Trout Fishing Hot Spots in North Carolina
There are many attractions that draw people to the North Carolina mountain communities. The state’s beautiful, natural wonders like the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and rolling rivers, lakes and streams are among the many features that come to mind. The waterways are especially alluring for anglers. That’s because this area is best known as a top-notch location for some of the finest trout fishing waters in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s also one of the best places to live near Asheville.
North Carolina trout fishing draws fishermen from all around the country. With more than 3000 miles of streams, rivers and lakes running from North Carolina’s side of the Great Smoky Mountains to the Nantahal and Pisgah Forests, finding the right spot to cast a line can be exhilarating, especially since the payoff can lead to a bountiful bundle of fish. And wildlife officials take extra special care of the waterways to ensure quality restocking of the trout through fish hatcheries.
The sight of fishermen reeling in a catch is a welcome activity among North Carolina mountain communities. The varieties of trout available make this favorite pastime even more rewarding. Both native and imported trout can be found in the chilly waterways of Western North Carolina. The species include Brown, Rainbow, Brook, Golden and Donaldson trout.
In addition to variety, there are also several hot spot locations for North Carolina trout fishing. So there’s no concern to find that special location where all the fish bite has been discovered because there are plenty of locations to explore like the streams listed below.
- Jonathan Creek — Maggie Valley, NC
- Deep Creek — Bryson City, NC
- Valley River — Andrews, NC
- Tallulah River — Robbinsville, NC
- Allen Creek — Waynesville, NC
- Wilson Creek - Lenoir, NC
North Carolina trout fishing is so popular that the first and only fly fishing trail in the country is housed there. There are 15 stops along the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail:
- Fly Fishing Trail
- Scott Creek
- Small Streams
- Caney Fork
- Tanasee Creek
- Panthertown Creek
- Raven Fork
- Whitewater Creek
- Scotsman & Fowler Creeks into Chattooga River
- West Fork Tuckasegee River
- Tuckasegee River
- Savannah Creek
- Tuckasegee River
- Greens Creek
- Tuckasegee River
- Lower Tuckasegee River
Here the catch of the day could include Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout and Wild Trout. Life in Western North Carolina is a dream for any fisherman and North Carolina mountain communities make for a great place to call home. But mountainous living isn’t just for anglers.
Seniors and families flock to the mountain towns of this southern state because of its beauty, tradition and family atmosphere. It’s also close to nearby Asheville. Foodies especially enjoy visiting the city because of its eclectic restaurant scene. It’s no wonder residents of North Carolina mountain communities consider their hometown among the best places to live near Asheville. Communities with river frontage or trout steams within walking distance include The Coves Mountain River Club, Sundrop on Caney Fork, Bright's Creek, Echota, and more.
There is so much to discover in Western North Carolina. A North Carolina trout fishing excursion to the area may be a good way to explore it. And the best part, there’s help. Professionally guided fly fishing trips are available. Due South Outfitters in Boone, NC offer 4, 6 and 8 hours trips. Chetola Fly Fishing Adventures in Blowing Rock, NC offers trips and clinics. And Hookersfly Shop located in Sylva, NC specializes in wade and float trips, so you don’t have to go it alone.
If you're exploring Western North Carolina for retirement, ask for our free Asheville relocation information to help you learn more about the area.
