Stream / River · Clay
Fires Creek
Official trout-water information for Fires Creek in Clay, North Carolina.
Location and source context
Waterbody overview
- Mapped location
- 35.10505, -83.83738
- Mapped source length
- 13.43 miles
Classification
Designations and characteristics
Designations
Characteristics
Fishery
Documented trout
Species are not identified in the matched state records.
Management
3 documented reaches
waters on Nantahala National Forest Game Land, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain and Transylvania counties, are classified as Wild Trout Waters unless otherwise noted
Length: 9.21 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
Rockhouse Creek to the foot bridge in the USFS Fires Creek Picnic Area
Length: 2.23 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
foot bridge in the USFS Fires Creek Picnic Area to S.R. 1300
Length: 1.99 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
Stocking
Published stocking information
Current plans and schedules
- Status: cancelledNCWRC cancelled October Delayed Harvest stockings because of above-normal water temperatures; stocking resumes on the revised November schedule.
Regulations
Reach-specific notes
Harvest regulation
Four trout per day, each at least seven inches; season is open year-round.
Restrictions
Artificial lures with one single hook only; possessing natural bait while fishing is unlawful.
Harvest regulation
No trout harvest from October 1 through the Friday before the first Saturday in June; seasonal harvest rules apply afterward.
Catch-and-release regulation
Catch and release under delayed-harvest rules from October 1 through the Friday before the first Saturday in June.
Restrictions
Seasonal lure, single-hook, youth-only, and harvest rules apply; consult current NCWRC regulations.
Harvest regulation
Seven trout per day with no minimum length; the stream season closes March 1 through the first Friday in April.
Restrictions
No bait restriction during the open season; reservoir exceptions and current NCWRC rules may apply.