In 2007 the North Carolina General Assembly established the Mountain Heritage Trout City program as a means to encourage trout fishing as a heritage tourism activity.  Both Maggie Valley and Waynesville, along with Bakersville, Spruce Pine and Newland are part of the pilot program.  Participation is limited to cities or towns that provide public access to trout waters which are currently in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's trout management program and which run through or adjacent to those cities or towns.

    Interested participants can purchase a 3-day, $5 fishing license for residents or non-residents to fish in these designated waters - in Waynesville it is approximately 2 miles of Richland Creek, including the entire portion running along Vance Street Park.  In addition, rods and reels will be available to the public to check out free of charge at the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce and Waynesville Recreation Center.  For more information contact the Waynesville Recreation Center at 828-456-2030.

    Click here to find out more about the Mountain Heritage Trout City program.