Most folks have heard that the Highlands plateau is known for its abundant species of salamanders. They are some beautiful creatures that exist in a variety of vibrant colors. The largest species of salamander that exists in this area are known as "Hellbenders" and reach up to 24" long! Its isn't uncommon for fly fisherman to catch them in the many trout streams around Highlands/Cashiers. This photo is just that...a hellbender caught on a fly rod.
The hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), also known as the hellbender salamander, is a species of aquatic giant salamander endemic to eastern North America. A member of the family Cryptobranchidae, the hellbender is the only member of the genus Cryptobranchus, and is joined only by one other genus of salamanders (Andrias, which contains the Japanese and Chinese giant salamanders) at the family level. The hellbender, which is much larger than all other salamanders in its geographic range, employs an unusual means of respiration (which involves cutaneous gas exchange through capillaries found in its dorsoventral skin folds), and fills a particular niche — both as a predator and prey — in its ecosystem, which either it or its ancestors have occupied for around 65 million years. The species is listed as Near Threatened.