If you are looking for a good place to go fishing, you've found it! This area offers lake and mountain stream fishing at its best. A short 5-mile trip from Smoky Mountain Retreat cabins takes you to Fontana Lake, which offers many varieties of fish, including largemouth bass, white bass, smallmouth bass, steel heads, brim, perch, crappie, walleye pike, catfish, and muskie. Bring your own boat, rent one at a local marina or get a guide to take you on the lake and enjoy a day of fishing, swimming, or just exploring the lake for interesting things to see.

Photo: Brag-Size Smallmouth...9-year-old Daniel Parris caught this 4-1/2 pound smallmouth bass while fishing with his dad, Ronnie, on Fontana Lake, February 6th.

For the fishermen who prefer trout fishing, we have an abundance of streams for natural bait fishermen and dry fly fishermen. Deep Creek offers excellent fishing in the Smoky Mountain Park, as does Forney Creek, Nowlins Creek, Hazel Creek, and 20 Mile Creek. There are other places to fish if you prefer not to fish in the Park such as the Oconoluftee River, Tuckaseigee River, and Nantahala River. There is fishing on Enterprise Waters in the Cherokee Indian Reservation also. This is a good place to take youngsters, as they are not required to pay for a permit if they are under 12 years of age and are accompanied by a licensed adult.

Some of the varieties of fish caught in the streams and rivers of the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina are rainbow trout, brown trout, mountain speckled trout, and brook trout. Even youngsters can enjoy this hobby. Just look how excited these two are over their catch.

Just imagine a day of fishing in the cool mountain streams followed by a meal of freshly cooked fish. Sit on the front porch with your feet propped up, watch the sunset while enjoying a good cup of coffee and trading fish stories. If you have never fished before and would like to try the sport, a local guide service can take you on a guided trip and teach you what you need to know or where the "hot spots" are.

Fishing the beautiful, unspoiled rivers, deep creeks and streams of this area is a sport that you are going to love, no matter if you are young or old; man, woman, or child; fishing pro or first-time beginner.