Attention, anglers! Your long wait is over: Fishing returns May 15.

Your patience and cooperation will soon be rewarded with trout that have only grown fatter (and will soon be restocked), with freestone streams running cleaner and purer, and with spring Cherokee fishing in all its glory. Principal Chief Richard Sneed has decreed by Executive Order that Cherokee’s Fisheries & Wildlife Management may reopen fishing to the general public starting May 15. To ensure your continued safety, please keep the following measures in mind:

Cloth coverings will not be mandatory while fishing.
Social distancing requirements, however, do remain in place.

Other important details to remember:

Despite fishing reopening on the Qualla Boundary May 15, the Memorial Day Fishing Tournament continues to be cancelled. Information on refunds can be found on this page, just below.
Stocking of all Enterprise Waters will resume prior to the May 15 opening date.
Fishing permits may be purchased online at fishcherokee.com or anywhere on the Qualla Boundary fishing permits are sold.
Please be careful to avoid purchasing fishing permits for closure dates. Refunds will not be issued.
Due to the special State of Emergency closure, annual permits will not be extended.

To protect all our anglers, the Memorial Day Fishing Tournament has been cancelled.

Scheduled for May 23-24, 2020, the Memorial Day Fishing Tournament has long been a highlight of the early fishing season on the Qualla Boundary. Due to the extended closure of the Boundary, however, and to protect Tribal members and all of the tournament competitors out there, Tribal Leadership has cancelled this tournament.

Current closures and cancellations:

Memorial Day Fishing Tournament, May 23-24, 2020: cancelled
EBCI Enterprise Waters: Opening on May 15, 2020
Official opening day of the 2020 fishing season: May 15, 2020

Please note that the 2.2 miles of Enterprise Waters set aside for catch-and-release fishing remain open year round. Also, the extended closure of the Enterprise Waters will not be enforced on EBCI enrolled members, their spouses, or EBCI first descendants. EBCI spouses and first descendants must obtain a special use fishing permit from the Fisheries & Wildlife Management office in order to fish Enterprise Waters. All legal fishing methods apply.

Registration refunds, permit reprints, and other adjustments.

If you’ve registered, paid your fee, and purchased two-day fishing permits for either the Opening Day Fishing Tournament or the Memorial Day Fishing Tournament, you may choose to use those same permits to compete in the Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament, July 11-12, 2020. That is, of course, contingent on the Boundary’s reopening to the general public. Your permit may be presented to Fisheries & Wildlife Management Office staff at the tag turn-in location during the Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament in July for verification.

Fees that are eligible for refunds:
Opening Day Fishing Tournament Registration Fee $15
2-day Fishing Permit dated March 28-29, 2020 $17
Memorial Day Fishing Tournament Registration Fee $15
2-day Fishing Permit dated May 23-24, 2020 $17

Refund requests may be considered upon written request to the Fisheries & Wildlife Management office at PO Box 1747, Cherokee, NC 28719. Please be sure to include all of the following:

(1) a written request for a refund
(2) a copy of the permit
(3) your contact information
(4) a signed W-9 form

Refund decisions will be processed when the Boundary reopens and the Fisheries & Wildlife Management office staff returns to duty, which is projected be June 8, 2020. If you’re also interested in a refund for your valid annual permit or daily permits you purchased that were affected by the Boundary’s closure, be assured that information will be provided to you once the Boundary reopens and normal business operations resume.

Fishing permits purchased for the dates of March 28-April 11, 2020 may be used for one future date during the 2020 fishing season once it reopens. Reprints of permits dated March 28-April 11, 2020 will not be authorized, so please hold on to your printed copy. We recommend that you DO NOT PURCHASE fishing permits for dates of closure.

Like many offices, we are dealing with staff shortages currently. Please check FishCherokee.com for updates, and check the Fish Cherokee and Visit Cherokee NC Facebook pages for the most recent information. Thank you for your patience and continued understanding. We look forward to seeing you on the water, doing what we all love to do. Let's all stay safe.

Here, the waters run pure and ancient, and the fish are freshly stocked and plentiful.

Today is your day, proud angler—30 miles of streams, arguably the longest stretch of managed private fishery in the eastern US, stocked to the gills with trout: rainbow, brook, golden, and brown. What are you waiting for? They’re here and they’re hungry. You will discover thousands of new favorite fishing spots, all collected into one jaw-droppingly beautiful place. From catch-and-keep to catch-and release calendars, you’re casting constantly. Yet in Cherokee, the memories you catch while fishing might be the tastiest of all.

We’re passionate about trout.

A precious natural resource, the abundantly trout-filled stream system in Cherokee connects 30 miles of freestone streams that include secluded forest settings, suburban roadside areas, and even the Cherokee town center. 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.

