Fly Fishing Near Highlands, NC: Trout Water, Rules and Guides

Highlands sits at the top of several trout rivers. The Cullasaja runs west off the plateau, the Chattooga heads south toward Georgia, and the Whitewater drops east past Cashiers. Most of it is small, steep, cold water. That means wading, short casts and a lot of stepping carefully on slick rock.

Where to fish

The Cullasaja

The river starts at the Lake Sequoyah dam just west of town. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission manages it as Hatchery Supported water from the dam down to the US 64 bridge near SR 1672, outside Franklin. Much of that stretch runs through the steep gorge below US 64, where getting to the water is dangerous. Local anglers use the Goldmine Road bridge, about halfway to Franklin, as the main access point.

The Chattooga

The headwaters of this Wild and Scenic river run through national forest southeast of town. Jackson County’s fishing guide lists it as wild trout water holding browns and rainbows, reached from Whiteside Cove Road or Bull Pen Road. Expect hiking to reach good water, no signs in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness, and a group limit of 10 there. Check the posted sign for the specific rules on the stretch you fish.

Delayed Harvest water

The closest Delayed Harvest streams are the Tuckasegee near Dillsboro and a section of the Nantahala. They are stocked and managed for catch and release through the cooler months, which makes them the best bet for a beginner who wants to catch fish.

North Carolina rules in brief

• License. Anyone 16 or older needs a North Carolina inland fishing license. Nonresidents can buy an annual or a 10-day license, and both cover public mountain trout waters.
• Hatchery Supported. Closed March 1 until 7 a.m. on the first Saturday in April. Otherwise open with no bait restrictions and a 7-trout daily limit.
• Delayed Harvest. From October 1 to the first Saturday in June, catch and release only, single-hook artificial lures only, and no natural bait in your possession. On the first Saturday in June, only anglers under 16 may fish from 6 a.m. to noon. From noon that day through September 30, anyone may keep up to 7 trout a day.
• Wild Trout. Open year round, single-hook artificial lures only, 4 fish a day at least 7 inches long.

Rules change by regulation cycle. Check the NCWRC trout page and the posted sign at each stream before you fish.

Seasons

Delayed Harvest water is catch and release from October through early June, which keeps fish in the river all through fall and spring. Hatchery Supported streams reopen in April with fresh fish. In midsummer, fish early and late, when the water is coolest, or go up into the shaded headwaters.

Guides and gear

Brookings Anglers in Cashiers, about 25 minutes from Highlands, is a large fly shop with a guide service. It offers fly-fishing schools for beginners plus guided wade and float trips, and its Blue Line Bar overlooks Cashiers Lake. A guide is the easiest way to get a mixed group on fish, and they will know which water is fishing well that week.

For kids who just want to catch a fish, Highlands Outpost on NC 106 has trout fishing alongside its coaster and gem mine. See our family adventures guide. If you’re staying at Fairview House, Cliffside Lake is the closest stocked water.