To see images and get directions, click the gold name for each fishing hole : )
For information on fishing licenses, maps and more, please see the note at the end of this article.
1. Firefly Creek
Firefly Creek is a centrally located Airbnb that makes for a great launching spot to all of the fishing holes listed here. With over 300 feet of creek frontage on the property, you’ll be able to wake up, walk out and cast a line. The rainbow trout are normally small here (although the monsters do exist). This is a great place to practice your casts before heading out to the other nearby fishing holes mentioned here. To get an idea for what to expect at this fishing hole, see this facebook post about Firefly Creek (AKA Junaluska Creek). There’s nothing like going asleep to the sound of the creek, which can be heard from inside the 3 bedroom 3 bath home.
2. Choga Road – Nantahala Reservoir
Nantahala Lake, accessible via Choga Road, is a 1,600-acre gem at 3,000 feet elevation, known for its crystal-clear waters and minimal boating traffic. This serene reservoir is home to a unique population of freshwater Kokanee salmon—the only lake in the Southeast with this species—alongside walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, and catfish. The Choga Road Boat Ramp (3360 Big Choga Rd, Topton, NC) offers a single-lane launch with a dock and limited paved parking, ideal for small boats or kayaks. Shoreline fishing with live bait like nightcrawlers or minnows is effective, especially in winter when cooler creek mouths attract fish. Trolling is recommended for salmon, with the state record (4 lb, 1 oz) caught here in 2014. Check Duke Energy’s flow schedule for stable water levels before planning your trip.
3. Wishon’s Fishing Hole – Nantahala River
Located on Wayah Road, about a quarter-mile above the Duke Energy power plant, Wishon’s Fishing Hole is a handicapped-accessible fishing pier on the Upper Nantahala River. This spot is part of the Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, stocked with brook, rainbow, and brown trout from March to November. Catch-and-release rules apply from October to June, requiring single-hook artificial lures. The Upper Nantahala is celebrated for its scenic cascades and healthy populations of wild and stocked trout, making it a favorite for fly anglers. The pier’s accessibility and proximity to five new fish/canoe/kayak access points along Wayah Road make it a convenient and inclusive spot for all anglers.
4. Queens Creek – Queens Creek Lake
Queens Creek Lake, fed by Queens Creek, is a small, tranquil spot in the Nantahala National Forest near Topton, NC. This lake is less crowded than larger reservoirs, offering a peaceful fishing experience for bass, bluegill, and trout. The surrounding creek is a wild trout stream, home to native brook trout, especially in its upper reaches. Access is via forest roads, and wading is ideal for fly fishing with dry flies during warmer months. The area’s remote setting rewards anglers with solitude and stunning scenery, but be mindful of private property boundaries near the lake.
5. Valley River – Wilhide Street
In Andrews, NC, the Valley River at Wilhide Street, while less scenic than the other options here, is a hidden gem for trout and smallmouth bass fishing. This medium-sized freestone stream flows through the heart of Andrews, offering easy access for wade fishing. The river is hatchery-supported, with regular stockings of rainbow and brown trout, and also supports wild fish populations. Its gentle flow and clear waters make it suitable for beginners, while deeper pools challenge seasoned anglers. Local fly shops recommend small nymphs or caddis patterns for trout. The Wilhide Street access point is centrally located, with parking and nearby amenities in downtown Andrews. We recommend hoppy trout for pizza and the tattered pub for beer.
6. Tsali Boating Access Ramp – Bryson City, NC
Located on Fontana Lake near Bryson City, the Tsali Boating Access Ramp provides entry to one of the region’s largest reservoirs. Fontana Lake is renowned for its smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. The ramp, part of the Nantahala National Forest, offers ample parking and is ideal for launching boats or kayaks. Shoreline fishing is limited, but trolling with crankbaits or live bait near submerged structure yields big catches. The Tsali area also offers hiking and biking trails, making it a great spot for a multi-activity day trip. Be cautious of fluctuating water levels due to dam releases.
7. Sawmill Creek – Kayak River Fishing Access
Sawmill Creek, a tributary of the Nantahala River, is a lesser-known spot accessible via kayak or canoe. This wild trout stream is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and teems with native brook and rainbow trout. The creek’s narrow, forested setting requires precise casting, making it a favorite for experienced fly anglers. Kayak access points along the Nantahala River allow you to paddle to Sawmill Creek’s confluence, where deeper pools hold larger fish. Dry flies and small nymphs work best in summer. The remote location ensures solitude but demands careful navigation and respect for the pristine environment. Up the road a little further, you can also check out this fishing hole.
8. Indian Boundary Lake – Off the Cherohala Skyway
Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border along the Cherohala Skyway, Indian Boundary Lake is a 96-acre reservoir in the Cherokee National Forest, just a short drive from Andrews, NC. This high-elevation lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also holds bass, bluegill, and catfish. Its calm waters are perfect for canoeing or kayak fishing, with a public boat ramp and shoreline access. The surrounding forest and scenic views make it a picturesque spot, especially in fall. Live bait or small spinners work well for trout, while jigs target bass. Camping at Indian Boundary Campground enhances the experience for multi-day trips.
Additional Fishing Spots in Andrews, NC
Beyond the Valley River, Andrews offers several other noteworthy fishing locations:
- Fires Creek: Located just outside Andrews, Fires Creek is a beautiful wild trout stream loaded with rainbow and brown trout. Its remote setting and challenging wading make it best for experienced anglers. Access is via Fires Creek Road, with multiple pull-offs. Dry flies and small streamers excel in summer.
- Snowbird Creek: Near Robbinsville, a short drive from Andrews, Snowbird Creek is a pristine wild trout stream with strong populations of rainbow and brown trout. Its upper reaches are home to native brook trout. The creek’s rugged terrain requires hiking, but the fishing rewards are worth it. Use light tippets and small flies for best results.
Important Notes & Links
Fishing Map
Get Your Fishing License for Nantahala
We recommend the nonresident inland fish 10-day license. This covers lake fishing and rivers, and is the safest license to get.
