Nantahala River | Rainbow Springs | Franklin, NC
It is one of the most special places around here to a selected few who are fortunate enough to own property in there. It is surrounded by the US Forestry Service lands and the Nantahala River flows right threw it into the Nantahala Lake and on to Fontana Dam.
The Nantahala River in Rainbow Springs is NOT a “fly-fishing only” stream nor is it “catch & release” stream. The NC “wild trout natural bait waters” “single hook” mountain trout regulations apply, which means it is open for fishing year round, day light hours only, bait is allowed, no treble hooks, and the daily limit is 4 trout over 7 inches per property owner.
Some property owners believe because it is private waters and stocked privately, those regulations do not apply. It is my understanding that once fish are released in a stream (flowing water) they come under the state of NC management and protection. In addition, the trout are prey for kingfishers, great blue herons, osprey and now several bands of otters have taken up residence.
Over the years its been rare that property comes up for sale in this particular area however, in the past year or so there has been an increase of availability. If you are interested in Rainbow Springs, now is a good time to look. You must have a Realtor with you, this is a closely watched gated community. Click here --->> I would be happy to show you around.
Finally and perhaps unbelievably, the Nantahala River has a "salmon" run every fall and is truly a unusual event for any river in the Southeast.
Hwy. 64 West out of Franklin, NC leads up to Rainbow Springs in the Nantahala Forest.
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