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If you are looking to trout fish in Cherokee, NC, you are in the right place! Not only is it one of the most scenic places in all of North Carolina, it is also the home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, and a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, welcoming millions of tourists every year. Lucky for the novice or experienced trout fisherman, there is plenty of water to fish where you can avoid the tourists.

The Cherokee Fisheries and Wildlife Management is known worldwide for its stocking program, which stocks more than 30 miles of water. The Qualla Boundary or Cherokee reservation encompasses most of the Raven Fork, Oconaluftee River, and Soco Creek watersheds and is home to nearly 300,000 rainbow and brook trout each year.

Here are the five best rivers, streams, and creeks to fish in and around Cherokee, North Carolina.

cherokee nc

The 5 Best Spots to Fly Fish In and Around Cherokee, NC

Soco Creek

Soco Creek is the smallest spot on this Cherokee Fly Fishing Spots list. Just because it is small doesn’t mean it’s not an awesome stocked stream. It also has a very healthy population of wild rainbow trout. Access is limited, which is ideal if you want a peaceful, secluded spot.

Oconaluftee River

The Oconaluftee River in Cherokee is a large-size freestone creek. It is stocked 1-2 times per week by the Cherokee Fisheries and Wildlife Management hatchery and has an abundance of rainbow and brook trout and even an occasional palomino.

Raven Fork River

The Raven Fork, which runs through the Qualla Boundary, is stocked 1-2 times per week with rainbow, brook, and Donaldson trout, or “Super Trout,” and palomino trout. 

Deep Creek

The cold, clear, and utterly pristine trout-filled waters of Deep Creek make this creek some of the best brown trout fly fishing around Cherokee, NC! It flows from the Great Smokies National Park and immediately through Bryson City, where it enters the Tuckasegee River or “The Tuck.” 

Tuckasegee River Banks

As mentioned above, the Tuckasegee River or “Tuck” flows right through Bryson City, NC. It is a wide river stocked with lots of fish. It is also perfect for the begging angler as one can easily catch 30 to 50 fish per day! 

If lots of willing trout and easy access sounds good to you, then the Tuckasegee River is perfect for you.

get a fishing permit

Fly-Fishing Permits and Regulations Cherokee, North Carolina 

Any experienced or novice can enjoy Cherokee fly fishing on any of their waters. However, they require a tribal fishing permit for fishing on the tribal lands. You can get it from many of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Reservation’s stores or by ordering it in advance online. If you need help tracking one down, a good guide can help you.

Tuckasegee River NC Turning Stones Fly Fishing

Discover the Natural Beauty of Fly Fishing WNC

WNC is one of the best trout fly fishing destinations in the country. Cherokee is home to numerous trout-filled streams, creeks, and rivers. Fly fishing enthusiasts flock to Cherokee every year in search of brookies, rainbows, and brown trout. While there are countless other spots to fly fish in this area, none compare to Cherokee, NC. It can only be compared to the natural splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Tuckasegee River Turning Stones Fly Fishing

Looking for the Best Spots for Fishing in Cherokee, NC

If you are looking for the top for fly fishing in Cherokee, NC, the guides at Turning Stone’s have you covered. We have a wealth of expertise on these top five waters and a few “secret spots.” 

Our guides have all chosen to call western North Carolina home for its unmatched fly fishing. We want to show you the waters we love and help you catch some fish along the way. Contact us for more information about fly fishing in Cherokee, NC.


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