By Andrew Guion
Where do I start? Maybe the best way is to tell you where to find Ashe County. We are located in the northwest corner of North Carolina, bordered by Tennessee and Virginia. Towns that you might recognize are Todd, West Jefferson, Jefferson, Lancing and Glendale Springs. Ashe County, The Coolest Corner of North Carolina, has some of the best fishing available in several states. With over 70,000 trout stocked, it is hard to beat. There is mile after mile of great fishing.
Ashe County is proud to have two Mountain Heritage Trout Waters stocked with Delayed Harvest Trout by the NC Wildlife Resource Commission. The first is a 1/2 mile section of the South Fork of the New River in Todd, which includes Todd Island Park. The second is Lansing Mountain Heritage Water, a 2-1/2 mile section of Big Horse Creek from the SR 1325 bridge to the North Fork of the New River. The Lansing Creeper Trail Park offers a number of fishing spots including a handicap fishing pier and a number places for picnicking
Ashe County has developed a fishing map that has public access and parking and can be viewed at http://www.fishashe.com. There are Delayed Harvest, Hatchery Supported, Wild Trout and Catch and Release waters. Now, at this reading, the Delayed Harvest is over but that does not mean that the fishing is over. Once the temperature rises, the small mouth fishing turns on! Both the North Fork and the South Fork of the New River become great small mouth fisheries. You can wade fish, kayak fish, or canoe fish. Plus, there are several outfitters that will put you on the water and pick you up. Lists of outfitters can be found at https://ashechamber.com/outdoor.php under âWater Sportsâ.
Moreover, the smallies are very cooperative. There is no need to get up early, since they get active mid-morning through the middle of the afternoon and then again late in the afternoon. You have time to have coffee and a casual breakfast, relax and enjoy the mountain air.
There are many lodging options: cabins, Holiday Inn Express, and more. (See https://ashechamber.com/directory.php and select âAccommodationsâ) In the evening you can enjoy art, shopping, great food, live music, and entertainment in the many establishments in the county. Plus, there are always things going on that you can review on the Ashe Chamberâs event calendar. Check it out at http://thecoolestcorner.com. Come and check out Ashe County and see for yourself why itâs The Coolest Corner of North Carolina!
Andrew Guion is a Board Member of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, Co-Owner of The Hotel Tavern, and an avid angler.