During a recent stay at at Rocky Point Lake Glenville, I decided to attempt to combine my passions for hiking and fly fishing and embarked on an unforgettable fly fishing excursion in Panthertown Valley.
Panthertown Valley, often referred to as the “Yosemite of the East,” encompasses over 10,000 acres of protected land within the Nantahala National Forest. Located near Cashiers in Jackson County, this wilderness area boasts a unique topography characterized by deep gorges, granite rock faces, and a network of headwaters and cascading waterfalls. The valley’s extensive trail system and ecological and geographical variety makes it my favorite place in the area to hike. On previous hikes I had noticed a number of seemingly amazing fly fishing holes but I had never tried to fish it myself.
After a bit of research I confirmed my suspicions that fly fishing in Panthertown Valley offers anglers a chance to engage with nature in its purest form. The area’s cool, clear waters are home to thriving populations of wild brook trout. The serene ambiance, coupled with the challenge of navigating through rugged terrain, creates an ideal setting for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike.
So my friend Rick and I packed up our fly rods, backpacks and hiking gear and set off for what was perhaps one of the most magical days I have spent in Western North Carolina. We hiked all day, caught countless brook trout in the small streams of the valley and made memories that will last a lifetime so much so that I felt the need to share our experience in this blog to offer others the opportunity to mirror the magical day we had. So next time you are at Lake Glenville make sure to pack your fly reels and hiking gear and head off to Panthertown Valley.
What to pack before you go to Panthertown Valley in Western North Carolina
Panthertown Valley is an immense area so perhaps the most important thing to pack is a trail map. While there are online maps like www.alltrails.com that can work well, I strongly recommend getting a printed copy of Burt Kornegay’s “A Guide’s Guide to Panthertown”. You can buy this online from the link provided or stop into Highland Hiker in Cashiers and they usually have copies on the desk for about $12.
Beyond the map and good hiking clothes (water proof boots are a must) you’ll want to have a backpack to carry all the essentials such aswater, snacks and your fly fishing gear. If the weather is warm enough I recommend just bringing your wading boots and neoprene socks along with your fly rod, rod tube (you’ll want to be able to stow the rod while hiking) and your net. In colder weather you can also pack your waders, just make sure you have a backpack that can fit them as you’ll only want to wear them while fly fishing and not on extended hikes. Fly tying is an ideal off-season activity to prepare for your trip, allowing you to stock your fly box with lifelike fly patterns using rugged fly-tying tools and materials.
What type of fishing gear should you bring to fly fish Panthertown Valley?
As always when fly fishing, having the right gear is crucial, and this includes a well-balanced fly reel. You’ll want to match the hatch, so check with a local guide shop (I recommend Brookings Anglers in Cashiers) for the specific fishing reports based on the time of year. In general, while fly fishing Panthertown Valley, you will be targeting small wild brook trout as the streams are not stocked. While there aren’t many large trout to be had, the brook trout tend to be aggressive but also on the smaller side, so smaller presentations tend to be better. Additionally, the streams have lots of smaller bait fish, and the trout tend to hang out in slower pools just below the waterfalls. Using artificial lures and artificial flies that imitate small bait fish, such as small streamers like a size 16 or size 18 wooly bugger, are always a good bet to land a wild brook trout.
What are the fishing regulations in Panthertown Valley
Fishing in Panthertown Valley is catch and release only, live bait is not permitted and only artificial lures having one single hook may be used. Here is a breakdown of the Catch and Release, Artificial Lures Regulations:
- Season is open year-round
- No trout may be harvested or possessed
- Only artificial lures having one single hook may be used
- It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
- It is unlawful to use more than one line per person
- It is unlawful to fish from one-half hour after sunset, to one-half hour before sunrise on any Catch and Release stream located on Game Lands
- It is unlawful to take fish bait or bait fish from “Catch and Release Waters”
- It is unlawful to move wild fish from one stream to another on game lands without prior written authorization from the NCWRC
Accessing Panthertown Valley from Lake Glenville
Panthertown Valley can most easily be accessed Lake Glenville by taking Hwy-64 east from Cashiers and turning left onto Cedar Creek Road and then following Breedlove Road to Salt Rock Gap Trailhead. Parking is usually ample at the trailhead but on busy days you may need to park up the road a bit.
The Hike: Navigating the trails and to find the best fly fishing spots in Panthertown Valley
Panthertown Valley offers an endless abundance of scenic views, changing landscapes, mountain streams and waterfalls. The following route describes an all day hike that finishes with a pretty aggressive summit of Blackrock Mountain. If your up for it, I couldn't recommend it more but if you need a shorter distance you can easily modify this route into a shorter loop.
TR 474 - Panthertown Valley Trail
From the Salt Rock Gap Trailhead head down the main trail leaving the parking lot - TR 474 Panthertown Valley Trail. The trailhead is actually at a pretty high elevation so the beginning of this trail is pretty easy as you descend down into Panthertown Valley. About 10-15 minutes in you will be greeted with an amazing view from Salt Rock Overlook.
Spot #1 - Frolictown Falls
About 20-30 minutes down Panthertown Valley Trail you will see the entrance for TR 449 - Deep Gap Trail to your right. Take this trail and it will lead you to your first fly fishing hole, Frolictown Falls.
