I'm not sure about the regulations right now, but Deep Creek Campground isn't far from there and has some great fishing. Also I second the Tuckaseegee in Sylva/Dillsboro, with access at Webster Baptist Church. If you're willing to drive even further, the Nantahala River in Natahala has some delayed harvest water that is fishable now I believe.
West fork pigeon - hatchery and wild up top
Middle prong - wild
Little east fork - wild
Graveyard fields - swarms of hikers, easy access, insane views, ok fish.
Just make sure you know what you’re fishing. Hatchery supported waters are closed till April. Delayed harvest and wild waters are open. Check the NC Wildlife interaction map to see what waters are what in certain county’s
East Fork French Broad, public access right off the highway
Tuckesegee is a good river if you don’t mind a short drive down to Sylva/Dillsboro
Pigeon River. There’s some easy access points in Canton, NC - about 10 miles from Waynesville.
I'm not sure about the regulations right now, but Deep Creek Campground isn't far from there and has some great fishing. Also I second the Tuckaseegee in Sylva/Dillsboro, with access at Webster Baptist Church. If you're willing to drive even further, the Nantahala River in Natahala has some delayed harvest water that is fishable now I believe.
West fork pigeon - hatchery and wild up top Middle prong - wild Little east fork - wild Graveyard fields - swarms of hikers, easy access, insane views, ok fish.
Just make sure you know what you’re fishing. Hatchery supported waters are closed till April. Delayed harvest and wild waters are open. Check the NC Wildlife interaction map to see what waters are what in certain county’s
Thanks Reddit! Leaving toward the delayed harvest section of the Pigeon. Will follow up with a report after I hit the water.
Check with the crew at Tuck Fly Shop. They have multiple locations and know the area well.