Explore The Trout Streams Of Western North Carolina
By TAM Staff
The Tuckaseegee River rises from a series of high headwater streams northeast of Cashiers, N.C. and flows northwest for more than 50 miles through Jackson County. It is the heart of the region’s trout fishing, draining hundreds of miles of clear cold mountain trout streams.
There are small trout streams, where a well-placed dry fly will pluck native brook trout from plunge pools. There are wild rainbow and brown trout that have rarely seen a fly in brawling high-elevation rivers. There are miles of hatchery supported water, where densely populated fish make catching easy. And there are enormous trophy trout that grow wise in a catch-and-release-only setting. Just about any type of trout fishing can be found in the mountains of Jackson County. The fishing is so good they made a fly fishing trail out of it.
The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail is a selection of the best trout waters in Jackson County. Not all of them feed the “Tuck,” but most of them do, and the WNC Fly Fishing trail takes the research out of finding and fishing them.
Starting with the “Tuck” itself, the most popular stretch is in Dillsboro, N.C., where the river is managed under delayed harvest (DH) regulations. From October to June, fishing is catch-and-release only in a roughly 5-mile stretch. It is the most heavily stocked fishery in North Carolina, a fantastic place to catch astounding numbers of fish as well as some big ones. The Tuckaseegee DH is a great fishery; it’s just the tip of the iceberg, though.
Another highlight is Panthertown Creek. It offers seclusion in a gorgeous mountain setting. A 2-mile hike is required to reach the creek in Panthertown Valley, which is known as the “Yosemite of the East” because of its stark rocky bluffs. There are about 3 miles of the trout streams to explore on Nantahala National Forest outside of Cashiers, N.C. The fishing is catch-and-release, artificial-only in one of the state’s largest remaining flows where beautiful native southern Appalachian brook trout thrive.
For those who want to catch a few fish to eat, the trail offers that also. Scott Creek, Savannah Creek, Caney Fork and the West Fork of the Tuckaseegee are just a few hatchery supported flows suitable for taking a few fish from the trout streams home for the grill. There are also wild waters on the trail that allow anglers to keep their catch.
Finally, for anglers seeking the pull of truly giant trout, a 2.2-mile stretch of Raven Fork near Cherokee, N.C. offers a shot at trout in the 20- to 30-inch range. Managed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee, a special license is required to fish Raven Fork for a chance to catch the trout of a lifetime.
These are just a few highlights of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail. The website (www.flyfishingtrail.com) contains descriptions, maps, directions and access points to 15 of the best trout fisheries in the state.