Do you enjoy fishing in the great outdoors? Then you will love to go fishing on the Tuckasegee River, in the Great Smokies of North Carolina! The waters of the “Tuck” are cold year-round and gleam with a deep emerald green hue. This river is a favorite among fisherman both locals and visitors due to the variety of fish that live in these gentle waters and their size. You can even make your trip to fish easier by having instant access to the river by staying at Ela Campground.
What fish are in the Tuckasegee River?
The Tuck River boasts a variety of fish for all anglers and offers something for everyone who fishes its waters. Fishing is open to everyone from May to mid-October with a North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license with a trout stamp, for more information about this click here.
This river has the bragging rights to being the home of the biggest smallmouth bass in the Smoky Mountain Region, but that is not all that hides within its depths.
In the Tuckasegee River you will find the following fish:
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Kentucky Spotted Bass
- Walleye
- Steelhead
- Muskie
- Crappie
- Bluegill
- Yellow Perch
- White Bass
- Catfish
Along the banks of the Tuckasegee River, anglers will encounter deep pools, rocky sections, runs, and some rough water.
Family-Friendly Activity
Fishing is a great way to spend time with all ages of your family, and the Tuckasegee River is the perfect place to bring them. Great memories are made by spending time on and off the river catching fish. Besides, there are no words to honestly describe what it feels like to have something tugging on your fishing line and the thrill of reeling in your catch.
Where to stay along the Tuckasegee River
The Great Smoky Mountains are a unique vacation spot but to have an authentic experience we suggest camping. If you are looking for the perfect place to go camping in the Smokies, look no further than Ela Campground located between Bryson City and Cherokee.
Ela Campground RV Park & Country Store
Ela Country Store has been a popular stop along the highway between Cherokee and Bryson City since the 1950s. If you plan on fishing the Tuck and need supplies or live bait, they have it!
However, this charming campground has something for everyone because it is family-oriented. If you need a fun-filled campground experience, Ela Campground can provide you with all that you desire plus three easy access areas to the river.
Camping at Ela Campground
Ela Campground offers a variety of ways for their guests to enjoy their time in the Smokies. Rentals include traditional campground sites for RVs and tents, camping cabins, cabins on the river, and RV rentals.
Guests have access to a variety of features such as two playgrounds, laundry, pool, bathhouses, pavilions, and a basketball court, along with other amenities. Also, pets are allowed in the camping cabins for a nominal fee of $25 and if they are 25 pounds or less, as well as personal RVs and tents.
Children especially love the old country store because they can get hand-scooped Mayfield ice cream along with traditional candy and water toys.
Other Things to Do
Fishing the Tuckasegee River is not the only place for an angler in the Smokies, however. Twenty minutes west of Ela Campground is Fontana Lake, and the Nantahala Gorge and five miles east guests can visit Cherokee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
When you need a break from fishing, there are numerous other attractions in the area to visit, such as:
- Cherokee Indian Reservation
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Hiking, Tubing, Waterfalls
- White Water Rafting
- Biltmore Estate
- Wheels Through Time Museum
- So much more!
You may come to visit just for the fishing, but we guarantee you that you will find more to see and experience than just the river. Don’t wait, book your stay with Ela Campground today and let us help you have a delightful time in the Great Smoky Mountains staying on the Tuckasegee River!