ConleysCreek

Public/private

MEDIUM-size freestone creek in the Whittier Community.

Location East of Bryson City; US 74, Exit 72. Easy to moderate access.

Species Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout

License Requirements NC fishing license with a trout stamp   

Conleys Creek is hatchery-supported by the State of North Carolina, and is stocked regularly from spring through fall. Conleys Creek is the cousin to Alarka Creek, both of which begin at high elevation on opposite sides of Cowee Bald in the Big Laurel area on US Forest Service land. The upper stretches of Conleys Creek offer great small stream fishing for rainbow and brook trout.

An old logging road maintained by the Forest Service provides access to the upper reaches, and is best traveled by 4wd vehicles. The lower reaches of Conleys Creek are easily accessed via a paved state road, and have many great access points and parking throughout the community. The fishing in the lower reaches is for hatchery supported rainbow and brown trout.

NOTE: Hatchery supported trout waters are closed to 30 minutes past sunset on the last day of February until 7 am on the first Saturday in April (opening day). While fishing is closed, Wildlife personnel will stock all hatchery supported trout waters.