The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is full of endless, exciting activities as you explore the great outdoors and all of its beauty! Fishing has become a popular pastime for both natives and visitors of the Smoky Mountains! So, grab your reel and rod, get your bait ready to go and throw in a line at one of the many awesome fishing holes! Here are 5 great places to go fishing in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Abrams Creek
Located at the western end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Abrams Falls trail in Cades Cove, Abrams Creek is considered by many anglers as one of the top streams to fish in the park! This spot often features rainbow trout that are as big or bigger than any others in the park! Small-mouth bass are often caught in this area! With an abundance of food in this stream, fish seem to grow as large as anywhere else in the park.
2. Little Pigeon River
Rainbow trout are commonly caught in the Little Pigeon River, made up of a series of streams that flow together on the dividing line of Tennessee and North Carolina! The West Prong and Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River have both become unique fishing holes for visitors! The West Prong, located near the Sugarland area of the park, often features rainbow trout in the middle and lower sections and brook trout in the upper portion. The Middle Prong, located near Porters Creek in the park, features rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout.
3. Anthony Creek
Located in the Cades Cove area of the park, Anthony Creek is a fun place to fish for trout! This relatively small stream is tightly covered by trees and bushes on its edges. The size of trout here may be a little smaller than usual but the lower portion of the area is easy to access from Cades Cove Picnic Area. The ease of getting to and navigating this area, combined with the population of fish make it a great place to teach children or beginners!
4. Fontana Lake
Situated on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fontana Lake is full of small-mouth bass, large-mouth bass, spotted bass, white bass and trout! The emerald green water and vastness of the lake make it a perfect spot to cast a line! Wildlife tends to be active in this area, so you might spot a black bear, fox, bobcat, deer or even a bald eagle!
5. Hazel Creek
Located in the southwest corner of the park in North Carolina, Hazel Creek is one of the most storied streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its trout fishing that’s considered to be the best in the park! Monstrous brown trout make their homes in the lower portion of Hazel Creek, while brook trout roam the upper portions and rainbow trout are caught throughout! This large stream has become a popular spot for fisherman thanks to the vast number of fish in the area.
Now that you know where to head with your gear, learn more about guidelines and regulations for fishing in the Smoky Mountains!
