Jackson County offers a wide range of fishing opportunities. The Tuckasegee River, Jackson County’s largest body of water, was called “Western North Carolina’s best trout stream for fly anglers,” by the Charlotte Observer, and scores of smaller streams offer many more opportunities. Fishing is also available on the Cherokee Indian Reservation inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and on any of Jackson County’s several mountain lakes. Fishermen have good success in search of 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 a license from either Tennessee or North Carolina. Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website, for trout fishing regulations, licensing information, Jackson County stream stocking information, directions to handicap-accessible fishing locations in Jackson County, and more.

If you love trout fishing you will be amazed to know that the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail in Jackson County, NC, has the best trout fishing spots in the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail takes you to fifteen open water and small stream spots prime for catching brook, brown and rainbow trout. For more information visit http://www.flyfishingtrail.com or book a fly fishing trip at http://www.abfish.org/

And if you like to fish other species, area lakes yield game fish like largemouth bass, smallmouth ball, walleye and more. Lakes to consider are our own Bear Lake, Wolf Creek Lake and Lake Glenville. For more fly fishing information visit Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.