April 1, 2019
GSMNP Protects One of Last U.S. Wild Trout Habitats
Did you know that 20% of the 2,900 miles of streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are large enough to support trout populations? The Park offers a variety of fishing experiences, from going after trout in remote, headwater streams to angling for smallmouth bass in large, coolwater streams. Most of these streams remain at or near their carrying capacity of fish, according to the Park. Therefore, you have a great opportunity to catch these beauties throughout the year!
The Park permits fishing year-round, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset in all streams. Tennessee residents and nonresidents age 13 and older must have a valid fishing license. The daily possession limits are five brook, rainbow, or brown trout or smallmouth bass. Twenty rock bass may be kept in addition to the above limit. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures and a single hand-held rod. Additional information is available from the park at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fishing.htm To trout fish in Gatlinburg, you must purchase a special license. The city does not allow fishing on Thursdays.
Fishing is plentiful in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
There are 67 different species of fish in the park. Brooks are the only trout native to the Smokies, although rainbows and browns have been introduced and are found in most large streams. Long-term monitoring indicates that fishermen play practically no role in the fish population changes. Major spring floods and summer droughts have much more effect both inside, and outside, the park.
Local Trout Fishing Guides Available
Local outfitters provide everything from rods and reels to professional guides. These local experts can offer tips and insights for any skill level. They know on what the fish are biting on any given day! Spending a day with a local guide can speed up the learning curve. You can research guides on your own, or ask advice from a local fishing shop.
If you are new to fishing, many experts recommend the East Prong and the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Both areas are easily accessible and offer medium to large fish.
And if fishing is not your thing, just watch our online menu and make a reservation for trout night at Buckhorn Inn!
June 4, 2018
Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Many of our guests are fishing enthusiasts. They find the Buckhorn Inn makes a great base of operations for spending the day on the water and returning home to pampered comfort. Reports are that the fishing is good this spring. Today we welcome guest blogger, CJ Stancil, to give us the latest.
This time of year is a beautiful time to fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only are the trout biting but the scenery is amazing. The Park has abundant species of wild flowers and plant life that are just now coming into peak. Wildlife that call the Smokies home in its half-million acre wilderness are black bear, whitetail deer, turkey and elk.
Area Known for Good Fishing
The Park has nearly 800 miles of fishable waters that hold trout. Wild brown trout, rainbow trout, and native brook trout are the species you will find here.
The Park has more than 800 miles of fishable water.
The trout here make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one of the country’s most popular fishing destinations. Even a beginner can expect to catch these wild trout. Heavy rain has made the waters rise recently but the forecast is looking better. Cooler temperatures and sunny weather should last most of the week. Dry flies are getting a lot of action. Try running a dry dropper setup. If the water is high and stained, throw an indicator rig. Work combinations like a pheasant tail, pats rubber let, or a squirmy worm. Make sure you are getting the flies down deep and fast. Good luck and tight lines! CJ Stancil
Many of our guests have fished with CJ and report a great experience. You may contact him to book a trip through the Smoky Mountain Angler http://www.smokymountainangler.com or by email [email protected]. CJ also has offered his phone number 931-801-4204. To see some photos of beautiful trout, be sure to follow him on Instagram at @dancewithtrout.
Gatlinburg Weather
Click for weather forecast