Fishing
Nothing beats casting a line in the water, listening to the quiet of nature and reeling in a nice big fish. Whether it’s trout, bass or other freshwater fish you can find them here in Madison County, North Carolina.
North of Asheville lies an assortment of fishing opportunities that are fantastic for both the experienced and inexperienced angler. We pride ourselves on the beauty and quality of the streams, rivers and ponds in Madison County. Our section of the Appalachian Mountains is scenic, enchanting and most importantly, clean. Many of our fishing locations are hatchery-supported waters, be sure to keep an eye on the NC Wildlife stocking schedule when you plan your next fishing trip and all anglers must have a current fishing license.
“I’ve been coming to this special spot on the river for years and it’s always been a good day. Even when I get unlucky and don’t land a trout, I still am grateful for the peaceful nature all around me.”
-Roger P.
Fishing in Madison County, NC
Laurel River Trail
Located just east of Hot Springs, the Laurel River Trail is a popular and scenic hiking trail that hugs the Laurel River. This is an excellent spot to fly-fish or just enjoy a peaceful river. Find out more
Little Ivy Creek
Located in the Mars Hill area, convenient to the I 26 coming from Asheville, Little Ivy Creek is stocked from March through June because often when the temperature gets too hot and the water too low, it will not support the fish so it may not be stocked. Find out more
Meadow Fork Creek
Located south of the town of Hot Springs, Meadow Fork is a tributary of Spring Creek which joins it about 6/10 mile south of the Bluff Community. It has a good population of native rainbow trout as well as the hatchery-supported trout. Find out more
Puncheon Fork Creek
Puncheon Fork –a hatchery-supported trout stream–is a tributary of the Big Laurel River which begins at Ebbs Chapel Community Center. It’s a small stream which runs about 6 to 8 feet wide and runs for about 5 miles. Find out more
Roaring Fork & Little Creek
Meadow Fork (which is located south of the town of Hot Springs) has two tributaries–both of which are hatchery-supported trout streams. Roaring Fork is a small creek that is only about 5 miles long and 6 to 8 feet wide. Find out more
Shelton Laurel Creek
Both Hatchery-Supported and Delayed Harvest Trout stream, Shelton Laurel Creek is a stretch north of Marshall, NC that parallels the road allowing easy access when you find a place to pull off the road. Find out more
Spring Creek
The stretch of Spring Creek for hatchery-supported trout fishing begins about 7 to 8 miles south of Hot Springs at the community of Bluff. Fishing extends to where Highway 209 joins Highway 63 and parallels the road the entire distance. Find out more
Upper Shut-in Creek
North of the town of Hot Springs, Upper Shut-In Creek is a small hatchery-supported stream (marginal at best) which is approximately 8 miles long and is about 12-15 foot in width. Find out more
Max Patch Pond
If you are planning a day trip to the Max Patch Bald on the Appalachian Trail, toss your fishing pole in the trunk and take a brief “detour” to throw a line in. This pond is about ¼ mile beyond the parking for the Max Patch Bald. Find out more
Fishing on the French Broad River
Murray Branch River Access
From Hot Springs, take NC Highway 25/70 south and east over the French Broad River. Turn left on River Road and go 4.2 miles to the US Forest Service’s Murray Branch Recreation Area.
Stackhouse to Hot Springs
From the end of Stackhouse Road off Hwy 25/70 between Marshall and Hot Springs, go along the bank of the French Broad River or use a raft or boat to Barnard Road or Hot Springs where there is no access along the road.
Marshall to Buncombe County
From the town of Marshall, drive south along NC Hwy 251 from Marshall to the Buncombe County Line. There are several places to pull off the road for parking.
Blannahassett Island
From the town of Marshall, drive south on Bailey Branch Road across the French Broad River and turn right onto Blannahassett Island just after leaving the bridge. There is a fishing pier on the south end past Marshall High Studios.
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Restaurants in Hot Springs
Plan your next meal at one of the fantastic restaurants in Hot Springs, NC. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a cold beer, you’ll find it here! Find out more
3 great fishing spots in Madison County
Grab your rod and hit the water! Madison County has many hatchery-supported and natural waters for anglers to cast a line in. Just north of Asheville, come and land your next catch! Find out more
Shopping in Madison County
Look for something specific or browsing for just the right gift? Take a look at all the shops you can explore! Find out more
Places to stay in Hot Springs
Get out of that city noise and relax in the rural mountains of North Carolina. Hot Springs, NC is home to a huge range of cabin rentals and other accommodations for your perfect getaway. Find out more
3 ways to explore the history of Madison County
Madison County has something for every kind of historian and here are a few of our favorite ways to explore the history of Madison County, North Carolina. Find out more
Listen to live music
Nothing beats watching talented musicians perform their craft in a cozy setting. Madison County has many spots where music lovers can admire some live tunes. Find out more