The Western North Carolina region is blessed with incredible fishing opportunities, and getting active with the Tuckaseigee Chapter is one of the best ways to meet passionate anglers eager to share their knowledge on where to go, how to improve your skills, and what to use to find success fishing the rivers and streams we work together to restore.
Listed below are some of our best local and nearby waters with information on the fishing opportunities all around the area. Always be sure to check the state fishing regulations and never hesitate to attend a Tuckaseigee Chapter event to meet people who can answer your questions.
The Tuckaseigee River
The Tuckaseigee is one of our region’s best trout fisheries, renowned for its prolific insect hatches and large, eager trout! Best of all, the decades of restoration work by the Tuckaseigee Chapter to restore the Tuckaseigee habitat and improve its health through tree plantings and other volunteer projects have helped make it even better. Some of the most popular sections to fish are the special delayed harvest section along North River Rd. in Dillsboro, and the more remote waters accessible by hiking in from the Deep Creek Trail along West Deep Creek Rd. near Bryson City. Some of the best fishing on the Tuckaseigee takes place from March 13th to May 31st when the caddis are hatching. Fishing is open from April to February, and along with a North Carolina fishing license, you must also have a trout stamp to fish in the special regulation waters.
Whitewater River
If you are seeking solitude, scenery, and abundant, wild trout, the Whitewater River is the place to be, especially in early April through September! Since 1999, the Tuckaseigee Chapter has helped care for the Whitewater River through community science, support of improved state fisheries management, and annual restoration projects. The entire length of Whitewater River is open year-round to catch and release fishing with flies or artificial lures and wild trout/natural bait. Despite the low pressure, these wild rainbow trout are finicky and spooky and require a stealthy approach and accurate, delicate casts to fool. Be sure to have plenty of nymph flies on hand when you go. Access to the Whitewater River is about 2-3 miles off Highway 107 in Cashiers. After parking, take the unique Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail and follow it to and along the stream. Fishing is open year-round, and along with a North Carolina fishing license, you must also have a trout stamp to fish in the special regulation waters.