There’s a solution, but it’s a secret. Well, it’s not necessarily a well-kept secret, but there are miles upon miles of backcountry fishing spots available for anglers who know where to look. However, fishing in the wrong place could get you in all kinds of trouble. In this article, we are helping anglers like yourself find solitude in the best backcountry fishing areas in western North Carolina.
What Is Backcountry Fishing?
Hundreds of miles of truly wild trout water can be found in western North Carolina. From high-altitude native brook trout to streams with wild brown and rainbow trout, there’s something for everyone. Some secret fishing locations are right off the beaten path, while others are miles away and hardly fished.
Backcountry fly fishing lets anglers take on new challenges away from what can be crowded waters in our area. In these areas, you will often find some of the most beautiful trout in the world. The colors on these fish will be the perfect representation of how trout species should appear.
These waters may not be the easiest to fish, but with the right guide, even beginners will be able to enjoy the challenge of fishing in the backcountry.
Why Are Some Fishing Locations Kept Secret?
You may be wondering why some locations are kept secret. A few of the reasons not all fly fishing locations are public knowledge include:
- Private Land: Some of the best-kept secret locations are on private property. It is possible that your fly fishing guide will have access to some of these private locations.
- Terrain: Western North Carolina is rugged. While rivers like the Tuck and Nantahala are relatively easily accessible, some of the best fishing may require a strenuous and potentially dangerous hike.
- GPS: Some locations may be outside of cell phone service, meaning you could easily get lost with no way to call for help.
- Currents: Experienced local guides know precisely where to fish in the backcountry. You may get a tip on an area, but it’s easy to get the exact location wrong by a few tenths of a mile, potentially putting you on the part of the water that is dangerous.
- Mystique: Sometimes, guides keep areas secret because, frankly, they don’t want the word to get out. They like to know they have somewhere off the beaten path to enjoy their sport and profession.
Regardless of the reason an area is kept secret, if there’s good fishing to be found, there is likely a guide who knows how to get you there.
Fires Creek, North Carolina Fly Fishing
Fires Creek is one such secret location that in-the-know anglers enjoy. This fishing area is located about fifteen miles northeast of Murphy and about fifteen miles northwest of Hayesville in Clay County. Many people know about the Hiwassee that runs through both towns, but they may not have heard of Fires Creek.
The Fires Creek picnic area is about two miles from Highway 64 on Forest Service Road #340. You can find it on your preferred navigation app on your smart device. However, whether you are in the backcountry or not, to get the most out of your trout fishing experience, you should always go with an experienced guide.
Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing
As participants and coaches of premier fly fishing teams, the guides at Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing have fished all over the world. While we have enjoyed our experiences, we chose to make our homes here in western North Carolina. Hands down, some of the best trout waters are right here in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
If you would enjoy a backcountry fly fishing excursion, you won’t find more experienced guides than the team here at Turning Stone’s. For your next trout fishing trip in western North Carolina, schedule a tour with us today.