Tuckesegee River North Carolina
The Tuckesegee, known as the “Tuck,” originates around Cashiers and runs through Sylva, Dillsboro and Bryson City on its way to Fontana Lake. The name Tuckesegee could be an anglicization of the Cherokee language word [daksiyi—takhšiyi] in the local Cherokee variety—‘Turtle Place.’ The river is dotted with stone fishing weirs built by Native Americans; this practice could have preceded the Cherokee in the area. The weirs are most easily viewed when water levels are low.
A float trip on the Tuck is an exhilarating way to experience fly fishing in the Southern Appalachians. The river has areas that are as wide as many western rivers, offering plenty of room for back casting. The Tuck is also a popular river for tubing, floating and canoeing.
On most days with no recent rain storms, boating down the river without added water from dam releases can be slow-going, with numerous opportunities to get out and push your boat off the rocks. On the other hand, high water is difficult for fishermen. During the summer, special days (usually Mondays) are set aside for low- water conditions for the bene t of anglers. Whether you are an angler or a kayaker, it is beneficial to know the water levels to enjoy your sport.
It is recommended to check the Daily Schedule of Flows Arrival and Recession Times by visiting www.duke-energy.com. Check with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at www.ncwildlife.org for fishing regulations specific to this river.
The Tuckesegee, known as the “Tuck,” originates around Cashiers and runs through Sylva, Dillsboro and Bryson City on its way to Fontana Lake. The name Tuckesegee could be an anglicization of the Cherokee language word [daksiyi—takhšiyi] in the local Cherokee variety—‘Turtle Place.’ The river is dotted with stone fishing weirs built by Native Americans; this practice could have preceded the Cherokee in the area. The weirs are most easily viewed when water levels are low.
A float trip on the Tuck is an exhilarating way to experience fly fishing in the Southern Appalachians. The river has areas that are as wide as many western rivers, offering plenty of room for back casting. The Tuck is also a popular river for tubing, floating and canoeing.
On most days with no recent rain storms, boating down the river without added water from dam releases can be slow-going, with numerous opportunities to get out and push your boat off the rocks. On the other hand, high water is difficult for fishermen. During the summer, special days (usually Mondays) are set aside for low- water conditions for the bene t of anglers. Whether you are an angler or a kayaker, it is beneficial to know the water levels to enjoy your sport.
It is recommended to check the Daily Schedule of Flows Arrival and Recession Times by visiting www.duke-energy.com. Check with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at www.ncwildlife.org for fishing regulations specific to this river.
Fishing Access Type:
Boat Yes under safe conditions
Kayak Yes under safe conditions
Wading Yes under safe conditions
Boat Yes under safe conditions
Kayak Yes under safe conditions
Wading Yes under safe conditions
Fishing Access:
East LaPorte Park to NC 107 Bridge
Map
NC 107 Bridge to Dillsboro park
Map
TUCKASEIGEE RIVER (in Dillsboro)
Map
Barker’s Creek Bridge to Whittier
Map
East LaPorte Park to NC 107 Bridge
Map
NC 107 Bridge to Dillsboro park
Map
TUCKASEIGEE RIVER (in Dillsboro)
Map
Barker’s Creek Bridge to Whittier
Map
Fishing Style:
Nymphs
Dry Fly
Midges
Terrestrials
Streamers
Nymphs
Dry Fly
Midges
Terrestrials
Streamers
Equipment:
3wt to 8 wt rod
3wt to 8 wt rod
Flies:
Hatch Chart
Hatch Chart
Water Flow:
Data
Data
Species:
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brim, Crappie, Catfish, Large Mouth & Small Mouth Bass, Striper
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brim, Crappie, Catfish, Large Mouth & Small Mouth Bass, Striper
Misc. Information: Fishing License