Our Streams: Hazel Creek

Brookies, Bows and Browns abound in Hazel Creek, a 18-mile tributary of the Little Tennessee River; as a side note, we've recently begun offering float trips down the Little Tennessee for smallmouth bass. But for trout fishing, Hazel Creek is one of the richest streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), and the seclusion and challenges bestowed on anglers ensures that plenty of fish stick around. Hazel Creek's headwaters begin at Siler's Bald over 4,000 feet above sea level, and the stream flows southwest into Fontana Lake.  Like the lake's other North Shore streams, Hazel Creek is remote and requires either a boat ride or a lengthy hike to get there. Once you arrive, the Hazel Creek Trail follows the stream and allows access to most areas. The first ten miles of the trail--a former railroad right-of-way--is easy to navigate; however, the northern stretch narrows considerably and includes several water crossings that could become dangerous during and after heavy rains.  

At the trailhead, you'll find the historic Calhoun House, once owned by Granville Calhoun, the "Squire of Hazel Creek" and an influential resident of Proctor, a town that flourished after the logging boom hit in 1909.  Calhoun had financial interests in the region's copper mining and logging, in addition to being a well-respected bear hunter and angler. He also introduced rainbow trout into Hazel Creek. 

Most anglers fish the lower-elevation waters. If you're interested in venturing beyond that, you might camp at one of the five backcountry sites along the trail. Proctor Campsite (#86) is about a half mile from Fontana Lake while Sawdust Pile (#85) is a little over three miles up the Hazel Creek Trail. Campers may encounter wild hogs, bears, deer, and coyotes.  Copperheads, rattlesnakes, and an array of insects and birds also inhabit the area. The place is isolated, so be sure to check the weather before heading out, and bring along a friend if you plan on camping. Off trail, about half a mile east of the Calhoun House, you might come across remnants of the Ritter Lumber Company's saw mill and the Proctor Cemetery, artifacts from a bygone era when Proctor was a bustling town. 

Hazel Creek offers the whole package--wilderness, wildlife, history, and plenty of trout--which makes it one of the most alluring steams in the GSMNP.

Please see this article for more info on the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in general.

Rainbows thrive throughout Hazel Creek while the brook trout populate the higher-elevation waters. Brown trout patrol the lower reaches  where the creek is widest. About five miles from Fontana Lake, you can pick up Sugar Fork, a tributary of Hazel Creek, which has scads of rainbows and its own campsite (#84). An additional half mile upstream is Bone Vally Creek, another tributary with rainbows, brookies and a campsite (#83). About ten miles upstream from Fontana Lake, you'll find Walker Creek and Proctor Creek, two more notable tributaries inhabited by rainbows and brook trout, respectively.

Hazel Creek is open for fishing year-round. Spring is ideal for angling due to the bug hatches. During this season, terrestrials--especially, beetles, ants and grasshoppers--should capture the interests of wild rainbows and browns. In the summer, the middle section is best for landing rainbows while the upper reaches are better for browns and maybe brookies if the water's still cool enough. The crisp mountain air and scenic backdrop of yellow, orange and red leaves make autumn the perfect season for seeking brookies and browns which both spawn in the fall.  By winter, with fewer people around, you could cut down on your hiking effort and fish the lower portion of the creek. Maybe you'll catch some of the husky brown trout skulking around there.

We'd recommend Sulfurs, Royal Wulff's, Caddisflies, and Yellow Sallies.

The lower section of Hazel Creek has plenty of open space for casting. Near the headwaters, vegetation crowds the area, so bow-and-arrow and roll casting might be necessary.  In all GSMNP streams, fishing is permitted 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after official sunset. Right before dawn and dusk, as well as on days when natural light is limited, breakout your streamers. Hazel Creek's browns and rainbows might hit them.

We guide Walk and Wade trips on Hazel Creek

Fontana Village

Bryson City

Robbinsville

All anglers aged 16  or older must have a valid North  Carolina (or Tennessee) state fishing license for Hazel Creek and most other streams in the GSMNP.  Both  resident and non-resident licenses can be purchased from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 

By Boat:

The quickest way to Hazel Creek is by shuttle from the Fontana Village Marina. This option costs $30 oneway and $50 roundtrip. Same-day returns can also  be scheduled along with lengthier visits.  You can even rent boats if you wish to row the distance. Make reservations in advance by calling Fontana Village Marina at 828-498-2017.

Another boating option is taking Highway 28 to Cable Cove and launching a watercraft from there. 

Hiking:

From Fontana Dam, it's a 10-mile hike to Hazel Creek via Lakeshore Trail.

Be sure to make reservations for your shuttle trip in advance at the Fontana Village website.  If you plan to camp, you must make reservations and obtain permits in advance at the Backcountry Permits website. There, you'll also find information about trip-planning details, closures and advisories, and things you need to know before you head out to one of the loveliest streams in the Smokies. 

We will continue documenting the rivers and streams we guide! Stay tuned!