Trout Fishing in North Carolina

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Trout Fishing Lakes In North Carolina

As you might imagine, trout fishing waters in NC are few and far between. Lakes in the state with a substantial population of trout include Fontana, Santeetlah, Nantahala, Chatuge, Lake Glenville and Santeetlah Lake. Several rivers in the state have spotty trout fishing as do some small ponds and parks.

North Carolina state record brook trout was taken from Raven Fork and the state record brown trout was caught in the Nantahala River. It is unknown where the state record rainbow trout was caught.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has a stocking program for fish across the state. Visit their website to gather details on trout stocking in North Carolina.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

Organizations & Resources

Cutthroat Trout Conservation
DMOZ Trout Section

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The states list to the left can direct you to information about trout fishing in other states.

All About Fishing for Trout in North Carolina.

42 lbs - 2 oz

16 lbs - 5 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers generally clear flowing waters with turbulence for oxygenation over gravel, rock or sandy bottoms.

14 lbs - 8 oz

7 lbs - 7 oz

52 to 64 Degrees

Prefers clear cold water with moderate current over gravel, rocks or sand.

41 lbs - 7 oz

24 lbs - 10 oz

56 - 64 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained cool water with minimum current over rock or sandy bottoms with heavy cover.