Everything You Need to Know About Fishing on the Ocoee River
The Ocoee River is internationally-recognized for its white water sites, scenic, beauty, and various recreational activities. However, if you would like to spend a day with a fish on the end of your reel, Ocoee has plenty of opportunities for that too! Here is everything you need to know about fishing on the Ocoee River:
The River is Heavily Used by Kayakers and Rafters
Floating, canoeing, and rafting make up a huge part of recreational activities on the river. Every year, people from all over the country travel to Ocoee to raft down the classes 1 through 5 rapids. This being said, fishermen need to plan their fishing spots according or expect to run into some rafters along the way. There are plenty of locations, with both calm and fast water, for fishermen to choose from. In calmer waters, expect to see tubers, canoers, and kayakers.
Know Your Stocking Seasons
The Ocoee River is home to many different species of native fish. Some of the most common catches include largemouth bass, yellow perch, catfish, brown trout, and rainbow trout. For fly fishermen, the best time to catch trout on the Ocoee is from fall through late spring, during the stocking season. Don’t forget, you are required to have a trout stamp when fishing for brown or rainbow. Wade fishing is also limited to low flow periods for the fishermen’s safety.
You Need a Fishing License
A Tennessee fishing license is required if you plan to fish on the Ocoee River. These fishing regulations are put in place to protect the fish populations in rivers and ponds. Many of the funds from fishing licenses go towards habitat programs, as well as supplemental stockings so fishermen always have fish to catch. If you’re caught without a fishing license you are subject to fines and the confiscation of your catch.
Other Activities in Ocoee
As previously stated, there are plenty of river recreational activities to do on the Ocoee. From racing down rapids or taking a leisurely canoe ride with your friends, it’s hard to run out of things to do if you love the outdoors. There are also various unique lodging opportunities in the area that make an awesome camping trip. Enjoy the beautiful hiking trails in the Cherokee National Forest and take in just some of the 65,000 acres of serene landscape.
To spend even more time on the Ocoee River, you should come white water rafting with us! Look through our river trips and pick out one that works for you!
