Warren Bielenberg Photo courtesy of GSMNP
The Smokies are known for their native brook and brown trout, and Gatlinburg and the National Park are crawling (or should we say swimming?) with over 900 miles of rivers and streams that are just waiting for you to cast your line. Before you pack up your tackle box, however, there are local and state regulations that have to be observed. For example, children under the age of nine do not require licenses or permits of any kind, whereas adults must possess various combinations of local and/or state licenses. The requirements vary according to age and state of residence. For a brochure which explains these regulations in detail, call the Gatlinburg Recreation Department at (865) 436-4990 and ask for their Trout Fishing brochure, or browse online at http://gatlinburgtn.gov/outdoor-activities/fishing.html.
Once you’ve obtained your permit(s), you’re allowed to fish in many of the city’s waters including West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, LeConte Creek, Roaring Fork Creek and Dudley Creek. There are also two, designated children’s fishing areas which are heavily stocked with trout. These areas are located at North Gatlinburg Park, at the northern Parkway entrance to the city, and Mynatt Park, off Airport Road. Both of these sites are marked with signs which indicate the boundaries of the designated areas. By the way, no fishing of any kind is allowed in Gatlinburg on Thursdays; this is the day that the city stocks its waters with trout. Also, between December 1st and March 31st, all trout caught in Gatlinburg must be immediately released.
Fishing is permitted in most of the National Park’s waters, except for those which are posted otherwise in order to protect certain species of fish. Both the National Park and the City of Gatlinburg allow only single-hook lures and flies as bait; no worms, corn or natural bait of any kind are permitted. As in Gatlinburg, proper licenses are required.
Guided Fishing Tours
Rocky Top Outfitters at 865-429-3474 or www.rockytopoutfitter.com — Please also see our area info page on this company, which is located at 3361 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
The Smoky Mountain Angler at 865-436-8746 or www.smokymountainangler.com. This shop is located at 466 Brookside Village Way in Gatlinburg.
Fishing Supplies / Rod Rentals
Wishin’ I Was Fishin’ at 865-774-7011 or see www.wishiniwasfishin.net for more information on this bait and tackle supplier located at 1405 Douglas Dam Road (off Highway 66) in Sevierville.
The Smoky Mountain Angler at 865-436-8746 or www.smokymountainangler.com. This shop is located at 466 Brookside Village Way in Gatlinburg.
Rocky Top Outfitters at 865-429-3474 or www.rockytopoutfitter.com — Please also see our area info page on this company, which is located at 3361 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
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