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Fishing in the national forests and lakes is allowed all year. Fishing in the forest’s streams and rivers, however, is regulated and sometimes restricted. Anglers who wish to fish will need a North Carolina Fishing license and trout permit. Streams located on game lands require a special use permit as well.

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Brook trout, Brown trout and Rainbow trout are the dominant species of trout in the Western North Carolina streams and rivers. Public mountain trout streams are designated as Wild Trout Waters for natural resource management purposes. Wild Trout Waters are high quality waters that sustain trout populations by means of natural reproduction unbothered by fishing. Some public mountain streams are Hatchery Supported Waters. Hatchery Supported Waters are mountain rivers and streams that are occasionally stocked with fish to sustain fishing. The Hatchery Supported Waters are classified three ways: Catch and Release – artificial fly only, Catch and Release – artificial fly only, and Delayed Harvest Waters.

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 Since regulations including catch limits vary mountain stream to lake to river in different areas, you are responsible to know what the limitations are. Western North Carolina River Park regulations may be obtained by calling Western North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at : 919-662-4373