Jackson County is home to the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®, which maps out 15 prime spots to catch brown, rainbow and brook trout in the crystal-clear streams of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s also recognized as the North Carolina Trout Capital®, with tens of thousands of fish stocked in its waters annually. This guide tells you all you need to know about where to fish, when to fish and how to fish responsibly here in Jackson County. 

Where to Fish

The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail® in Jackson County features three Mountain Heritage Trout Streams and more than 4,600 miles of water, making it the first and only fly fishing trail in the U.S. With a plethora of brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout, there are plenty of chances to reel in the catch of the day, or even catch of the week, in Jackson County, NC.

The Tuckasegee River is the area’s most well-known fishing river, flowing through Cashiers, Sylva, and Cullowhee. Its cool, clean waters support healthy populations of rainbow, brown and brook trout, with both stocked and wild sections available year-round. In fact, locals call it a “Tuck Grand Slam” if you catch all three fish in the same day. 

Another notable waterway is the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River, which offers quieter fishing conditions and excellent trout habitat, especially in its upper reaches. Numerous smaller tributaries of the Tuckasegee also offer rewarding fishing experiences, often in more secluded, wooded settings. 

Anglers of all experience levels can also fly fish in other standout spots in the area, like Scott Creek, a scenic, easy-to-wade hatchery-supported stream, which is listed as number one on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®. With 10 miles of water to fly fish in, you’re sure to reel in some brown and rainbow trout. (Note that Scott Creek is in designated Mountain Heritage water, which allows a $5.00 three-day license.)

Panthertown Creek and Greenwood Creeks—located in Pantherton Valley, which is known as the Yosemite of the East—are great places to catch brook trout, and the scenery combined with the fishing makes these top-notch locations.

If you’re looking to catch big fish, it’s worth checking out Raven Fork, an over two-mile stretch of water famous for trophy-size trout—golden, brown, rainbow, brook and Donaldson, also known as Super. (It’s worth noting, however, that Ravens Fork requires a special “trophy fly fishing only” permit plus a daily permit.)

Finally, take a look at both Scotsman Creek and Fowler Creek, which flow two-to-three miles into the Chattooga River—which you may remember from the movie Deliverance. There, you can catch both wild brown and rainbow trout there with natural bait. 

For more fishing spots, see the maps below:

When to Fish

The best time to fish in Jackson County, NC, is spring through fall, with peak conditions from April to June and September to October. Spring and fall offer cooler water, active trout and fewer crowds, while summer fishing is best early or late in the day. Check out the Weekly Fishing Report provided by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for the most up-to-date conditions. For more information on fishing season and limits, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Commission. 

Getting Your Fishing License

Before you can cast your line, be sure to get your fishing license. If you’re coming for just a short trip, you can opt for a three-day fishing permit for $8 that provides public access to a trout stream that runs through or is adjacent to 17 participating cities through the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters program. You can also find more information about requirements for fishing in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park here. 

Guides and Outfitters

If you need any gear during your stay, check out Tuckaseegee Fly Shop to pick up essentials and more. If looking for a local guide to show you the ropes or take you to the best spots, check out the following local guides: 

Best Practices

Fishing in Jackson County is a privilege rooted in respect. Anglers are encouraged to follow the principles of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail by committing to responsible, ethical fishing practices, leaving every stream cleaner and healthier than they found it. To further protect water quality and nearby neighborhoods, anglers should use designated public restrooms only while fishing. 

There’s no better place to cast your line than in Jackson County. Start planning your trip today and see what this region offers for fishing and other outdoor adventures.