Trout Fishing NC

Fisherman travel from all over the world to experience the world class Trout Fishing near the Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina.  Guests renting a cabin at Sunset Farm Cabins will be able to choose from dozens of hot spots within minutes of our entrance.  Directly across the highway from our six NC rental cabins is the Tuckaseegee River which provides many locations for either Fly Fishing or Cast Fishing stretching many miles throughout Jackson and Swain counties.  Most of the nearby rivers will contain all three types of Trout; rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout for anglers to catch.  This area of Western North Carolina actually contains more than 3000 miles of open streams and rivers open to fishing.  This is pretty astonishing for such a small area of land.  Guests staying at Sunset Farm Cabins will want to do their due diligence to find the best location and best seasons to fish throughout the region.  One of the best websites to visit for up to date information is the North Carolina Wildlife.

Depending on your fishing goals will determine where to fish.  One of the most popular places is the catch and release “Trophy Waters” Fly Fishing only stretch of the Oconaluftee River located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation just 15 minutes north of the cabins.  Although this stretch is famous for some true record size trout if you desire keeping your catches visit any areas outside of this zone and keep up to 10 trout per day to enjoy on the grill.  The Cherokees own their own hatchery and stock from the upper portion 2 times per week (Tuesdays & Fridays) throughout the year.  If you are searching for great odds for catching all three types of Trout this location will provide anglers with opportunity since they release 400,000 trout each year.  Participants can fish throughout the reservation at dozens of popular spots.  Tribal fishing permits are sold separate from the North Carolina Fishing Licenses and must be purchased on a daily usage fee from a local vendor (many throughout Cherokee).  Single day permits cost $7 and must be purchased for anglers 12 and over.  If you plan on fishing multiple days on the reservation discounts apply to 2, 3, and 5 day permits plus if you want a season permit you can buy one for $150.

The Smoky Mountain National Park provides anglers with almost unlimited choices of natural fishing on its 2,115 miles of streams within the park boundaries.  You will not find areas within the park to be hatchery supported and fishing these waters will be slightly more challenging.  A great note to add is due to the parks successful brook trout restoration program, for the first time in 30 years, anglers are now able to fish for brook trout in park streams.  According to the National Park Service, most streams remain at or near their carrying capacity of fish and offer a great opportunity to catch these species throughout the year.  If you would like to read more about fishing in the Smoky Mountain National Park please visit their website.

Sunset Farm Cabins is located in the middle of the one and only Fly Fishing Trail in the United States.  This includes 15 awesome fishing locations with the opportunity of catching brook, brown, and rainbow trout.  We feel this it one of the best places to start for those visiting for the first time or experienced in the area.  Check out the Trail Map for full details.

Local Guide Services:

AB's Fly Fishing Guide Service