Great Smoky Mountains Fishing Spots
With over 2,900 miles of streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone, this destination has become a favorite for fishermen around the world as some of the greatest trout fishing the United States has to offer.
Stocked rivers carve deep ravines between the mountains, with secluded fishing locations tucked into every bend, stream, and deep forest hollow. Sportsmen find their trout and their peace in these hills.
The gentle whir of the fly line is punctuated only by the steady drip of water cascading over the rocks. Beyond this, only the sudden slap of brook trout as they take the fly perched on top of the water breaks this peaceful silence.
If you’re considering your own trip to the Smokies to begin chasing your next fly-fishing adventure, rest assured that there is no shortage of spots. Enough for every angler of any skill level.
1. Herbert Holt Park
If you find yourself wanting to try out your hand at fly fishing in the Smokies for the first time, but would rather avoid the unpleasantness of being so far out, then Herbert Holt Park is the perfect place for you to get your toes wet (no pun intended, hopefully, you’ll be wearing waders).
With bathrooms, grills, and even a playground area should you need to bring the rest of your crew, Herbert Holt is a great way to hunt for trout but not get too far out (unintentional rhyme, but you get the point).
One of the great features of this park is that it has a handicapped fishing pier available, should you have any family members with physical disabilities that might make it challenging to reach other spots in the Smokies.
2. Mynatt Park
Continuing with our list of family-friendly parks comes this gem near downtown Gatlinburg. Known to the locals as a park to get away from the tourists, this park is convenient to all downtown has to offer.
If you’re in the mood for a quick trout catch before you head out to dinner, shopping, or any other myriad of attractions, you can’t go wrong with Mynatt Park.
One of the major drawing points to Mynatt is the easy access to the river; with the parking lot just a short walk to the river, it is easily accessible for a convenient round of fly fishing without the massive hiking commitment that other fishing spots in the Smokies could require.
3. LeConte Creek (also called Mill Creek)
Moving up in our list, we come to LeConte Creek, famous for its large variety of fish and large trout sizes. Some anglers have even reported trout measuring in at over 20 inches!
Just a short trip outside of Gatlinburg (.8 miles to be exact) in Sevier county, LeConte Creek sits, tempting fishermen of all skill levels. Common fish varieties include brook trout, rainbow trout, and largemouth bass.
Should you grow tired of hunting for that one elusive trout that just won’t come out of cover, then try mixing up your fly rod and reel for a classic spinning rod with a nightcrawler on it and see if you can’t catch a legendary Tennessee largemouth!
4. Abrams Creek
Located in Blount County, local anglers favor this spot for some of the best trout that Eastern Tennessee has to offer. With its headwaters in Cades Cove, this hidden stream is as famous for its fish as it is for its scenic beauty.
Should the worst come to fruition, and you’re unsuccessful in your hunt for fish, then simply pull out your drink of choice, find yourself a flat rock, perch yourself on top of it and simply enjoy the beauty for which the Great Smoky Mountains is famous.
However, that shouldn’t be a concern for any fishermen visiting this creek; the seclusion of Abrams Creek ensures that any noise that may scare away hungry trout is minimized.
Brook trout; baits and methods
Don’t believe that you need to go out and spend thousands of dollars on the highest quality flies, rods, waders, and fishing line in order to catch your own Smoky Mountain brook trout.
Wherever your fishing journey takes you, please ensure that you adhere to the guidelines and leave no trace. After all, with our joined efforts, there will hopefully be many, many generations of anglers yet to come after us.
Let’s ensure they have access to the same beauty as we do, be sure to:
- Adhere to all federal, state, and park regulations
- Dispose of human waste properly (if a bathroom is not available)
- Take any trash out with you
- Pack out whatever you pack in
Of course, any list of good fishing spots in the Great Smoky Mountains can’t be exhaustive. Listed above are only a few of the best that these quaint blue mountains have to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your own honey hole that no one knows about.
Fly Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains
If you’re planning a fly fishing excursion in the Great Smoky Mountains, the experienced and expert guides here at Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing are here to help ensure you have a safe, productive, fish-filled trip. Contact us for more information about guided fly fishing tours in the smokies.