The Ultimate Guide to Smoky Mountain Trout Fishing

A popular pastime in the Smokies is trout fishing. With all of the streams, rivers, and lakes in the area, you have plenty of places to go, but how much do you know about trout fishing? We want to share all of the important information with you so you are prepared when you come into town! Learn all about Smoky Mountain trout fishing now:

Trout Fishing in the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the last places with wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. About 20% of the park’s streams are large enough to support trout populations. The most common types of trout you will see include brook, rainbow, and wild brown. Brook and rainbow trout are typically less than 10 inches long, while brown trout can be as long as 20 inches. Trout are typically found in high-elevation, soft water streams.

Trout fishing is legal in the park, but there are some regulations.

Regulations for Trout Fishing

If you plan on trout fishing in the park, you need to know about the daily limit. People may possess 5 brook, rainbow, or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these each day. You may not have more than 5 in a day.

There are size limits when it comes to Smoky Mountain trout fishing. Brook, rainbow, and brown trout must be at least 7 inches long to be removed from the stream or river. If you catch any of these types of trout that are less than 7 inches, they must be released back into the water you caught them from.

Obtaining a Fishing License

In order to legally fish in the national park, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, you must have a valid Tennessee fishing license. If you are a Tennessee resident or non-resident and are over the age of 13, you must have a fishing license. Children under the age of 13 do not need a fishing license. A trout stamp is not required to go trout fishing in the Smokies.

You can purchase a fishing license online, or you can visit one of these places:

Gatlinburg City Hall
1230 East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-1400

Old Smoky Outfitters
511 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-1936

Smoky Mountain Angler
376 East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-8746

Rules for Fishing in the National Park

In addition to having a license, there are some other rules you must follow if you want to go Smoky Mountain trout fishing in the national park. Fishing is allowed 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset in the park. You may fish any time of the year, and it is allowed in any of the bodies of water. There are certain areas where fishing isn’t allowed to protect certain species, but they will be marked with a sign.

Not sure where you want to fish? Check out these top places to go fishing in the Smoky Mountains!

Now you know all about Smoky Mountain trout fishing! Are you ready to plan your next fishing trip? Look through our condos in Gatlinburg TN, and book one for your vacation today!