Where to Catch Trophy-size Trout

There are 30 miles of freestone streams on the Cherokee Indian Reservation that are privately stocked using the Tribe’s own fish hatchery. No license is required to fish in Cherokee Reservation waters, however a tribal permit is required for each person 12 years of age and over, for streams and ponds.

Trophy Waters — A 2.2-mile portion of Raven Fork is set aside for catch-and-release fishing. This stretch, which runs north from where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses Raven Fork, offers deep, inviting pools alongside riffles, runs, and pocket waters. A special permit is required.

The Tribe sponsors 4 tagged fish tournaments throughout the year, plus the popular Rumble in the Rhododendron fly fishing tournament in late fall. There is also an annual Children’s Trout Derby held the first weekend in August.

Oconaluftee & Raven Fork Rivers Fishing

The Oconaluftee River in Cherokee is a large-size freestone creek featuring brown trout, rainbows, brookies and palominos. It is stocked twice each week by the Tribe’s hatchery. There is easy access along the entire length of the river. Cherokee maintains areas from which to access the river to fish, including an island park, handicap access locations, and numerous access points with ample parking.

Raven Fork as it flows through the Qualla Boundary is stocked twice each week with rainbow, brown and brook trout, Donaldson strain rainbow trout, and palomino trout. There is great roadside access and easy wading.

The Raven Fork / Trophy Trout Fly Fishing Only Section is home to the biggest trout in the Smokies. You can expect to catch rainbow, and brown trout that exceed 20 inches, some measuring in the mid-30-inch range. Oftentimes anglers fishing this section will catch the trout of a lifetime. Access is great, and wading is easy to moderate.

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