Trout Fishing the Southeast

Trout require clear, cold water to survive and reproduce, and the Southeast has countless miles of rivers and streams that fit this description. The only trout species native to the Southeast are brook trout— small but spirited, brook trout are found in high elevation streams where cool water temperatures create a suitable habitat. Brown trout and rainbow trout, though not native to the region, both have wild, self-sustaining populations scattered across the Southeast. Regardless of the species that you want to target, the region offers ample opportunity to catch wild trout.

Trout feeding behavior

Trout primarily feed on aquatic insects like mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. When terrestrial insects— such as ants, hoppers, and beetles— fall into the water, they become fair game for trout too. A smaller portion of their diet consists of smaller fish, as well as fish eggs of other species.

To learn about artificial flies designed to imitate these trout food groups, click here.

Trout spawning areas

Trout typically spawn in areas of streams, rivers, or lake shores that have a gravel bottom. Female trout make depressions in these gravelly areas using their tails, creating space to deposit their eggs. These areas are called redds, and protecting them is crucial to maintaining self-sustaining, healthy trout populations. This often means staying off the water during trout spawning seasons— a short-term sacrifice to maintain the future of trout fishing.

Asheville, NC Trout Fishing

Asheville has become well known for its vibrant arts scene and thriving craft beer industry— though not spoken about as much, its trout fishing rivals both. From wading through scenic Blue Ridge Mountains streams to float trips along the Watauga and South Holston rivers, Asheville offers easy access to backcountry brook trout, as well as trophy rainbows and browns. Experience North Carolina trout fishing with one of our top guides.

Blue Ridge, GA Trout Fishing

Trout fishing North Georgia is truly a bucket-list experience. Blue Ridge, GA offers access to the Toccoa River, known for its beautiful views and self-sustaining populations of brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Floating the Toccoa is the best way to take in the views and cast to trout holding spots— plan your next float trip with one of our skilled Blue Ridge guides.

Bristol, TN Trout Fishing

Bristol lies just south of the Virginia border and is home to some of the best trout fishing in Tennessee. This is another place with great access to the Watauga and South Holston rivers, but the mountain streams of East Tennessee are its true attraction— though rarely growing larger than 12”, the native brook trout that inhabit these streams eat dry flies as aggressively as any freshwater sport fish. When you get off the water, take some time to learn a little bit about Bristol, the birthplace of country music.

Eagle Rock, VA Trout Fishing

If you’re looking for trout fishing in Virginia, Eagle Rock is the place to start. It offers access to the Jackson River, one of Virginia’s best trout fisheries, known for sustaining wild populations of particularly large brown and rainbow trout. This river can be fished from a drift boat or on a wade trip; connect with one of our great Eagle Rock guides to decide which works best for you.

On these Southeast trout streams, fly fishing is the go-to method for catching fish. Whether you’re just beginning your trout fishing adventure or you’ve been catching trout for years, these fly fishing tips will help you on your next Southeast trout fishing adventure.

How to choose your fly

Because trout eat a variety of insects, it can be difficult to determine which bug they are keyed in on at a given moment. This process is made much easier by familiarizing oneself with the insect hatches that typically occur in the region during different times of the year. Call up or visit a local fly shop to get a sense of the insect hatches that you should expect— armed with this information, you’ll be able to select flies that imitate the insects that trout are feeding on. For a complete guide to matching the hatch, click here.

Where to fish for trout in the Southeast

Depending on the width of the river or stream that you’re fishing, trout have more or less space to spread out. When you first approach a river, identifying the spots where trout might be holding can seem like a daunting task. The best way to learn how to read trout water is to learn from an experienced guide. Guides build years of experience with their local waters, gaining knowledge about seasonal patterns and insect activity that will inform your fishing strategies. To brush up on some general trends in trout holding spots, check out this section of our ultimate guide to fly fishing for trout.

When to fish for trout

Depending on the time of year, weather, and the trout species that you’re targeting, there are certain times of day that offer the best fishing. Like learning to read a new stretch of water, these variables are best navigated with a skilled guide by your side— local knowledge of insect hatches, weather patterns, and trout behavior is crucial for figuring out when to hit the water.

