Nantahala NF

Snowbird Creek
Santeelah Reservoir
Fontana Reservoir
Hiwassee Reservoir
Fires Creek
Nantahala River Area
Nantahala Lake
Cliffside Lake
Chattooga River
Panthertown Creek

Pisgah NF

Lower French Broad River -  Spring Creek
Pigeon River
South Toe River -
Upper Creek - Lower Creek - Middle Creek
North Mills River -
Big Creek - Fletcher Creek
Davidson River -
Avery Creek -
Looking Glass Creek - Cove Creek
Curtis Creek �
   Newberry Creek
Wilson Creek �
  Andrews Creek �
  Lost Cove Creek �
  North Harper Creek-
  South Harper Creek

Uwharrie NF

Croatan NF

(To view the general location of sites, click on a national forest)

The National Forests in North Carolina go from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean with over 5,700 miles of streams and 38,000 acres of lakes offering both warmwater and coldwater fishing.  Some waters are stocked, while others support wild fish populations. 

Some of the best trout fishing in the state can be found on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.  Rainbow, brown, and brook trout are ready to test your fishing skills!  If you prefer lake fishing, there are numerous lakes and ponds available for going after largemouth bass and bream. 

A unique fishing experience can be found on the Croatan National Forest on the coast.  A favorite pastime for summer visitors is fishing for striped bass in the White Oak River, and floundering at night in the tidal areas of the Neuse River.  You can also enjoy saltwater fishing in the lower end of the Neuse River the saltwater marsh areas.

While the Forest Service manages the habitat and protects water quality in the national forests, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulates fishing.  Each year the commission issues a Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest that lists NC Hunting and Fishing Regulations and license information.