Discover Lake Apalachia: A Hidden Gem for Fall Fishing
An Outdoor Adventure with Carolina All Out Host, Chris Douglas
Lake Apalachia is nestled in a narrow valley in Cherokee County, about as far west in NC as you can venture. With few visible banks, the forest appears to plunge directly into the water. A robust population of smallmouth bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, white bass, and brown trout inhabit the lake.
Lake Apalachia in autumn
A fall hidden gem fishing stop
The brown trout stocked by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission have adapted to eating the blueback herring that reside in the lake. These herring help the resident fish grow larger and faster than the WRC can grow them in hatcheries. Anglers have reeled in trout over 26 inches, and they can be caught on a number of swim baits, jigs, and flies.
Although you can catch trout at Lake Apalachia year-round, autumn is an especially good time to target them. When the Hiwassee Dam generates power, the turbines pull in and stun the herring before propelling them into Lake Apalachia below. Here is where the big brownies dart into the churning water to consume the injured baitfish. Using lures or flies that resemble wounded fish are a surefire way to catch these trout and you may just find yourself with a giant secured to the other end of the line!
Chris Douglas and friends bring in a bounty at the base of the Hiwassee Dam.
Chris Douglas fishes Lake Apalachia and the Hiwassee Dam
I recently fished Lake Apalachia at the behest of my good friends Corey Oakley and Ben Ricks, hosts of the popular fishing podcast Better Fishing with Two Bald Biologists. We had a fantastic time casting different lures and catching browns ranging from 10 to 20 inches. We met District 9 biologist Amanda Bushon who is responsible for the Lake Apalachia fish, and retired WRC technician David Woody, a regular brown trout chaser.
Lake Apalachia can be accessed via a wildlife ramp located at the Hiwassee Dam, and there are Airbnbs for rent in the area. We stayed in a 5-bedroom cabin located on the lake that was comfortable and convenient with its own boat ramp that we were able to moor our boat. You’ll need a boat to be most effective, as the best fishing is closer to the 350-foot Hiwassee Dam that looms at the headwaters of the lake.
Regarding permits, all you need is an NC state inland fishing license and knowledge of hatchery-supported trout regulations. There is no size limit, but only one trout may be greater than 14 inches, and the daily creel limit is three fish (including one trout greater than 14 inches). Head to any of the following outfitters for nearby bait, tackle, and guide services:
- Big Ol' Fish Guiding Service (specializes in striped bass and hybrid bass fishing)
- The Squiggly Worm Bait & Tackle (local authorized Zebco Quantum dealer)
- Howard's Bait & Tackle (boat rentals available)
Lake Apalachia is an excellent fall day trip option for getting off the grid.
Other things to do in and around Lake Apalachia, NC
Besides the lake activities, you are surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the Nantahala National Forest with hiking, primitive camping and recreation areas. Relatively few anglers come to this lake because of its remote location so it can seem you practically have it all to yourself.
If you plan on an extended stay, there are more hidden gem spots to explore off the lake. Add these downtown Murphy bucket list items to your Lake Apalachia itinerary:
- Learn about local culture at the Cherokee County Historical Museum
- Attend the Murphy Art Walk on the first Friday of each month (May through December)
- Order a flight from Valley River Brewery and Eatery, the sole craft brewery in Murphy
- Order a gargantuan sandwich from the Red Brick Deli
We had a reel good time speaking about Lake Apalachia, a fall hidden gem fishing spot in Murphy, North Carolina, with Chris Douglas of Lee County, NC. Hailing from a long line of sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts, Douglas has traveled North Carolina (and the world!) on the hunt for fish, game, and adventure.
As the host, producer, and videographer of Carolina All Out for the last 20 years, he is our go-to source for all things outdoors, and we are thrilled to include his stories and recommendations as a re-occurring feature in the Carolina Traveler print and digital content. For the fall 2024 issue, we asked Chris to share insight on the best hidden gem fishing spots for enjoying fall foliage.
Watch Chris Douglas’ Lake Apalachia adventure on the Carolina All Out YouTube channel
Visit the Carolina All Out website
