Highlands, NC: One of the Best Fishing Destinations in Western North Carolina

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  May 20, 2026

Highlands, NC: One of the Best Fishing Destinations in Western North Carolina

If you haven't spent time fishing in Highlands, you're missing one of the better-kept secrets in Western North Carolina.

The area around Highlands sits at over 4,000 feet elevation and is surrounded by some of the most productive trout water in the Southeast. Within an hour's drive, there are more than 2,200 miles of rivers, streams, and lakes. That's not a typo. The mountains funnel cold, clean water into some genuinely world-class fisheries — and most of them don't get nearly the traffic of more famous spots.

Here's a look at the best water in the area.

Rivers and Streams

Chattooga River — The upper section above Iron Bridge on Bull Pen Road is native trout water. Single hook artificial lures only, four fish, seven-inch minimum. The river holds a good mix of brown and rainbow trout and rewards careful wading — it's got deep holes and shelf rock throughout. Access via a trail that follows the river for about two miles upstream from Iron Bridge.

Cullasaja River — This is the scenic drive between Highlands and Franklin on Hwy 64, and the river running below it is just as good as the view. Stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. The stretch between Turtle Pond Bridge and Gold Mine Bridge has plenty of pull-offs with easy access. Waterfalls make it beautiful and require extra caution.

Davidson River — In the Pisgah National Forest north of Brevard, the Davidson offers some of the best wild trout water in the region. The section below Avery Creek is known for large browns. Drive east on Hwy 64 from Cashiers toward Brevard, then north on Hwy 276 into the Pisgah.

Nantahala River — Named one of the Top 100 Trout Streams in the U.S., the Nantahala is about 52 miles from Highlands. Classic freestone water with good runs, pools, and pocket water. Strong hatches in spring and fall make it an excellent dry fly destination. Delayed harvest section runs October 1 through June 1.

Tuckaseegee River — The largest river in the Highlands-Cashiers area. The six-mile delayed harvest section from Western Carolina University to Hwy 441 in Dillsboro is stocked heavily from October through June, with 30-to-40-fish days possible in early spring. Catch and release only during that period.

Panthertown Creek — The headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckaseegee wind through Panthertown Valley, which locals call the "Yosemite of the East." Twenty miles of native brook trout streams — stained brown with tannic acid and full of character. Remote enough to feel like a real backcountry experience.

Tanasee Creek — Named one of the Ten Best Places to Go Fly Fishing in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. Part of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, the only designated fly fishing trail in the country. Wild brown trout in scenic Nantahala National Forest.

Whitewater River — Accessible via angler paths above the Hwy 281 bridge, south of Cashiers near the South Carolina state line. The paths are faint but the river is worth finding.

Lakes

Lake Glenville — A 1,470-acre reservoir with mountain views and depths reaching 80 feet off the shoreline. Good for walleye and bass in spring near the falls and rocky areas. Trout and walleye move shallower in fall. Has two ADA-accessible fishing areas at Pine Creek and the Powerhouse Site.

Local Outfitters

If you want a guided experience or need to gear up, two local shops are worth calling:

- Brookings Anglers, 273 Spring Street, Highlands — 828-482-9444 - Highland Hiker, 601 Main Street, Highlands — 828-526-5298

Family-Friendly Spots

- Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & VanHook Glade — Stocked trout, small usage fee. 14014 Highlands Road, 828-526-5912 - Harris Lake Park — Bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, white bass, and northern pike. 1241 Leonard Street, Highlands, 828-526-3556 - Highlands Outpost — Stocked trout fishing with gear provided. 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, 828-526-3737 - Sapphire Valley Resort (Fairfield Lake) — Bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Fishing gear available to rent. 100 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, 828-619-0097

Before You Go

You'll need a North Carolina fishing license, available at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission manages seasons and regulations — check current rules for bait type, size limits, and creel limits before you head out.

Whether you're planning a trip to Highlands or already live here, the fishing alone is worth the drive.