Luis Suau
Since I was a kid, I have been fascinated by two things: fishing and the outdoors. For generations, all males in our family were very competitive recreational fisherman. From deep sea to shore fishing, freshwater or salt, hooking fish in open waters has been a constant part of my life. But around 10 years ago, things changed a bit. I had my first experience of fly fishing in the Eno River and I got hooked.
The Eno River is not a wide river by any means, but it’s clean, beautiful and has what every fisherman wants: fish and access. This river, named after the Eno Indians who lived in the region, is mostly a shallow stream that flows from Orange County into Durham County for 33 miles before joining the Flat River to become the Neuse River and finally arriving at Falls Lake.
In its deepest areas, the Eno can reach over 20 feet and can accommodate powerboats.
Most of the recreation areas are within the Eno River State Park. The park has about 17 trails with close to 28 miles for hiking, most of them moderate in difficulty and ranging from half to four miles long.
There are 5 main access areas with facilities, (Cabelands, Cole Mill, Fews Ford, Pleasant Green, and Pump Station) with Cole Mill, Fews Ford and Pleasant Green being the only ones with official canoe access.
As an outdoor man, one of the most appealing aspects of the Eno is the immense beauty and seclusion of the area. As a fisherman the fact that the water is clean, and the fish are plentiful and healthy make this my favorite river.
Most of the trails are along the river and enjoy a mixture of shade and sunlight. When it comes to fly fishing in the Piedmont, the Eno has to be one of the best places in the area. Fish here are not huge, but the combination of the setting and the challenge of finding the fish behind rocks or inside coves or behind structures make for a remarkable experience.
Among the fish that can be found in the Eno, Largemouth, Sunfish, White Bass, Roanoke Bass, Chubs and Catfish are predominant. During November, however, in the area closer to Falls Lake near the boat ramp at Red Mill Road area, crappie is king. They follow schools of migrating shads upstream from Falls Lake. The area is limited if you go on foot, but if you have a boat or kayak, this is the place to be for crappie. However, there is an area near the Red Mill Road Bridge or from the boat ramp that you can walk downstream as far as the Flat River but not everyone likes to venture that far.
When I go, I focus on the other areas that have provided enjoyment earlier and they might not be fished as often. My favorite spot is Penny’s Bend. I go with an ultra-light fly rod and use suspended minnows or worm fly. I usually use full waders to leave the trail and venture into the river as some areas might be waist deep, and during winter, fish will hold in deeper water.
I start right at the main entrance and make my way up stream. The area is picturesque and quiet and many times I find myself lost admiring the place. It is hard to imagine a place that is so close to urban civilization and yet so pristine. My second choice is Few’s Ford. This area is an easy walk with good productivity and mainly shallow water.
If you are not interested in fishing, visit the area and go for an easy and scenic hike; you will not regret it and will probably come again. If you do, stay on the trails as leafy areas might have ticks or poison ivy. Also wear shoes with good traction as, after rainy days, trails might have exposed roots or mud.
BTW, the Eno River Association offers a series of Sunday winter and spring hikes starting Jan. 1exploring different areas of the park. Check schedule at enoriver.org website.
Before visiting the area, check the website (ncparks.gov/eno-river-state-park) for rules, regulations and current information. Also check the weather. For example, currently, Holden Mill Trail and Pump Station Trail are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Florence. Also verify the open and closing times as each access area has different hours. N.C. fishing license is required.
In the park, some of the permitted recreational activities include hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and backcountry individual and group camping. The trails are walking only so bicycles and e-bikes are not allowed.
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. Also, be sure to follow all the NC park rules and regulations as they apply in Eno River. Questions? Call the park office (919-383-1686) or email them at eno.river@ncparks.gov.
More knowledge and preparation before your visit will only increase your chances for a wonderful experience. The rest is on you to go out and enjoy the Eno River.