Snowbird Creek

Big Snowbird Creek in Graham County stands out in an area noted for scenic trout streams.

From its headwaters in the Snowbird Mountains near Cherokee County, Big Snowbird tumbles over a jumbled, unruly mass of boulders and rocks, forms three scenic waterfalls and passes through a remote and rugged section of the Nantahala National Forest on its way to Santeetlah Lake near Robbinsville.

Big Snowbird is divided into three distinct fisheries. The lower section from an old logging railroad junction to the stream's confluence with Santeetlah Lake is hatchery-supported waters.

Some sections of the lower stream pass through a mixture of private and public lands, but all but a few miles of the creek can be accessed either from a gravel road on the upper part or a paved road on the lower section.

Rhododendron overhangs provide ideal hiding places for trout during hot weather, and if you skip a dry fly under those low branches, you’re almost certain to get a strike. Because of the dense forest canopy, much of the creek is shaded, however wading can be hazardous in places because of mossy-slick rocks.

Much of the stream can be accessed from a well-maintained trail from the Junction to Lower Falls. There are sections, though, where the stream is far below the trail. Once one reaches the stream, anglers usually remain in the water unless they want to crawl through thick rhododendron growth.

The U.S. Forest Service maintains seven creekside camping sites along Big Snowbird Creek Road below the Junction. The sites are shaded and have picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. Since the sites are considered primitive, no camping fees are charged. Camping also is permitted anywhere in the upper section, but sites must be at least 50 feet from a stream.

The best way to fish Big Snowbird is to backpack in and spend a couple of days. That allows anglers to get into the best fishing.