TRAVEL GUIDE TO BRYSON CITY AND THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
THINGS TO DO IN THE SMOKIES
Swain County's Mountain Lake and Streams are a Fisherman's Paradise
Whether you are fly fishing for native brook trout in a cold mountain stream, smallmouth or largemouth bass in beautiful Fontana Lake or rainbow or brown trout in one of the many stocked streams or rivers, Swain County hosts one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest offer hundreds of miles of spectacularly clear streams. Just a few minutes from Bryson City, the sparkling waters of Deep Creek are ripe for fly fishing, and many anglers enjoy the Nantahala River just west of town, particularly the section above the powerhouse on Wayah Road (pictured).
The Little Tennessee River just west of Bryson City off the Needmore Road is a wide, cold, boulder-strewn river - perfect for smallmouth bass, brim, rock bass and muskie.
The Cherokee Indian Reservation also offers a variety of fishing opportunities for the trout fisherman with regularly stocked streams, trophy waters and three trout ponds. More info
If you prefer flat water fishing, Fontana Lake boasts one of the most diverse fish populations anywhere in the country. With depths of over 400 feet, many northern fish such as walleye, muskie and smallmouth bass are among favorites of local fishermen.
For boating information, including public boating access and marinas with boat rentals, as well as the Old 288 handicap accessible fishing pier, visit the Boating page of this web site. There's also more information about Fontana Lake.
Below Fontana Dam on Highway 28, the Lewellyn Branch handicap accessible bank fishing pier and boat launch ramp facility offer fishermen access to Cheoah Lake on the Little Tennessee River.
Printable Bryson City Fishing Guide (pdf).
More fun activities on the water near Bryson City.
Fishing Guides, Outfitters and Trout Ponds in Bryson City, Cherokee and the North Carolina Smoky Mountains
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Fly Fishing the Smokies
Po Box 291
Bryson City, NC 28713
Learn to fish in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, North Carolina. Discover the majestic streams and mountains while enjoying a day of guided fly fishing with some of the Great Smoky Mountains best fly fishing guides. Since 1999, we have guided anglers of all ages and skill levels to some of the most beautiful trout streams in all of the southeastern United States. We offer Wade Trips, Float Trips, our Signature Beginner Classes, Back Country Camping and the option of Half Day and Full Day Trips. We have something for everyone and for every budget. Call for reservations, we look forward to hearing from you! Endless River Adventures
14157 Hwy 19 W
Bryson City, NC 28713
Fontana Guide Service - Fishing
3336 Balltown Rd.
Bryson City, NC 28713
We'll show you the best fishing in the rivers & lakes of the Great Smoky Mountains. Fish with International Game Fish Association Professional Guides. Half day & full day trips are offered for any species of fish in the Smokies. Pontoon boat, kayak & paddle board, wade & walk, and night fishing trips are offered year round. Choose fly fishing or spinning tackle with top of the line gear. We provide everything. We have a trip for any skill level or budget. HD photos & videos of your trip available upon request. Ask about our lodging packages. Great Smoky Mountain Bait & Tackle
4740 Hwy 19W
Bryson City, NC 28713
Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Catch-out Pond
3365 Cooper Creek Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
153 Charters
2013 East Fork Rd.
Sylva, NC 28779
Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited
1012 E Alarka Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
Guided fishing & camping trips. We offer fly fishing, spin fishing, lake fishing, camping and boathouse camping trips. All bait and equipment is furnished. A shore lunch is provided for full-day trips. Half day trips are also available. Open year round. Root Hog Fishing Guide Service
1892 Hwy 28 N
Almond, NC 28702
Simonds Bait & Tackle Shop
1085 Main St
Bryson City, NC 28713
Smoky Mountain Adventures, Inc.
Tumbling Waters Campground & Trout Pond
1612 Panther Creek Rd
Almond, NC 28702
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Enjoy noted outdoorsman & author Jim Casada's accounts of fishing the Nantahala River, and "The Legend of Frank Young, Smoky Mountain Angler."
Both articles appear in the Tuckasegee Reader Tuckreader.com
Fishing regulations
To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you must have either a valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license.
You can purchase a basic North Carolina license for a period of one day, three days or one year. The one-day cost for a resident is $5 (non-resident is $10); one year is $15 (non-resident is $30). A 3-day non-resident fee is $15. If you plan to fish for trout outside the National Park, an additional "trout stamp" is required at a cost of $10 (both resident and non-resident). Some of the trout streams are strictly catch-and-release.
For more information about North Carolina fishing, go to NC Fish & Wildlife's Online Fishing Regulations.
No license is required to fish in Cherokee Reservation waters, however a tribal permit is required. The cost is $10 per day; $17 for 2-day, $27 for 3-day, $47 for 5-day. Catch & Release Trophy Waters require an additional $75/year permit. Click here for more information, a list of locations in Cherokee that sell fishing permits or to purchase a permit online.
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Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Center
210 Main Street
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Proctor Wilmot
Executive Director
800-867-9246 toll-free
828-488-3681 local
828-488-6858 fax