You're standing at the base of Triple Falls, watching three ribbons of whitewater crash into a deep, jade-green plunge pool. Mist hangs in the air. Most hikers snap their photos and move on. You're pulling a hand reel from your pocket.
That's the beauty of fishing Dupont State Forest.
This isn't just another North Carolina waterfall destination. Tucked between Brevard and Cedar Mountain, Dupont's 12,500 acres pack some of the most fishable water you'll find on a hiking trail.
And here's the thing—we design and manufacture our GoReels right down the road in Pisgah Forest. Dupont is our testing ground. Our lunch break escape. The place we send out-of-town friends when they ask where to fish around here.
This is the guide we wish existed when we started exploring these creeks.
Why Dupont State Forest is Perfect for Hand Reel Fishing
Wide, maintained trails. The Forest Service keeps these paths in excellent shape. You're not bushwhacking. You're walking.
Short distances to fishable water. Most spots are 0.5 to 2 miles from parking. Close enough to hit before work if you're motivated.
Multiple access points. Four major trailheads mean you can design your day around fishing first, waterfalls second.
Mix of pocket water and pools. Below every waterfall sits a plunge pool. Between waterfalls, you've got classic Appalachian freestone structure.
The Fish: What You're Targeting
Rainbow Trout - Most common. 6-10 inches on average, with the occasional 12-incher in deeper pools.
Brown Trout - Smarter, spookier, and more likely to hold in structure. Look for undercut banks and log jams.
Brook Trout - The real prize. Native to these mountains. Smaller (4-8 inches), but stunning—think orange bellies and vermillion spots.
All wild. No stocking programs here. That means these fish have survival instincts. You're fishing to actual wild trout, which makes every catch feel earned.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our guide to Native Trout of Western North Carolina for identification tips and behavior patterns.
Best Fishing Spots in Dupont State Forest
1. Little River Below Hooker Falls
Access: Hooker Falls Trailhead (0.3 miles)
This is your entry-level Dupont fishing spot. Short walk. Easy access. Walk downstream 50-100 yards—most people don't.
Rainbow trout dominate here. Use small spinners or live bait. Fish early morning or late afternoon.
2. Triple Falls Plunge Pool
Access: Hooker Falls Trailhead (1.8 miles via High Falls Trail)
Triple Falls is Dupont's marquee attraction. That plunge pool is DEEP. 15+ feet in spots. Browns and rainbows hang out here.
Fish the edges. Look for seams where faster water meets slower water.
3. High Falls Creek and Upper Little River
Access: High Falls Parking Area (0.7 miles to falls)
Fish ABOVE High Falls. The upper section holds wild brookies and rainbows. Smaller water, smaller fish, but way less pressure.
4. Grassy Creek
Access: Grassy Creek Falls Trailhead (1.5 miles to falls)
Grassy Creek doesn't get the attention that Little River does, which makes it perfect. Classic small-stream trout fishing.
5. Bridal Veil Falls Area (Corn Mill Shoals)
Access: Bridal Veil Falls Parking (0.5 miles)
Corn Mill Shoals spreads out below Bridal Veil—a wide, shallow section with gravel bars and runs. This is wade-friendly water.
Best Times and Seasons to Fish Dupont
Spring (March-May): Peak season. Trout are active. Water temps are ideal (50-60°F).
Summer (June-August): Early mornings and evenings. Fish the higher elevation headwaters.
Fall (September-November): Our favorite. Crowds thin out after Labor Day.
Winter (December-February): Fishable, but slower. You'll have the forest to yourself.
Gear Setup for Dupont
Hand Reel: GoReel River Kit. It's designed for exactly this—mountain streams, freestone water, wild trout.
Line: 60 feet of 15lb braided line (comes with GoReel Pro).
Terminal Tackle:
- Size 10-14 hooks (small, sharp)
- 1/16 - 1/8 oz split shot weights
- Small barrel swivels
- Size 0-1 inline spinners
Sample Day: Combining Waterfalls and Fishing
8:00 AM - Arrive at Hooker Falls Trailhead (beat the crowds)
8:15 AM - Quick cast at Hooker Falls pool (30 minutes fishing)
9:00 AM - Hike to Triple Falls via High Falls Trail (1.8 miles, ~45 min)
9:45 AM - Fish Triple Falls plunge pool (45 minutes)
10:30 AM - Continue to High Falls for photos (0.3 miles)
11:00 AM - Loop back via Covered Bridge Trail (2.4 miles back to car)
Total: 5.2 miles hiking, 1.5 hours fishing, multiple waterfalls, wild trout in your hand. Back at the car by noon.
Why We Love Fishing Dupont
We're based in Pisgah Forest, literally 15 minutes from Dupont's main entrance. This forest isn't just a fishing spot for us—it's our backyard.
Dupont proves that fishing doesn't require a full-day commitment. You don't need to drive hours into backcountry. You don't need a truck full of gear. You need portable tackle, good water, and the willingness to explore.
Most people come for the waterfalls. That's cool. But if you've got a hand reel in your pack, you're also walking past wild trout water that sees a fraction of the pressure.
The waterfalls aren't going anywhere. The trout are waiting. Go find some water.
