Fishing & Swimming in North Carolina & Georgia
Plenty of scenic lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains offer fantastic nature experiences. Anglers will love the abundance of marine life in these lakes. Fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a favorite activity for residents and tourists, where they can catch bluegill, walleye, crappie, and more.
Regardless of your fishing skills and experience, you will have a nice time exploring the waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re on for an aquatic adventure, here are some of the best fishing spots you should check out in the Blue Ridge Mountains region.
Reminder: residents must have a valid license before fishing!
Murphy, NC
Hiwassee Lake is one of the most visited lakes in North Carolina for its alluring beauty and recreational options. Aside from breathtaking lake views, visitors frequent the lake to swim and fish for bass, catfish, and crappie. Try your luck catching fresh fish in Hiwassee Lake 6,000 acre feature, with boat ramps
Murphy, NC
Another must-visit natural wonder is the Tellico River. Because of its shallowness, it’s a popular destination for recreational swimmers. If you love scenic river views, swift currents, and a fishing paradise, visit the Tellico River!
Murphy, NC
- Fishing: Wild trout stream, fly fishing in upper reaches—brook and rainbow thrive.
- Swimming: Leatherwood Falls (25-ft) swimming hole, wilderness favorite.
- Features: Secluded, clear pools, rocky banks—fly anglers love the solitude.
Murphy, NC
- Fishing: Fly fishing for stocked trout, delayed harvest Oct 1-May 31 near Andrews line.
- Swimming: No designated spots, shallow wading near SR 1411 bridge.
- Features: Cold, clear flow, stocked heavily
Andrews, NC
Snowbird Creek is a fishing, swimming, and wilderness spot. A true nature trip would involve exploring its waters and forest. Its rocky cascades level up the difficulty and worth of the journey. For a memorable time with friends, try Snowbird Creek!
Andrews, NC
You will never run out of bass, trout, and catfish to catch in Valley River. The scenic body of water is ideal for fishing and swimming in the Blue Ridge Mountains, thanks to its shallow spots and gentle water flow. As for seasoned fly anglers, they pick the higher river areas as their fishing spot.Â
Robbinsville, NC
- Fishing: Fly fishing for wild trout—brook and brown dominate upper stretches.
- Swimming: Pools at Big Snowbird Falls (40-ft), rugged access.
- Features: Remote, deep pools
Brasstown, NC
- Fishing: Fly fishing goldmine below Chatuge Dam—wild rainbow, some brown trout.
- Swimming: No designated areas, shallow wading near SR 64 bridge.
- Features: Cold, swift water
Brasstown, NC
- Fishing: Fly fishing for stocked trout near GA-66, wild trout upstream.
- Swimming: No major spots, wading near bridge crossings.
- Features: Small stream, seasonal stocking
Hayesville, NC
Fly fishers frequent Lake Chatuge for its abundance of bass, catfish, and crappie. The 7,500-acre lake is ideal for sustaining marine life. Clay County Park Beach is a favorite spot for swimming because of its public access and sandy shores.
Hayesville, NC
Fires Creek Wilderness is another best-kept secret of Hayesville, NC. Because of its deep water and falls, it has become a favorite swimming spot for locals and visitors. Explore Fires Creek Wilderness to see enchanting twin falls.
Hayesville, NC
- Fishing: Wild trout stream, fly fishing in upper reaches—brook and rainbow thrive.
- Swimming: Leatherwood Falls (25-ft) swimming hole, wilderness favorite.
- Features: Secluded, clear pools, rocky banks—fly anglers love the solitude.
Hayesville, NC
- Fishing: Fly fishing for large wild rainbow trout, some browns—prime stretch.
- Swimming: No designated spots, wading near Mission Rd access.
- Features: Clear, cold flow
Blue Ridge, GA
Lake Blue Ridge is one of the best places you could ever be. Its crystal-clear water is best appreciated when swimming and fishing. Anglers go to the lake’s headwaters to catch bass, walleye, and perch. Visiting Lake Blue Ridge will make you always want to come back here.
Blue Ridge, GA
If there’s a fly fishing mecca, that would be Toccoa River. It’s Lake Blue Ridge’s headwaters and is a fantastic fishing spot for stocked trout and wild browns. It is also popular for its swinging bridge and clear water.
Blue Ridge, GA
- Fishing: Fly fishing for stocked and wild trout—brook, rainbow near fish hatchery.
- Swimming: No major spots, wading near hatchery access.
- Features: Hatchery-supported, scenic
Blairsville, GA
Helton Creek is known for its two cascading falls, measuring 25 ft. (lower falls) and 60 ft. (upper falls). Locals and tourists come here to swim, admire the natural beauty of the falls, and catch wild trout.
Blairsville, GA
- Fishing: Bass, crappie, catfish; fly fishing in tailwater for trout.
- Swimming: Poteete Creek Park beach, public and shaded.
- Features: 4,180-acre lake, calm waters—tailwater fly fishing decent.
Blairsville, GA
- Fishing: Fly fishing for stocked and wild trout—best small water near Blairsville.
- Swimming: Shallow wading near Wolf Creek Campground.
- Features: Stocked spring/summer, wild upper reaches
Hiawassee, GA
- Fishing: Wild trout, fly fishing in secluded upper stretches—brook, rainbow.
- Swimming: High Shoals Falls (120-ft) base, deep pool, popular spot.
- Features: Tall falls, cool water
Young Harris, GA
Cupid Falls Creek is a lovely place with tiny falls measuring 15 feet, clear water, and a shallow pool. Novice swimmers would have a great time here because of the shallowness of the creek, and it’s fun to splash around the water. Small trout stream and fly fishing for wild brook trout are mostly done here.
Young Harris, GA
- Fishing: Fly fishing for wild trout above GA-66—brook, some rainbow.
- Swimming: No major spots, wading near NC-GA line.
- Features: Wild upper reach
Morganton, GA
- Fishing: Fly fishing for stocked trout below dam—rainbow, brown thrive.
- Swimming: Deep Hole Recreation Area, shallow pools near swinging bridge.
- Features: 270-ft bridge, cold water
Morganton, GA
- Fishing: Fly fishing for stocked and wild trout—brook, rainbow near recreation area.
- Swimming: Shallow wading at Cooper Creek Recreation Area.
- Features: Stocked spring/summer, wild upper stretches
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