FishING FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Make your fishing trip fruitful and fun

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice casting your first line, we want to ensure your fishing excursion is as enjoyable as possible. So we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to address some of the most frequently asked questions.

Ready to cast your line in Cherokee, NC?

First you’ll need to get a permit. Luckily, that’s as easy as catching a Cherokee trout.

BUY A PERMIT

answers to popular questions

The Enterprise Waters include most of the main stems of Raven Fork, the Oconaluftee River, Bunches Creek, and Soco Creek. They run through secluded forest settings, suburban roadside areas, and even Cherokee town center.

Check back for more information on when Cherokee’s catch-and-keep Enterprise Waters will open. The 2.2 mile catch-and-release Enterprise Waters are open year round.

The daily catch-and-keep fishing limit is ten (10) fish per permit holder (includes catch of children fishing under a supervising adult’s permit).

To learn about the areas where you can fish, please visit the Fish Cherokee Map Page

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians currently hosts four annual tagged fishing tournaments each year. Many tournament anglers are familiar with this system, in which colored tags are used that contain the month and year, and are placed just under the fish’s dorsal fin. Once a fish is caught and the tags are claimed, the tags may be redeemed for cash at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office, 517 Sequoyah Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719. Please note that the redemption period for prizes is 4:00-6:00 p.m. each tournament day. Fish are not required at the tag turn-in location at this time. And please note that tags are not accepted outside tournament dates and times.

Before receiving your tournament payout, potential prize winners must:

Turn in a valid tag (fish not required).
Present a valid fishing permit.
Provide your proof of tournament registration.
Sign a W-9 form. (This requires a social security number. One form, per winner, per tournament. Parents may sign for minor children.)

Regular stocking takes place weekly and throughout the year, provided water conditions are optimal for the good health and longevity of the fish. You can learn more about stocking at FishCherokee.com.

Cherokee offers three handicapped-accessible ramps conveniently located in Enterprise Waters. You can find the first ramp in Cherokee’s Downtown, near Oconaluftee Islands Park on Acquoni Road; another on Hwy 441 across from Paul’s Restaurant; and the last is located at the Big Cove ponds on Big Cove Road.