Broad Riverkeeper

10/07/2026

🚨 Take Action to protect the Clean Water Act & our waterways 🚨

The Clean Water Act is under threat—and here in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, that could have major consequences for the rivers, streams, wetlands, and communities we call home.

On September 9, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers released a supplemental proposal that would dramatically narrow which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act. Under the proposal, many streams and tributaries would lose federal protection if they do not have water flowing continuously throughout the entire year. Wetlands could also lose protection unless they meet extremely narrow requirements for their connection to other protected waters.

We need your voice right now. The comment deadline is this Friday, October 9. Tell EPA and the Army Corps: Keep our waters protected.

The Clean Water Act is under threat—and here in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, that could have major consequences for the rivers, streams, wetlands, and

09/29/2026

PSA from Duke Energy, Cliffside facility

"Cliffside Portage Trail Closure – Broad River

The Cliffside Portage Trail on the Broad River near the Duke Energy Cliffside Dam will be temporarily closed beginning approximately September 21, 2026, through the end of 2026 to allow for construction associated with a new low-head dam warning sign installation. During this period, the portage route around the dam will be unavailable. Paddlers should plan alternate trips and avoid entering the closed work area. Additional updates will be posted as construction progresses and a reopening date becomes available."
"This information is also posted on our website at the Water Access Alerts page, and we have made Jason Creegan and Adam Powell at NCWRC aware of the portage closure.
We would appreciate your helping us get the word out to paddlers in the area."

Y'all stay safe out there.

09/16/2026

Going back to church this Saturday for the 11th annual Sarah Sweep! Join us at the Double Shoals Cotton Mill at 10am for the river cleanup, or come for the best BBQ and local live music at 5pm.
Double Shoals Cotton Mill
https://mountaintrue.org/event/11th-annual-sarah-sweep-and-first-broad-river-festival-in-shelby-nc/.

09/11/2026

We went back after this big strainer in the First Broad River, and opened up a path through. Ready for the Sarah Sweep cleanup next Saturday.
Thanks volunteers!
https://mountaintrue.org/event/11th-annual-sarah-sweep-and-first-broad-river-festival-in-shelby-nc/

09/08/2026

7th Annual Fish Tourney results:
2026 Award for Broad's Best Angler is a tie!
Co-champions Ashton Crider and Adam Anthony both had a 3 fish total of 55 inches! Nice work!
Broad's Biggest Bass goes to Ashton Crider for a lovely 20.25 inch smallie! Congrats!
During the last few days of the tournament, we had reports from lots of fishermen who were catching record numbers of nice bass, proof that the Broad River post-Helene is still one of the best bass fisheries in the Southeast!
Thanks for all the good sportsmanship and fun fishing the Broad. Keep those lines tight!

09/07/2026

Lots of beautiful fish posted over the weekend. Keep catching!

09/04/2026

3 days left in the Broad River Fish Tourney, and man they are biting! David R and I caught and released about 50 bass today. The duo in front of us said they caught 75. The water is low and clear, and feels so good in this heat. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend! Get in the river if you can.

09/03/2026

That's a wrap for Swim Guide sampling this year. If this graphic of results looks familiar, that's because this has pretty much been the story all summer. While most of our recreational sites have shown good to excellent bacterial water quality throughout the summer, the site at Lawndale Beach has not had good water quality in regard to bacteria. Even when the water has been low and clear, bacteria levels have been high. I suspect cows in the creeks and poultry manure runoff from farm fields that adjoin the river and streams is contributing to the poor water quality.
If any of you locals know of other pollution sources, such as septic or sewage issues, please let me know.
Enjoy your long Labor Day Holiday weekend and find some water to cool off in!
Locations pictured are the Broad River Greenway, Double Shoals on the First Broad, Broad River below Lake Lure, and Coxe Road access on the Broad.

The Swim Guide
MountainTrue

09/01/2026

Successful assessment of the Broad River fish community today! My friend David R caught 12 smallies in about 2 miles, and took the lead in the Fish Tourney with a 3 fish total of 49 inches. Get out there, the water is gorgeous and the fish are biting!