This text is replaced by the Flash movie.

Outdoor Adventures

Fishing

The 4,000 miles of cool, clear mountain streams and the many lakes in the mountains of North Carolina offer anglers more fishing opportunities than can be found in any other state in the Southeast. In fact, the region supports one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world.

Fly fishing enthusiasts come for the native brook trout and for the brown and rainbow trout that thrive in the many stocked streams. North Carolina's mountain trout streams are considered to be the finest in the Eastern United States.

For those who prefer still-water fishing, largemouth bass, whitefish, catfish, pike and bluegills abound in the region's myriad lakes and ponds. In deepwater lakes such as Fontana Lake, northern fish such as walleye, muskie and smallmouth bass are also favorites.

It is the trout that reigns supreme, however, and many streams are stocked from three state trout hatcheries in the region which raise more than half a million brook, brown and rainbow trout annually. The largest of these is the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery near Brevard. Visitors can see the hatchery and the neighboring Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, which features a hatchery raceway exhibit that describes the trout production process in detail.

On the Qualla Boundary, the Cherokee Fish and Game Management agency regularly stocks the nearly 30 miles of streams and six acres of ponds that are operated as a tribal business, adding nearly 400,000 rainbow, brook and brown trout to the existing population of native fish. The public is allowed to fish these waters for a modest fee.

May and June are the prime months for trout fishing in the North Carolina mountains. Water temperatures in the streams rise to 50 to 55 degrees, and the fish become more active and plentiful. Insects on the surface of the water also come to life, which in turn stimulates the fish to bite.

Where to Find 'em

An excellent resource for finding places to fish and boat is the Take Me Fishing website of the nonprofit Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation. On the homepage map, click on the state of North Carolina, then select region 1 (western North Carolina) or the county of interest.

While some prime fishing spots are well-kept local secrets, there are plenty of excellent opportunities to experience the solitude and privacy of a deep woods fishing experience in the Nantahala National Forest, the Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many spots are inaccessible by vehicle, and to reach some of these places, one might have to make a long hike or difficult climb. The reward may be not only a truly unique fishing experience but also great views, peace and quiet, and a trout sizzling over a campfire.

Less adventuresome anglers can enjoy quality trout fishing in many of the lower elevation streams and rivers. Experienced guides and outfitters are available to help lead visitors to the best fishing holes around.

Lake Fishing

Excellent deep water fishing can be had on the Fontana Reservoir in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other easily accessible lakes with good fishing include:

Lake James – between Morganton and Marion, NC
Lake Lure – Lake Lure, NC
Lake Julian Price – near Boone, NC
Lake Junaluska – near Maggie Valley
W. Kerr Scott Lake – near Wilkesboro, NC
Lake Keowee-Toxaway – near Cashiers, NC
Lake Chatuge – near Hayesville, NC

Commercial catch-out trout ponds offer non-sport fishing for those seeking a guaranteed dinner. Licensed by the NC Department of Agriculture, operators of these commercial enterprises usually supply the poles, bait and the cleaning of the fish that are caught. Fish are priced by the pound.

Fishing Opportunities for Children

A number of fishing events for children are sponsored by the US Forest Service, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and local businesses to help kids learn fishing basics such as casting, knot tying, tackle selection, catch-and-release and boating safety. These events offer kids an opportunity to fish for a number of stocked game fish, including mountain trout. The events are free and prizes are awarded, including lifetime fishing licenses, rods, reels, tackle and fish identification guides.
Every August, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians sponsors the annual Talking Trees Children's Trout Derby at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.
More than 1,000 children participate annually in this free event, which includes fly-tying exhibitions, fish-cleaning stations, food, music, door prizes, and trophies.

Fishing Licenses

Licenses are required to fish the waters of the North Carolina mountains. The NC Wildlife Resources Commissions issues a variety of licenses, based on residency and frequency of use. Short-term, annual and lifetime licenses are available. Detailed information on types of licenses and fees can be found at http://www.wildlife.state.nc.us/. Licenses can be purchased online.

More Fishing Information

There are more than 300 miles of streams in the North Carolina region of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many are in wilderness areas inaccessible by road. A valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license is required to fish anywhere in the park.

Seventy-five miles of streams and 66 acres of ponds are located within the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor in North Carolina. A valid North Carolina fishing license is required, and because in some places special regulations apply, persons wishing to fish in these waters should read the rules printed on signs posted at lake shorelines and along stream banks.

Two State Parks offer more than 26 miles of trout waters—Stone Mountain State Park near Wilkesboro and South Mountains State Park near Morganton. The basic state fishing license and the special trout license are required to fish these water, and special procedures and fees may be required on certain streams.

Approximately 30 miles of streams and six acres of ponds are open to public fishing on the 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation), adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Bryson City. A tribal permit is required.

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Fish & Game Management
PO Box 302
Cherokee, NC 27819
1-800-438-1601
www.cherokee-nc.com/fishing

The Bobby N. Setzer Hatchery and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education are located one mile off US 276 in the Pisgah National Forest near the town of Pisgah Forest.

Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery
PO Box 728
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
PO Box 1600
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
(828) 877-4423
www.wildlife.state.nc.us

NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Division of Inland Fisheries
1721 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
(919) 707-0220
http://www.ncwildlife.org/