Fly Fishing in the Smokey Mountains

[stikrz]

Hi all,

A friend of mine and myself had planned a trip to the San Juan, but with gas prices and all I'm sure if we'll make it. So, I thought I'd check the other direction. Has anyone had any experience in Tenneesee? It's closer and in the mountains sounds like a cool spot to be coupled with some good Fly Fishing would be a good trip, I think!

Any help would be great!

Thanks,

Chuck

[Rick F]

Stikrz

I have fished out of Gatlinburg TN about 6 years ago. There are endless places to fly fish. I hadn't learned how to yet so we fished a jig and float. We actually fished in downtown Gatlinburg in the Little Pigeon River. We caught a few trout in a couple of hours but if you go into the mountains you will have the time of your life. They have maps of places to fish and places off limits. I have heard they opened up some old streams but there are still some off limits due to the brook trout population. As usual I would recommend a half day guide and then ask all the questions you can then venture off on your own. Beware if you go into the Smokey's they do have a healthy black bear population.

[troutgal]

Chuck,

I just got back from the Smokeys, and the place I enjoyed the most was fishing the Cherokee Reservation outside of Maggies Valley. It's just outside of, and bordered by the Smokey Mountain National Park. You can access the stream from almost anywhere on the Reservation, you just have to buy a permit at any of the local stores, gas stations, etc. We stayed in Pigeon Forge, fished the pigeon, but with such a hot summer, the fishing was poor at best there. Was there from 7/31-8/12. Let me know if you need any more info on the area...

Gretchen

[John Berry]

My daughter went to college in Knoxville and over the years I have fished there often. The first thing to note is that this is totally differant from fishing the San Juan. The fish are much smaller and less numerous. That said, it is a wonderful place to fish. Miles and miles of beautiful mountain streams and native Brook Trout. If you are willing to walk a mile or so you can find solitude something missing on the San Juan. The fishing is tricky. The fish are spooky and wild. This is challenging dry fly fishing! I love it. My wife and I were married on the bank of the Little River in the Smokies and go there every chance we get. Stay in Townsend Tennessee. Leave Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg alone. Check out Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area on the little River. Little River Fly Shop is a great place to check out conditions. I once backpacked up Hazel Creek Trail. It was an incredible adventure!

[stikrz]

Thank you Rick, Grechen and John.

Not sure what we'll do yet. I like the idea, of course, of bigger fish at the San Juan, but concerned about the "crowd" in mid September having never been there. I've always wanted to go to the Smokey Mountains and will eventually get there one way or the other. I'll print this and save it for places to try once I get there someday.

John, the areas and description you mentioned is what I would like to do. For me there's two parts to Fly Fishing that are equal catching fish and the experience and this area you describe sounds really nice.

I think we're still on for the San Juan and just hope it's not like opening day at Roaring River! That would ruin it for me, well not really but less is more when it comes to people!!!

Thanks all,

Chuck

[John Berry]

It is definately a tough decision.I have fished both and I love each of them for differant reasons. They should both be on your personal list of places you must fish in your lifetime. You would definately catch more and bigger fish on the San Juan. But casting small dries at wary fish on a secluded mountain stream melts my butter too.

[stikrz]

I bet it does John. Thanks again for the mental images. I'll go someday for sure!!!

Take Care

[Robert]

I have fished in North Carolina, and in Tennessee. In fact I have pretty much fished the whole mountain range from Maine to Georgia. Native brook trout are the name of the game. They are wild and spooky. I caught my first brooky at age six, and at age 69 it is still a thrill. The mountains are like a second home for me. I go back East every year. Quite like the salmon returning home every year. I have caught and released many in my lifetime. Just to be out there is a huge high.

Robert

Springfield, MO

[Terry Beeson]

Don't know if this is too late, but go to www.itenerantangler.com and you'll find a host of info on fishing the smokey's....