Fishing in Madison County, NC
Whether fishing for trout in the creeks or bass, catfish and muskie in the French Broad River, there are many places available for fishing enthusiasts. There are areas that are stocked during the season and also some wild waters with native fish. You can always get in the French Broad River or fish from a small boat to catch the smallmouth bass or catfish.
Download a Madison County Map
Download a Fishing Brochure
Trout Fishing (hatchery supported)
| HOT SPRINGS AREA — south toward Spring Creek | Spring Creek |
| Meadow Fork Creek (tributary of Spring Creek) | |
| Roaring Fork Creek (tributary of Meadow Fork Creek) | |
| Little Creek (tributary of Meadow Fork Creek) | |
| Max Patch Pond | |
| HOT SPRINGS AREA – north & west toward Tennessee | Upper Shut In Creek |
| LAUREL AREA | Big Laurel Creek |
| Spillcorn Creek (tributary of Big Laurel Creek) | |
| Puncheon Fork Creek (tributary of Big Laurel River) | |
| Shelton Laurel Creek | |
| Mill Creek (tributary of Shelton Laurel Creek) | |
| MARSHALL AREA | Big Pine Creek |
| MARS HILL AREA | Little Ivy Creek |
Trout Fishing (delayed harvest)
| LAUREL AREA | Big Laurel Creek |
| Shelton Laurel Creek | |
| HOT SPRINGS | Spring Creek |
French Broad River for Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, and Muskie Fishing
| HOT SPRINGS AREA | Murray Branch Picnic Area (handicapped accessible) |
| Town of Hot Springs to Stackhouse | |
| MARSHALL AREA | Town of Marshall to Buncombe County line along NC 251 |
| Blannahassett Island from a pier |
“Wild” Waters for Native Fish
| LAUREL AREA | Laurel River Trail |
| Big Creek (tributary of Shelton Laurel Creek | |
| Hickey Fork (tributary of Shelton Laurel Creek) |
NOTE: There is no designated parking for these locations unless the spot is part of a Forest Service hiking trail. You just have to pull off the road where convenient and where it is not marked with a “NO TRESPASSING” sign. Remember that all local trespassing laws are in effect.
Disclaimer: Refer to the North Carolina Regulations Digest for the most up-to-date information.
North Carolina Wildlife Trout Stocking Schedule
Where to buy Fishing Licenses, Supplies and Bait
