Fishing In the North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains of Jackson County

One of the many great activities awaiting you when you plan your next trip to Jackson County and the North Carolina Mountains is a wide range of Great Smoky Mountain fishing opportunities. From the Tuckasegee River, to the numerous lakes and ponds in the area, anglers will find plenty to suit them here.

The Tuckasegee River is the largest body of water in Jackson County, and was called “Western North Carolina’s best trout stream for fly anglers,” by the Charlotte Observer. The North Carolina Mountains also offer scores of small streams, that make for great mountain fishing locations. Fishing is also available in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, and on any of the many North Carolina Mountain lakes in Jackson County.

Fishermen visiting the Great Smoky Mountains have had good success in their search for rainbow, brown and native brook trout, bass, bream, walleye and crappie. Keep in mind that regulations can differ. For example, one may fish Cherokee Indian Reservation waters without a state of North Carolina license, but a Cherokee Tribal permit is required. Fishing is allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with either a Tennessee or North Carolina license. Go here for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision website, which offers trout fishing regulations, licensing information, Jackson County stream stocking information, directions to handicapped-accessible fishing locations in Jackson County, and more.
For a complete Jackson County Fishing Guide, call 1-800-962-1911

Cherokee Indian Reservation

You can choose from hundreds of fishing spots from secluded to easy access trout ponds on the Cherokee Reservation in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Qualla Boundary has more than 30 miles of clear trout streams and three easily accessible ponds that are stocked twice each week with rainbow, brook and brown trout. One quarter million are stocked annually, including thousands of trophy size trout.

Cherokee Tribal Hatchery

The trout are produced at the Cherokee Tribal Trout Hatchery, located on Straight Fork in the Big Cove Community. Visitors are welcome from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Permits

A state of North Carolina fishing permit is not required on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, but a Tribal fishing permit ($7) is required. Children under 12 are not required to have a permit, but must be accompanied by a permitted adult. Permits are for one to five days or are seasonal, and can be purchased at dozens of Cherokee businesses.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fishing has been a part of the historic use of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since its creation. The native brook trout was originally present in most streams above 2000 feet elevation. Extensive logging operations in the early 1900s caused contamination of over 160 miles of clear mountain streams, eliminating the brook trout from about 50% of its original range.

Park Regulations

Licensing

Persons possessing a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license may fish all open park waters. A license is required of all persons age 16 or older. Persons under age 16 are entitled to the daily adult bag and possession limit, and are subject to all regulations. Senior citizen licensing is available. The Park does not sell fishing licenses. Licenses are obtainble in surrounding communities, outside the park.

Season

Fishing is permitted year-around in open waters.

Time

Fishing is allowed from one half hour before official sunrise to one half hour after official sunset.

Daily Possession Limits
The possession of brook trout is prohibited. Five (5) rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combintaion of these, each day or in possession, regardless of whether they are fresh, stored in an ice chest, or otherwise preserved. The combined total must not exceed five fish.
-Twenty (20) rockbass (redeye) may be kept in addition to the above limit.
-A person must stop fishing immediately after obtaining the limit.

Size Limits

Rainbow and Brown Trout: 7-inch minimum.
Smallmouth Bass: 7-inch minimum.
Rockbass (Redeye): No minimum.
All trout or smallmouth bass caught less than the legal length shall be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken. Any brook trout must be returned immediately to the water, unharmed.

Lures, Bait and Equipment

Hand-held rods only.
Artificial flies and lures. One hook only.
Fishermen may not possess fish bait or liquid scent.
The use or possession of double, treble or gang hooks is prohibited.
Fishing tackle and equipment including creels and fish in possession are subject to inspection.

Fishing Related Chamber Members