2. The Upper Watauga River, though less famous than the tailrace portion in Tennessee, offers Delayed Harvest trout fishing in scenic Valle Crucis, NC a few miles off NC 105. The DH portion extends from the bridge at NC 194 near upstream about a mile. The Valle Crucis park provides great access to a short length of the river. The river’s character reflects that of the idyllic valley through which it flows, nonchalantly meandering along its course. This is a good place to test your luck fly fishing the modest gradient runs and riffles. Note that I noticed a sign warning of whirling disease on a recent visit to the Valle Crucis park, so be sure to take adequate precautions with your gear to prevent its spread. As an aside, you may want to visit the Mast General Store or satisfy your sweet tooth at the candy store while you are in Valle Crucis.
3. Wilson Creek's portion of Delayed Harvest water also provides some great action. The mild gradient DH section is nestled between the rugged Hatchery Supported lower stretch of creek in the gorge and the remote Catch and Release upper portion of the stream. The DH section is accessible from gravel Brown Mountain Beach Road and NC 90 near Mortimer, NC. The Wilson Creek area is known for some impressive flooding after heavy rains, so keep this in mind before heading to the creek.
202 l February 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com