Great Smoky Mountains – Little River Fishing

Planning a Little River fishing trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? So am I! I've been planning a family vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains for the past few months that will include some Little River trout fishing. To make the best use of our time I've done some research on fishing the Little River (fly fishing in particular) and other streams in the Great Smoky Mountains. Here's what I found out.

America's Best - Little River, TN

Featured in Trout Unlimited's Guide to America's 100 Best Trout Streams the Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents the opportunity to fly fish for wild rainbow trout and surprisingly large brown trout all in spectacular mountain scenery. For the first time in 30 years anglers are also now able to fish for the native Southern Appalachian Brook Trout that inhabit park streams thanks to a successful brook trout restoration program performed by Trout Unlimited and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a rare opportunity indeed. Watch the video clip above and see what I mean - it is not always the size of the fish that matters.

Inside the park, the Little River is more like three rivers with an East, Middle and West prong (branch) that offers something for everyone.

East Prong Little River at Metcalf Bottoms

East Prong of Little River

The East Prong Little River is one of the largest streams in the park and is populated by native brook trout and wild rainbows in the upper reaches and the largest brown trout in the park, some exceeding 20 inches, in the lower reaches. The Fly Fishing Reporter East Prong Little River report details access information, provides an on-line Google map of the river, a Little River fishing report, and additional information about Little River fly fishing.

Middle Prong Little River

Middle Prong of Little River

The Middle Prong Little River is a scenic stream with long pools, in the lower reaches, punctuated with many runs and riffles and is suitable for all anglers, including kids (this is where I'll be heading with my 3 boys). The Middle Prong is known for excellent dry fly fishing for wild rainbows in the lower reaches and native brook trout in the upper reaches. Read the Middle Prong Little River Report for details on access to the river and additional information on fly fishing the Middle Prong.

West Prong of Little River

The West Prong Little River offers the opportunity to test your mountain stream fishing skills on wild rainbows and native brook trout. As shown on the West Prong Little River map, the river is easily accessible from Laurel Creek Road, the only access road to the ever popular Cades Cove. In a rush to see Cades Cove, visiting anglers often over look the West Prong and the eager to please rainbows that live in the stream.

Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Either a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish inside the Great Smoky Mountains National park. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Dropper flies may be used. Up to two flies on a leader (sorry guys no 3-fly Czech nymphing rigs allowed). Additional information regarding fishing regulations inside the park is available from the National Park Service.

Enjoy the Little River!

photo credits:ChristopherM (Wikipedia) and CDSblair distribution under GNU Free Documentation License