The Little River flows through the stunning DuPont State Recreational Forest in Transylvania County, North Carolina, creating one of the most scenic and accessible trout fisheries in the southern Appalachians. This medium-sized freestone stream tumbles through a landscape dominated by spectacular waterfalls — including the famous Hooker Falls and Triple Falls — before flowing into Lake Imaging and eventually joining the French Broad River watershed.
What makes the Little River truly special is its combination of dramatic waterfalls, excellent delayed harvest fishing, and easy accessibility. The 4.75-mile section from below Hooker Falls to the DuPont State Forest boundary receives heavy stocking from fall through spring, creating outstanding catch-and-release opportunities in one of North Carolina's most photographed landscapes. The backdrop of cascading waterfalls and pristine mountain forest makes every fishing trip feel like a wilderness adventure, even though you're never far from your vehicle.
DuPont State Forest itself is a remarkable destination — 10,600 acres of protected land featuring over 80 miles of trails, more than a dozen waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams that have appeared in blockbuster films like "The Hunger Games" and "The Last of the Mohicans." The Little River flows through the heart of this forest, offering anglers the rare opportunity to fish for stocked and wild trout beneath waterfalls that rival any in the Appalachians.
Beyond the delayed harvest section, DuPont State Forest contains an extensive network of wild trout waters with self-sustaining populations of brown and rainbow trout, providing additional opportunities for anglers seeking solitude and technical challenges in smaller tributary streams.
Waterfall Backdrop
Fish beneath spectacular waterfalls including Hooker Falls (30 feet) and Triple Falls (triple-cascade totaling 120 feet) — some of the most scenic trout water in North Carolina.
Excellent Delayed Harvest Section
4.75 miles of heavily stocked catch-and-release water from October through May, providing consistent action for rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
DuPont State Forest Setting
Protected forest land ensures pristine water quality, abundant wildlife, and minimal development — a true mountain sanctuary.
Family-Friendly Access
Good roadside access along portions of the river with parking areas and easy walking to prime fishing spots.
Wild Trout Opportunities
Beyond the delayed harvest section, explore miles of wild trout streams throughout DuPont State Forest for solitary fishing experiences.
Year-Round Recreation
When you're not fishing, explore 80+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, swim beneath waterfalls, or simply enjoy the spectacular scenery.
| Species | Seasonal Activity | Average Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Year-round | 8–14 in (stocked); 6–10 in (wild) | Most abundant species; aggressive feeders |
| Brown Trout | Year-round; peak fall | 10–16 in (stocked); 8–14 in (wild) | Holdovers possible; wary fish |
| Brook Trout | Year-round | 8–12 in | Heavily stocked; wild fish in upper tributaries |
| Technique | When to Use | Best Target Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymphing with Indicator | Year-round | All species | Essential technique; fish pools below waterfalls |
| Dry Fly Fishing | Spring & Fall | Rainbow, Brook | During hatches; stocked fish are eager |
| Dry-Dropper Rigs | Spring–Fall | Rainbow, Brook | Excellent when fish feeding subsurface |
| Streamer Fishing | Fall & Winter | Brown Trout | Work deep pools and undercut banks |
| Euro Nymphing | Year-round | Brown, Rainbow | Effective in pocket water and runs |
| Spin Fishing – Small Spinners | Spring–Fall | Rainbow, Brook | Mepps, Rooster Tails (sizes 0–2) |
| Spin Fishing – Small Spoons | Year-round | Brown, Rainbow | Kastmasters (1/8–1/4 oz) |
The Little River's structure makes it an excellent spin fishing destination. The pools below waterfalls, pocket water, and undercut banks provide ideal habitat for trout that respond well to conventional tackle.
Inline Spinners:
Small Spoons:
Soft Plastics:
Plunge Pool Fishing:
The pools below waterfalls are prime holding areas. Cast upstream and allow lures to sink before beginning a slow retrieve. These oxygenated pools hold concentrations of trout.
Pocket Water:
Cast small spinners into pockets behind boulders. The moderate gradient creates numerous feeding stations where trout ambush prey.
Run and Riffle Fishing:
Cast across and downstream with inline spinners, allowing current to swing lures through feeding lanes.
Regulations: Catch-and-release only
Lures: Artificial lures only, single hook
Bait: No natural bait allowed
Barbless Hooks: Strongly recommended
Season Opens: 12:00 p.m. on first Saturday in June
Creel Limit: 7 trout per day
Size Limit: None
Bait/Lure: Any legal bait or lure
Season: Year-round
Regulations: Catch-and-release only
Lures: Artificial lures only, single hook
| License Type | Who Needs It | Approx. Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC Inland Fishing License | Residents & Non-residents 16+ | $25/year (Resident), $45/year (Non-resident) | Covers all inland waters |
| Trout Privilege License | Anyone fishing for trout | $10/year (Resident), $25/year (Non-resident) | Required for all trout waters |
Purchase Licenses:
From Brevard:
From Hendersonville:
Hooker Falls Parking Area:
High Falls Parking Area:
Fawn Lake Parking Area:
The Little River in DuPont State Forest represents North Carolina trout fishing at its most scenic and accessible. With spectacular waterfalls including Hooker Falls and Triple Falls as a backdrop, the 4.75-mile delayed harvest section provides outstanding catch-and-release fishing from October through May in one of the most beautiful settings in the southern Appalachians.
Heavy stocking ensures consistent action for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, while the forest's protected status maintains pristine water quality and abundant wildlife. The Little River is ideal for families and beginners, with good access and easy wading, yet offers enough challenge to keep experienced anglers engaged.
What sets the Little River apart is the complete experience it offers. You can fish beneath waterfalls in the morning, hike to spectacular overlooks in the afternoon, and return to comfortable accommodations in nearby Brevard by evening. The combination of productive fishing, stunning scenery, and excellent infrastructure makes this one of Western North Carolina's most beloved destinations.
Beyond the delayed harvest section, DuPont State Forest contains miles of wild trout streams offering solitary fishing experiences for anglers willing to explore the trail system. Whether you're a beginner learning to cast or an experienced angler seeking technical challenges, the Little River and DuPont State Forest deliver memorable mountain fishing experiences.
Location: Transylvania County, North Carolina (DuPont State Recreational Forest)
Nearest Towns: Brevard, Hendersonville
Fishing Season: Delayed Harvest (Oct 1–June); Wild Trout (year-round)
Main Species: Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout
Best Methods: Nymphing, dry fly fishing, spin fishing with small lures
Regulations: Delayed Harvest (main section); Wild Trout (forest streams)
Special Features: Spectacular waterfall backdrop, excellent access, family-friendly, protected forest setting, 80+ miles of trails, scenic beauty
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