Tuckasegee River
Affectionately known as “The Tuck,” the Tuckasegee River flows almost the entire length of Jackson County.
Running through the oldest, most bio-diverse mountains in the temperate world, the Tuckasegee is the perfect place for fishing, paddling and kayaking. Its pristine headwaters are sourced deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains with the east fork originating in Panthertown Valley near Cashiers and flowing through several Jackson County towns and communities throughout its 50-mile path.
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Beloved for its beauty as well as the many recreational opportunities it offers to both area visitors and residents, the Tuckasegee is one of the most accessible rivers in the region with many access points and river put-ins.
View a map of all access points in Jackson County.
Anglers can obtain a three-day permit to fish in designated Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, making Jackson County the perfect destination for a weekend of fishing. One of the most popular stretches of the river is located between Webster and Dillsboro, where the river is managed under delayed harvest fishing regulations. From October to the first Saturday in June, fishing is catch-and-release only for a five-mile stretch.
The Tuckasegee also features Class II rapids gentle enough for young kayakers and paddlers. Other popular sports on the river are tubing and canoeing.
Spelling variations abound, with the river’s name seen as Tuckasegee, Tuckaseegee or Tuckaseigee. The word comes from the Cherokee word “Di-gah-se” and means place of the turtle. Several ancient fishing weirs used by early Native Americans to catch fish can be seen along the river. The weirs (in the shape of a ‘V’) are best viewed when the water levels are low.
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