|
Fishing Season Opens in Western Carolina
by Brandon Johnson
Rainbow Trout |
On the first weekend in April, rising temperatures and budding trees usually
signify that spring has arrived. For fishermen, this weekend
also means the Opening Day of trout season.
Unfortunately, Opening Day 2007 and the following two weeks
were a return to winter. Cold temperatures and gusting winds made
fishing tough. But as the lingering effects of winter
disappear, the call of the stream becomes irresistible.
Madison County has trout streams as close as ten minutes from the college,
as well as in remote mountain areas requiring day trips. There are
easy access streams just off of the road and off of backcountry trails
for those looking for isolated fishing action.
Two easily accessible creeks that are found near the college are the Little
Ivy Creek and Big Laurel Creek. Both of these creeks are hatchery-supported
waters. They have no lure restrictions and have a daily creel
limit of seven fish of any size. Both streams are heavily stocked with
brook and rainbow trout, and a bit fewer brown trout.
On a recent trip to Big Laurel Creek, I caught one of the biggest
fish I’ve ever caught. After riding around looking
for a place to fish, and with one stretch fished unsuccessfully, I found
a nice looking section. I grabbed my rod and walked into
the creek just expecting to throw a few casts. I got to a
promising run, and there I hooked a nice fish that got off. I
then broke off my line and had to re-tie. I came back to the same
hole, and in just a few casts I hooked a fish. The fish’s
aerial display was ended when I took hold of it and hoisted it
on the bank. The fish was a 17-inch Rainbow Trout, one
of the biggest I have ever caught. I took a few pictures,
then removed the hook and revived the fish to watch it swim away.
Brandon Johnson
|
Little Ivy Creek is just off of the Forks of Ivy exit on I-26. Hobson
Branch Road runs along the creek for almost a mile. The creek is a
fast flowing and fairly deep creek that is fishable from the banks. Some
deep pools and plenty of promising runs can been spied from the road. Wading
is possible through most of the creek, but a few deep spots may require on-land
navigation. The wide creek could also provide swimming holes if the
fishing doesn’t live up to expectations.
Big Laurel Creek runs along Big Laurel Creek Road off of Highway 23. At
times, the creek is just a few feet off of the road. It has stretches
of shallow, fast-flowing pocket water, and also some deep runs. So many different
methods of fishing can be used. Big Laurel Creek wouldn’t make
a good creek to swim in, but much more of it is accessible for fishing.
Not only do the creeks offer fishing, but the trip to either creek also
has trademark scenic views of Madison County. So if it happens
that the fish weren’t biting, the views will be there on the way home.
Fishing is an easy pastime to have in Madison County and at Mars Hill College. The
fishing can be as easy or labor intensive, as quick or as long as anyone
could want. But with the diversity and availability of water, a fisherman
has no reason not to go and enjoy what the area has to offer.
Give us your feedback. We value your opinions.
The Hilltop reserves the right not to post anonymous comments, personal
attacks, or any comments that could be judged slanderous, that make unverifiable
allegations of fact, or use language we consider in bad taste.
All fields must be filled in.
HOME
| 
