The National Forests in North Carolina encompass
over 5,700 miles of streams and 38,000 acres of lakes offering
both warm water and cold water fishing. Some waters are stocked,
while others support wild fish populations.
Some
of the best trout fishing in the state can be found in the Nantahala
and Pisgah National Forests. The Pisgah Forest Fish Hatchery
is a cold water fish hatchery located in Pisgah National Forest
on the outskirts of Brevard. The hatchery raises approximately
½ million trout each year to stock 60 + streams in a
total of 15 counties. The Brook and Rainbow varieties make up
the majority of the trout raised. The Brown trout, the only
native trout in Western North Carolina, is also raised, but
50% fewer than either the Brook and Rainbow varieties. If you
prefer lake fishing, there are numerous lakes and ponds available
for going after largemouth bass and bream.
The Forest Service manages the habitat and protects water quality
in the national forests; the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission regulates fishing. You will need a current license
to fish in Pisgah National Forest. A wonderful place to fly-fish
in Pisgah is where Looking Glass Creek and the Davidson River
meet, approximately eight miles inside the entrance of the Pisgah
National Forest on Highway 276, which crosses the creek just
before curving to the right. Looking Glass Creek is a typical
shallow-running rocky-bottom stream with pockets of deeper water
and the occasional deeper pool. Since it is classified as a
Wild Trout Stream by North Carolina Wildlife, only artificial
lures with a single hook may be used when fishing. A limit of
four fish may be harvested daily and must be at least seven
inches in length. The river is open to fishing year round and
is inhabited by wild rainbow trout, which are easily spooked.
The river is easily accessible as the highway continues to follow
Looking Glass Creek until just below the Cradle of Forestry
Interpretive Center.
Eight
miles from the entrance to
Pisgah National Forest you will come to the most recognizable
natural feature of the Pisgah Region of Pisgah National Forest.
Looking Glass Falls is approximately sixty feet tall and is
a truly spectacular waterfall. There is a good fishing pool
below the falls at the Hwy 276 Bridge and mixed flat and pocket
water upstream. Over-hanging laurel, rhododendron and hardwoods
provide cover for trout and help form the dark pockets which
are fished enthusiastically. Approaching the falls, there are
some larger rocks along the banks which have formed washouts
beneath them; these have been known to have quite a number of
trout.
For more information on fishing in NC National
and State parks, get in touch with the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission.
