Ashe County, North Carolina, is absolutely chock full of fishing holes loaded with numerous species of fish. You’ll find everything from well-stocked creeks in manicured parks to truly wild areas far off the beaten path. This section of the state offers something for every angler — from the novice to the experienced adventurer.
And there is simply no better way to experience these waters than with a Roxor or UTV, which you can rent from us here at Unseen Pass in West Jefferson. These open-air vehicles make it easy to reach hidden spots, winding country roads, and one-lane wooden bridges that most cars can’t handle.
The Roxor, in particular, is perfect for exploring Ashe County’s rugged terrain. It’s just as much fun cruising straight into Lansing Creeper Trail Park or New River State Park to cast a line and relax by the water.
The Willys Heritage and Open-Air Access
The Roxor is based on the legendary Willys Jeep platform from World War II. With its automatic transmission, it’s easy to drive and just plain fun. The lack of hard doors and windows gives it a true open-air feel, letting you take in every sound and sight along the way.
This wide view makes every mile special. You’ll enjoy the incredible scenery that unfolds as you explore the county, especially along the Peak Route and the River Route — two easy-to-follow trails provided by Unseen Pass and downloadable right to your cell phone.
Even the one-lane roads are well maintained in Ashe County, so fishing from your own car is an option. But with a Roxor or UTV, your fishing trip becomes a full adventure. The vehicle’s narrow body makes it simple to pass oncoming traffic, and the experience itself is far more exciting and immersive.
Casting in Unseen Waters: Spots and Species
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of pull-offs that offer direct access to top fishing holes such as Big Horse Creek, Helton Creek, and both forks of the New River. At these stops, you’re just steps away from casting for Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, and Red Eye Bass — also known locally as Rock Bass.
You can fish for a while, then hop back into your UTV and ride to the next spot. Or stay longer and wade through the water for an hour or two — the choice is yours.
While you’re out, keep your eyes open for wildlife. Watch for Bald Eagles soaring overhead, explore the shallows for crawdads, and stay alert for the elusive Hellbender — a harmless but fascinating aquatic creature native to these rivers.
Tackle Talk: The Right Bait and Storage
The Roxor seats up to four passengers and offers generous space for rods, tackle, and enough snacks to last the day. Multiple compartments — including two locking ones for your valuables — let you store more gear than you’d expect. You can even strap kayaks to the roof rack and expand your adventure from land to water.
For Smallmouth Bass, inline spinners like the Mepps Aglia and Black Fury in sizes 3 and 4 are proven favorites. Muted crawdad colors work great here. Cast into churning water, let the lure settle, and reel it in slowly for best results. Soft-plastic creature baits also perform well, especially around rocky areas.
To target Rock Bass and Redbreast Sunfish, try small spinners like Panther Martin and Beetle Spins. These fish love shady pools and deeper holes near fast-moving water. If you’re after Trout, those same spinners work well, but Berkley PowerBait Corn and live worms are equally effective. Don’t forget crickets — they often draw quick strikes when nothing else does.
Summer is the perfect season to visit Ashe County. The air is cooler than in most of the Carolinas, and the fishing is at its best. To rent your UTV and enjoy the ultimate river experience, visit unseenpass.com today.
