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The Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians
PO Box 455
Cherokee, NC 28719
828.497.7000

Fish & Game Management

The missions of the Fish & Game Management program is (1) to protect the streams and woodlands from destruction and to preserve them for the enjoyment of future generations, and (2) to enforce all Tribal laws and ordinances with a goal of management of our natural resources.

Fish & Game Management is responsible for overseeing the Tribal trout hatchery and anima control.  The primary functions of these two departments is to provide recreational fishing to members of the ECBN and the general public, and to provide the removal of stray or unwanted animals throughout Tribal lands.

Cherokee Indian Waters
The 57,000-acre Cherokee Indian Reservation is located adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Bryson City, North Carolina. Approximately 30 miles of streams and sixacres of ponds are open to public fishing for a modest daily fee. These are designated as Enterprise Waters and are operated as a Tribal business. On Non-Enterprise Waters, only Eastern Band Cherokees are allowed to fish. Regulations are liberal and a tribal permit is required.

Commercial Trout Catch-Out Ponds
Numerous commercial trout catch-out ponds are located throughout the mountains of North Carolina. These are licensed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture, and are operated as commercial enterprises by private individuals. Roadside advertisements should enable persons to find them with little trouble. Lists of commercial ponds are available upon request from N.C. Department of Agriculture and North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Most ponds feature hatchery-reared rainbow trout, and the only limit on your catch is your pocketbook. No fishing license is required. For further information contact:

FISHING REGULATIONS
may be viewed by clicking HERE