Fly Fishing Cherokee, North Carolina

Cherokee, North Carolina, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the state. Straddling the border between Swain and Jackson counties, it is the capital of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Visitors will notice that much of the street signage is written in both Cherokee syllabary and English. It is also the gateway to Great Smoky National Park, welcoming millions of tourists every year. Just a short summary of what attracts people to vacation in the area includes:

• Spectacular mountain views surrounding the Oconaluftee Valley
• Whitewater rafting and kayaking in the area rivers and creeks 
• Hiking the hundreds of miles of trails in and around Great Smoky National Park
• Catching a glimpse of North Carolina's only wild elk herd
• Trying your luck at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort 
• Taking a ride on a steam engine from nearby Bryson City
• Beginning a drive on the south entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Standing near or under Mingo Falls, or one of the many other waterfalls
• Fly Fishing in The Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee River

Whether you are visiting the area for a family vacation or a quick getaway, you will thank yourself for adding fly fishing to your list of activities. If it were up to us, we would recommend you spend the entire time fishing the Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee River. 

Fly Fishing in and Around Cherokee, North Carolina

The Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee flows out of the high peaks located in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The river carves its way down through to the valley before it joins the Oconaluftee between the Cherokee Central School and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. If you choose to fish the Raven Fork, you will find the river stocked with some of the largest trout in the state. The river also boasts a very healthy population of wild rainbow and brown trout.

While this river doesn’t require a North Carolina fishing license, you will need a Cherokee tribal trout license. You might consider bringing your NC license with you, however, so you can fish in other rivers like the Nantahala and Tuckaseegee. 

The Raven Fork is just a short, 45-minute drive from the towns of Highlands, Cashiers, Waynesville, Sylva, Franklin, Bryson City, and Dillsboro. If you are in the area for a few days, you could easily combine fly fishing in Cherokee with other area activities such as zip-lining, whitewater rafting, tubing, hiking, and more. If you are ready to get out and enjoy nature, you will not find a better place for your getaway than Cherokee, NC.

Make sure you are getting the most out of your experience by calling professional fly fishing guides who know the waters around Cherokee, NC. Turning Stone's Fly Fishing's guides have been fishing the Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee for many years. It's one of our favorite rivers in the area. We can help make sure you have the best fly fishing experience possible. 

Whether you are an experienced angler or trying out a new hobby for the first time, we can help. Contact Turning Stone's Fly Fishing to schedule your relaxing day fishing for large trout in the Cherokee area.