The Linville River is one of North Carolina's most distinctive and dramatic trout fisheries, carving a legendary path through the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains. Beginning near Linville Gap in the high country near Crossnore, this unique mountain river flows through three distinct personalities — from gentle alpine-style meadows to one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the eastern United States.
What makes the Linville River truly exceptional is its versatility. The upper Linville flows moderately through high-elevation valleys, resembling western alpine streams with meandering runs and crystal-clear pools. Below Linville Falls, however, the river transforms into a wild torrent, plunging over 1,800 feet in elevation through the legendary Linville Gorge Wilderness — a remote, rugged canyon that harbors trophy brown trout and offers some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing in the Southeast.
For anglers seeking everything from family-friendly stocked trout fishing to backcountry expeditions for monster browns, the Linville River is a bucket-list destination.
Three Rivers in One
From gentle alpine meadows to wild canyon whitewater to productive tailwater — the Linville offers three completely different fishing experiences on one remarkable river system.
The Legendary Linville Gorge
One of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi, the Linville Gorge Wilderness is home to large, wild-strain brown trout and remains one of the most remote fisheries in the eastern United States.
Year-Round Fishing Opportunity
The Linville Gorge has no closed season, making it one of the few North Carolina trout waters where you can fish 365 days a year.
Trophy Trout Potential
The gorge section holds brown trout exceeding 20 inches, with some specimens reaching trophy class.
Accessible Upper River
Highway 105 and the Blue Ridge Parkway provide easy access to the upper sections, with plentiful parking and wading opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
| Species | Seasonal Activity | Average Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Year-round | 8–14 in (stocked); 6–10 in (wild) | Abundant in upper river and gorge; aggressive feeders |
| Brown Trout | Year-round; peak fall | 10–16 in (stocked); 12–24+ in (wild gorge fish) | Trophy fish in gorge; wary and powerful |
| Brook Trout | Year-round | 6–10 in | Stocked in upper sections; some wild fish in tributaries |
| Smallmouth Bass | Spring–Fall (gorge) | 8–14 in | Growing population in lower gorge |
| Technique | When to Use | Best Target Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Fly Fishing | Spring & Fall (upper river) | Rainbow, Brook | Classic Appalachian patterns; sizes 14–18 |
| Nymphing | Year-round (all sections) | All species | Essential in gorge; weighted nymphs for deep pools |
| Streamer Fishing | Fall & Winter (gorge) | Trophy Brown Trout | Large Woolly Buggers, Zonkers, and sculpin patterns |
| Dry-Dropper Rigs | Spring–Fall (upper) | Rainbow, Brook | Perfect for pocket water in upper sections |
| Euro Nymphing | Year-round (gorge) | Brown, Rainbow | Highly effective in deep gorge plunge pools |
| Terrestrials | Summer (all sections) | Rainbow, Brown, Smallmouth | Foam beetles, ants, and hoppers in sizes 10–16 |
Season: First Saturday in April through March 1
Creel Limit: 7 trout per day
Size Limit: None
Bait/Lure: Any legal bait or lure
⚠️ YEAR-ROUND OPEN SEASON
Creel Limit: 4 trout per day
Size Limit: 7 inches minimum
Bait/Lure: Any legal bait or lure
Special Notes: Practice catch-and-release for trophy fish
Season: First Saturday in April through March 1
Creel Limit: 7 trout per day
| License Type | Who Needs It | Approx. Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC Inland Fishing License | Residents & Non-residents 16+ | $25/year (Resident), $45/year (Non-resident) | Covers all inland waters |
| Trout Privilege License | Anyone fishing for trout | $10/year (Resident), $25/year (Non-resident) | Required for all trout waters |
Purchase Licenses:
The Linville River stands as one of North Carolina's most diverse and dramatic trout fisheries. From the gentle, accessible upper river perfect for families and beginners, to the wild and rugged Linville Gorge harboring trophy brown trout, this river system offers something for every level of angler.
The upper Linville provides classic mountain stream fishing with easy access along Highway 105 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Regular stockings ensure good action for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and the moderate gradient makes wading comfortable and dry fly fishing productive.
But the true legend of the Linville River lies in the gorge — a wilderness canyon that drops nearly 2,000 feet in just a few miles, creating some of the most spectacular and challenging fishing in the East. Here, trophy brown trout lurk in deep plunge pools beneath towering cliffs, and catching one requires equal parts skill, determination, and wilderness savvy.
Whether you're content with a peaceful afternoon on the upper river or ready to tackle the adventure of a lifetime in the gorge, the Linville River delivers authentic Blue Ridge mountain fishing at its finest.
Location: Avery and Burke Counties, North Carolina
Nearest Towns: Linville, Crossnore, Banner Elk, Morganton
Fishing Season: Upper river (first Sat in April–March 1); Gorge (year-round)
Main Species: Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout; Smallmouth Bass (lower gorge)
Best Methods: Nymphing (all sections), dry fly (upper river), streamers (gorge)
Regulations: Vary by section — Hatchery Supported (upper/tailwater), wild trout (gorge)
Special Features: Three distinct river personalities, trophy trout potential, wilderness fishing, year-round gorge access, spectacular scenery
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