Stream / River · Macon
Nantahala River
Official trout-water information for Nantahala River in Macon, North Carolina.
Location and source context
Waterbody overview
- Mapped location
- 35.20735, -83.62345
- Mapped source length
- 15.57 miles
Classification
Designations and characteristics
Designations
Characteristics
Fishery
Documented trout
- Brook Trout
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
Management
4 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: 7.27 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
Whiteoak Creek to Nantahala hydropower discharge canal
Length: 4.01 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
Dicks Creek to Whiteoak Creek
Length: 3.74 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
Nantahala hydropower discharge canal to Swain County line
Length: 0.55 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
Access evidence
1 matched record
WISHONS FISHING HOLE
Evidence type: canoe access
Ownership: NC WRC
Features: Accessible, Canoe access, Fishing pier
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.
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.