Why Fishing Near Waterfalls Can Yield Big Fish
One of the best ways to cool off in western North Carolina is to find a swimming hole at the base of a waterfall. Some popular spots like Looking Glass Falls and Skinny Dip Falls welcome hundreds of residents and tourists during the peak of summer.
In some of the less popular pools, it's big, beautiful trout that like to spend their summer days beating the heat under waterfalls. A few of the reasons trout love waterfall pools include:
- Trout love cold water, and the water at the base of a western North Carolina waterfall is the perfect temperature for trout.
- Trout love to hide, and waterfall pools have plenty of boulders, logs, banks, and other prime hiding places for trout.
- Trout loves food, and many great food opportunities wash down the river over waterfalls, collecting in the pools below.
- Trout love to swim upstream, so it just makes sense that they would end up congregating in the pools at the base of a waterfall where they can swim no farther.
Five Ideas for Where to Fish for Trout Near Waterfalls
Here are a few of the best places to find trout near waterfalls:
- Cullasaja River Gorge: The Cullasaja River flows from Highlands to Franklin, NC. There are several waterfalls and fishing holes along this river.
- Sunburst Falls: Located on the West Fork of the Pigeon River near Canton, NC, Sunburst Falls is a picturesque hidden gem.
- The Tuckaseegee River: Flowing from Jackson County through Whittier, Bryson City, Fontana Lake, the Tuck has several rapids and adjacent pools that make it one of the best trout rivers in the world. It is possible to catch upwards of 30 to 50 fish per day on the Tuckaseegee River.
- Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee River: On the Cherokee Indian Reservation, the Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee River runs right out of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This section of the river has been heavily stocked with fish. Mingo Falls is just one of the picturesque waterfalls near the Raven Fork.
- Backcountry: There are numerous waterfall pools throughout the backcountry of the North Carolina mountains. With the right guide, you can find some incredible fish in these waters.
How to Find the Best Fishing Near Waterfalls
There are almost countless waterfalls in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains. Southwestern North Carolina has the highest concentration of falls on the East Coast.
Finding one is not a problem. It's finding the fish that can prove tricky.
The best way to experience fly fishing in the land of waterfalls is to book a trip with the best guides in the area. Advantages of hiring trout fishing guides include:
- Experience: There is nothing better than experience when it comes to finding the best fish in western North Carolina. Experienced guides can help you find picturesque waterfall settings for your fly fishing excursion.
- Expertise: In addition to the experience of knowing where to find the fish, the right guides will have the expertise of knowing how to catch them. Turning Stone's Fly Fishing guides are well-versed in all the best techniques for catching North Carolina's prized trout.
- Entertainment: Your fly fishing guide needs to be able to provide a fun experience. You will learn a lot more if your guide is not boring you to tears.
When it comes to trout fishing in the presence of a waterfall, you are not going to find a better place to visit than western North Carolina. The guides at Turning Stone's Fly Fishing have the experience and expertise to help you find plenty of fish, and we will keep you entertained as you learn new skills and techniques.
If you are ready for a fly fishing excursion that includes waterfalls and plenty of beautiful trout, give us a call. We are excited to show you just how beautiful and trout-rich the waters are in the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains. If you want a fun vacation with plenty of fish, contact Turning Stone's Fly Fishing today.