GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

We will take you into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to fly fish for trout on some of the countries most beautiful and natural streams available. All trips taken through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee are provided under the terms of the National Park Service through a Commercial Use Authorization. The GSMNP has rainbow, brown and brook trout which are all wild fish and the season for these fish is open year round to anglers.  We wade fish these streams and use light fly tackle because the average fish is 7 to 10 inches long and the waters are smaller.  Along with fishing in the wild, don’t be surprised to get an occasional visit from some of the wildlife.   Most of the places we fish have very easy access, but some don’t, so please let us know what kind of trip you are looking for.

The Spring, Fall and Winter months are good times to focus on the lower streams in the park because the water temperatures are just right and at good levels most of the time.  During the Summer months, going higher is not a bad idea where the water will be cooler and the fishing pressure will be down.  If you are looking to catch brook trout, then you will have to work for them, the majority of them live around 2,000 feet and higher.  These are everyone’s favorite to catch because they are beautiful fish and the only species of trout native to the eastern United States.

FLOAT TRIPS

Floating is a way to fish the bigger rivers and cover a lot of water in a day.  These rivers are extremely peaceful and are a great way to see the beauty of Southern Appalachia and East TN.  We fish out of a Hyde Pro Series Drift Boat and float a number of tailwaters in our area including the Clinch, Holston, South Holston and the Caney Fork.   This style of fishing is not as technical as you would experience in the National Park with more casting room and slower water.

These rivers have rainbow, brown and brook trout and smallmouth bass.  Fly fishing these rivers can be a lot of fun when there are large pods of trout rising to what is hatching at the time, or getting long, slow drifts with a nymph and awaiting the take.  On these waters, we will use rods from a 4 weight to an 8 weight, the lighter weights for dry flies and nymph’s and the heavier weights for throwing streamers.  Fishing with a streamer is another extremely fun way to catch fish and effective at times.  If you want a peaceful way to experience the world of fly fishing from a drift boat, then this is what you are looking for.

SMALLMOUTH FLOAT TRIPS

Smallmouth bass are one of our favorite fish to catch on a fly rod because of their aggressiveness. They fight extremely hard and become acrobatic once on the line, not to mention they inhale their food. We use a 14 ft Saturn Raft with a fishing frame which is able to accommodate 2 fisherman. The skill level needed for these fish is higher due to the larger gear that is used. We throw 6 to 8 weight rods with floating and sinking lines and big wind resistant/heavy flies. Smallmouth tend to hide in hard to get places, so accurate casts are necessary. Tennessee is known for its smallmouth fishing and actually holds some world records. With all that said, they are a blast to catch and unforgettable.