North Carolina has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping and trout fishing.
Western North Carolina is home to over 3,000 miles of rivers, lakes and streams that are open to the public for trout fishing. Every year, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission closes 1,000 miles of the streams and restocks them with trout, making WNC a popular trout fishing hub.
If you've been planning your next trip to cast a line, we've got you covered! Grab your tackle box, rods and a cooler and head to one of these North Carolina fishing holes.
The Davidson River
With easy access and a healthy trout population, the Davidson River is one of North Carolina's most popular fishing spots. The river contains many trophy-size fish due to their strict catch-and-release policy. While the river is open year round, you're likely to have the most bites in the fall and spring.
- The Upper River - About 14 miles of the river, from its headwaters to Avery Creek, are managed under catch-and-release, fly-fishing-only regulations.
- The Middle River - Below the gorge, the Davidson flattens as it passes over a spillway dam that serves as an intake for the state’s Pisgah Fish Hatchery. Many fishermen leave this area disappointed because the trout have become pickier about what they eat. The most successful anglers keep a low profile, make few false casts, use long tippets, and shun large, bright strike indicators. Make sure to change out your flies often. Below the hatchery, the Davidson enters an area known as Horse Cove offering 10 inch rainbows.
- The Lower River - About half a mile below Horse Cove, the Davidson meets Looking Glass Creek, which itself offers miles of pocket water and plunge pools within easy reach of U.S. Highway 276. These areas hold trout, but newbies often miss the best spots by wading right through them on their way to the obvious hot spots. The pros know better. Wading spooks the big boys, and trout can often be found in water that's barely deep enough to cover their backs.
North Mills River
Beginning at noon on the first Saturday in June and running through the end of September, the waters are open to all anglers with no bait restrictions and a creel limit of seven trout per day. North Mills River has a four-mile section of delayed waters that receives an annual stock of 11,000 trout from NC Wildlife.
The great thing about fishing at North Mills River is the location. North Mills River Campground is open year round with 31 standard sites, plus one site with full hook-up. There are tent pads, fire pits and hot showers and bathrooms. The area is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, providing fun for the entire family.
The South Toe River
This wild trout water has a lot to offer the avid fly fisherman. The river is not heavily fished simply because the nearby stocked waters are easier to access. If you prefer the solitude of being out in the waters with only the trout, this is the spot for you.
The South Toe River is near the Blue Ridge Parkway, off the slopes of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain this side of the Mississippi. It's best to park upstream, hike downstream and fish back upstream to your vehicle in parts of its upper section. While this river isn't as easy to access, the rainbow trout, native brook and wild brown trout make the trek worthwhile.
Contact Vista
These are just some of the fishing holes that the Western North Carolina area has to offer to you. If you are looking to make the Western North Carolina Area your new home or would like more information on building your dream home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, contact Vista Developers today!
