Raven Fork Fly Fishing
PURPLE TOP RETREAT / RAVEN FORK GUIDE
Three distinct fisheries, wild mountain trout, and a full day of possibilities in Cherokee country.
Raven Fork is unlike any other trout stream in Western North Carolina.
It offers several completely different fishing experiences, depending on where you decide to spend your day. Whether I’m chasing trophy fish, looking for steady action, or hiking deep into the mountains for native brook trout, Raven Fork has something to offer.
Just remember one important thing before you go: if you’re fishing on Cherokee tribal waters, you’ll need the appropriate tribal fishing permit.
Distance
Approximately 50 minutes
Species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout & Native Brook Trout
Fishing Style
Dry Flies, Nymphs & Streamers
Difficulty
Easy to Difficult
The Trophy Waters
The Trophy Section is what made Raven Fork famous. It’s stocked with exceptionally large trout and has produced some incredible fish over the years. To be honest, my experience hasn’t lived up to the reputation. I’ve had very limited success there, so I don’t spend much of my time in the Trophy Section anymore. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fish it—it just hasn’t been where I’ve personally found the most success.
Cherokee tribal fishing permit required on tribal waters.
Skip the Tubers
Outside the Trophy Section is where Raven Fork really shines for me. I’ve consistently caught both stocked trout and wild fish throughout these stretches, and the action is often much better than people expect. The river has a nice mix of runs, pools, pocket water, and riffles that fish exactly the way you’d expect a mountain stream to fish. If I’m simply looking to catch trout and enjoy a beautiful day on the water, this is where I’d recommend spending most of my time.
The Upper Raven Fork
If I’m willing to work for it, the upper reaches of Raven Fork offer one of my favorite native brook trout experiences anywhere in the Smokies. The hike begins from the same general trail system used to access Straight Fork, then climbs steeply into the headwaters. It’s not an easy day, but the reward can be incredible: beautiful native Southern Appalachian brook trout in a truly wild setting.
This is bear country. I come prepared, carry bear spray when I’m comfortable doing so, and treat it like a true backcountry trip.
The upper section is inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and requires a valid parking pass.
“I don’t think of Raven Fork as one river—I think of it as multiple different fisheries.”
My Take
Most anglers think of Raven Fork as one river. I think of it as three completely different fisheries. The Trophy Section draws the headlines, the middle water is where I usually find the most consistent fishing, and the upper headwaters offer one of the best opportunities around to catch native brook trout in a truly wild setting.
If you’re staying at Purple Top, Raven Fork deserves at least one day on your itinerary. I just decide beforehand which version of Raven Fork I’m looking for.