Fishing
 The
Blue Ridge Mountains and the Nantahala National
Forest are well known for the multitude of fantastic
trout streams they hide. In the Highlands and Scaly
Mountain NC area you can visit Cliffside Lake, the
Chattooga River, or Panthertown Creek to catch brook,
brown, and occasionally rainbow trout.
The six acre Cliffside Lake is located to the west
of Highlands in Macon County, between Highlands and
Franklin. It is easily accessible by car and offers
plenty of fishing opportunities, seven hiking
trails, camping areas, and even a scenic waterfall.
This is a popular fishing destination for families
and novices, because it is so easily accessible and
the lake is supported by a hatchery. Nearby, the
Cullasaja River is also a hatchery supported stream
but still contains lots of wild trout because it
receives little fishing pressure. Easy access is
available from the road, and the river remains
wadeable all year long. The Cullasaja is one of the
most scenic rivers in the area, boasting several
gorgeous waterfalls including Cullasaja Falls, the
largest in the area. This is one river where you’ll
definitely want to bring your camera .
The Chattooga River flows through the Ellicott
Wilderness area and is classified as a “Wild and
Scenic River”, and is one of the few remaining
free-flowing rivers in the Southeastern United
States. Brown trout are abundant, and rainbows are
occasionally caught in the Chattooga as well. The
Chattooga is open to fishing all year round. Panthertown Creek is also located in Highlands and
has wild native brook trout. |
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| If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us
828.526.2475,
email
us, or use our online request form. |
