | 5.14 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 PM EST | 342 | 5.05 |
| Nov 4, 4:30 PM EST | 333 | 4.99 |
| Nov 4, 3:30 PM EST | 325 | 4.94 |
| Nov 4, 2:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 4, 1:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 PM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 4, 9:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 AM EST | 317 | 4.89 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 AM EST | 317 | 4.89 |
| Nov 4, 4:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 4, 3:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 4, 2:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 4, 1:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 11:30 PM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 PM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 PM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 3, 6:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 3, 5:30 PM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 4:30 PM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 3:30 PM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 PM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 PM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 12:30 PM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 3, 11:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 3, 6:30 AM EST | 319 | 4.9 |
| Nov 3, 5:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 4:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 3:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 3, 12:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 2, 8:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 2, 7:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 2, 6:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 2, 5:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 2:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 2, 8:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 2, 7:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 2, 6:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 5:30 AM EST | 320 | 4.91 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 2:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 10:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 9:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 8:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 7:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 4:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 PM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 PM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 10:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 9:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 8:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 7:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 AM EST | 322 | 4.92 |
| Nov 1, 4:30 AM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 AM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 AM EST | 323 | 4.93 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM EST | 325 | 4.94 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM EDT | 326 | 4.95 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 AM EDT | 326 | 4.95 |
| Oct 31, 11:30 PM EDT | 326 | 4.95 |
| Oct 31, 10:30 PM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 PM EDT | 329 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 PM EDT | 331 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 7:30 PM EDT | 331 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 PM EDT | 331 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 PM EDT | 331 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 PM EDT | 329 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 PM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 2:30 PM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 1:30 PM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 12:30 PM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 11:30 AM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 10:30 AM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 AM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 AM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 7:30 AM EDT | 328 | 4.96 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 AM EDT | 329 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 AM EDT | 329 | 4.97 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 AM EDT | 331 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 AM EDT | 331 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 2:30 AM EDT | 331 | 4.98 |
| Oct 31, 1:30 AM EDT | 333 | 4.99 |
| Oct 31, 12:30 AM EDT | 333 | 4.99 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 PM EDT | 333 | 4.99 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 PM EDT | 333 | 4.99 |
| Oct 30, 9:30 PM EDT | 334 | 5 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 PM EDT | 334 | 5 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 PM EDT | 334 | 5 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 PM EDT | 334 | 5 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 PM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 4:30 PM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 3:30 PM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 2:30 PM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 1:30 PM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 PM EDT | 334 | 5 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 AM EDT | 334 | 5 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 AM EDT | 334 | 5 |
| Oct 30, 9:30 AM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 AM EDT | 334 | 5 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 AM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 AM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 AM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 4:30 AM EDT | 336 | 5.01 |
| Oct 30, 3:30 AM EDT | 337 | 5.02 |
| Oct 30, 2:30 AM EDT | 337 | 5.02 |
| Oct 30, 1:30 AM EDT | 337 | 5.02 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 AM EDT | 337 | 5.02 |
| Oct 29, 11:30 PM EDT | 339 | 5.03 |
| Oct 29, 10:30 PM EDT | 339 | 5.03 |
| Oct 29, 9:30 PM EDT | 339 | 5.03 |
| Oct 29, 8:30 PM EDT | 339 | 5.03 |
| Oct 29, 7:45 PM EDT | 340 | 5.04 |
Normal for Nov 5: 368–1,040 ft³/s (middle half of 106 years of record). Now: 2,690 ft³/s, much above normal.
Much above normal for this date. 2,690 ft³/s is above the 90th percentile of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 106 years of record (1921–2026): 10th 260, 25th 368, median 581, 75th 1,040, 90th 1,620 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 191 ft³/s, highest 3,400 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Rising over 24 hours: discharge up 653.5%, from 357 to 2,690 ft³/s. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 12.9 ft stage, 2,690 ft³/s at Nov 5, 6:30 PM EST (NWS gauge BLAN7; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 7:56 AM EST. Highest point: 13.2 ft, 2,800 ft³/s on Nov 5, 7:00 PM EST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 13.2 ft | 2,800 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 13 ft | 2,730 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 9.8 ft | 1,500 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 8.3 ft | 1,040 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 7.3 ft | 783 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 6.6 ft | 613 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer. NC Wildlife Resources Commission publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a North Carolina rule, with N.C. Cooperative Extension's own figure added: 68°F and 70°F.
Species the agency lists for French Broad River: smallmouth bass, rock bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, carp, sauger.
Source: Cherokee National Forest | French Broad River | Forest Service (USDA Forest Service (Cherokee National Forest)).
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Rising water. Rising over the last 24 hours (discharge up 654%). Keep your way back to the bank in sight and watch the level while you fish. “Rising” is our rule of thumb: more than 10% in discharge or 0.2 ft of gauge height in 24 hours, not a USGS or NWS class.
Flow far above normal. Above the 90th percentile of daily mean flow for this date (USGS class “much above normal”), from 106 years of record. Expect higher, faster water than usual for the season.
hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) Statistics documentation (percentiles of daily mean discharge) (U.S. Geological Survey)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Checked Nov 5, 7:37 PM EST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.
Delayed HarvestBradley Creek, a stream in the Mills River watershed in Pisgah National Forest, about three miles from the North Mills River (not the North Mills itself). Photo: Will Thomas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
North Carolina · about 15 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not Carter CreekThe South Toe River, Yancey County, North Carolina. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Carter Creek.
North Carolina · about 14 mi
Delayed HarvestRepresentative photo · not Mill CreekThe Davidson River at Davidson River Campground, Pisgah National Forest. Photo: USDA / Lance Cheung, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Mill Creek.
North Carolina · about 20 mi
Delayed HarvestRepresentative photo · not Spring CreekThe Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, North Carolina. Photo: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Spring Creek.
North Carolina · about 20 mi
Delayed HarvestRepresentative photo · not Big Laurel CreekThe Tuckasegee River from Old River Road, Bryson City. Photo: Matthew T. Bradley, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Big Laurel Creek.
North Carolina · about 21 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not Newberry CreekThe Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park, Greenville County, South Carolina. Photo: John Foxe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Newberry Creek.
North Carolina · about 21 mi
