The Tuckasegee River starts high in mountains above Cashiers NC. As it flows off the mountains to valley below, it picks up many smaller streams and gains in size and flow until finally emptying into Fontana Lake just below Bryson City. The Tuckasegee River is similar in size to many larger rivers found in the Rocky Mountain west.
The river’s name comes from that of a Cherokee village, Tsiksitsi (meaning “Crawling Terrapin,” for the sluggish movement of the waters). The Tuck is roughly 50 miles long and is a beautiful river. With it’s relatively slow moving current, emerald green waters, and many rock ledges, the fish here have a great place to live. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish in the Tuck. In the upper stretches of the river near the small town of Dillsboro, we have a Delayed Harvest Section of the Tuckasegee River which contains over 9,000 trout per mile. Action here is nothing short of incredible. As you move downstream towards the settlement of Whittier the river widens a bit and you begin to see Smallmouth Bass and some really big Brown and Rainbow Trout. Further downstream near Bryson City, we catch anything from Rainbow and Brown Trout, to Smallmouth, Walleye, and Muskie. Wading the Tuck is a great option, but the real fun is floating the river from a raft and cataraft.
We have floated the Tuckasegee River for over 12 years. in that time we have guided more float trips down the tuckasegee river than any other outfitter in the area. To say we have a good grasp on the Tuckasegee River might just be an understatement.
To fish this legendary river;
Call us at (828)488-7665 or send us an email to guides@flyfishingthesmokies.net and we’ll be happy to help get your trip booked and get you on the water.
Come and Fly Fish the Smokies with us, we’re sure you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime!