On any of the streams specifically mentioned above, along with all others in the mountain area of South Carolina, an ultralight spinning outfit or a lightweight fly outfit (5-weight or less) will serve you quite nicely. Contrary to the standard wisdom for the latter type of gear, I recommend a long rod (9 feet or more). This makes for longer, more precise roll casts, which you’ll need in tight quarters, is better suited to dappling, and also produces longer bow-and-arrow casts.

For the bait-fisherman, most any type of naturals will work, although for multi-day trips you need to give some thought to the “keeping” qualities of bait. In that regard, think wax worms or maybe, in late summer, catch your own ‘hoppers. In-line spinners, such as a small Mepps Aglia, a Rooster Tail, or an old mountain favorite, a Colorado blade with a long-shank Yellowhammer fly as the trailer, all work well.

For the flyfisherman, attractor patterns, possibly with a nymph dropper, are recommended. These are relatively infertile streams, and that translates to fish that feed opportunistically on whatever is available. It also means that presentation, not pattern, should be at the heart of your concerns.

Whatever your preference when it comes to equipment and lures, the real thrill of remote trout fishing revolves around wild fish, wild settings, roaring water and the incomparable solace of solitude. It is heartening to know that, for those willing to take shank’s mare to get to fine water, South Carolina can still offer this type of trout fishing.

(Editor’s Note: Jim Casada is a full-time freelance writer who has fished the southern Appalachians all but the first six years of his life. He has written extensively on trout fishing and is the author of two books on fly-fishing as well as dozens of other works. For more information or for a free subscription to his monthly e-newsletter, visit his Web site at www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com.)