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.

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.