This is classic small-stream fishing, with plenty of tight canopy but also some relatively open water. Current regulations have most of Howard Creek and its major feeders closed during the late fall and winter (from Nov. 1 through March 30), but you’ll find it a wonderful destination for wild trout during the warm-weather months.

LAUREL FORK CREEK
Laurel Fork Creek flows into the Toxaway River arm of Lake Jocassee. It is a four-mile boat ride from the launch area at Devils Fork State Park (after entering the Toxaway River arm, turn right into the finger where Laurel Creek enters the lake). You can see spectacular Laurel Creek Falls from the lake, but it’s a tough, long hike (some eight miles) to the falls.

Of course, our present interest isn’t waterfall viewing but fishing. The entire Laurel Fork drainage is designated “trout-natural” water by DHEC. You’ll find bigger trout in the lower end, below the falls, but don’t overlook the headwaters or Laurel Fork’s feeders.

The Foothills Trail crosses the stream via a suspension bridge, but it’s a long, eight-mile-plus hike to this point. For multi-day trips, taking the trail to here from U.S. Highway 178 (turn off it onto Laurel Valley Road, Pickens County Road S-237, take the gravel road to the right and drive half a mile to the Laurel Valley Access parking lot) is the way to go. For a day of fishing, the lower reaches, accessed by boat from Lake Jocassee, are really the only viable option.

EASTATOE RIVER
The headwaters of this stream are also situated in the Jocassee Gorges area, but unlike the above-mentioned waters, it is not a feeder like Lake Jocassee. Much of the Eastatoe is readily accessible, but such is not the case with the steep gorge that forms that portion of the headwaters where the stream squares its shoulders and gets down to serious abundance. It really isn’t a river here, just a fast-flowing, decent-sized mountain creek. If you are looking for a reasonably remote area that can still be the focus of a one-day trip, the Eastatoe might be just the ticket.

To gain access to the gorge area, you must hike in from the Laurel Valley parking area. This is reached from Highway 178 (Moorefield Memorial Highway) just a short way from the border with North Carolina. A comparatively easy hike of 2 1/2 miles along a blaze-marked trail takes you to the river, where the maintained trail ends. However, there is a readily discernible angler’s path alongside the right side of the stream. This is mainly wild rainbow water, although you may occasionally catch a stocked fish that has made its way upstream from the valley area lower down, where stocking takes place on a regular basis.

TACTICS, TECHNIQUES AND RELATED MATTERS
For the most part, both artificial lures (flies, spinners and small plugs) and bait are legal for trout in South Carolina streams. There are a few exceptions where artificials or single-hook artificials only are permitted, as well as special regulations regarding creel limits. You should always check regulations for the current year before venturing to a given stream.