For people who love to fish, there are many opportunities to land freshwater species in Rutherford County. With year round fishing in the rivers and a variety of lakes throughout this western North Carolina county, along with catch-and-release programs, the Blue Ridge foothills offer many ways to enjoy this outdoor recreation, so take the bait. Lake Lure, the Rocky Broad, Curtis Creek, and the Green River are good spots for fly fishing and spin fishing.

The Rocky Broad River is hatchery supported and stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and is one of North Carolina’s most heavily stocked rivers. Lake Lure is among the most popular of lakes for fishing in all of North Carolina. Large and small mouth bass, brim, catfish, carp, crappie and trout are abundant whether you enjoy fishing from a dock or your boat. The dam-controlled Lower Broad River (leaving Lake Lure) contains brim, large and small mouth bass. The Green River is also a state-stocked trout stream.

Don’t forget to buy Trout stamps, which are required for creek and river fishing, and boat permits are required on Lake Lure. Boat permits are available from town hall, and the stamps are available everywhere fishing licenses are sold.

Many owners of large land tracts will lease their property to hunters during deer and turkey season. More will be written on this page, so check back!