How to Experience the Best Bass and Trout Fishing in the Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is any fisherman’s paradise as it is lined with nearly 2,900 miles of swirling streams perfect for memorable angling experiences! Our national park continually strives to protect and preserve the beloved trout habitats in the Smokies as they are one of the last remaining wild trout habitats in the Southeastern United States. When booking your vacation with Heartland Cabin Rentals, you can rest assured that you will be conveniently located nearby to unlimited fishing locations in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you are wanting to book a Heartland cabin in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Wears Valley- There are streams galore no matter where you choose to relax!

Book a Gatlinburg cabin with Heartland Cabin Rentals and immerse yourself in the deep-rooted history of the Smokies. Our cabins in Gatlinburg get you closer to the history of our hills. What are you waiting for? Call or click today!

Basics of Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers smallmouth bass streams of the cool water variety as well as headwater trout streams of the remote variety. These streams are routinely stocked to the gills as they say and are usually at carrying capacity of fish in order to provide both local and visiting fishermen a wonderful fishing experience throughout the calendar year. 

The park allows you to cast your lines as early as 30 minutes before sunrise and no later than 30 minutes after sunset. And believe it or not, you can fish in any and all streams in the Smoky Mountains!

Where to Snag Fishing Licenses

If you’re hoping to enjoy the many desired fishing amenities of the Smoky Mountains, you must obtain a valid fishing license or a fishing permit from the states of Tennessee or North Carolina. Either state (TN or NC) is acceptable as both states lovingly share Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You won’t need a trout stamp on your license or permit. When applying for and purchasing your license or permit, be sure to inform the staff providing you with a license of exactly where you are planning to fish. There are special permits that are required for fishing in Cherokee as well as Gatlinburg. There are several places in town where you can obtain a fishing license or permit- such as the Smoky Mountain Angler, the oldest fly shop in the southeast!

Smoky Mountain Angler

The Smoky Mountain Angler provides a diverse menu when it comes to guided fishing tours! There are half-day trips that total 4 hours of adventure and full-day trips that total 7 1/2 hours of adventure. The Smoky Mountain Angler provides all of the gear needed, though they offer limited sizes, so be sure to inquire. Your gear is included in the price of your trip, except for the fishing license. They do require full payment in order to book your guided trip and payments are nonrefundable unless your trip is canceled due to weather. They sometimes accept last-minute trip movement requests, and when this is honored they do add an additional fee to accommodate the changes. These fees will vary depending on which type of trip you have booked, so be sure to inquire about this when you make your initial booking should you want to wiggle in other plans during your stay. They also provide lunches on full-day float trips! If you can’t pop into the store to get your fishing license, they do have a convenient link for you to purchase them. 

You’ll find them right here: Buy Your Fishing License From Smoky Mountain Angler Online

Children’s Fishing Streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• West Prong Little Pigeon River from a point 100 yards upstream of the Herbert Holt Park entrance downstream to the Gatlinburg By-Pass Bridge.
• Dudley Creek from the Highway 441 Bridge downstream to the West Prong Little Pigeon River.
• LeConte Creek from Painters Branch upstream to National Park Boundary.

Ideal Streams for Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• West Prong Little Pigeon River from National Park Boundary downstream to Gnatty Branch.
• Dudley Creek from National Park Boundary downstream to West Prong Little Pigeon River.
• Roaring Fork from National Park Boundary downstream to West Prong Little Pigeon River.
• LeConte Creek from Painter’s Branch downstream to West Prong Little Pigeon River.

Hey, wait a second before you go! Be sure to check our Current Cabin Specials, Deals, and Discounts to see if your stay qualifies for a special discount! Book your cabin in Gatlinburg with Heartland Rentals for a memorable moment in the mountains.