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Within the Qualla Boundary you’ll enjoy 30 miles of some of the finest fishing for brook, rainbow and brown trout found anywhere in the U.S. All rivers and ponds are open every day from the last Saturday in March through the end of the following February. For 2009, the season begins March 28.

Ramp It Up! Festival - March 28, 2009

Feast on succulent trout and pungent wild onion/garlic-like ramps.Honor the Cherokee elders on their special day. Pitch horseshoes and make that iron ring! Whether you compete for big prizes or just admire the masters, you’re in for big fun. Held during Cherokee’s trout season opening, this gathering includes music, senior games, craft exhibitions, and the chance to head home with a full creel.2009 Open Horseshoe Tournament Entry PacketRequired W9 Form

Location: Oconaluftee Islands Park 
Contact the Welcome Center for more information at 1-800-438-1601

Also, enter the Cherokee KOA Fishing Tournament at the Cherokee KOA Campground
Organizer Contact: Gayle Dutcher or Mark Jones - (828) 497-2511 

Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby - August 1, 2009

The 8th annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby will be held on Saturday, August 1 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee. The all day event entertains up to 2,000 children annually. Activities include fly-tying exhibitions, fish-cleaning stations, wildlife and fisheries exhibits, food, music and door prizes. Trophies will be awarded. The Trout Derby is free for children ages 3-11.

Educational hands –on booths will entertain and delight children including a mobile aquarium from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife organization. Professional bass fishermen, Orlando Wilson and Marty Fourkiller will also be in attendance.

Complete the Registration Form here (don’t have yet) and bring with you the morning of the event. Bait and hooks will be available the day of the event and breakfast and lunch will be served free to children who are registered participants. Registration is limited to the first 2,000 children; poles and T-shirts are provided. There is a five fish limit per child.

Thirty miles of fast-flowing streams are stocked during the fishing season that runs April through February each year. Most of the fish that fill the streams are grown on the tribes own trout farm in the Big Cove Community. In fact, North Carolina trout season literally starts in Cherokee.

The Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby has been named one of the “Top 20 events” in 2007 by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Location: Oconaluftee Islands Park
Contact: Marsha Davis 828.497.1898

Cherokee Trout Fishing – A Tradition:

Tribal management is passionate about providing the most accessible and abundant fishing destination – stocking over one million trout a year and conserving the forest waterways, stream banks, stream entry points, and bridge ways. A precious natural resource, the stream system connects 30 miles of freestone streams that include secluded forest settings, suburban road side areas as well as the center of the town of Cherokee. We welcome every kind of courteous angler and especially beginners – on their way to becoming experienced fishers. Over 40 shops and stores offer authorized fishing permits and a growing number of tackle shops supply both expert and novice gear including flies, tackle, and bait. We invite you to explore the joys and rewards of freestone fishing and getting to know the unique Cherokee Enterprise Waters. 

The Freestone Stream: 

It’s alive, natural, and ever changing. Found only in high elevations and foothills, a freestone stream is formed by runoff rain or melting snow water, collecting as gravity pulls it off mountaintops, forest floors, and isolated coves. As the water descends ever rapidly, chaos happens – trees are uprooted, rocks dislodge, boulders crash, and streams carve out their course as they form. Our streams require maintenance during spring flooding, depending on rainfall – don’t be surprised if a favorite run is returned to rubble or scenic bend has acquired an inviting new stretch of riffles and pocket pools. It’s exciting that each time you return, the mighty and pure waters of the Smoky Mountains will have once again carved out surprises and the fish will once again be there. 

Now, together, let’s find out where the big ones are biting.