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North Carolina · Fishing
Burnsville sits in the heart of Yancey County, and the South Toe River running through it is the main reason anglers make the drive out here.
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Burnsville sits in the heart of Yancey County, and the South Toe River running through it is the main reason anglers make the drive out here. The river holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, and the stretch accessible from Black Mountain Campground at 2,850 feet gives you a legitimate shot at all three without a technical approach. Most of the fishing access in this area is tied to National Forest campgrounds — Black Mountain Campground, Briar Bottom Group Campground, and Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area all sit along the river and give you a place to set up camp and walk to the water. The South Toe is a freestone mountain river, which means flows and clarity shift with rainfall, so timing matters. Fly fishing is the primary method on the Black Mountain Campground stretch, and the access is rated easy, meaning you're not scrambling over boulders to reach fishable water. If you're coming from outside the region, Burnsville itself has gear and supplies, and the campgrounds fill up on summer weekends, so booking ahead is worth the effort.
The South Toe River holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The Black Mountain Campground access point is specifically noted for all three species, so you have a realistic chance at a mixed bag on a single outing.
You'll need a valid North Carolina fishing license, and trout waters in the state typically require a separate Trout Fishing License in addition to your basic license. Check the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website for current requirements before your trip, as regulations can change seasonally.
Black Mountain Campground
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TN.
Lake Powhatan Glamping
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
South Toe River - Black Mountain Campground Access
~1 min drive
Easy
Linville River - Linville Falls Access
~36 min drive
Expert
Wilson Creek - Mortimer Recreation Area
~56 min drive
Moderate
Rat Branch Boat Launch
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near TN.
Watauga River Tailwater
~1h 12m drive
Hard
Briar Bottom Group Campground
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Swiss Pine Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Lake Powhatan
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Lake Lure - Chimney Rock Access
~40 min drive
Easy
Also worth it near here
The Black Mountain Campground access is designated for fly fishing. The river is a freestone stream at 2,850 feet elevation, so dry flies and nymphs both produce depending on the time of year and current hatch activity. Light spinning gear may be appropriate at other campground access points, but confirm before you go.
Spring and fall tend to offer the most consistent conditions on mountain freestone rivers like the South Toe. Summer can be productive early in the morning before water temperatures climb, and heavy rain at any time of year will blow out visibility and push fish off the feed until the river drops and clears.
The South Toe River access at Black Mountain Campground is rated easy, meaning you can reach fishable water without a demanding hike or technical terrain. Briar Bottom Group Campground and Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area also sit along the river, and campground-based access generally means a short walk from your vehicle to the bank.
