Is Fishing Allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Common Question:
My family is planning a camping trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains next summer. Is fishing allowed in the streams and lakes along the parkway? If so, is there a special license required? Are the streams “Catch and Release” only? Can we also launch our canoe in the lakes?
Answer:
Fishing is permitted in all Parkway waters with a valid state fishing license from either North Carolina or Virginia. No special trout stamp or license is needed and persons under age 16 can fish without a license. Fishing is not permitted from footbridges, dams or adjacent walls. In trout waters, regulations are posted at the stream bank and are in effect for that stream only. This includes any streams that are catch and release only.
Be aware that many streams meander onto U.S. Forest Service or private land and regulations will vary as the jurisdiction changes.
At Julian Price Lake (Milepost 297), you may rent canoes or bring your own. Boating is not allowed at any other Parkway lakes.
Visit Fishing on the Blue Ridge Parkway to learn more about the rules and regulations, read fishing reports, and more.
