Highlights

•  Superb Fly Fishing Opportunities 
•  Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout are stocked here 
•  Hatchery Supported "Delayed Harvest Waters" Designation 
•  Between October 1st and the First Saturday in June you must treat these waters as "Catch & Release" and single-hook artificial  lures only 
•  Beginning the first Saturday in June you may harvest trout under the "Hatchery Supported" regulations (live bait, 7 trout limit)
•  TIP:  Great fishing spot for KIDS under 16 years of age to have a blast catching fish JUNE 4, 2011 starting at 6:00 AM

The Local Scoop

We recommend this stretch of the Nantahala River to the entire family and especially those who fly fish. The Nantahala is world famous for it's fly fishing waters. Folks come from all over to fish for North Carolina mountain trout. This stretch of river is designated as "Delayed Harvest Waters" and there are regulations one needs to be aware of mentioned in the highlights portion of this page.
You will have the chance to hook into some large fish that will keep you coming back for more. Expect to find classic runs and pools to challenge your fishing skills. Easy access along this stretch of river makes the fishing that much more enjoyable. Pack a lunch while you take a break on the river's edge and listen as the water flows by on it's way to nearby Fontana Lake. Your geographic location is the extreme Northwest corner of Macon County. The three counties of Macon, Swain and Graham come together a couple of miles from here. Also located down stream and off of US Hwy-19 East is the Nantahala Outdoor Center where you can access the Appalachian Trail, go river rafting, eat, shop and maybe even catch one of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad's trains that stop here. So enjoy the great fishing and make sure it is the right time of year if you plan on keeping some for supper!

The Local Directions

From intersection of U.S. Hwy -64 W and U.S. Hwy-23/441 North in Franklin take Hwy-64 W towards Murphy, NC for 3.8 miles to "Old Murphy Road" on your right (Wayah Bald Sign). After the right, travel 0.2 mile to a left onto Wayah Road. There is a convenience store/gas station on the left as well called, "Loafers Glory," turn left here. Follow Wayah Road for approx. 28 miles passing by Nantahala Lake and through Topton, NC. As you work your way past the lake you will eventually see White Oak Creek running beside the road on your left. The road continues to follow the creek for a few miles to where it eventually joins the Nantahala River. This is the start of "Delayed Harvest" regulations.  You will also notice the "Old River Road" coming in to meet Wayah Road on the left, exactly where White Oak Creek meets the Nantahala River.  We recommend pulling onto the "Old River Road" to look up stream for a nice waterfall and pool on White Oak Creek.  There are multiple pull-off spots along Wayah Road to park and start fishing from.

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Coordinates

35.250245,-83.641448

Access

Easy via Wayah Road pull-offs

Nearest City

Franklin

County

Macon County

Distance From

Powerhouse/U.S. Hwy-19, 3.7 miles
Nantahala Outdoor Center, 12 miles
Franklin, 28 miles