Trout streams in Western North Carolina are cold, clean streams swiftly moving under and over rocky terrain. The wild brook, rainbow, and brown trout are part of the culture and history of these mountains.
This region is home to diverse trout streams, many of which are open for public fishing, subject to the rules and regulations of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission:
Please note: As of January 2025, NC Wildlife began assessing Hatchery Supported and Delayed Harvest locations in McDowell County. These assessments "consider whether each location is in an active disaster recovery area, has major stream damage impacts, has parking and access infrastructure damage, and whether the location can safely be accessed by stocking trucks and anglers".
Click here to learn more about each of the stream classifications and their associated regulations, open seasons, and signs.
Check out the N.C. Interactive Fishing Access Map for more information on specific locations, including driving directions and the fish species you’ll find there.
Delayed Harvest Trout Waters (more info)
- Mill Creek (McDowell County)
- North Toe River (Mitchell County)
- Cane River (Yancey County)
Hatchery Supported Trout Waters (more info)
- Elk River (Avery County)
- Little Buck Creek (McDowell County)
- North Fork Catawba River (McDowell County)
- (Rocky) Broad River (Rutherford and Henderson counties)
- Swannanoa River (Buncombe County)
- (Big) Hungry River (Henderson County)
- North Pacolet River (Polk County
- Wilson Creek (Caldwell County)
Many of the streams throughout Pisgah National Forest also fall under the Wild Trout Waters classification.
Fishing in Old Fort — A Mountain Heritage Trout Town
The town of Old Fort is designated as a state Mountain Heritage Trout Town, which allows the public to access a 0.7-mile section of Mill Creek between Main Street and the I-40 bridge.
The creek is classified as a delayed-harvest trout stream. Anyone wishing to fish can purchase a special 3-day Mountain Heritage Trout Water license for $8, and anyone who already has an inland fishing license does not need to purchase an additional license.
Leave your rod and reel at home? No problem! Visit the Mountain Gateway Museum to take advantage of the Tackle Loaner Program where you can check out a rod and reel for the day, just like a library book! Youth under 16 can also receive a free mini-tackle box when they register with the program. Borrowed equipment should be returned before the close of business the same day.
Who needs a fishing license?
Youth under the age of 16 may fish without a license. Anyone 16 or older needs to purchase a license before heading out to the stream — even if you’re going with a guide.
Short-term, annual and lifetime licenses for inland fishing — as well as the Mountain Heritage Trout Water License — may be purchased online here or by phone at 888-248-6834, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bonus tip: Your inland fishing license will also allow you to fish for many varieties of popular game fish at Lake James State Park.
Download the full guide to public mountain trout waters in McDowell County here.
