A quintessential mountain town in the valley beside the Hiwassee River, Hayesville has become a favorite getaway location in the southwestern mountains of North Carolina. It became the county seat of Clay County in 1861 and was formally incorporated in 1913. 

In the last decade, the population has jumped nearly 55% as people have begun to discover what life is like in such a beautiful, quiet part of the state. 

Restaurants and breweries are some of the many excellent small businesses that anchor the economy, while the Truett Conference Center & Camp welcomes hundreds of campers and musicians each year. 

The area is conveniently situated between Franklin and Murphy on Highway 64, near the junction with Highway 69. From Asheville, Hayesville is less than two scenic hours away. 

From Atlanta, it is just over two hours through the stunning mountains of north Georgia. 

Some of what attracts people to visit Hayesville includes:

• From the nearby Appalachian Trail to the Tsali Recreation area, Hayesville is just a short drive from almost unlimited hiking and mountain biking trails. 
• Whether you enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, or fly fishing, the Hiwassee River, Ocoee, and Nantahala will keep you busy for days. 
• If you want a relaxing day on the lake, you will be hard-pressed to find one more scenic than Chatuge Lake. 
• When it comes to weather, Hayesville's elevation is high enough for a break from the heat during summer, but the valley is low enough to avoid the harsh winters of other mountain regions. That means you can expect comfortable temperatures any time of the year. 

If you are ready for a getaway, you will not have more fun in nature than going to Hayesville for a fly fishing excursion. Here is what you can do to make sure you have the best fly fishing vacation in western North Carolina. 

Fun Fly Fishing Near Hayesville, NC

The Hiwassee River flows north from Rocky Mountain in Georgia through North Carolina to the east, then north of Hayesville, before it discharges in the Tennessee River in Meigs County, TN. It covers about 147 miles of beautiful southern Appalachian terrain. 

One of the best fishing areas on the Hiwassee River is near the Mission Dam area between Hayesville and Murphy. 

Anglers can expect to find a good mix of large wild rainbow trout as well as some wild brown trout. 

The key to making sure you have the best fly fishing experience is to go with the right guides. 

Book a Fly Fishing Excursion with Turning Stone's Fly Fishing

Turning Stone's Fly Fishing is a full-service, independent fly fishing guide operation in the town of Franklin, in western North Carolina. That means we fish the waters of southwestern North Carolina a lot. 

In fact, though our guides have experienced trout fishing all over the world, we chose to make this area our home base because of the amazing fishing throughout the region. 

Hayesville and the Hiwassee River should be on your list of trout fishing destinations. We will help make sure you fish the right part of the river with the best equipment for the day.

Whether you are a novice or experienced angler, there is so much to learn about where to fish, and you can always improve your technique. 

Contact Turning Stone's Fly Fishing for more information about how you can have the best fly fishing experience in Hayesville, NC. 

Curious about other areas? Here’s another spot we love.