Wade fishing in Franklin North Carolina

Boats have always been a big part of my life, and still are. I was a fishing guide in Sarasota, Florida for over 30 years. I now spend a lot of time in Franklin, North Carolina. I still use my skiff, however a lot of my fishing is done while wading. That is what I will cover in this article.

It may sound simple, but as in all fishing techniques, there are nuances to it. The number one consideration is safety. Smaller streams usually pose little threat. However, the larger rivers can be dangerous, especially when there are releases from the dams. There is also the issue of waders versus wet wading.

Whenever possible, I really enjoy wet wading. There is nothing better than being in nice cool water on a hot summer afternoon casting for smallmouth bass! Late in spring and again in early fall, I will wet wade the trout streams as well. However, when it gets cold waders are a must.

Wading in Franklin, NC

There are several options when in comes to waders. The price drastically varies as well. Anglers fishing small streams can opt for inexpensive hip boots. I use simple one piece waders that run around $150. The best option in terms of quality are waders with boots. This can get expensive but are worth it for the serious angler. A wading staff is a great accessory to have, especially for us “seasoned” anglers! It will definitely reduce slips and falls.

In most cases, the best approach is to cast across the stream. This allows the offering to drift down and across the current. This is particularly true with lures and flies under an indicator. Most often, I fish a spot then work my way downstream.

Fishing techniques

I am not going to go too deep into this, as it is covered in other articles. For trout fishing, I like both fly and spin fishing. For lures, my favorite is the 1/16 ounce Rooster tail spinner. A slow, steady retrieve works best. A Trout Magnet fished under a float is my second choice. Small Rapalas and spoons work well in the larger bodies of water. For flies, I like to drift a peach egg under an indicator. I made add a nymph on it. Junk flies such as squirmy worms, mop flies, and Pats rubber leg flies work as well. For dry flies any attractor pattern can produce.

My favorite lure for smallmouth bass is a jerkbait. It covers a lot of water and strikes are easy to detect. I like the 08 Rapala X rap. Second choice would be a 1/4 ounce Beetle Spin spinnerbait.

Best waters for wading in Franklin, North Carolina

Franklin North Carolina has quite a variety of streams and river, ranging from the upper Nantahala which is a small native trout stream to the mighty Tuckasegee. All can be very productive and are wadable with decent public access. I will list these waters along with some techniques.

Little Tennessee River

The Little Tennessee River, locally known as “the LT” flows right through Franklin. A dam creates Lake Emory. There is a lot of silt and that is not wadeable. However, anglers can fish from shore with a lot of access off of the Greenway. There is a nice access area off of Riverside Rd on the upper Little Tennessee River. There are small bass, bream, and the occasional trout. There is access at the 28 bridge a few miles down from the dam. Locals call this “Franklin Beach”. From the beach down to where Tellico Creek comes in, there is not much public access.

From Tellico Creel to Fontana Lake is ideal wading smallmouth bass water! There are runs, rapids, pools, many, many boulders and is the quintessential smallmouth stream! There is a ton of access off of Needmore Rd and several kayak launches. There are many pull-offs just a few steps from the water. Smallmouth bass rule, but I have caught rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, red horse, bream, crappie, and even walleye in this stretch!

Wading is pretty straightforward, however care must be taken. The river will come up fast after a rain and get muddy. Anglers should avoid the river during these times. Also, there are some deeper holes, slippers rocks, and fast current at times. While it is relatively safe, care needs to be taken.

Cullasaja River

The Cullasaja River flows from Highlands into the Little Tennessee River in Franklin. It runs through a steep gorge before flattening out. The upper section has decent access off of Gold Mine Rd, Turtle Pond Rd, and Highlands Rd. There are plenty of pull-offs. There are very steep sections but a lot of places with an easy, short walk to the water. Wading is pretty easy. This is trout fishing, both stocked and a lot of native fish as well. The lower section has good access from River Road and gets stocked in the spring. I have caught bream and little smallmouth as it warms up.

Cartoogechaye Creek

Cartoogechaye Creek is a little stream that begins a few miles west of Franklin and flows into the Little Tennessee River. It is heavily stocked and is easy to wade and fish. There are two really good spots to access the creek. One is Parker Meadows Sports Complex east of town and the other is Veterans Park right in Franklin. The creek is easy to wade and has good fishing up until July of so.

Burningtown Creek

Burningtown Creek is a pretty little stream 20 minutes outside of Franklin to the north. It is stocked, very easy to wade, and does not get a ton of pressure. There is limited access, however. It is a good option after a rain as it is higher up and clears faster. It is stocked through July.

Tuckasegee River

The Tuckasegee River, also known as “the Tuck” is a top trout fishing river in western North Carolina. It is heavily stocked and also heavily fished. There is very good access off of 107 and River Rd in Webster. It flows from Cedar Cliff and Glenville lakes to Fontana Lake. While access and fishing are good, this is not the easiest river to wade in certain parts. The entire river is stocked, however the Delayed Harvest sections in Webster and Bryson City get most of the attention. The section down from Sylva is best floats, wading is downright dangerous. Also, it is important to check the flows and release schedules, the water can come up fast. There are a lot of slippery rocks and deeper holes.

Nantahala River

The Nantahala is a gorgeous trout stream! It was voted one of the top 100 rivers in the country. The upper headwaters are accessible from the Standing Indian Campround area. This area is not stocked; these are native fish. This is technical fishing and not easy, but it is beautiful and rewarding. Wading requires a lot of climbing around rocks, but is safe and easy.

The lake comes next. The rest can be confusing. A pipe carries water several miles down river. Just past the dam is called the “upper Nantahala”, though it really isn’t. This is stocked and is good dry fly water. A road runs parallel, but it can be steep in spots. Next in line is the Delayed Harvest section. It runs from White Oak Creek to the powerhouse. It is very accessible, easily waded, and well stocked. There are a lot of rocks but the river isn’t very wide.

From the Powerhouse down river to Fontana, it all depends on if they are pushing water. When they are not, which is mostly early and late, it is a modest little stream. When the water is running, it is NOT safe to wade! Anglers can fish from shore. There is a ton of recreational traffic (rafts, canoes) in the warmer months. This section does give up some big trout!

In conclusion, this article on wade fishing in Franklin North Carolina will help anglers catch more fish!