What’s a freestone stream?

Paradise for fish; bounty for fishermen.

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 that collects 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. Depending on rainfall, don’t be surprised if a favorite run is returned to rubble or a scenic bend has acquired an inviting new stretch of riffles and pocket pools. But that’s all part of the unfolding beauty of Cherokee fishing.

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Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament CANCELED

This event has been canceled for 2020 due to an Executive Order from EBCI.

For 2020, Cherokee's fishing season “opening day” will be March 28, and we are offering you 20,000 reasons to get excited about it.

Our Opening Day Fishing Tournament requires a $15 entry fee and a $17 two-day fishing permit to compete for $20,000 in tagged fish. You’ll be competing in the rivers on the Qualla Boundary (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters). Tagged fish will be specially stocked for this event, and when you catch one, you redeem it for cash prizes ranging from $25 to $5,000 at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 517 Sequoyah Trail off Hwy 441.

Register anywhere fishing licenses are sold or online at FishCherokee.com by Friday, March 27, 2020. Fishing will start one hour before sunrise and end one hour after sunset each day. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Prize redemption will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. each tournament day.

Cherokee's Memorial Day Trout Tournament CANCELED

This event has been canceled for 2020 due to an Executive Order from EBCI.

Spend the long weekend with the boys: rainbow, brook, golden, and brown. Your $15 entry fee and $17 two-day fishing permit lets you compete for $10,000 in tagged fish within the beautiful freestone streams of Cherokee, NC; only the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters are excluded.

Register for this tournament anywhere fishing permits are sold in and around Cherokee or online at FishCherokee.com by Friday, May 22, 2020. Prize redemption will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. each tournament day.

The Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament July 11-12, 2020

In honor of Tim Hill, a longtime employee at our very own trout hatchery who sadly passed away far too soon, we’re inviting you to fish and compete in this fun and lucrative tournament in his name. With a registration fee of $15 and a two-day fishing permit for $17, you’ll be fishing for your share of $10,000 by catching beautiful fish in rivers all across the Qualla Boundary (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters), which will be stocked with tagged fish.

Tagged fish will be specially stocked for this event, and when you catch one, you redeem it for cash prizes at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 517 Sequoyah Trail off Hwy 441. Register anywhere fishing licenses are sold or at FishCherokee.com by Friday, July 10, 2020. Fishing will start one hour before sunrise and end one hour after sunset each day. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Prize redemption will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. each tournament day.

The Qualla Country Trout Tournament September 5-6, 2020

It’s not too late to take home the summer’s biggest trout. Your $15 entry fee and $17 two-day fishing permit lets you compete for your share of $20,000 in the pristine, freestone streams of Cherokee (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters).

Tagged fish will be specially stocked for this event, and when you catch one, you redeem it for cash prizes at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 517 Sequoyah Trail off Hwy 441. Register anywhere fishing licenses are sold or at FishCherokee.com by Friday, September 4, 2020. Fishing will start one hour before sunrise and end one hour after sunset each day. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Prize redemption will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Rumble in the Rhododendron November 7-8, 2020

Are you and your best fly-fishing buddy ready to rumble with the top anglers around? Then get your $300 entry fee together for this two-person team competition held exclusively in the catch-and-release section of Cherokee’s “trophy waters” known simply as Raven Fork. This tournament offers cash prizes totaling $10,000*. Register for the event at River's Edge Outfitters by Monday, October 5, 2020. Registration is limited. Additional event details will be discussed on November 6 at 7 p.m. during the opening meeting. Open to all ages.

*Payout subject to change.

To experience the best NC fishing, you need to buy a fishing permit. Luckily, that’s as easy as catching a Cherokee trout.

With an easy-to-purchase permit, you’re ready to drop a hook for the first time or compete in the lucrative tournaments held throughout the season. You’re ready to Fish Cherokee.

It’s more fun when you follow the rules.

Fishing on the Qualla Boundary (otherwise known as the Cherokee Reservation) is infinitely more fun when you do it the right way. We’ve set up the following Frequently Asked Questions to help guide your understanding and ensure you and your family of fishers have a great time.

When do I need a Tribal Permit?

Only a Tribal Permit is required to fish within the Reservation. Outside the Boundary you must have a valid state fishing license. Dozens of local businesses in Cherokee are authorized outlets for fishing permits. The permit applies to Enterprise Waters only, which are managed by the Tribal Fisheries and Wildlife Management Program.

What are Enterprise Waters?

Enterprise Waters include most of the Raven Fork, Oconaluftee River and Soco watersheds. All remaining waters on the reservation may only be fished by members of the tribe and are off limits to the general public.

How much is a Tribal Permit?

