Bookmark this page for tournaments, special events, and more.
Whether you’re introducing your little angler-to-be to fishing for the first time, or you love putting your fishing skills up against the very best, Cherokee’s special fishing events keep the season long and lucrative. Check out our Fish Cherokee Facebook page often as new events often pop up, dates change, or new announcements are made.
General fishing waters opening day is always the last Saturday in March. General fishing waters are closed to everyone for two weeks prior to opening day.
-
March 23, 2026 - March 24, 20282026 Updated Law & Policy Effective 04/01/2026
Changes to Fishing Permit Prices, Creel Limits, Fishing Hours, and New Fishing Guide Regulations
**News Alert 3/23/2026 Important Changes To Cherokee Fishing Laws & Policies**
For nearly 15 years, we have proudly provided you with some of the most affordable fishing permits in the region, without any price increases. However, as many of you may have noticed, the costs of supplies have risen sharply, and their availability has diminished.
After extensive deliberation and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision that there must be changes to our permit prices, creel limit, and our legal fishing hours.
Pursuant to Resolution 123 (2026), there will be price increases as seen below.
Pursuant to Ordinance 14 (2025), fishing hours will change to 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset and the updated creel limit will be 7.
Pursuant to Ordinance 108 (2026), only enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians may act as a fishing guide on Tribal Trust Lands.
The Fisheries & Wildlife Office is now accepting applications for the Fishing Guide License. Any enrolled member who is interested in becoming a certified fishing guide may visit our office to complete the application process.
Please be advised:
⚠️ A $500 fine will be issued to anyone acting as a fishing guide on Tribal Trust Lands who cannot produce an official Fishing Guide License issued by the Fisheries & Wildlife Department.
All guides must carry their valid license on their person at all times while guiding.
For questions or to begin your application, please contact the Fisheries & Wildlife Office at (828) 359-6110.While we understand that changes can be challenging, these necessary adjustments will ensure we continue to deliver the outstanding products and services you have come to expect.
We believe these changes will strengthen our ability to serve you and enhance our ongoing projects. Your continued support is invaluable to us, and we genuinely appreciate your understanding during this transition. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for being an integral part of our community.
Here are the important updates regarding permit pricing and creel limits:
·Creel limits are now set at 7 fish per day.
·1 Day Enterprise Waters – $15.00
·2 Day Enterprise Waters – $25.00
·3 Day Enterprise Waters – $40.00
·5 Day Enterprise Waters – No longer available
·Annual Enterprise Waters – $300.00
·1-3 Day Catch & Release – $30.00
·Annual Catch & Release – $100.00
·Members of Other Federally Recognized Tribes – $75.00Visit our Facebook page for additional updates.
-
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 20262026 Memorial Day Fishing Tournament
May 23-24, 2026 237 Tagged Fish Will Be Stocked. Creel Limit is 7. $10,000.00 in Cash Prizes.
237 Tagged fish will be stocked. Creel limit is 7, per new policy.
You MUST purchase a valid fishing permit covering both days of the event in addition to the tournament permit. Tournament permit sales will end May 22 at 11:59 PM. A tournament permit IS NOT a valid fishing permit.
Turn in location will be the Vendor’s Market at the end of the Island Park from 2-4 PM Saturday and Sunday.
Fishing hours begin 30 minutes before sunrise and will end 30 minutes after sunset.
Colors will be announced at 2PM on Saturday via Facebook.
For more information, please see our Facebook page “Fish Cherokee”.
-
July 11, 2026 - July 12, 20262026 Tim Hill Memorial Fishing Tournament
July 11-12, 2026 237 Tagged Fish Will Be Stocked. Creel Limit is 7. $10,000.00 in Cash Prizes!
237 Tagged fish will be stocked. Creel limit is 7, per new policy.
You MUST purchase a valid fishing permit covering both days of the event in addition to the tournament permit. Tournament permit sales will end Jully 10 at 11:59 PM. A tournament permit IS NOT a valid fishing permit.
Turn in location will be the Vendor’s Market at the end of the Island Park from 2-4 PM Saturday and Sunday.
Fishing hours begin 30 minutes before sunrise and will end 30 minutes after sunset.
Colors will be announced at 2PM on Saturday via Facebook.
For more information, please see our Facebook page “Fish Cherokee”.
-
August 29, 2026 - August 30, 20262026 Qualla Country Fishing Tournament
August 29-30, 2026 271 Tagged Fish Will Be Stocked. Creel Limit is 7. $20,000 in Cash Prizes! Top prize $5,000.
271 Tagged fish will be stocked. Creel limit is 7, per new policy.
You MUST purchase a valid fishing permit covering both days of the event in addition to the tournament permit. Tournament permit sales will end August 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM. A tournament permit IS NOT a valid fishing permit.
Turn in location will be the Vendor’s Market at the end of the Island Park from 2-4 PM Saturday and Sunday.
Fishing hours begin 30 minutes before sunrise and will end 30 minutes after sunset.
Colors will be announced at 2PM on Saturday via Facebook.
For more information, please see our Facebook page “Fish Cherokee”.
-
August 31, 2026 - December 31, 2028Download Our App
For Use On The Go
**DOWNLOAD THE FISH CHEROKEE MOBILE APP to use on mobile phones.**
For more frequent and up-to-date information follow us on our Fish Cherokee Facebook page.
-
September 01, 2026 - September 30, 2033FISHING GUIDE LICENSES
Enrolled Members Only
Our Fishing Guide License FAQs provide clear, straightforward information on who needs a guide license, how to apply, and renewal requirements. They also cover the rules guides must follow while operating. This section is designed to help current and prospective fishing guides understand licensing requirements and stay compliant with state regulations.
