Fishing in Macon County, North Carolina Mountains

 Cliffside Lake

The Cliffside Reservoir area is located in Macon County.  This area is located between Franklin and Highlands and is easily accessible by car.  There are fishing opportunities, hiking trails, camping areas, and a scenic waterfall. 

Note: Cliffside lake is closed to fishing during March.

Directions: Take US 64 northwest from Highlands for 4 miles, turn right (north) on Forest Service Road 57 for 2 miles.  There are signs for direction into the area.

Nantahala Lake

Nantahala lake is located in Macon County in the Wayah Ranger District.  This lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power Company.  Some of the shoreline is owned by the public and managed by the Nantahala National Forest and NCWRC.  There is one public boating access area, which is maintained by the NCWRC.  Fish in the lake include walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout and bass. 

Directions: From the junction of Hwy 19 23 and Hwy 28 north take Hwy 19 to the Nantahala River Launch Site to NC 1310.  Follow NC1310 to SR 308 on right.  Take SR 308 to FS67.  After you pass the Apple Tree Campground take SR 1401 then back onto Forest Service Road 67. Follow signs to boating access area

Nantahala River Area

Nantahala River and Reservoir are located in Macon and Swain counties.  The Nantahala reservoir as well as the river attracts anglers from all over the country.  This area provides a diversity of fishing opportunities from crappie,trout, walleye, catfish, bass, and sunfish in the reservoir to the delayed harvest trout waters below the dam to the Beechertown Power plant.

Below the power plant is approximately 9 miles of the Nantahala River gorge.  This area supports a wide variety of outdoor activities including white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping and scenic photography.

Directions: From Waynesville follow Hwy 19/23 west past Bryson City.  At the junction of Hwy 23 North, merge left into the Nantahala gorge.

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