The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is one of the most rugged places on the East Coast. The Linville Gorge is one of North Carolina’s most remote and unchanged natural areas. The Wilderness Act of 1964 has protected the gorge from any human development. The only way into the gorge is by foot so hiking in and out of the gorge is very strenuous. The Linville River drops 2000 feet in elevation as it meanders 12 miles through the steep gorge walls and eventually dumping into Lake James. The river through the gorge is both wild and powerful in places. Huge boulders and deep plunge pools make up the river and is home to trout and smallmouth bass. During the 90’s the NCWRC stocked thousands of brown trout from half-wild brood stocks into the gorge. There is little natural reproduction that goes on the gorge with these wild brown trout, but the majority of the fish are stocked. The Linville Gorge holds some very large brown trout and is slowly becoming more of a smallmouth fishery. The only problem is getting to the fish. This takes a lot of dedication and skill to rock hop through the gorge searching for that trophy fish. Fishing the gorge isn’t for the faint of heart because it will test you physically and mentally, but the rewards can be worth it. If you are up for the challenge of hiking in and covering alot of ground within the gorge let me know and we will make it happen. Check out some pictures from the gorge below.
