Many people talk about the blue-ribbon streams in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. But did you know there is a stream not too for from Blue Ridge that mimics the experience of fishing the streams of the Great Smoky Mountains? It’s called Fires Creek. The North Carolina stream located just over the Georgia state line is out of the way to most anything. For that reason, Fires Creek does not get the fishing pressure that some other creeks receive. Fires Creek is about 16 miles east of Murphy, North Carolina, off highway 64. There is a small waterfall that enters Fires Creek in the picnic area. Don’t let the full parking area scare you because most of the people that use this area are not there to fish. A large stretch of the creek has unique fishing access on Forest Service Road 340. Remember to obtain a North Carolina out of state fishing license.
Fires Creek isn’t a small creek; however, it is probably best to fish a shorter fly rod less than 8 feet and no greater than a 4-weight line. It is a wild, rough, pocket water stream with short riffles, runs, and deep pool plunges. Fires creek has both stocked and wild trout that are mostly Brown and Rainbow trout. I will share that I caught the largest native Brook trout in my life on Fires Creek. The water is generally clear and shallow so the trout are easily spooked; be careful not to let the fish see you. Short upstream casts are best and just like the Smokies or any fast, pocket water stream, most of the time the trout are easy to fool. That means fly selection is less important than being stealthy and having a good first cast. It’s best to keep a variety of nymphs, dry flies, and streamers at your disposal. I have been shocked at the success of fishing a streamer in really shallow water in Fires Creek.
While spring is the best time to fish Fires Creek, a summer trip can also be productive. The shallower water is challenging in one respect, but it does cause the fish to aggregate in deeper pockets. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of staying low as you approach fishable water on Fires Creek. If you are looking for a fishing road trip that won’t take a full day or cost much, but provides a special fly-fishing experience, then I recommend getting with one of your fishing buddies and trying Fires Creek.
Trout Unlimited is a US non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of freshwater streams, rivers, and associated upland habitats for trout, salmon, other aquatic species, and people. Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter #696 is specifically dedicated to the preservation of the streams and rivers in and around Fannin County. For a mere $35 annual membership, spin cast and fly fishers alike are encouraged to support the effort to keep trout fishing alive and well in the Trout Capital of Georgia by becoming a member at tu.org. When you do join, please be sure to specify the Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter #696. Membership comes with a subscription to the quarterly publication TROUT Magazine. All members are encouraged to attend the next BRMTU meeting Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1399 Bluebird Road in Mineral Bluff.
Jim Reichmann is a member of Trout Unlimited - Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter #636. He can be reached at reichmannjim@gmail.com.