8 of the Best Spots to Go Fishing Near Gatlinburg

Anyone who loves fishing who is visiting the Smokies probably knows about quite a few great spots for fishing in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas. However, it may be hard to choose which ones to visit. We want to share some of the best places to go fishing near Gatlinburg with you to make it easier to pick. Here are the 8 best places to go  fishing near Gatlinburg:

1. The Horseshoe at Cades Cove

The Horseshoe is a good spot to go fishing near Gatlinburg in Cades Cove near Upper Abrams Creek that’s well-known for rainbow trout. 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. Accessibility isn’t a snap, since there aren’t any established nearby trails, but with perseverance and some good waders, the reward is well worth the effort.

2. English Mountain Trout Farm and Grill

For a unique adventure, check out English Mountain Trout Farm and Grill. It combines a trout hatchery and a restaurant, and it is located in Sevierville. Visitors can catch their own dinner from among various species of trout. Kids definitely won’t forget the experience of catching their own meal!

3. Little River at Elkmont

One of the more picturesque Gatlinburg fishing settings imaginable is the Little River at Elkmont. This large stream can be reached from the roadside, but with a two-mile hike upstream via the Little River Trail, both rainbow and brown trout await in abundance at the juncture of Little River and Fish Camp Prong.

4. Cosby Creek Watershed

Located in the remote town of Cosby, the Cosby Creek Watershed small stream is perfect for family excursions and is easily accessible from the campground. Cosby Creek isn’t noted for trophy fish, but it is ideal for smaller children with an abundance of rainbow trout.

5. LeConte Creek

Right outside of Gatlinburg, LeConte Creek is a small stream with a ton of rainbow trout. It’s just a short drive up Cherokee Orchard Road past the Great Smoky Mountains National Park office building. A brief walk is all that’s required to get to the creek, and it makes for a pleasant afternoon excursion.

6. Douglas Lake

One of Sevier County’s most-visited recreation areas is Douglas Lake. It offers activities for the entire family, including boating and picnic areas. Fishing here is also popular, specializing in bass and crappie, while the ease of access is as simple as any in the national park.

7. Hessee Creek

Located a bit off the beaten path, Hessee Creek contains primarily rainbow trout. Access is mainly gained from the end of Millers Cove Road, then you just have a short hike that’s about 0.5 a mile.

8. Dudley Creek

Off of Highway 73 is Dudley Creek, which is one of the more overlooked Gatlinburg fishing areas. It will require some off-path adventuring to access the creek, but plenty of rainbow trout are available, especially in the upper section.

Information About a Tennessee Fishing License

In order to fish in the state of Tennessee, you must have a valid fishing license. Children who are 13 years old and younger will not need a license, but everyone else will. You can purchase one online, and it’s pretty easy to get. Be sure to bring this license with you if you plan to fish in Gatlinburg, the national park, or any of the surrounding areas.

Fishing near Gatlinburg is a fun activity everyone can enjoy. Want to stay somewhere that has creek access so you can easily fish any time? Look through our Gatlinburg condos since they are right next to a creek so you can have a great time fishing on vacation!