The South Mills River is located in Pisagh National Forest and has a reputation for wild rainbows and browns that are larger than many nearby streams. It’s located outside of Asheville near the Blue Ridge Parkway and it offers about 12 miles of stream access for trout fishing.
This stream is located in an area that is popular for horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and camping, and more. The fish here are a bit shy due to the crystal clear water and tend to require a little more trickery to coax out from their hiding spots.
The South Mills River is a medium-sized freestone stream with good access that does require hiking. The hiking is relatively easy though along the South Mills River Trail that provides access. You’ll find several different access points and year-round fishing is available, although summer doesn’t usually yield much in the way of results.
This stream consists of a series of deep pools and short plunges, with a moderate decline and wide berth in some areas. It flows through mountains and evergreen trees, with several cascades and waterfalls. The rainbows will be hiding in the fast runs and plunges, while the browns will be hiding in the quiet, deep pools and near boulders. This river stays cool in almost all areas, so you’ll probably find trout all up and down its length if you look.
Best Places to Fish the South Mills River
The South Mills River flows through the Pisgah National Forest and offers several different access points. The majority of the stream requires hiking to get to the best remote waters, but the terrain isn’t very difficult. The upper end is located near the Forestry Discovery Center, where you’ll find plenty of access points.
You will also be able to access the lower end of the stream (on public lands) from Forest Service Road 297, which will take you to the Turkey Pen Gap Trailhead. This is located off of Highway 280. Access is also available from Forest Service Road 476 that takes you into the Pink Beds area.
This is a winding stream that requires fording (or crossing bridges) throughout its entire length. You will find other means of access, but they are very long hikes and you might not get far during high-water conditions.
Avoid the areas where the trail is used for horseback riding– the terrain will be rougher, and the fish will be less prevalent because of the frequent traffic.
Best Time to Fish the South Mills River
You will always find the best fishing in North Carolina, and in most eastern trout streams, during the spring months. The hatches are varied, and while there is nothing in large quantities, it’s a variety that gets the fish out and active. This wild stream runs on year-round wild trout regulations, so you can really come at any time.
Of course, summer is going to be too warm for much good fishing and especially when you’re dealing with a population that’s already tricky to catch in the first place. For optimal conditions, stick to the spring, fall, or even the warmer winter days. Fall is the ideal time to catch the larger browns in the lower part of the South Mills River.
Another consideration as to timing with these wild trout is the time of day. While the rainbows will hide in the fast waters at just about all times, the browns will spend their days hiding and only come out to feed when the light is low. Therefore, you might have better results at dawn or dusk with these tricky catches.
Plan your trip early or late in the day so that you can try a little of everything, including some low-light angling to catch those browns. Or, spend a whole day on the water if you want. There’s certainly enough area to cover to enjoy hours of fly fishing here.
Stream Flow and Current Conditions
Be sure to check the stream conditions before heading out to fish the South Mills River. The USGS stream gauge near Mills River, NC provide a good indication of current conditions.