Guide To Great Trout Fishing In North Carolina
All about fishing for rainbow, brook and brown trout in local lakes and streams.

Trout Waters In NC
As you might imagine, trout fishing waters in NC are limited. Lakes in the state with a population of trout include Apalachia Lake, Buckhorn Reservoir, Cheoah Lake, Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Nantahala and Santeetlah Lake. Several rivers in the state have spotty trout fishing as do some small ponds and parks.
Trout Species In The State
Rainbow trout
World record: 42 lbs 2 oz
State Record: 20 lbs 3 oz
Brook trout
World record: 14 lbs 8 oz
State Record: 7 lbs 7 oz
Brown trout
World record: 40 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 24 lbs 10 oz
Click the images and links above for species details.
Select the best trout lures and baits
Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.
The state record brook trout was taken from the Raven Fork River.
The state record brown trout was caught in the Nantahala River.
The state record rainbow trout came from the Horsepasture River.
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.
Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.
The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.
Additional trout information
Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited
Trout locations and info, by state.
Learn the habits of trout
Trout are considered some of the most difficult fish to fool. Once you locate North Carolina waters with a population of trout, the challenge becomes identifying trout flies and lures that will trigger strikes. Visit the trout fishing page to learn more about the habitat each of the trouts prefer.
NORTH CAROLINA