As a general rule, trout tend to feed more actively in low-light conditions. Cloudy days, early mornings, and late evenings are times when trout will typically exercise less caution than on bright, sunny days.

To float or to wade?

When you fish one of these Southeast trout rivers, you’re given two options: fish from a drift boat or on your own two feet with a pair of waders. There are benefits to both options— float trips allow you to cover more water, while wade trips give you the chance to fully pick apart a stretch of water. Often, the particular river that you’re planning to fish will dictate whether you float or wade. Connect with your guide before your next fishing trip to discuss what will work best for you.

In many parts of the Southeast, trout can be targeted year-round. Keep in mind that there are seasonal differences that affect trout behavior— learning about these differences offers anglers the chance at successful trout fishing, regardless of the time of year. For the best information on seasonal differences that might inform the timing of your fishing trip, feel free to reach out and connect with your guide.

Spring trout fishing

As the weather gets warmer and water temperatures rise, aquatic insects become more active. Insect hatches will become more frequent, drawing trout to the surface, ready to eat after spending the winter months holding in deeper water.

Summer trout fishing

Insect hatches will continue to happen regularly during the summer months, resulting in great trout fishing opportunities. When you fish on warm days, be sure to keep an eye on the water temperature— when water gets above 67 degrees, it’s best to leave trout alone to conserve their energy. Fishing on rivers known as “tailwaters” — where dams release regulated flows from the adjacent reservoir bottoms — is a great way to find cold water temperatures year round, including the dog days of summer.

Fall trout fishing

When colder weather starts to return, trout feed actively to build up energy reserves for the winter months. Fall typically sees less angling pressure than the summer months, making for less cautious trout— for this reason, Fall months bring particularly great dry fly fishing and aggressive eats.

Winter trout fishing

One of the great advantages of Southeast trout fisheries is relatively warm winter temperatures. While fisheries up North and out West may be covered with snow in December, many Southeast trout rivers will be fishable.

During the winter months, focus on fishing during the warmest parts of the day. Expect trout to hold in deeper pools, where the water stays warmer. On colder days, trout often only feed if given an easy opportunity— this is a great time to practice your fly presentation and make it worth their while.

Depending on the type of water that you plan to fish, there are certain trout fishing setups that will offer the best chance of success. Often, your guide will have all of the equipment and tackle that you could possibly need.

Trout fishing rods & reels

When fishing small mountain streams in the Southeast, it’s best to stick to lighter rods and reels— typically a 3 or 4 weight rod and reel combination will serve you will. For larger rivers and lakes, you’re going to want a setup that offers a bit more casting power but doesn’t sacrifice casting accuracy— a 5 or 6 weight rod and reel combination are great options for these trips.

Trout flies

The type of flies you choose to use will have much to do with the time of year, the weather, and the trout species that you are fishing for. It’s always a good idea to have an assortment of popular dry flies, nymph patterns, and streamers at hand— your guide will have all of the flies you may need for the water that you’re fishing.

Additional trout fishing gear

When it comes to rods, reels, flies, fishing line, leaders, and tippet, your guide will have you covered. That said, it’s never a bad idea to connect with your guide before your trip to ask about any other clothing or gear that might be good to bring on your trip.

Seasonal closures

In order to protect spawning trout, certain stretches of waters may be closed to fishing during spawning seasons. These closures will be outlined on the state’s department of natural resources website, and your guide will have the most up-to-date information on water that is fishable.

Licensing

In most states, any angler above the age of 16 is required to have a valid fishing license. These licenses are easily accessible online— visit your state’s department of natural resources website and choose from licensing options ranging from single-day to full-year.

The Southeast offers some of the most scenic and productive trout waters that the United States has to offer. If you are new to trout fishing or new to the region, start your adventure with AnyCreek. Our guides have years of local knowledge and experience that will help make your Southeast trout fishing trip an unforgettable one.