North Carolina has a fine trout fishery even if not known for large fish. NC contains more streams capable of supporting brook, brown and rainbow trout than any other state in the southeast. It has roughly 4,000 miles of trout water with approximately half being public water. All of these streams are located in the 25 western-most counties. These counties are higher elevation and maintain stream temperatures cool enough to support mountain trout. There are three major species of trout in North Carolina: Brook, Brown, and Rainbow. Each should be fishing a little differently.

See our National Land, Parks and Forest Maps

Many of the state's trout waters are found in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are many, nearly pristine waters in these public lands for those willing to undertake an adventure. There are also some more accessible land at lower altitudes with very good fishing. There are also plenty of good trout holes outside of these areas.

North Carolina has a very progressive and well managed stocked trout program (click to the -seasons/stocking). The High Country Outdoors Guide Service has a very nice map showing trout streams so I will not try to reproduce it here. Two areas of distinction to central and eastern NC folks are (others will be added as we visit them):

South Mountains State Park made notable because it is the closest stream to Charlotte. These streams can be very busy during the weekend although Friday is nearly ideal.
Stone Mountain State Park made notable because it is the close to several metro areas. This is a very good resource.