Fishing in the Smoky Mountains
Are you planning on including some fishing during your adventure
in the Smoky Mountains? If so, you will need a fishing pass
that is valid for Tennessee and/or North Carolina. This applies
to anyone 13 years or older in Tennessee and 16 or older in
North Carolina. If you're planning on fishing in the Smoky Mountain
National Park itself, you can obtain a license in any of the
towns adjacent to the park. It should be noted that you cannot
obtain these fishing passes inside the park itself. It will
cost you a reasonable $10.50 for a 3-day pass if you are a non-resident.
If you're looking to fish within the town boundaries of Gatlinburg,
the license will cost you $10.50 for a one day pass. If you
so choose you can purchase a combined pass for both the park
and the Gatlinburg area for $20.50.
Every day is a fishing day in the Smoky Mountains. You can
use your Tennessee or NC license to fish 365 days a year from
1/2 before sunrise to
1/2 hour after sunset. While you can fish year-round, you
need to
be aware of limits on the fish you do catch. Brook Trout are
on the prohibited list ;so if you catch one of them you'll
have
to release it again. As far as other types of fish go, you
are allowed to catch 5 fish a day of either- Brown (the largest
fish species found in the area; non-natives often found in
lower lying streambeds) and/or Rainbow Trout (these are plentiful
in the area after years of exportation into the area's streams),
and/or Small-Mouth Bass. The size restriction is 7 inches
minimum
for each of these fish species.
Artificial flies and lures must be used along with only one
hand-held rod. It should be noted that some streams are periodically
closed in order to study the endangered Brook Trout and to
allow for its restoration to healthy numbers in the area.
Your equipment
and your fish catch are subject to inspection by park authorities
who are interested in maintaining the viability of the Smoky
area's
natural habitat.
If you have further questions once you arrive, most of the
local fishing stores are staffed by experts who can answer
every
conceivable question related to fishing in the Tennessee
Smoky Mountains. They'll be happy to talk your ear off! Local rangers
are also
helpful
and friendly and can provide you with further information
as
well as useful maps of the area.
Smoky Mountain Cabins - Tennessee cabin rentals