Activity Guide
Fishing in the Smoky Mountains
Wild trout streams, trophy bass lakes, and peaceful coves. The Smokies have some of the best freshwater fishing in the Southeast.
place Gatlinburg, Townsend, Douglas Lake
schedule Year-round fishing
attach_money TN fishing license required
water Trout, bass, crappie, catfish
Before You Go
What to Know
License
Tennessee fishing license required; buy at Walmart or online
Park Fishing
Special GSMNP permit required inside park boundaries
Trout Season
Wild trout streams are open year-round
Best Time
Early morning and late afternoon for trout
Gear
Most park streams require single-hook artificial lures only
Guides
Several licensed guides offer half and full-day float trips
Where to Go
Best Fishing Spots
From mountain trout streams to lowland bass lakes, the options are genuinely world-class.
Little River
placeTownsend, TN
info_outlinePremier wild rainbow and brown trout stream
waterCatch and release and trophy sections available
Free (TN license)
Little Pigeon River
placeGatlinburg, TN
info_outlineFlows right through Gatlinburg, easily accessible
waterRainbow trout, stocked regularly in season
Free (TN license)
Douglas Lake
placeSevierville area
info_outlineLargest nearby lake, great for bass and crappie
waterLargemouth bass, catfish, crappie, walleye
Free (TN license)
Abrams Creek
placeCades Cove, GSMNP
info_outlineRequires GSMNP fishing permit, wild fish only
waterWild rainbow and brown trout, remote and peaceful
GSMNP permit required
Fontana Lake
placeNear Bryson City, NC
info_outlineDeep reservoir with excellent trophy fishing
waterSmallmouth bass, walleye, muskie
NC license required
Clinch River
placeClinton, TN (45 min)
info_outlineWorld-class tailwater trout fishery
waterTrophy rainbow and brown trout below Norris Dam
Free (TN license)
Last verified: May 2026. Hours and pricing are seasonal and subject to change.
Local Knowledge
Things Most Visitors Don't Know
What the locals know about fishing the Smokies.
receipt_long
Get the Right License
You need a Tennessee fishing license even inside GSMNP, plus the separate park-specific trout permit. Most visitors skip the park permit -- rangers do check. Buy both at once online at tn.gov/twra.
groups
Guided Trips Are Worth It
A half-day float with a licensed guide costs $150 to $200 per person but you will catch far more fish and learn spots it would take years to find on your own. Several outfitters operate out of Townsend.
water
Lure Rules in the Park
Inside GSMNP boundaries, you must use single-hook artificial lures only -- no live bait, no treble hooks. The wild fish in the park are genuinely wild and require different techniques than stocked fish.
wb_sunny
Best Months for Trout
April through June and September through November are peak trout months. Summer heat reduces fish activity in shallow streams. Late fall is when big browns move upstream to spawn.
place
Cades Cove Loop Road for Fishing
The loop road runs alongside Abrams Creek for several miles. You can park at multiple pullouts and walk to the stream. Go in September or October for the best wild trout action.
child_care
Kids First Fishing
Gatlinburg has a small stocked pond right in town near the Convention Center that is perfect for kids with no license required for under 13. Zero pressure fishing with a good catch rate.
On the Calendar
Events Worth Timing Your Trip Around
A few annual events worth knowing about if you love fishing.
Opening of Trout Season in TN
Statewide -- Annual -- Stocked streams peak this week
Brown Trout Spawn Run
Park streams -- Late September through October
Tennessee Fishing Opener
Statewide -- First Saturday in March
calendar_today See All Events
Add a fishing day to your trip plan
Build your full Smoky Mountain itinerary, day by day.
Open Trip Planner