While researching an upcoming ebook, I stumbled across a bit of news regarding trout fishing on the Tuckaseegee River. The Dillsboro Dam, on the Tuckaseegee River in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has been removed by Duke Power. 
After a lengthy battle eventually decided in court, Duke Power was allowed to remove the dam. While the county wanted to keep the dam for historical and tourist interests, Duke Power wanted to remove it. Years ago, I had read about a proposal by environmentalists and/or outdoor enthusiast to pressure Duke Power to remove the dam as a concession when their Federal permits came up for renewal. However, I haven't heard much about it until recently, when I noticed the dam has been removed. No doubt this will be a boon to boaters, and I suspect it will expand the overall fishing opportunities in the area. The Tuck was already widely known for its successful tailrace trout and smallmouth bass fishing in the Dillsboro area. I can remember fishing on both sides of the river just below the dam for smallmouths and trout -- accessible on the north side by the park in Dillsboro and on the south side by a death-defying climb down a kudzu-laden bank to the river. I can still visualize an approximately 2 lb smallmouth jumping out of the water and shaking loose of my Dad's line, while he was fishing from the pier in the Dillsboro Park. Now, there will be greater access, fishability, and river health and diversity in this area, and the Dillsboro Park will not only be a great put-in for your canoe or kayak, but now it can be a great take-out. More Dillsboro Dam removal pictures can be found at the Sylva Herald, USFWS, and on Flickr.
All photos courtesy of USFWS