Tennessee License Requirements
Residents and nonresidents age 13 and older need a license. The exception is residents who were 65 prior to March 1, 1990. These persons require only proof of age and Tennessee residence.
North Carolina License Requirements
Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a license. Residents age 70 and older may obtain a special license from the state.
Persons under 16 in North Carolina and under 13 in Tennessee are entitled to the adult daily bag and possession limits and are subject to all other regulations.
The Park does not sell state fishing licenses. They may be purchased in nearby towns.
Size Limits
Rainbow and Brown Trout: 7" minimum
Smallmouth Bass: 7" minimum
Rockbass (redeye): No size limit
All trout or smallmouth bass caught less than the legal length shall be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken. Any brook trout caught must be immediately returned unharmed to the water.
Lures, Bait and Equipment
1. Fishing is permitted only by the use of one hand-held rod.
2. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used.
3. The use or possession of any form of fish bait or liquid scent other than artificial flies or lures on or along any Park stream while in possession of fishing tackle is prohibited.
4. Prohibited baits include, but are not limited to, minnows (live or preserved), worms, corn, cheese, bread, salmon eggs, pork rinds, liquid scents and natural baits found along stream.
5. The use or possession of double, treble or gang hooks is prohibited while on a stream.
6. Fishing tackle and equipment including creels and fish in possession are subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
Releasing Fish
1. Play a fish as rapidly as possible, do not play to total exhaustion.
2. Keep fish in water as much as possible when handling.
3. Handle fish with a wet hand, even when using a mesh landing net.
4. Remove hook gently; do not squeeze fish or put fingers in gills. Use long-nosed pliers to back the hook out gently. The use of barbless hooks is encouraged.
5. If deeply hooked, cut the line, do not pull the hook out. Most fish survive with hooks left in them.
6. Gently hold fish upright facing upstream and move slowly back and forth in the water.
7. Release fish in quiet water.