Frolictown falls is a small waterfall with a nice pool in front of the falls where brook trout will hold. Throwing a small streamer works well if the brook trout can fit it in their mouths. Another option is to use your fly rod to drag a small jig head slowly through the water.
Spot #2 - Granny Burrell Falls
Once you have had your fill at Frolictown Falls pack up your fly rods and its onto the next spot, Granny Burrell Falls. To get ther you will need to double back on the trail that brought you to Frolictown falls (TR-449 Deep Gap Trail) to TR 486 Granny Burrell Falls trail. The hike to the Falls should take about 20-30 minutes
The trail will bring you right out just below the falls and once again there is a small pool that holds a number of trout. Spend a few minutes fly fishing there and you’ll be sure to land a few beautiful wild brook trout.
Once you have finished fishing the upper pool, you can head down below and the stream opens up in to a large pool and the fish can literally be all over both at the beginning of the pool as the water goes from being fast and shallow to slower and a bit deeper and then also in the back of the pool where there are some trees and shade for the wild brook trout to hold in. The same fly fishing techniques you used earlier should still work here as well as dry flies if there is a hatch on. If you spend enough time here your rod tip is guaranteed to bend as the trout fishing is simply just too good.
Spot #3 - Panthertown Creek
Next up after Granny Burrell falls is to get back on TR 486 walking along panthertown creek and then turn north (left) onto TR 482 Macs Gap Trail. Shortly after you get onto 482 (Mac's Gap Trail) you will cross over Panthertown Creek again, this is another area that large fish will often hold. The area is a bight tight for fly fishing but as you only have a short distance to cast in so false casting is not possible, but if you can manage to have tight control over your rod tip and are able to get your fly into some tight spots, you might land a larger wild brook trout.
Spot #4 - Sandbar Pool
After fishing Panthertown Creek it's off to Sandbar Pool. To get there continue on Mac's Gap Trail until it rejoins TR 474 Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn right onto TR 474 and walk until you see Sandbar Pool Beach on your right.
Spot #5 - Tuckasegee River Headwaters
After you fish sandbar pool, head back on TR 474 heading east, you will soon walk over another bridge going across Panthertown Creek. Here you can jump into the Creek and wade north a few hundred yards, Panthertown Creek will merge with Greenland Creek and become the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River and along this area you will find several pools large enough to work a fly rod.
Spot #7 - Schoolhouse Falls
Next up is Schoolhouse Falls. To get there follow TR-474 to the east towards schoolhouse falls and turn left on TR 585 Little Green Trail to go down to Schoolhouse falls and fish there. Note this area is one of the most popular waterfalls in the valley and sometimes it can be too busy with people and the brook trout can be completely shut down. If you are lucky enough to have the falls to yourself, forward cast your fly line around the falls and try your luck and catch the fish holding in front of the waterfall.
Spot #8 - Warden Falls
After Schoolhouse Falls, next up is perhaps the most majestic clear water streams in the valley, Warden Falls. To get there backtrack up from Schoolhouse falls the way you came in back to TR-474 Panthertown Valley Trail and turn turn right to walk east on the trail. Not too long after you go over Greenland creek, turn left and take TR 448 Devils Elbow Trail
About 20 mins up the trail you will begin to hear the Tuckasegee Tiver and you will be looking for a secondary trail on your right to take you down to Warden Falls. The trail here gets a bit tight and when you get to the river you'll want to look for the trail to continue along the river so you can drop below Warden Falls to one of the most picturesque trout fishing spots in the Smokey Mountains.
At Warden falls there not only is a large pool just below the falls that offers some great streamer fishing, but you can also wade down stream to a few other great pools as well. Note that some of these pools are quite deep so you might want to use different weights or heavier flies to get your fly down to the trout.
Spot #9 - Riding Ford Falls
Backtrack your way out of Warden Falls back up to TR 448 Devils Elbow Trail and walk north passing over Little Green Creek before turning west towards TR 450 Riding Ford Trail and fish Riding Ford Falls.
On the south side of the river, there is a secondary trail that follows the river upstream to Jawbone Falls.
At this point you have a choice, you can follow the secondary trail along the Tuckasegee river back towards the other side of Warden Falls and ultimately back to TR451 Powerline Trail which will return you to 474 Panthertown Valley trail, which you call hike all the way back to Salt Rock Gap trail head.
Taking the High Road Home - Blackrock Mountain
If you are up for it, I highly recommend capping off your hike by taking the high road back to Salt Rock Gap trailhead. To do this, from Riding Ford Falls, wade across the Tuckasegee river and take TR 450 (Riding Ford Trail) heading west. When you arrive at the intersection of TR 451 Powerline Road run left and hike down to TR 491 Overlook Trail. This will take you to Purdy Point shown here.
From Purdy Point, continue up TR 491 Overlook Trail to the top of Blackrock Mountain (4495ft) and then turn left taking TR 447 west towards Salt Rock Gap Trailhead.
Make no doubt about it, this hiking and fly fishing adventure is not for the meek. But if you love the outdoors, pack smartly with all the essentials. Hiking and fly fishing the headwaters and waterfalls of Panthertown Valley can make for the adventure of a lifetime.