Habitat & Behavior California Golden trout live in cold, clear mountain streams in meadows at high elevations over 2,300m (about 7,500 ft.). They prefer to stay in short reaches of streams, such as in pools and beneath undercut banks, for most of their lives.
Table of Contents
Where can I fish in Wilson Creek NC?
Best Places to Fish Wilson Creek You can access the gorge near the Brown Mountain Beach Campground where it pools and is heavily stocked. This access comes from Ralph Winchester Road off of State Highway 90, which provides steep trails to get down to the stream.
Where is the best trout fishing in NC?
- Watauga River. Anietra trout fishing on the Watauga River with guide Matt Maness and Shannon Maness | Photo Copyright: Justin Chew.
- Linville River.
- Davidson River.
- Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.
- Mitchell River.
- Toe River.
- Wilson Creek.
- South Mills River.
Is fly fishing good in North Carolina?
But when it comes to fly fishing North Carolina, most think of western North Carolina for good reason- the region holds the best trout fishing in NC, and the Great Smoky Mountains region including Asheville, Highlands, and Cherokee, North Carolina is home to a variety of hefty rivers and quiet streams teeming with fish …
Are there trout streams in North Carolina?
All trout fishing streams are located in the Western corner of North Carolina near the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountains. It is a place of scenic views, waterfalls, small towns, and great fly fishing.
Do I need a trout stamp in NC?
Trout Stamps are no longer required, as the Inland fishing license allows anglers to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. NC residents get a few special options, such as combined (or “Unified”) Inland and Coastal licenses.
What time of year is best for trout fishing?
It’s also year-round in most areas. Normally, the best months to target trout are July to Early September when the waters are at their warmest and many insects are hatching. Because of this, dry fly fishing becomes incredibly effective.
How big do brook trout get in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, brook trout are generally small, ranging in size up to about 8 inch seldom more than 12 inches. They are handsomely colored with the back and upper sides of the body typically olive-green with mottled, dark green wavy markings that extend onto the dorsal and caudal fins.
How do you catch trout in a creek?

Can you fish for trout at night in NC?
Generally spin fishing will be best in the dark, but if you are a seasoned fly fisher catching these giant brown trout at night on a 7wt is as good as it gets.
Is trout season closed in NC?
Each year, the Wildlife Commission closes approximately 1,000 miles of trout streams for restocking. These designated waters open for fishing at 7 a.m. the first Saturday in April and close 30 minutes past sunset the last day of February each year.
Can you fish year round in NC?
Wild Waters Regulations: Season is open year-round. You can only use a single hook artificial lure. You can only keep four (4) fish.
What’s the biggest fish ever caught in North Carolina?
The biggest freshwater fish in North Carolina’s history was just caught by angler Rocky Baker. According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the record blue catfish was confirmed as weighing an astounding 127 pounds and 1 ounce (smashing the previous record 117 lb blue catfish).
What is the biggest fish in North Carolina?
Rocky Baker of Four Oaks broke the blue catfish record with a 127-pound, 1-ounce whopper caught July 10 on the Roanoke River. It was 60 inches long and 40 ยผ inches wide and was weighed at EZ Bait and Tackle in Goldsboro. Baker used a Mad Cat rod and Penn Squall reel with gizzard shad as bait, he said.
What’s the biggest speckled trout ever caught?
The International Game Fish Association All Tackle World Record spotted seatrout stands at 17 pounds, 7 ounces, and was caught in 1995 off Ft. Pierce Fla.
Do you need a special license to fish trout in NC?
To fish for trout in Public Mountain Trout Waters that are not designated as “Mountain Heritage Trout Waters,” anglers age 16 and over must have a valid inland fishing license.
How do I get a free fishing license in NC?
Annual NC Fishing Licenses: An annual license is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Those who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps or Work First Family Assistance can get a license waiver from the county Department of Social Services and fish for free.
What month should I start fly fishing?
Fly fishing season peaks between the months of April and October. Though, for fly fishermen willing to brave the cold weather, it is technically a year-round sport. Additionally, with an abundance of warm weather destinations, fly fishing can be enjoyed all year long.
What is the best trout bait?
- Berkley Powerbait.
- Berkley Micetails.
- Maggots.
- Berkley Powerbait Honey Worms.
- Berkley Trout Bait Nuggets.
Do trout like shallow or deep water?
In the summer months, Trout will seek deeper water for colder temperatures, but not so deep that the pressure exacerbates them. In large bodies of water, Trout hold to the thermocline, which is a gradient layer in the water column where cold water meets warm water and mixes nutrients and oxygen.
Can you trout fish in March in NC?
Synonymous with what many consider “trout season,” Hatchery Supported trout waters are open from 7 a.m. on the first Saturday in April until a half-hour after sunset on the last day of February the following year (and closed for the month of March).
Where can I find native brook trout in North Carolina?
McDowell County borders very large tracts of National Forest land that is home to some great brook trout fisheries. These streams require some bushwhacking and rock climbing, but catching and releasing one of these highly prized fish is well worth the effort.
Are there rainbow trout in North Carolina?
Rainbow Trout are native to the Pacific drainages of western North America but have been introduced throughout mountain streams in North Carolina. As with other trout, rainbows inhabit streams, rivers, ponds and lakes with good water quality and temperatures that rarely exceed 70 F.
How deep do you fish for trout?
With a depth finder, fish your lure/bait between 10 feet and the surface following winter, between 35 and 45 feet deep in mid-spring, between 50 and 65 feet deep in late spring and at the 53 degree thermal layer in the summer.
Do trout feed off the bottom?
Trout are not bottom feeders like carp or catfish. But, they do feed predominantly near or just off the bottom. Trout prefer to wait and cruise in the bottom 2-3 feet of water to intercept any food that drifts by.