Trout Fishing
Official Regulations & Information Guide
To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license. Licenses can be obtained from the Tennessee Government Website or the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
- Brook Trout: Possession is strictly prohibited.
- Limits: Combined daily limit of 5 rainbow and brown trout (minimum 7 inches).
- Gear: Only artificial lures, flies, and one hand-held rod are permitted.
- Closures: Certain streams are completely closed to protect the native brook trout. Check local maps at a ranger station.
Regulations & Details
The following details are taken from the official Park publication under Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Official copies are available at visitor centers and ranger stations.
TN / NC Trout Fishing License Fees
| License Type | TN Resident | TN Non-Res | NC Resident | NC Non-Res |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Day Fishing - All Species | $11.50 | — | — | — |
| Annual - All Species | $22.00 | — | $20.00 | $36.00 |
| 3-Day Fishing - All Species | $40.50 | — | — | — |
| 3-Day Fishing - No Trout | $20.50 | — | — | — |
| 10-Day Fishing - All Species | — | $61.50 | $7.00 | $18.00 |
| 10-Day Fishing - No Trout | — | $30.50 | — | — |
Daily Possession Limits
The possession of brook trout is strictly prohibited. The Park is actively working to restore the native brook trout to self-sustaining levels, as heavy logging operations in the early 1900s originally wiped out the species from its historical habitat.
Daily limit: Up to five (5) rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these (minimum 7 inches) per day. Any brook trout caught must be immediately returned unharmed to the water.
Lures, Bait, & Equipment Rules
- Fishing is only permitted using one hand-held rod.
- Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook are allowed. No natural bait.
- Your tackle, equipment, creels, and catch are subject to inspection by authorized Park rangers.
Park Fish Restoration Efforts – The Brookie
The native brook trout (brookie) was historically found in most mountain streams above an elevation of 2,000 feet. In the early 1900s, intense logging caused major contamination of over 160 miles of clean mountain streams, reducing the brook trout’s native range by nearly 50%.
During the same era, non-native rainbow and brown trout were heavily stocked in key streams for sport fishing, which created competitive pressure on the native brook trout population. Current park programs focus on reclaiming and restoring local streams to ensure the long-term survival of the brookie.