$10.00 per day - Tribal Permit for each person 12 years of age and over for streams and ponds. No other fishing permit or license is accepted. Children under twelve are allowed to fish when accompanied by a permitted adult. Two-, three-, and five-day permits are available at a reduced rate of $17 for a two-day, $27 for a three-day, and $47 for a five-day. A single season's permit is available for $250.

When does the fishing season start, and when does it end?

For 2019, Cherokee's fishing season “opening day” will be March 30, and we are offering you 20,000 reasons to get excited about it. Please be aware the catch-and-keep season will be closed to all anglers two weeks prior to this date, or March 16–29. For those who prefer catch-and-release fly fishing, a full 2.2 miles of it has been set aside just for you, and those areas will remain open year-round. Fishing is allowed from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Is there a limit to how many fish I can catch?

Daily limit is ten trout per permit holder (includes catch of children fishing under a supervising adult's permit).

What’s a Catch-and-Release Special Use Permit?

$25 for a 1–3 day or $75 per year with the purchase of a general fishing permit, the Tribal Special Use Permit allows use of the catch-and-release area designated on the Raven Fork. All general fishing regulations apply to this permit as do following the Special Use Permit Regulations within the catch-and-release area:

Tackle is limited to fly rods, reels, and line with a maximum of 18 feet leader material or monofilament line attached.

Only artificial flies and streamers constructed of natural or synthetic material on a single barbless hook are permitted.

Fishing with multiple flies attached to a single line (droppers) is permitted.

Is anything forbidden inside the catch & release area on Raven Fork?

Taking of any live fish caught.

Use of any spin & bait casting rods, reels, lures, or tackle.

Use of any natural bait, fish bait, or bait paste including fish eggs or derivative.

What if I have any concerns?

To report any resource violations contact Natural Resources Enforcement (NRE) at 828.359.6166 or 828.359.6168

To pay fines contact the Cherokee Tribal Justice Center at 828.359.1065

Read more about the Cherokee Code Chapter 113 Hunting & Fishing Laws.

Cherokee Enterprise Waters. What are they?

The tribe's Enterprise Waters, overseen by Cherokee Fisheries and Wildlife Management, is sort of a fancy name for a precious natural resource consisting of 30 miles of freestone streams connected to one another. They run through secluded forest settings, suburban roadside areas, and even Cherokee town center.

When can I fish?

The catch-and-keep Enterprise Waters open one hour prior to sunrise on March 28, 2020. They are closed to all anglers March 14, 2020 through March 27, 2020. For those who prefer catch-and-release fly-fishing, a full 2.2 miles of it has been set aside and will remain open year-round.

What’s this about a permit?

A $10.00 Tribal Permit for each person 12 years of age and over is required to fish in Cherokee streams and ponds. Children under twelve are allowed to fish, free of charge, with a permitted adult. Two-, three-, and five-day permits are available at a reduced rate and a season's permit costs $250.00. No other type of fishing license is required nor accepted on the Reservation. Many businesses in Cherokee are authorized outlets for fishing permits.

What types of fish are there? Meet your adversaries:

Regular stocking of the streams is the responsibility of Cherokee Fisheries and Wildlife Management, which each year adds nearly 250,000 trout to an existing population of fish swimming in our crystal-clear mountain waters. That’s the highest density of fish in stocked waters in the east. These supplemental stockings include rainbow, brook, and brown trout of various sizes ranging up to trophy size.

Brook Trout:

The only native trout found in these mountain waters, the Brookie ranges between 6–18” when fully grown. It’s found in cold waters (bring your hip waders!), like those running through narrow streams. You’ll know it by its red spots and light red fins with white edges.

Brown Trout:

Don’t let the name fool you. This trout variety can be brown, but also olive, and often has green, orange, and red spots encircled in yellow or white. They like to live near fallen trees or boulders in large pools, and can be found under shaded banks. The big ones can reach 18–26”, weighing as much as 6–16 lbs.

Golden Trout:

The newest neighbor to our waters, Goldens were spawned in 1954 and are uniquely prized as a trophy fish. Known for their unmistakable bright golden hue, they’re similar in size and behavior to large browns and Rainbows.

Rainbow Trout:

The most commonly found stocked fish in these waters, the Rainbow displays a wide lateral pink to red stripe on its side, dark olive on its back, light colors on its belly, and is speckled overall. It’s predominantly found in riffles and swift runs, as well as in open waters.

Smallmouth Bass:

This stream-bred game fish can be found throughout the lower Oconaluftee River on Cherokee lands. Also known as “bronzebacks,” these wild fish are quick to take a lure or bait and are always ready to give you a very fun fight.

Where can I fish?

MAP

Where can I learn more about tournaments?

FishCherokee.com