Stream is among Smokies’ most popular
Deep Creek near Bryson City is one of the more-accessible streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And it is one of the park’s most-popular ones. The stream is ideal for fly fishing. It’s wide and shallow enough to wade in most places. And it contains a satisfying mix of large, open pools, numerous shoals and plenty of pocket water. It is also noted for its large brown and rainbow trout.
The best fishing is from the stream’s junction at Indian Creek to the old Bryson Place, a horse camp about eight miles from the park entrance.
The most traffic flows through the lower, two-mile stretch from the park entrance to Indian Creek. Anglers find it especially popular because of the easy access from the parking lot and campground. In warm weather, this section usually is crowded, with hundreds of people floating the swift water in inner tubes and other floating devices. Surprisingly, the fish have become so accustomed to the tube traffic that you can catch a trout or two between runs of tubing enthusiasts. But on prime weekends, it’s not worth the trouble. So head upstream to Deep Creek’s junction with Indian Creek. Beyond that point, no tubing is permitted. And this is where the real fishing begins.
Except for a two-mile section below the park entrance, the stream runs approximately 14 miles from its headwaters at Left Fork near Mount Collins, all within the park. The Deep Creek trailhead is off Newfound Gap Road near Clingmans Dome. The last two miles of the stream outside the park are hatchery-supported waters, managed by the NCWRC. From the park entrance to the Tuckasegee River in Bryson City, this section of the stream runs through private property and is not easily accessible in some spots.
This time of year is too cold for innertubers
Spring is an ideal time to fish the creek. It’s still too cold for tubing, and mayfly, caddis and stonefly hatches are abundant. Spring is also an ideal time to view the spectacular displays of wildflowers that color the trail sides and stream banks. An amazing variety of trillium, along with jack-in-the pulpit, wild geranium, crested dwarf iris, phlox, blood root, showy orchids, rue anemone and other beauties line the area.
I’ve fished the creek numerous times and never failed to catch trout. Catches aren’t always numerous, but the creek does provide its reward if you’re persistent. Take a variety of dry flies and nymphs. And if you don’t get a strike, don’t hesitate to change.
The lower section has three scenic waterfalls. Tom Branch Falls lies a short distance from the gated part of the trail, and drops 75 feet into Deep Creek. And Juney Whank Falls, which is off the trail on the left going up, is a slender stream of water that cascades down a high, rock face and flows into Deep Creek via a culvert under the trail. At the creek’s junction with Indian Creek, a short walk takes you to Indian Creek Falls, a wide 60-foot falls that tumbles into a large pool.
Hit Indian Creek if you have the time
Indian Creek is a good side trip, if you have plenty of fishing time. A trail runs alongside the creek, providing easy access to the stream. Mostly rainbow trout inhabit this section, with a few browns thrown in for good measure. Fishing can be tight in places, but the amount of open space offers good options for fly casting.
At the first bridge on the lower part of the trail, the water gushes over giant boulders and forms a large pool where dozens of large trout congregate. Some of these fish measure at least 12 inches or longer. Catching one is a real challenge. I’ve cast dry flies, nymphs and spinners without ever enticing one to strike. I still try on every trip. I’ve had much better success in a large, still pool above the bridge.
A paved road leads past the campground to the gated entrance to Deep Creek Trail. A large parking area near the gate also is paved.
Some overnight options exist at campground
The campground at the entrance to the park at Deep Creek is open late March through October. The 92 sites are first-come, first-served. Some sites will accommodate RVs, but the campground does not have hookups. Additionally, several backcountry sites sit along Deep Creek Trail. These units are open year-round, but permits are required. Permits are free from the campground office during the camping season or at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center on Newfound Gap Road near Cherokee in the off-season.
To get to Deep Creek, take US 74 west to Bryson City. Take Exit 67 and turn right at the first traffic light on Main Street. Turn left at the courthouse and turn right at the train station on Depot Street. At the end of Depot Street, turn left on Deep Creek Road. Now follow the signs to the park entrance.
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