Slickrock Creek in the Joyce Kilmer – Slickrock Wilderness
Slickrock Creek is named for its rocks, which are, well, slick! While traction on the rocks is not great, what this freestone creek does have is a selection of stocked and wild brown and rainbow trout, with year-round fishing access for those who are willing to make the trek.
The biggest downside to this creek is that it doesn’t offer easy access. There are plenty of areas to fish, but you have to hike and be willing to go looking for them. The areas that offer the best catches are also the hardest to reach, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Located near Robbinsville, Slickrock Creek offers smaller trout than other areas, and the low elevation doesn’t provide suitable habitat for brook trout . The lower section is preferred for fishing, below the falls where the fish from Calderwood Lake come to spawn. There is no road access to this creek, which runs through the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area.
This stream forms part of the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and is not far from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most of the fishable waters are located in North Carolina, so those fishing regulations apply. However, residents of either state are permitted to use their fishing licenses in the creek. Aside from limited access, the other major disadvantage here is that the fish are easy to spook, which can make getting good catches difficult.
Still, for those who want the beauty and untouched perfection of a true trout stream and are willing to put in the work, Slickrock Creek is definitely worth the trip.
Best Places to Fish Slickrock Creek
The stream offers a few access points. None are particularly easy, but they are available. U.S. Highway 129, a fairly dangerous road in and of itself, offers the access near the trailhead at Slickrock Creek Trail, which takes you about two miles down to the fishing access. Many people prefer the Ike Branch Trail to access the lower section of the creek.
The path here follows along the banks of the lake to the creek and offers some great sightseeing and nature along the way. Those who enjoy the outdoors won’t mind the hike but make sure you’re ready for a little agility training. There is another area outside of Robbinsville, about 7 miles out to Big Fat Gap and the trailhead.
There is a small gravel road, and then you’ll have a two-mile hike to the middle section of the creek. It is a lot of vertical ground, though, so you might feel like it’s five or six miles if you’re not prepared for the trek. Some people report poor fishing results in this area, too, which can be discouraging to those considering the trip.
Best Time to Fish Slickrock Creek
The season runs year-round for trout fishing in Slickrock Creek, with some trout fishing results during the winter months. The water stays cooler in the summer, making it one of the few options for summer fishing in the state. However, there are better times to visit if you want the optimal catches.
The spring is ideal for fly fishing when all the best hatches occur. It’s rumored the stream even has a Green Drake hatch! The fall is also a great time to fish here, as that’s when brown trout from the lake run up the creek to spawn and more likely to bite because they’re all worked up. With water like this and fish that spook easily, peak season is always the best time to go if you want a good catch.
If you do visit during the winter and spring months, be prepared for a muddy, wet hiking experience to get access to the stream. Unless the year has been unusually dry, the trails often become difficult to traverse because of the vertical terrain. Be sure to pack appropriate footwear and gear.
During the fall, the trails should be easier to traverse, so you won’t have as many concerns.