The Great Smoky Mountains are a fly fisherman’s paradise. One of the last wild trout fisheries in the Eastern USA, the Smokies harbor three species of wild trout: Rainbow, Brown and the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout. With hundreds of miles of trout streams, varying in shape and size, the angler has no shortage of water to fish. Anglers can enjoy the peacefulness of being surrounded by the shear beauty of the mountains and the wildlife, while spending a day wading a stream.
Trout Streams of the Smokies
There are several freestone streams and rivers running through the mountains and each offers diverse fishing opportunities. Many of the streams travel through the wilderness as they cascade down mountainsides for several miles where they meet some of the larger rivers. The freestone streams are prime fisheries, giving trout ideal cover, feed, and water conditions. Mountain streams are typically full of wild trout eager to take a fly. Back country campsites are available for the angler who wants to spend a day fishing remote areas. Tree cover can be thick around some of the streams as rhododendron trees grow along the banks and canopy the streams, making casting a little tricky.
Fishing Smoky Mountain Streams for Trout
The freestone streams of the Smokies have a high population of wild trout. While Rainbow Trout are the predominant species, Brown and Brook Trout are abundant. Most of the fish caught are between five and nine inches long, although larger ones can be caught. Many streams can be fished to allow the angler to target certain species. The higher elevations offer the best chance for catching the southern Appalachian strain of Brook Trout, a signature fish of the Smokies. Many of the streams are littered with large boulders that make walking a little difficult. The waters are usually very clear, giving the fish an ability to easily spot approaching anglers. Several insects hatch year round as the streams are very fertile. Fly patterns made to match the hatch are the best bet to catch trout but, a good attractor pattern may work well at certain times.
Fly fishing within the beauty of The Smoky Mountains makes for an incredible day on the water. Anglers will enjoy being deep in the wilderness, one with nature, relaxing and forgetting the world around them. The trout are of the most beautiful in the world. With brilliant colors, the trout are strong fighting and each one caught creates another memory.
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