In 2010, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission added Old Fort to their list of N.C. Mountain Heritage Trout Towns. This designation allows visitors and other fishermen to purchase a special $5.00 fishing license that is active for three days and is good for use in any of the state's mountain trout towns. In downtown Old Fort, the section of Mill Creek bordering Mountain Gateway Museum at 102 Water Street is a public portion of this stream. It is a "delayed harvest stream."