Through these stocking efforts, the TWRA hopes to provide the best possible opportunities to potential anglers in urban areas. 1. Discuss fishing on trout streams in Tennessee. On top of the many opportunities to catch high numbers of fish, it is easy to see why this is one of the top trout locations in the state. All Rights Reserved. Chickamauga Reservoir is situated along the Tennessee River and takes its named from a tribe of Native Americans that broke away from the Cherokee Nation in the 1700s. Here are a few locations that offer some of the best trout fishing that Tennessee has to offer. Many anglers will be fishing here for other species as well, including smallmouth bass, catfish, largemouth bass, and freshwater drum. A canoe works well for fishing Middle Tennessee tailwaters like the Caney Fork River below Center Hill. Non-residents have the option of buying a 1-day, 3-day, 10-day or annual license. Clinch River – The Clinch runs from the Kentucky border near Kingsport, to the Tennessee River in Kingston, Tn. 2. Take your fly fishing vacation in the Smokies and get access to some of the finest trout fishing in Tennessee. See also: Top Trout Fishing Spots in Arizona. Lake trout haven't been stocked for several years because they didn't do well in the lake. If you can fish here during the middle of the week, you will most likely have the entire place to yourself. There are plenty of access points to get to the water, so it can be a little crowded after getting stocked. There are also large numbers of bass and panfish as well, drawing in anglers from the surrounding areas. There is a special section of the river that is designated as a quality trout section that only allows fishing with artificial lures and has special restrictions. Keep reading for expert fishing tips. Little River. South Holston Creek. Long before the Tellico became part of the delayed-harvest program, however, it had developed as one of the most popular trout streams in Tennessee. Abrams Creek is one of the most unique trout fishing locations in Tennessee. Avid anglers will quickly see that staying dry isn’t an option, but once they hook into an 8-to-12 inch rainbow trout, all worries disappear. No matter which state you visit from, you're in … Give a Gift   How much a license will cost you will depend on whether or not you are a resident of the state, and how long you want to fish for. Annual resident fishing licenses cost $34, while nonresident annual licenses cost $50. A family kayak fishing trip to get out of the house nets huge pike. Fly fishing is the best way to catch fish in Gatlinburg. Clinch River. See also: Arkansas: Top Trout Fishing Spots. This creek has large pools and great nutrients in the water that result in some of the largest rainbow trout in the entire state. Fish from four to eight pounds are not uncommon here, and the state record brown trout once came from this river. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. Sycamore Shoals, near the midpoint of the Watauga tailwater, creates a significant navigational hazard, so most anglers who float the river stay in either the upper or lower tailwater. One change worth noting in the Great Smokies is that fishermen recently have had the opportunity to fish eight brook trout streams for the first time in more than 25 years and have even been permitted to keep some brookies. All trout fishing in the park is for wild trout, as no fish have been stocked inside park boundaries since 1975. What Is The Best Lightweight Waterproof Tent Material? Fishing is permitted year round in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, though spring and fall are the best times to land trout. This park is perfect to be bring your kids to, as it is a children’s only fishing spot. Gatlinburg Cabins. Much like the name implies, the Little River is small. In the spring, the same waters revert to general regulation. For anglers who prefer small steams to rivers or lakes, look no further than Cane Creek near the town of Cookeville. Some of the best fishing for wild trout in Tennessee is found within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and anglers fishing park waters get a bonus because the entire park (half of which is in North Carolina) is open to fishing with a Tennessee license. Learn more about it, as well as other Valley hot spots, along with our best advice for making a big catch. Little River. Gatlinburg Trout – Daily $3.50. While it may get a little crowded on the weekends, if you do a little bit of walking you can usually get away from the crowds. It is found inside of Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and has some incredible scenery to go along with it. Abrams Creek. Most licenses are available from most county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, boat docks, online, and from all TWRA offices. 5. Big Creek and Abrams Creek at the far eastern and western ends of the park, respectively, are both acclaimed for their trout offerings in more remote settings. Rainbows make up a high percentage of the trout stocking mix, but browns grow to the biggest sizes. The best out of 2 charter fishing deals in Tennessee - enter dates to check availability Tennessee Brook Trout Fishing Charters Destination, charter, or captain name: Destination or Operator Name: Trout fishing is good in the Tennessee Valley—particularly in the tailwater below South Holston Dam, which can match any fishery in the nation for monster trout. While this stream is easily accessed thanks to the Newfound Gap Road in the park, it can also be a little tricky to fish because of the large boulders and pools found along with it. 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